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Immigration Advice
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Immigration Advice
On the following page you will find advice on many aspects of immigration such as visitor visas, fiance(e)/spouse visas, student visas, settlement visas, work permits, immigration status, asylum seekers and refugees.
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Thinking of Immigration?
UK immigration law is complex and getting it wrong has serious consequences. It is always advisable to consult a specialist adviser. |
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Immigration to Europe
AIRE Centre (Advice on Individual Rights in Europe)
A registered charity which provides: information and advice throughout Europe on international human rights law and European Community Law; direct legal assistance on a case by case basis to legal practitioners or advisers; expert resource persons and teaching materials to organisers of workshops and conferences; general advice on international human rights law to public authorities (they do not, however, provide assistance to such bodies in litigating against individuals).
The AIRE Centre’s policy is to foster open co-operation and collaboration among the European non-governmental organisations working in the field of human rights and to avoid duplication of effort and competition for funds.
The AIRE Centre does not have the facilities to see clients in person. It responds to requests for information from legal practitioners or advisers after telephone calls or written requests for assistance.
Address: Third Floor
17 Red Lion Square
London WC14 4QH
Administration: 0202 7831 4276
Advice: 020 7831 3850
Fax: 020 7404 7760
Website: www.airecentre.org
Email: info@airecentre.org
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Immigration to UK
Amnesty International UK
The UK section of the international human rights membership organisation.
Campaigns for general awareness on human rights (contained in Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other internationally-agreed standards of human rights) and against specific grave abuses of human rights (by undertaking research and action).
Opposes the return of refugees to countries where they may be at risk of serious violations and abuses.
Address: Amnesty International UK
The Human Rights Action Centre
17-25 New Inn Yard
London EC2A 3EA
Tel: 020 7033 1500
Textphone: 020 7033 1503
Fax: 020 7033 1664
Website: www.amnesty.org.uk
Email: sct@amnesty.org.uk
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Provides a directory of UK Embassies Overseas.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk
Immigration Advisory Service (IAS)
An independent non-governmental organisation, which gives free and confidential legal advice and representation on nationality, immigration and asylum law to those who are eligible.
IAS operates a number of regional offices. Detail of which can be found on their website.
Specific advice and enquiry can only be made in person at one of its offices.
Address: 4 Rigby’s Court
Norwich
Norfolk NR2 1NT
Tel: 01603 666 661
Fax: 01603 628 026
Website: www.iasuk.org
Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND)—Part of the Home Office
Manages immigration in the interests of Britain’s security, economic growth and social stability.
Provides general information about immigration on the website. IND strongly recommends that you should consult the website before contacting them.
Please note that IND cannot answer queries on individual cases by email for data protection reasons.
Overseas users should contact your overseas nearest mission. Visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for a directory of UK Embassies Overseas.
Due to the increasing calls and emails, IND has established a range of numbers and email addresses according to different issues. For further information, please visit the contact us page of the website.
Address: Lunar House
40 Wellesley Road
Croydon CR9 2BY
Tel: 0870 606 7766 (general enquiries)
: 0870 2410645 (application forms)
: 020 8649 7878 (leaflet line)
Website: www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk
Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA)
An association of lawyers specialising in immigration and nationality law.
Provides a directory of ILPA members who are chosen to be listed on website.
Address: Lindsey House
40-42 Charterhouse Street
London EC1M 6JN
Tel: 020 7251 8383
Fax: 020 7251 8384
Website: www.ilpa.org.uk
Email: info@ilpa.org.uk
Royal College of Nursing Immigration Advice Service
This service is specifically for Nurses and Health Care Assistants only.
The RCN Immigration Advisers are authorised by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) to provide immigration advice and services.
Offers advice and representations on applications of visas, but does not offer representation at appeals.
Address: 2nd Floor
AMP House
Dingwall Road
Croydon CR0 9XA
Tel: 0845 456 6766
Website:
http://www.rcn.org.uk/resources/international/about-immigration-service.php
Email: immigration.advice@rcn.org.uk
UK Visas
Established jointly by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Home Office to manage the UK’s entry clearance (visa) operation.
Provides a questionnaire, which will tell you on the spot that if you need a visa or entry clearance, which application form should you fill in, which guidance note you should read and where should you make your application.
Website: www.ukvisas.gov.uk
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Advice on immigration in Norwich
Norwich and District Legal Services (NDLS)
A local legal charity based in Norwich, Norfolk which exists to provide legal assistance to those in need in the local authority areas of the City of Norwich, Breckland, Broadland North, North Norfolk, South Norfolk, and areas in the County of Norfolk UK.
A member of the Community Legal Service and has a Legal Service Commission Quality Mark.
Address: NDLS Ltd
Boardman House
Redwell Street
Norfolk NR2 4SL
Tel: 01603 496623
Fax: 01603 496622
Website: www.ncls.co.uk
Email: info@ndls.co.uk
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Applying to live in the UK
Immigration Advisory Service (IAS)
An independent non-governmental organisation, which gives free and confidential legal advice and representation on nationality, immigration and asylum law to those who are eligible.
IAS operates a number of regional offices. Detail of which can be found on their website.
Specific advice and enquiry can only be made in person at one of its offices.
Address: 4 Rigby’s Court
Norwich
Norfolk NR2 1NT
Tel: 01603 666 661
Fax: 01603 628 026
Website: www.iasuk.org
Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND)—Part of the Home Office
Manages immigration in the interests of Britain’s security, economic growth and social stability.
Provides general information about immigration on the website. IND strongly recommends that you should consult the website before contacting them.
Please note that IND cannot answer queries on individual cases by email for data protection reasons.
Overseas users should contact your overseas nearest mission. Visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for a directory of UK Embassies Overseas.
Due to the increasing calls and emails, IND has established a range of numbers and email addresses according to different issues. For further information, please visit the contact us page of the website.
Address: Lunar House
40 Wellesley Road
Croydon CR9 2BY
Tel: 0870 606 7766 (general enquiries)
: 0870 2410645 (application forms)
: 020 8649 7878 (leaflet line)
Website: www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk
Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA)
An association of lawyers specialising in immigration and nationality law.
Provides a directory of ILPA members who are chosen to be listed on website.
Address: Lindsey House
40-42 Charterhouse Street
London EC1M 6JN
Tel: 020 7251 8383
Fax: 020 7251 8384
Website: www.ilpa.org.uk
Email: info@ilpa.org.uk
Life in the UK Test, Home Office
With effect of the new law, the Nationality Immigration Act 2002, all applicants for naturalisation, or in other words citizenship, need to prove knowledge of life in the UK (by taking the ‘Life in the UK Test’) as well as English language ability (by attaining at least ESOL (English for Speakers of other languages) Entry 3 standard of English).
Life in the UK Test Helpline: 0800 015 4245
Website – Life in the UK Test: www.lifeintheuktest.gov.uk
Norwich and District Legal Services (NDLS)
A local legal charity based in Norwich, Norfolk which exists to provide legal assistance to those in need in the local authority areas of the City of Norwich, Breckland, Broadland North, North Norfolk, South Norfolk, and areas in the County of Norfolk UK.
A member of the Community Legal Service and has a Legal Service Commission Quality Mark.
Address: NDLS Ltd
Boardman House
Redwell Street
Norfolk NR2 4SL
Tel: 01603 496623
Fax: 01603 496622
Website: www.ncls.co.uk
Email: info@ndls.co.uk
Royal College of Nursing Immigration Advice Service
This service is specifically for Nurses and Health Care Assistants only.
The RCN Immigration Advisers are authorised by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) to provide immigration advice and services.
Offers advice and representations on applications of visas, but does not offer representation at appeals.
Address: 2nd Floor
AMP House
Dingwall Road
Croydon CR0 9XA
Tel: 0845 456 6766
Website:
http://www.rcn.org.uk/resources/international/about-immigration-service.php
Email: immigration.advice@rcn.org.uk
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Where to get help?
Immigration Advisory Service (IAS)
An independent non-governmental organisation, which gives free and confidential legal advice and representation on nationality, immigration and asylum law to those who are eligible.
IAS operates a number of regional offices. Detail of which can be found on their website.
Specific advice and enquiry can only be made in person at one of its offices.
Address: 4 Rigby’s Court
Norwich
Norfolk NR2 1NT
Tel: 01603 666 661
Fax: 01603 628 026
Website: www.iasuk.org
Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA)
An association of lawyers specialising in immigration and nationality law.
Provides a directory of ILPA members who are chosen to be listed on website.
Address: Lindsey House
40-42 Charterhouse Street
London EC1M 6JN
Tel: 020 7251 8383
Fax: 020 7251 8384
Website: www.ilpa.org.uk
Email: info@ilpa.org.uk
International Social Service of the United Kingdom (ISS UK)
An umbrella charity for promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of children and vulnerable adults across international borders. This includes those who are separated from family members as a consequence of migration and of seeking asylum.
Is dedicated to helping individuals and families whose personal or social problems have an international context and to working other agencies in dealing with international cases.
Address: Cranmer House
39 Brixton Road
London SW9 6DD
Tel: 020 7735 8941
Fax: 020 7582 0696
Website: www.issuk.org.uk
Email: mark.mark.issuk@btopenworld.com
Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI)
An independent national voluntary organisation, campaigning for justice and combating racism in immigration and asylum law and policy.
Provides free legal advice via helpline.
Address: 115 Old Street
London EC1V 9RT
Tel: 020 7251 8708 (Administration)
: 020 7251 8706 (Advice line)
Fax: 020 7251 8707
Website: www.jcwi.org.uk
Email: info@jcwi.org.uk
Norwich and District Legal Services (NDLS)
A local legal charity based in Norwich, Norfolk which exists to provide legal assistance to those in need in the local authority areas of the City of Norwich, Breckland, Broadland North, North Norfolk, South Norfolk, and areas in the County of Norfolk UK.
A member of the Community Legal Service and has a Legal Service Commission Quality Mark.
Address: NDLS Ltd
Boardman House
Redwell Street
Norfolk NR2 4SL
Tel: 01603 496623
Fax: 01603 496622
Website: www.ncls.co.uk
Email: info@ndls.co.uk
Royal College of Nursing Immigration Advice Service
This service is specifically for Nurses and Health Care Assistants only.
The RCN Immigration Advisers are authorised by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) to provide immigration advice and services.
Offers advice and representations on applications of visas, but does not offer representation at appeals.
Address: 2nd Floor
AMP House
Dingwall Road
Croydon CR0 9XA
Tel: 0845 456 6766
Website:
http://www.rcn.org.uk/resources/international/about-immigration-service.php
Email: immigration.advice@rcn.org.uk
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Getting your decision
Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND)—Part of the Home Office
Manages immigration in the interests of Britain’s security, economic growth and social stability.
Provides general information about immigration on the website. IND strongly recommends that you should consult the website before contacting them.
Please note that IND cannot answer queries on individual cases by email for data protection reasons.
Overseas users should contact your overseas nearest mission. Visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for a directory of UK Embassies Overseas.
Due to the increasing calls and emails, IND has established a range of numbers and email addresses according to different issues. For further information, please visit the contact us page of the website.
Address: Lunar House
40 Wellesley Road
Croydon CR9 2BY
Tel: 0870 606 7766 (general enquiries)
: 0870 2410645 (application forms)
: 020 8649 7878 (leaflet line)
Website: www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk
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Encountering general problems with your application?
Immigration Advisory Service (IAS)
An independent non-governmental organisation, which gives free and confidential legal advice and representation on nationality, immigration and asylum law to those who are eligible.
IAS operates a number of regional offices. Detail of which can be found on their website.
Specific advice and enquiry can only be made in person at one of its offices.
Address: 4 Rigby’s Court
Norwich
Norfolk NR2 1NT
Tel: 01603 666 661
Fax: 01603 628 026
Website: www.iasuk.org
Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA)
An association of lawyers specialising in immigration and nationality law.
Provides a directory of ILPA members who are chosen to be listed on website.
Address: Lindsey House
40-42 Charterhouse Street
London EC1M 6JN
Tel: 020 7251 8383
Fax: 020 7251 8384
Website: www.ilpa.org.uk
Email: info@ilpa.org.uk
Norwich and District Legal Services (NDLS)
A local legal charity based in Norwich, Norfolk which exists to provide legal assistance to those in need in the local authority areas of the City of Norwich, Breckland, Broadland North, North Norfolk, South Norfolk, and areas in the County of Norfolk UK.
A member of the Community Legal Service and has a Legal Service Commission Quality Mark.
Address: NDLS Ltd
Boardman House
Redwell Street
Norfolk NR2 4SL
Tel: 01603 496623
Fax: 01603 496622
Website: www.ncls.co.uk
Email: info@ndls.co.uk
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Racial Discrimination
Chinese Information and Advice Centre (CIAC)
A UK charity offering free legal advice and representation to disadvantaged Chinese people living in the UK on immigration and nationality law.
Provides advice and support to refugees and asylum seekers.
Address: 4th Floor
104-108 Oxford Street
London W1D 1LP
Office queries: 020 7323 1538
Legal Advice Helpline: 020 7462 1285
Refugee and Asylum Seeker’s Support Project: 020 7462 1283
Fax: 020 7436 7108
Website: www.ciac.co.uk
Email: info@ciac.co.uk
Commission for Racial Equality
Provides legal advice and assistance to people who think they have been discriminated against.
Has powers under the Racial Relations Act to investigate companies or organisations where there is evidence of possible discrimination and requires them to make changes to their policies and practices.
Takes legal action against companies or organisations in certain specific circumstances.
Address: St Dunstan’s House
201-211 Borough High Street
London SE1 1GZ
Tel: 020 7939 0000
Fax: 020 7939 0004
Website: www.cre.gov.uk
Email: info@cre.gov.uk
East European Advice Centre
Aims to help socially and economically disadvantaged people of East European origin in their efforts to settle in the UK.
Provides free information and advice in immigration law.
Address: Room 209-210
Palingswick House
241 King Street
London W6 9LP
Tel: 0208 741 1288
Fax: 0208 741 8388
Website: www.eeac.org.uk
Email: info@eeac.org.uk
Ethnic Minorities Representatives Council (EMRC)
Helps people who are unable to express themselves in English or understand the English language and represents minorities.
Address: 8 Caburn Road
Brighton
East Sussex BN3 6FF
Tel: 01273 722 438
Fax: 01273 279 438
Institute of Race Relations (IRR)
An independent educational charity to carry out research, publish and collect resources on race relations throughout the world.
Carries out research and analysis that informs the struggle for racial justice in Britain and internationally.
Address: 2-6 Leeke Street
London WC1X 9HS
Tel: 020 7837 0041
: 020 7833 2010
Fax: 020 7278 0623
Website: www.irr.org.uk
Email: info@irr.org.uk
Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI)
An independent national voluntary organisation, campaigning for justice and combating racism in immigration and asylum law and policy.
Provides free legal advice via helpline.
Address: 115 Old Street
London EC1V 9RT
Tel: 020 7251 8708 (Administration)
: 020 7251 8706 (Advice line)
Fax: 020 7251 8707
Website: www.jcwi.org.uk
Email: info@jcwi.org.uk
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Discrimination on the Grounds of Sexuality
UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG)
A support and campaign group, which campaigns for elimination of sexual orientation on immigration law, provides a support network and advises on applications to Home Office.
Address: P O Box 51524
London SE1 7ZW
Tel: 020 7620 6010 (Information/Advice)
: 020 7620 6030 (Administration)
Website: www.uklgig.org.uk
Email: followup@uklgig.org.uk (Information)
: admin@uklgig.org.uk (Administration)
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Detention
Bail for Immigration Detainees (BID)
An independent charity that exists to challenge immigration detention in the UK.
Works with asylum seekers and migrants, in removal centres and prisons, to secure their release from detention.
Makes free applications for release from immigration detention for asylum seeker and migrants.
Published a Notebook on Bail which provides information to detainees to empower them to make their own applications for release.
Encourages legal representatives to make bail applications for their clients, by way of training and the publication of the ‘Best Practice Guide to Challenging Immigration Detention’.
Carries out research and policy work to push for an end to the use of arbitrary immigration detention.
Only works with people detained by the UK Immigration Service to advice on bail and release from detention. BID does not deal with any other aspect of the asylum and immigration process. They cannot offer legal advice on general asylum or immigration matters.
For all general queries and detainees (except those at Halstar and Campsfield):
London Main Office
Tel: 020 7247 3590
Fax: 020 7247 3550
For detainees at Halstar
South Office
Tel: 023 9258 7567
Fax: 023 9258 7666
For detainees at Campsfield House
Oxford Office
Tel: 0845 3304 536
Fax: 0845 3304 537
Website: www.biduk.org
Email: info@biduk.org
Detention Advice Service
Offers advice, support and information to anyone detained or threatened with detention under UK Immigration Act powers.
Address: 308 Seven Sisters Road
London N4 2AG
Tel: 020 8802 3422
Fax: 020 8802 0684
Website: www.das.ndirect.co.uk
Email: das@das.ndirect.co.uk
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Deportation
National Coalition of Anti-Deportation Campaigns (NCADC)
A voluntary organisation, which provides practical help and advice to people facing deportation on how to launch and run anti-deportation campaigns.
Provides advice on pros and cons of campaigning work and, if you decide to campaign, help with designing leaflets, organising campaign meetings, writing letters and petitions.
Also provides advice and assistance with the media, prepares press releases and supports public events organised by each campaign.
Address: 1 Delaunays Road
Crumpsall
Manchester M8 4QS
Tel: 0121 554 6947
Website: www.ncadc.org.uk
Email: ncadc@ncadc.org.uk
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Appealing against a decision
Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT)
The successor to the Immigration Appellate Authority and The Immigration Appeals Tribunal.
The purpose of the Tribunal is to hear and decide appeals against decisions made by the Home Office in matters of asylum, immigration and nationality.
The website contains the information needed to pursue an appeal to the Tribunal. It also provides information about procedures and hearing centres, appeal forms and guidance notes, daily court lists, a case law database and links to related legislation.
A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) provides answers to questions regularly asked about the appeals process.
Tel: 0845 6000 877
Textphone: 0845 6060 766
For completed appeal form and supporting documents:
Address: PO Box 7866
Loughborough LE11 2XZ
Fax: 01509 221699
For all other correspondence:
Address: PO Box 7866
Leicester LE1 6ZX
Fax: 0116 249 4130
: 0116 249 4131
Website: www.ait.gov.uk
Email: customer@dca.gsi.gov.uk
Asylum Support Adjudicators
Considers appeals against a refusal or termination of support by National asylum Support Services (NASS).
Please note that they do not deal with immigration claims.
Address: Christopher Wren House
113 High Street
Croydon CR0 1QG
Tel: 020 8588 2500
: 0800 3897913 (for discussion of appeals or the appeal process)
Fax: 020 8588 2519
Website: www.asylum-support-adjudicators.org.uk
Bail for Immigration Detainees (BID)
An independent charity that exists to challenge immigration detention in the UK.
Works with asylum seekers and migrants, in removal centres and prisons, to secure their release from detention.
Makes free applications for release from immigration detention for asylum seeker and migrants.
Published a Notebook on Bail which provides information to detainees to empower them to make their own applications for release.
Encourages legal representatives to make bail applications for their clients, by way of training and the publication of the ‘Best Practice Guide to Challenging Immigration Detention’.
Carries out research and policy work to push for an end to the use of arbitrary immigration detention.
Only works with people detained by the UK Immigration Service to advice on bail and release from detention. BID does not deal with any other aspect of the asylum and immigration process. They cannot offer legal advice on general asylum or immigration matters.
For all general queries and detainees (except those at Halstar and Campsfield):
London Main Office
Tel: 020 7247 3590
Fax: 020 7247 3550
For detainees at Halstar
South Office
Tel: 023 9258 7567
Fax: 023 9258 7666
For detainees at Campsfield House
Oxford Office
Tel: 0845 3304 536
Fax: 0845 3304 537
Website: www.biduk.org
Email: info@biduk.org
Detention Advice Service
Offers advice, support and information to anyone detained or threatened with detention under UK Immigration Act powers.
Address: 308 Seven Sisters Road
London N4 2AG
Tel: 020 8802 3422
Fax: 020 8802 0684
Website: www.das.ndirect.co.uk
Email: das@das.ndirect.co.uk
Immigration Advisory Service (IAS)
An independent non-governmental organisation, which gives free and confidential legal advice and representation on nationality, immigration and asylum law to those who are eligible.
IAS operates a number of regional offices. Detail of which can be found on their website.
Specific advice and enquiry can only be made in person at one of its offices.
Address: 4 Rigby’s Court
Norwich
Norfolk NR2 1NT
Tel: 01603 666 661
Fax: 01603 628 026
Website: www.iasuk.org
Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND)—Part of the Home Office
Manages immigration in the interests of Britain’s security, economic growth and social stability.
Provides general information about immigration on the website. IND strongly recommends that you should consult the website before contacting them.
Please note that IND cannot answer queries on individual cases by email for data protection reasons.
Overseas users should contact your overseas nearest mission. Visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for a directory of UK Embassies Overseas.
Due to the increasing calls and emails, IND has established a range of numbers and email addresses according to different issues. For further information, please visit the contact us page of the website.
Address: Lunar House
40 Wellesley Road
Croydon CR9 2BY
Tel: 0870 606 7766 (general enquiries)
: 0870 2410645 (application forms)
: 020 8649 7878 (leaflet line)
Website: www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk
Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA)
An association of lawyers specialising in immigration and nationality law.
Provides a directory of ILPA members who are chosen to be listed on website.
Address: Lindsey House
40-42 Charterhouse Street
London EC1M 6JN
Tel: 020 7251 8383
Fax: 020 7251 8384
Website: www.ilpa.org.uk
Email: info@ilpa.org.uk
Norwich and District Legal Services (NDLS)
A local legal charity based in Norwich, Norfolk which exists to provide legal assistance to those in need in the local authority areas of the City of Norwich, Breckland, Broadland North, North Norfolk, South Norfolk, and areas in the County of Norfolk UK.
A member of the Community Legal Service and has a Legal Service Commission Quality Mark.
Address: NDLS Ltd
Boardman House
Redwell Street
Norfolk NR2 4SL
Tel: 01603 496623
Fax: 01603 496622
Website: www.ncls.co.uk
Email: info@ndls.co.uk
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Immigration status - Ethnic minorities
Chinese Information and Advice Centre (CIAC)
A UK charity offering free legal advice and representation to disadvantaged Chinese people living in the UK on immigration and nationality law.
Provides advice and support to refugees and asylum seekers.
Address: 4th Floor
104-108 Oxford Street
London W1D 1LP
Office queries: 020 7323 1538
Legal Advice Helpline: 020 7462 1285
Refugee and Asylum Seeker’s Support Project: 020 7462 1283
Fax: 020 7436 7108
Website: www.ciac.co.uk
Email: info@ciac.co.uk
Commission for Racial Equality
Provides legal advice and assistance to people who think they have been discriminated against.
Has powers under the Racial Relations Act to investigate companies or organisations where there is evidence of possible discrimination and requires them to make changes to their policies and practices.
Takes legal action against companies or organisations in certain specific circumstances.
Address: St Dunstan’s House
201-211 Borough High Street
London SE1 1GZ
Tel: 020 7939 0000
Fax: 020 7939 0004
Website: www.cre.gov.uk
Email: info@cre.gov.uk
East European Advice Centre
Aims to help socially and economically disadvantaged people of East European origin in their efforts to settle in the UK.
Provides free information and advice in immigration law.
Address: Room 209-210
Palingswick House
241 King Street
London W6 9LP
Tel: 0208 741 1288
Fax: 0208 741 8388
Website: www.eeac.org.uk
Email: info@eeac.org.uk
Ethnic Minorities Representatives Council (EMRC)
Helps people who are unable to express themselves in English or understand the English language and represents minorities.
Address: 8 Caburn Road
Brighton
East Sussex BN3 6FF
Tel: 01273 722 438
Fax: 01273 279 438
Institute of Race Relations (IRR)
An independent educational charity to carry out research, publish and collect resources on race relations throughout the world.
Carries out research and analysis that informs the struggle for racial justice in Britain and internationally.
Address: 2-6 Leeke Street
London WC1X 9HS
Tel: 020 7837 0041
: 020 7833 2010
Fax: 020 7278 0623
Website: www.irr.org.uk
Email: info@irr.org.uk
Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI)
An independent national voluntary organisation, campaigning for justice and combating racism in immigration and asylum law and policy.
Provides free legal advice via helpline.
Address: 115 Old Street
London EC1V 9RT
Tel: 020 7251 8708 (Administration)
: 020 7251 8706 (Advice line)
Fax: 020 7251 8707
Website: www.jcwi.org.uk
Email: info@jcwi.org.uk
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Immigration status - asylum seekers and refugees
Amnesty International UK
The UK section of the international human rights membership organisation.
Campaigns for general awareness on human rights (contained in Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other internationally-agreed standards of human rights) and against specific grave abuses of human rights (by undertaking research and action).
Opposes the return of refugees to countries where they may be at risk of serious violations and abuses.
Address: Amnesty International UK
The Human Rights Action Centre
17-25 New Inn Yard
London EC2A 3EA
Tel: 020 7033 1500
Textphone: 020 7033 1503
Fax: 020 7033 1664
Website: www.amnesty.org.uk
Email: esct@amnesty.org.uk
Asylum Aid
An independent charity that gives free legal advice and representation to people seeking asylum in the UK.
Campaigns for fair treatment of refugees in UK.
In general, Asylum Aid cannot give advice on complicated welfare benefits or NASS problems but will refer these issues to other organisations who work in these areas.
However, the Refugee Women’s Resource Project at Asylum Aid has an outreach worker who can give advice to women only on NASS-related problems.
Address: 28 Commercial Street
London E1 6LS
Tel: 020 7247 8741
Website: www.asylumaid.org.uk
Email: advice@asylumaid.org.uk
Asylum Support Adjudicators
Considers appeals against a refusal or termination of support by National asylum Support Services (NASS).
Please note that they do not deal with immigration claims.
Address: Christopher Wren House
113 High Street
Croydon CR0 1QG
Tel: 020 8588 2500
: 0800 3897913 (for discussion of appeals or the appeal process)
Fax: 020 8588 2519
Website: www.asylum-support-adjudicators.org.uk
British Red Cross
An independent humanitarian organisation which provides relief to people in crisis, including asylum seekers and refugees.
Provides essentials such as food, clean water, shelter and medicines and short-term care to those affected by a personal crisis.
The Red Cross helps people without discrimination, regardless of their ethnic origin, nationality or religion.
Address: Norfolk Branch
British Red Cross
Coronation Road
Norwich NR5 5HD
Tel: 01603 426361
: 01603 253412
Fax: 01603 788343
Website: www.redcross.org.uk
Email: information@redcross.org.uk (general enquiries)
Migrant Helpline
A charity which provides advice and support for asylum seekers and refugees entering and living in the UK, facilitates the integration of asylum seekers and refugees into the community, promotes awareness of asylum issues.
Offices of Migrant Helpline can be found by clicking this link.
Website: www.migranthelpline.org.uk
Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture
Provides survivors of torture in the United Kingdom with medical treatment, practical assistance and psychotherapeutic support.
Documents evidence of torture.
Provides training for health professionals working with torture survivors.
Educates the public and decision-makers about torture and its consequences.
Ensures that Britain honours its international obligations towards survivors of torture, asylum seekers and refugees.
Address: Medical Foundation London
111 Isledon Road
Islington
London N7 7JW
Tel: 020 7697 7777
Fax: 020 7697 7799
Website: www.torturecare.org.uk
National Asylum Support Service, IND
Provides support, accommodation and financial help for asylum seekers whilst their claim is being considered by the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND).
NASS does not deal with asylum applications. Asylum applications are deal with by IND. General information can be found in this page.
Address: Voyager House
30 Wellesley Road
Croydon CR0 2AD
Tel: 0845 602 1739
Fax: 0845 601 1143
Website: http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/en/home/applying/national_asylum_support.html
Refugee Arrivals Project
An independent charity that assists newly arrived asylum seekers and refugees.
Asylums are received in person and an assessment ascertaining the client’s immediate needs and concerns will be carried out during the initial reception and guidance will be given as appropriate.
Also helps clients to get in touch with friends and family who might be in the UK.
Address: 41b Lances Road
Hounslow
Middlesex TW3 2AD
Tel: 020 8607 6888
Fax: 020 8607 6851
Website: www.refugee-arrivals.org.uk
Refugee Council
An independent charity, which offers advice and support to all refugees and asylum seekers.
It operates a one stop service, providing advice and support to newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers on social security benefits, housing, immigration and education.
Address: Eastern Region One Stop Service
First Floor
4-8 Museum Street
Ipswich IP1 1HT
Tel: 01473 297 900
Fax: 01473 217 334
Website: www.refugeecouncil.org.uk
Refugee Legal Centre
An independent publicly funded charity, which committed to giving free legal advice and representation to those eligible who do not have the means to pay.
Advice can be sought by writing, faxing or calling the help lines stated below. Please note that the Refugee Legal Centre does not give advice via email or to persons outside of the United Kingdom.
Address: 153-157 Commercial Road
London E1 2DA
Tel: 020 7780 3200
Fax: 020 7780 3201
Helplines: 020 7780 3220 (Appointments and Advice Line)
: 0800 592 398 (Detained Asylum Seekers)
: 07831 598 057 (Emergency Service)
Website: www.refugee-legal-centre.org.uk
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide.
Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees.
It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country.
Address: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Case Postale 2500
CH-1211 Genève 2 Dépôt
Suisse
Tel: +41 22 739 8111
Website: www.unhcr.ch
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Dependents of immigrants
British Agencies for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF)
A charity working for children separated from their birth families.
Address: Saffron House
3rd Floor
6-10 Kirby Street
London EC1N 8TS
Tel: 020 7421 2600
Fax: 020 7421 2601
Website: www.baaf.org.uk
Email: mail@baaf.org.uk
Immigration Advisory Service
An independent non-governmental organisation, which gives free and confidential legal advice and representation on nationality, immigration and asylum law to those who are eligible.
IAS operates a number of regional offices. Detail of which can be found on their website.
Specific advice and enquiry can only be made in person at one of its offices.
Address: 4 Rigby’s Court
Norwich
Norfolk
NR2 1NT
Tel: 01603 666 661
Fax: 01603 628 026
Website: www.iasuk.org
International Social Service of the United Kingdom (ISS UK)
An umbrella charity for promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of children and vulnerable adults across international borders. This includes those who are separated from family members as a consequence of migration and of seeking asylum.
Is dedicated to helping individuals and families whose personal or social problems have an international context and to working other agencies in dealing with international cases.
Address: Cranmer House
39 Brixton Road
London SW9 6DD
Tel: 020 7735 8941
Fax: 020 7582 0696
Website: www.issuk.org.uk
Email: mark.issuk@btopenworld.com
UK Visas
Established jointly by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Home Office to manage the UK’s entry clearance (visa) operation.
Provides a questionnaire, which will tell you on the spot that if you need a visa or entry clearance, which application form should you fill in, which guidance note you should read and where should you make your application.
Website: www.ukvisas.gov.uk
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Visitors
AVID (Association of Visitors to Immigration Detainees)
The national umbrella charity for groups visiting immigration detainees.
Its missions are: to support individuals and groups of visitors to detainees by encouraging and enabling them to reach more detainees more effectively; to be the voice of visitors and detainees to the Government, by collating and communicating information in order to help define and implement best practice; to be the lead organisation and model for tackling these issues in the United Kingdom and internationally.
Address: Box 7
Oxted RH8 0YT
Tel: 01883 717275
Website: www.aviddetention.org.uk
UK Visas
Established jointly by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Home Office to manage the UK’s entry clearance (visa) operation.
Provides a questionnaire, which will tell you on the spot that if you need a visa or entry clearance, which application form should you fill in, which guidance note you should read and where should you make your application.
Website: www.ukvisas.gov.uk
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Workers
UK Visas
Established jointly by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Home Office to manage the UK’s entry clearance (visa) operation.
Provides a questionnaire, which will tell you on the spot that if you need a visa or entry clearance, which application form should you fill in, which guidance note you should read and where should you make your application.
Website: www.ukvisas.gov.uk
Working in the UK
A website set up by the Immigration & Nationality Directorate to provide you with clear information about various routes open to Foreign Nationals who want to come and work in the United Kingdom.
Website: www.workingintheuk.gov.uk
Email: customrel.workpermits@wpuk.gov.uk (for work permits enquiries only)
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Students
Educational Grants Advisory Service (EGAS)
Offers guidance and advice on funding for those studying in post-16 education in the UK.
Provides free advice and information on sources of funding available for post-16 education and training, including loans, grants, benefits, access funds, hardship funds, bursaries and charitable trusts, to individual students.
Organisations involved in the education field can affiliate to EGAS.
Address: EGAS
501-505 Kingsland Road
London E8 4AU
Tel: 020 7254 6251
Website: www.egas-online.org
UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
Provides advice and information on all aspects of access to higher education in the UK.
An impartial centre with up-to-date information about higher education courses, universities and colleges.
Address: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service UCAS
Rosehill
New Barn Lane
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL52 3LZ
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)870 1122211
Textphone: +44 (0)1242 544 942
Fax: +44 (0)1242 544 961
Website: www.ucas.com
Email: enquiries@ucas.ac.uk
UK Visas
Established jointly by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Home Office to manage the UK’s entry clearance (visa) operation.
Provides a questionnaire, which will tell you on the spot that if you need a visa or entry clearance, which application form should you fill in, which guidance note you should read and where should you make your application.
Website: www.ukvisas.gov.uk
UKCOSA: The Council for International Education
An independent charity, which seeks to protect the interest of foreign students studying in UK and the interest of UK students studying or wishing to study abroad.
Lobbies and campaigns for improvements to policy and legislation.
Provides an advice service via helpline specifically for students and UKCOSA member organisations. UKCOSA strongly recommends all students to consult the student advice page, which answers students’ most commonly asked questions, before dialing the helpline. Please note that UKCOSA does not offer a drop-in service to personal callers.
Address: 9-17 St Albans Place
London N1 0NX
Tel: 020 7288 4330 (for UKCOSA member organisations)
: 020 7107 9922 (for students)
Fax: 020 7288 4360
Website: www.ukcosa.org.uk
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Changing your nationality
Nationality Group Helpdesk, IND
“Staffed by a dedicated team of telephone agents who are available to answer your calls quickly and professionally.” – Immigration and Nationality Directorate
Please contact Nationality Group in urgent cases only. A lot of enquiries can slow down decision times.
Tel: 0845 010 5200 (calls within UK)
: +44 (0) 151 672 5626 (calls made from overseas)
Website: http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/en/home/applying/british_nationality.html
Email:
nationalityenquiries@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
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Researches and Campaigns for Reforms in UK Immigration Law
Amnesty International UK
The UK section of the international human rights membership organisation.
Campaigns for general awareness on human rights (contained in Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other internationally-agreed standards of human rights) and against specific grave abuses of human rights (by undertaking research and action).
Opposes the return of refugees to countries where they may be at risk of serious violations and abuses.
Address: Amnesty International UK
The Human Rights Action Centre
17-25 New Inn Yard
London EC2A 3EA
Tel: 020 7033 1500
Textphone: 020 7033 1503
Fax: 020 7033 1664
Website: www.amnesty.org.uk
Email: sct@amnesty.org.uk
AVID (Association of Visitors to Immigration Detainees)
The national umbrella charity for groups visiting immigration detainees.
Its missions are: to support individuals and groups of visitors to detainees by encouraging and enabling them to reach more detainees more effectively; to be the voice of visitors and detainees to the Government, by collating and communicating information in order to help define and implement best practice; to be the lead organisation and model for tackling these issues in the United Kingdom and internationally.
Address: Box 7
Oxted RH8 0YT
Tel: 01883 717275
Website: www.aviddetention.org.uk
Bail for Immigration Detainees (BID)
An independent charity that exists to challenge immigration detention in the UK.
Works with asylum seekers and migrants, in removal centres and prisons, to secure their release from detention.
Makes free applications for release from immigration detention for asylum seeker and migrants.
Published a Notebook on Bail which provides information to detainees to empower them to make their own applications for release.
Encourages legal representatives to make bail applications for their clients, by way of training and the publication of the ‘Best Practice Guide to Challenging Immigration Detention’.
Carries out research and policy work to push for an end to the use of arbitrary immigration detention.
Only works with people detained by the UK Immigration Service to advice on bail and release from detention. BID does not deal with any other aspect of the asylum and immigration process. They cannot offer legal advice on general asylum or immigration matters.
For all general queries and detainees (except those at Halstar and Campsfield):
London Main Office
Tel: 020 7247 3590
Fax: 020 7247 3550
For detainees at Halstar
South Office
Tel: 023 9258 7567
Fax: 023 9258 7666
For detainees at Campsfield House
Oxford Office
Tel: 0845 3304 536
Fax: 0845 3304 537
Website: www.biduk.org
Email: info@biduk.org
Campaign to Close Campsfield
Website: www.closecampsfield.org.uk
Email: info@closecampsfield.org.uk
Institute of Race Relations (IRR)
An independent educational charity to carry out research, publish and collect resources on race relations throughout the world.
Carries out research and analysis that informs the struggle for racial justice in Britain and internationally.
Address: 2-6 Leeke Street
London WC1X 9HS
Tel: 020 7837 0041
: 020 7833 2010
Fax: 020 7278 0623
Website: www.irr.org.uk
Email: info@irr.org.uk
Interights
A UK-registered charity that aims to: provide leadership and support on strategic human rights litigation in priority thematic areas and on other issues of particular regional significance or impact; provide necessary legal information tools that enhance the use of human rights law; and contribute to human rights institution building.
Address: Lancaster House
33 Islington High Street
London N1 9LH
Tel: 020 7278 3230
Fax: 020 7278 4334
Website: www.interights.org
Email: ir@interights.org
Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI)
An independent national voluntary organisation, campaigning for justice and combating racism in immigration and asylum law and policy.
Provides free legal advice via helpline.
Address: 115 Old Street
London EC1V 9RT
Tel: 020 7251 8708 (Administration)
: 020 7251 8706 (Advice line)
Fax: 020 7251 8707
Website: www.jcwi.org.uk
Email: info@jcwi.org.uk
Justice
Works to promote fairer and more effective asylum law and practice in the UK and the EU.
Co-operates with other refugee and human rights agencies in developing a set of principles and approaches which set out a positive, alternative agenda for improving the asylum system.
Has been one of the main organisations working to implement the Human Rights Act.
Address: 59 Carter Lane
London EC4V 5AQ
Tel: 020 7329 5100
Fax: 020 7329 5055
Website: www.justice.org.uk
Email: admin@justice.org.uk
Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture
Provides survivors of torture in the United Kingdom with medical treatment, practical assistance and psychotherapeutic support.
Documents evidence of torture.
Provides training for health professionals working with torture survivors.
Educates the public and decision-makers about torture and its consequences.
Ensures that Britain honours its international obligations towards survivors of torture, asylum seekers and refugees.
Address: Medical Foundation London
111 Isledon Road
Islington
London N7 7JW
Tel: 020 7697 7777
Fax: 020 7697 7799
Website: www.torturecare.org.uk
Moving Here
A project to explore, record and illustrate the migration of the Caribbean, Irish, Jewish and South Asian Communities to England over the past two centuries.
Provides free online access to findings of the project for personal and educational use.
Address: Moving Here
The National Archives
Kew, Richmond
Surrey TW9 4DU
Tel: 020 8876 3444
Website: www.movinghere.org.uk
Email: enquiry@movinghere.org.uk
National Coalition of Anti-Deportation Campaigns (NCADC)
A voluntary organisation, which provides practical help and advice to people facing deportation on how to launch and run anti-deportation campaigns.
Provides advice on pros and cons of campaigning work and, if you decide to campaign, help with designing leaflets, organising campaign meetings, writing letters and petitions.
Also provides advice and assistance with the media, prepares press releases and supports public events organised by each campaign.
Address: 1 Delaunays Road
Crumpsall
Manchester M8 4QS
Tel: 0121 554 6947
Website: www.ncadc.org.uk
Email: ncadc@ncadc.org.uk
UKCOSA: The Council for International Education
An independent charity, which seeks to protect the interest of foreign students studying in UK and the interest of UK students studying or wishing to study abroad.
Lobbies and campaigns for improvements to policy and legislation.
Provides an advice service via helpline specifically for students and UKCOSA member organisations. UKCOSA strongly recommends all students to consult the student advice page, which answers students’ most commonly asked questions, before dialing the helpline. Please note that UKCOSA does not offer a drop-in service to personal callers.
Address: 9-17 St Albans Place
London N1 0NX
Tel: 020 7288 4330 (for UKCOSA member organisations)
: 020 7107 9922 (for students)
Fax: 020 7288 4360
Website: www.ukcosa.org.uk
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