How to find good advice
It is a good idea to look for a solicitor or adviser with one of these signs in their window or on their notepaper:
The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)
See 'Links to other websites' (to the right) for a link to their list of advisers that it regulates or call 0845 000 0046.
Legal Adviser Finder can refer you to a solicitor/adviser who specialises in asylum cases and who is approved to give free advice under legal aid. See 'Links to other websites' (to the right) to search the directory online or call 0845 345 4 345.
The Law Society has a directory which you can search for solicitors approved by them under the Immigration and Asylum Accreditation Scheme. Telephone: 0870 606 6575 or see 'Links to other websites' (to the right).
The Immigration Law Practitioners' Association (ILPA) has a directory of their members on their website - see 'Links to other websites' (to the right).
You can search this to find an immigration adviser near you.
The following organisations are charities and independent organisations who work with asylum seekers. Many of them will also be able to refer you to a solicitor or adviser.
Asylum Aid
Provides free legal advice and representation for asylum seekers.
See 'Links to other websites' (to the right).
Advice Line: 020 7354 9264
Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants
Offers free legal advice on immigration, nationality and asylum matters.
See 'Links to other websites'(to the right).
Advice Line: 020 7251 8708
Migrant Helpline
Provides advice and support for asylum seekers entering and living in the UK.
See 'Links to other websites' (to the right).
Telephone: 01304 203 977
Freedom from Torture (formerly known as The Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture)
Provides care and rehabilitation to survivors of torture and other forms of organised violence.
See 'Links to other websites' (to the right).
Telephone: 020 7697 7777
Refugee Council
Provides help and support to asylum seekers and refugees.
See 'Links to other websites' (to the right).
Adviceline: 0808 808 2255
Textphone: 0808 808 2259
Refugee Action
Provides advice and information to asylum seekers.
See 'Links to other websites' (to the right).
Telephone: 020 7654 7700
UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group
Provides advice for lesbian and gay asylum seekers if they are already in the UK.
See 'Links to other websites' (to the right).
Telephone: 020 7922 7811
Welsh Refugee Council
Provides advice, information and support for asylum seekers and refugees in Wales.
see 'Links to other websites' (to the right).
Telephone: 029 2048 9800
What does that mean? We explain some of the phrases you might come across.
Home Office
The Home Office is the UK government department responsible for managing immigration as well as the police.
Law Society
The Law Society represents solicitors in England and Wales and sets standards to make sure they deliver a good and ethical service. They are also responsible for running the Immigration and Asylum Accreditation Scheme.
Legal Services Commission
The Legal Service Commission looks after legal aid in England and Wales and is responsible for ensuring that people get the information, advice and legal help they need to deal with their problems.
Legal aid
This is money from public funds used to pay for legal advice and help for those with little savings and on a low income. The Legal Services Commission (LSC) pays solicitors/advisers who they have approved to provide legal aid.
NASS
The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) used to provide support, accommodation and financial help for asylum seekers whilst their claim is being considered. This help is now supplied by the UK Border Agency but you may find that some people still call it NASS.
Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner
The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) is an independent public body set up to ensure that immigration and asylum advisers are competent and act in the best interests of their clients. It is not part of the Home Office.
Solicitors Regulation Authority
The Solicitors Regulation Authority regulates solicitors and is responsible for dealing with complaints against solicitors.
Statement
This is a formal account of the facts and events leading up to your arrival in the UK.
The UK Border Agency
The UK Border Agency (UKBA) is a part of the Home Office. It is responsible for managing immigration to the UK, deals with asylum applications, and provides support, accommodation and financial help for asylum seekers who cannot support themselves whilst their claim is being considered.
