Becoming a refugee

Being a refugee means that you now have almost the same rights and entitlements as UK national.

You can now:

• Work
• Apply for benefits
• Access free healthcare
• Study

You can be granted different types of leave – so it is important you are clear what leave has been granted and if any restrictions apply.

You can find out more about different types of leave here

Settlement: refugee or humanitarian protection

Generally:

• People with Humanitarian Protection are granted Limited Leave to Remain (LLR) usually have the right to remain the country for five years,
• People granted Discretionary Leave are usually granted a shorter period of leave.

The type of leave you are granted can affect your entitlements – for example if you are eligible for family reunion and further study.

If you are unsure about the type of leave that you have been granted, speak to an Immigration Advisor. You can either check with the Solicitor who helped with your asylum claim, speak to the Citizen’s Advice Bureau

Citizen’s Advice Leeds, or

find an Immigration Adviser here
Gov.uk.