I am waiting or in a process

I have an interview coming up

Sample content

An interview is where your account is recorded. What you say is written down and used later, so preparation matters more than performance.

Where you are · Asylum

Claim
Screening
Interview — you are here
Decision
Appeal
Outcome

You are here. The dates that matter are on your letter.

What the words mean

Screening interview: The short first interview about who you are and how you arrived.
Substantive interview: The long interview about why you cannot return. It can last several hours.
Interpreter: You can ask for one in your own language and dialect. Say so in advance, and say immediately if you cannot understand the one provided.

What to do first

Step 1. Ask for an interpreter in your language and dialect if you need one.
Step 2. Tell them in advance if you need a female or male interviewer, or any adjustment for health.
Step 3. Take a friend or adviser if you are allowed one, and tell your adviser the date now.
Step 4. Say when you do not know or do not remember. Guessing creates inconsistencies that are used against you.
Step 5. Ask for a copy of the record of the interview afterwards.

What to gather

Your appointment letter and reference number
Any documents you have been asked to bring
A written note of dates and places, so you are not relying on memory under pressure

Who can help

Speak to an adviser before the interview if you can. Afterwards, get the record checked — mistakes in it are much easier to correct early than at an appeal.

Find a regulated adviser

Sample content · written for review · not checked by a lawyer or against the Immigration Rules