Unaccompanied Young People Seeking Asylum (UASC)
If you are under 18, have nowhere to live in the UK, and do not have parents who can look after you, we will care for you and help you get the support and advice you need.
It is really important to talk to your social worker or leaving care worker about your immigration status before you turn 18. If anything is unclear or confusing, please tell us, we are here to help.
We will work with you as early as possible to understand and confirm your immigration status. You can speak to your worker or a benefits specialist for advice. It is important to remember that only trained professionals can give immigration advice.
If you are a care leaver with immigration or asylum status from the Home Office, there may be a lot of forms to complete and deadlines to meet before you turn 18, and every few years after that. If things are not done on time, it could affect your chances of staying in the UK.
We know this can feel difficult and worrying. That is why it is important that your Pathway Plan clearly sets out what needs to be done and how we will support you.
Refugee agencies and charities
More advice about immigration, asylum and nationality
- The migrant children’s project
- British Red Cross – advice and support for family tracing and reunion
- CORAM Children’s Legal Centre – providing legal representation and advice
- Migrant Help – Free asylum helpline 0808 8000 630
- Refugee Action – Help and advice for refugees and asylum seekers on issues, including the asylum process and how to access support
- Refugee Council – Free independent advice during your asylum process and support to access health and social services
- Asylum helpline UK – Phone 0808 8000 630
- The Care Leavers Association is a national user-led charity aimed at improving the lives of care leavers of all ages. They bring together the voices and experiences of care leavers to support other care leavers.
- Citizen’s Advice provides advice on benefits, money, work, housing, law and rights, healthcare and education.