Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I claim the cost of travelling to the hearing centre?
2. Where can I get a notice of appeal form?
3. Can I obtain legal aid for helping me with my appeal?
4. Do the Asylum Support Tribunal hear appeals relating to applications for asylum?
5. What happens if I disagree with the adjudicator's decision?
6. Are the courts open to members of the public?
7. Can I ask for observers to be excluded?
8. What happens if my circumstances change after I have made an appeal?
9. Who appoints the Asylum Support Tribunal?
10. Are the Asylum Support Tribunal part of the Home Office Border and Immigration Agency?
11. Do you have a freephone contact number?

1. Can I claim the cost of travelling to the hearing centre?

You should contact the Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) for further information about the recovery of costs for travelling to your tribunal hearing.

2. Where can I get a Notice of Appeal form?

The Notice of Appeal form is available on this site.

3. Can I obtain legal aid to help with my appeal?

No. At the moment, legal aid is not available for assisting appellants with their asylum support appeals. However, a law centre or Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to give you free legal assistance in preparing your appeal, and possibly advise you on seeking representation for your hearing.

A solicitor may be able to assist you with the preparation of your appeal under the 'Legal Help and Help at Court' scheme. Some solicitors may also be willing to attend your hearing as a McKenzie friend, or on a pro bono basis, but you should first consult your solicitor about this.

4. Does the Asylum Support Tribunal (AST) hear appeals relating to applications for asylum?

No, the adjudicators are only able to hear appeals relating to refusals or terminations of support provided to asylum seekers.

5. What happens if I disagree with the adjudicator's decision?

The adjudicator's decision is final and there is no right of appeal against it except by way of judicial review.

6. Are the courts open to members of the public?

Yes, asylum support hearings are public hearings. This means that any member of the public wishing to attend may do so.

7. Can I ask for observers to be excluded?

If you do not want members of the public to be present at your hearing, you can apply to the adjudicator to exclude the public. You must have a good reason for making your application; e.g. your evidence includes personal details about your medical condition which you are embarrassed to discuss in public.

8. What happens if my circumstances change after I have made an appeal?

You should inform both the AST and the Secretary of State of any change in your circumstances, as soon as possible. When reaching a decision, the adjudicator may take into account any relevant change of circumstances which occured prior to the date of your hearing.

9. Who appoints the AST Adjudicators?

AST adjudicators are appointed by the Home Secretary and they provide an independent appeals service.

10. Is the AST part of the Home Office's Border and Immigration Agency (BIA)?

No, they are an independent review body and are not a part of BIA..

11. Do you have a freephone contact number?

Yes, the freephone number is 0800 389 7913 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm). Please note that this is only for the use of people who wish to discuss their BIA appeal or any part of the appeal process.