Keep Your Refugee Status or Leave To Remain Up To Date

It is very important to make sure your Refugee Status or Leave to Remain does not expire. You must submit your renewal application before the expiry date. If you apply late, even by one day, you may face serious consequences.

Why you must apply before your leave expires

If you do not submit a renewal application in time, you will:

  • Lose your right to work

  • Lose access to benefits (Universal Credit, Child Benefit, PIP and others)

  • Struggle to rent a property because you cannot prove your right to rent.

You may also:

  • Be required to report regularly to an immigration reporting centre

  • Be at risk of detention

  • Become chargeable for some NHS healthcare services

If your Refugee Status or Leave to Remain is expiring soon

  • Seek legal advice at least 28 days before your Leave to Remain expires.

  • If you previously worked with a solicitor, consider contacting them again.

  • If they cannot help, find another qualified immigration solicitor or advisor.

  • You can apply on your own, but immigration law is complex - professional advice is strongly recommended.

Section 3C Leave

If you submit a valid application before your Leave to Remain expires, Section 3C Leave will protect you.

This means you can continue working and continue receiving benefits whilst your application is decided.

If you application is late, you will not protected by Section 3C Leave.

More information: www.righttoremain.org.uk/section-3c-leave

If your leave has expired already

You must submit a new immigration application as soon as possible.

Seek legal advice immediately from:

Getting help quickly is essential to reduce the risk you may face.