Immigration and asylum paper appeals for legal professionals
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-22)

How and when to make immigration and asylum appeals on paper or using the immigration appeals online tool.

When to apply by paper

If your client is detained in an immigration removal centre or prison, you’ll need to appeal using form IAFT-5(GDA) (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/appeal-an-immigration-or-asylum-decision-if-youre-detained-form-iaft-5gda).

For everything else, you need to appeal online using MyHMCTS (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/submit-an-application-with-myhmcts). You’ll need to create an account (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-for-myhmcts-online-case-management-for-professionals) first if you do not have one. Learn how to make an immigration and asylum appeal using MyHMCTS (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/myhmcts-how-to-use-online-immigration-and-asylum-appeal-services).

Appeal from within the UK

You have 14 days to appeal from the date the decision was sent.

If you apply after the deadline, you must explain why – the tribunal will decide if it can still hear the appeal.

Appeal from outside the UK

You have 28 days to appeal from the date the decision was sent. If your client has to leave the country before they’re allowed to appeal, you have 28 days to appeal once they’ve left the country.

If you apply after the deadline, you must explain why – the tribunal will decide if it can still hear the appeal.

Urgent appeals

You can ask for your appeal to be heard urgently (‘expedited’) at any point during the appeal process.

It’s free to ask for an urgent appeal. The appeal application fee (if your client needs to pay one) must be paid before your request can be reviewed.

How to ask for an urgent appeal

You will need to:

tell the tribunal the reason why the case should be heard urgently

give evidence of compelling or compassionate grounds, for example letters from a doctor or hospital

You should write ‘expedite request’ at the top of any documents you send with your application.

A judge will review your evidence and decide whether your application should be heard sooner than usual.

Send your reasons for the urgent appeal and evidence to the tribunal by post.

Expedite Requests – The First-tier Tribunal Office of the Duty Judge First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) PO BOX 11205Southfield RoadLoughboroughLE11 9PS

You can contact the tribunal to check if the application has been received.

Email: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

Fees and payment

It costs:
- £80 without a hearing
- £140 with a hearing
Your client may also be eligible get help with court fees (https://www.gov.uk/get-help-with-court-fees) if any of the following apply:
- they have little or no savings
- they’re on certain benefits
- they have a low income
Contact the tribunal if you’re not sure if they have to pay a fee.

First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) Email: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) Telephone: xx-xxxx-xxxx

Find out about call charges (https://www.gov.uk/call-charges)

How to pay

The tribunal will contact you to tell you how to pay once it has received your appeal form.

Where to send your appeal form

You must send your appeal form by post or email.

First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) PO Box 11205 Southfield Road Loughborough LE11 9PS

Email: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

Legislation

Read the practice directions (https://www.judiciary.uk/guidance-and-resources/practice-direction-for-the-immigration-and-asylum-chambers/) and practice statements (https://www.judiciary.uk/subject/immigration-and-asylum/) for more guidance.

Review previous decisions of the Upper Tribunal (https://www.gov.uk/immigration-asylum-appeal-decisions).