Immigration FAQs

I have arrived in the UK, how do I claim asylum?

If you haven’t claimed asylum immediately on entering the UK you will need to make an appointment at the Asylum Intake Unit in Croydon to register your asylum claim.  You should telephone them first to make an appointment on 0300 123 4193

My Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) expires on 31 December 2024. Can you help me to renew it?

All Biometric Residence Permits expire on the 31st December 2024 and will be replaced with eVisas.

You can obtain an eVisa on the Home Office website.  If you are vulnerable and need help with accessing an eVisa, we may be able to offer you an appointment.  Please send an email to evisa@notredamerc.org.uk with your name and a contact phone number and we will contact you.

We do not help with eVisas at the drop-in.

Does Notre Dame Refugee Centre provide representation for asylum seekers?

We do not provide representation in asylum cases, you will need to find a legal aid solicitor. It can be difficult to find a legal representative to help you with your case because most Legal Aid lawyers have many clients and do not have the capacity to take on any more. To find a solicitor, you can search on the Law Society website. Choose Immigration and Changing Country in the search.

I am homeless or about to be made homeless, where can I get help?

We are not a homeless charity but we may be able to provide advice, depending on your circumstances.  Please call the advice line on a Wednesday.  If you have immigration status you can contract Citizens Advice Bureau  or Shelter.  If you are an asylum seeker you can apply for asylum support – call Migrant Help on 0808 8010 503 or contact via their website.

I am undocumented and have been in the UK for 20 years. Can you help me?

Yes, we may be able to help.  Please get in touch through our Immigration Advice line.

How much does Notre Dame Refugee Centre charge for its advice?

Notre Dame Refugee Centre is a charity and our services are free to those who are eligible.  Our work is funded through the generosity of grants and donations from our supporters.

I am British and would like to apply for my spouse to join me here in the UK. Can you help?

No, we are not able to help with this kind of casework.  You would need to find a solicitor.

I have refugee status and would like my family to join me in the UK. Can you help?

We may be able to help with family reunion, depending on our capacity.  Please call the Immigration Advice Line to talk with one of our advisers.

I have lost my BRP, can you help me apply for a replacement?

Our General Support Advisers may be able to help at our drop-in.  Our opening times are here.