8 Claiming Asylum
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5. What can I live on while I am waiting?
6. What rights do I have while I´m waiting?
7. Where can I get help with my claim?
8. What will be the outcome of my claim?
9. What if my claim is refused?
10. What happens if my appeal fails?
11. Further help
If you need a legal representative to represent you free of charge, you can find one through the Community Legal Service (CLS). There are other organisations which may be able to provide you with, or refer you to, expert advice with asylum and immigration issues.
The Community Legal Service
The Community Legal Service has been set up to help you find the right legal information and advice to solve your problems.
You can get help through a national network of organisations including Citizens Advice Bureaux, Law Centres, many independent advice centres and thousands of high street solicitors. All of these services meet quality standards set by the Legal Services Commission, look for the Community Legal Service logo:
Many of the organisations offer some or all of the their services for free. If you cannot afford to pay for advice you may be eligible for financial support through the Community Legal Service Fund (Legal Aid). You can order leaflets about funding from the LSC Leaflet line on 0845 3000 343.
You can use the Directory on the Community Legal Advice website http://www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk/ to find details of quality assured advice providers.
The Legal Services Commission (LSC)
The Community Legal Service and the Community Legal Service Fund are managed by the Legal Services Commission. To find out more about us visit our website at http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/ or find the details for your local Legal Services Commission office in the phone book.
More about the CLS Quality Mark
Use the Directory
Return to the Community Legal Advice Home Page
Amnesty International
in England: 020 7033 1500
in Wales: 029 2037 8383
Immigration Law Practitioners Association (ILPA)
For information on where to get help, ask for or look up the Directory of Members
phone: 020 7251 8383
Immigration Advisory Service
phone: 020 7967 1200 (head office)
See the website for local contact details throughout England and Wales
The Law Society
The Law Society can give you details of solicitors who can offer legal representation in asylum cases.
Phone: 0870 606 6575
National Asylum Support Service
Frank Corrigan, 27 Old Gloucester Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1N 3XX
Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)
phone: 0845 000 0046
Refugee Legal Centre
Phone: 020 7780 3200
This leaflet was written in association with the Immigration Law Practitioners Association and Mick Chatwin, a barrister and solicitor specialising in immigration law.
Leaflet version: April 2006