What to Expect in an Asylum Screening Interview: A Complete Guide (2025)

Written by Deluxe Law Chambers Published13 August 2026 Reading time3 min read Updated10 July 2025

Attend an asylum screening Interview

ne of the first major steps is the asylum screening interview, also known as the credible fear interview. This article provides a comprehensive guide on what to expect, how to prepare, and what your rights are during this crucial stage.

What Is an Asylum Screening Interview?

You register your asylum claim at a ‘screening’. This is a meeting with an immigration officer where you tell them about your case.

You’ll have your screening at the UK border if you claim asylum as soon as you arrive. You can also be screened once you’re in the UK if you become eligible for asylum.

What happens at the Asylum Screening Interview?

At your screening you’ll:

  • be photographed
  • have your fingerprints taken
  • have an interview to check who you are and where you’re from

You’ll be asked why you want asylum. You can bring written evidence to support your claim if you want, as well as any other documents you need.

You’ll need to say if you or your dependants are taking any medication and give any relevant medical information. A dependant is your partner and any children under 18.

Screening at the UK border

You must tell a Border Force officer that you want to claim asylum.

Your application will be registered and you’ll be screened - ask for an interpreter if you need one.

Screening in the UK

If you’re already in the UK, you must call the asylum registration appointment line to book your screening appointment.

They’ll ask simple questions about you and your family. You’ll also be asked if you need help with housing.

You will not be asked why you’re claiming asylum during this call.

Tell the asylum registration appointment line if:

  • you need to bring any dependants to your screening
  • you’re a child and need to be accompanied
  • you need an interpreter at your screening

Asylum registration appointment line
Telephone: 0300 123 4193
Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4:45pm
Friday, 9am to 4:30pm
Find out about call charges 

Can our solicitors attend the screening interview with you?

Yes, our qualified immigration solicitors can attend the screening interview with you at your appointment. You must bring any dependants who are claiming asylum with you.

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Muhammad Usman Rasheed — Managing Director

Meet Your Senior Immigration Solicitor, who has over 11 years' experience at leading UK immigration law firms and is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. He has successfully represented thousands of clients across Greater Manchester in cases involving skilled worker visas, ILR, spouse visas, asylum claims, appeals, and Judicial Review proceedings.

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