After you gain refugee status

Once you are given humanitarian protection or refugee status, it's important to start to look for work and housing. 

You will only have a short period before your asylum support ends, so it’s important to act quickly. We know this can be a big change, so here are the key things to focus on straight away:

1. Access your eVisa 

From 2025, digital eVisa's will be used to prove immigration status and BRP cards will be phased out. Find out more about eVisas on GOV.UK.

2. Find work or claim benefits 

Once you have a positive decision, you are allowed to work and earn money. Liverpool In Work have a specialist Refugee Employment Adviser who can support you into work. 

If you can’t work or can’t find a job quickly, you should apply for welfare benefits, usually Universal Credit. You can apply for Universal Credit online (GOV.UK), or at your local Jobcentre Plus (GOV.UK). Do this straight away as it can take some time before you receive your payments. 

3. Find your own home

Once you receive a positive decision on your asylum claim, you can begin looking for a home of your own because you must move out of your asylum accommodation. 

If you are homeless or will become homeless and received your decision in Liverpool, you can contact our Housing Options Service. 

If you are generally healthy and do not have children living with you, you will not be seen as a priority and will not be offered social housing or council accommodation. It may be helpful to check whether you have a priority housing need (shelter.org.uk)

There is a severe shortage of social housing and council accommodation for everyone at the moment. Find out more about renting from a private landlord or letting agent (shelter.org.uk).

4. Apply for family reunion

If you're a refugee in the UK, you may have the right to family reunion. Family reunion is for pre-existing family members to join you in the UK. 

Find out more about refugee family reunion (redcross.org.uk). If your family will soon be joining you in Liverpool, you can also contact us to find out what local support is available.

5. Register with a GP

Registering with a GP (General Practitioner) is one of the most important things to do after getting refugee status or humanitarian protection. 

A GP is a local doctor who is the first person you see for most medical needs. They can help with:

  • general health issues
  • ongoing conditions
  • prescriptions
  • mental health support
  • referrals to hospitals or medical specialists. 

Find a GP (nhs.uk)

6. Access additional support

Migrant Help will give you at least three appointments with their advisers. These appointments are either on the telephone or face to face. Interpreters will be available for your appointments if needed. You can:

You can also get support from local charities listed in the Our Liverpool support services directory. It also lists organisations that will help you learn English.