Step 4 · Substantive interview
The substantive interview: how it goes, what your rights are, what to say
The substantive interview is a conversation with the Home Office officer who will later decide your case. Here you'll find the procedure, your rights and ready-made English phrases. What to say about the substance of your case — only with your representative.
We explain the procedure and your rights. Only a specialist registered with the IAA or a solicitor regulated by the SRA or BSB can advise on your specific case — not us, and not anyone without registration.
Step 1. What happens in the room
Who and how long
The interview is led by a Home Office officer — the person who later makes the decision. Usually around three hours, sometimes longer. The questions will be about your life back home, about how you came to understand who you are, and about what you fear if you return. Some of the questions are unpleasant: that's how the procedure works, not because they don't believe you.
Recording and record
The interview is recorded, and a written record is kept (the interview record). At the end you have the right to read the record and correct any mistakes — saying 'they wrote me down wrong' later will be too late.
Interpreter
Free. Tell them your language in advance: Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Tajik, Russian or English. If the interpreting is poor — say so directly during the interview; it gets noted.
Representative
Your lawyer can be present. Agree it with them in advance: whether they'll come, and how to reach them on the day. No lawyer yet — 'A free lawyer'.
Step 2. What to do before the interview
Tell them what you need
In advance, through your lawyer or via the contact in the invitation letter: the interpreter's language; an officer and interpreter of your own sex, if that makes it easier to talk about personal things (it won't always work out, but you can ask).
Ill — ask to reschedule
Tell your lawyer straight away and write to the contact in the invitation letter, quoting your case number (Home Office reference). You can't just not turn up. The phrase is below.
Put together a folder
The invitation letter, your case number, your lawyer's phone number. Get some sleep, eat, take water: three hours on an empty stomach is a bad idea. Decide who you'll message in the evening after the interview.
Step 3. Ready-made phrases for the interview
Interpreter
“I need an interpreter in Kazakh / Kyrgyz / Uzbek / Tajik / Russian, please.” “The interpreter is not translating accurately. I want this noted in the record, and I ask for another interpreter.”
Meaning: 'I need an interpreter in Kazakh / Kyrgyz / Uzbek / Tajik / Russian.' 'The interpreter is not translating accurately. Please note this in the record and replace the interpreter.'
A break and a question you don't understand
“I need a break, please.” “I don’t understand the question. Could you rephrase it, please?”
Meaning: 'I need a break.' 'I don't understand the question. Please rephrase it.'
An officer of your own sex
“I would like to be interviewed by a female / male officer, with a female / male interpreter, please.”
Meaning: 'I'd like the interview to be conducted by a female / male officer and an interpreter of the same sex.' Better to ask in advance, before the day of the interview.
Record and recording
“I would like to read the interview record before I leave and correct any mistakes.” “Could I have a copy of the interview record and the audio recording, please?”
Meaning: 'I want to read the record before I leave and correct any mistakes.' 'Can I have a copy of the record and the audio recording of the interview?'
Rescheduling due to illness (by letter or phone)
“My name is [name], Home Office reference [number]. I am unwell and cannot attend my substantive interview on [date]. I ask to reschedule it. I can provide a medical note.”
Meaning: 'My name is…, case number…. I'm ill and won't be able to attend my substantive interview on [date]. I ask to reschedule. I can provide a doctor's note.' Send a copy of the message to your lawyer.
Your rights at the interview
You can scroll the table sideways.
| Right | What to do |
|---|---|
| A free interpreter | Tell them your language in advance. If the interpreting is poor — say so directly during the interview, not after. It gets noted |
| Breaks | Ask at any time and as many times as you need |
| Your representative present | Agree it with your lawyer in advance |
| Having a question rephrased | If a question is unclear or put inappropriately — say so |
| Checking the record | Read it and correct any mistakes before you leave. Later will be too late |
| An officer of the same sex | Ask in advance. It won't always work out, but you can ask |
Step 4. After the interview
1. The record
Read the record and correct any mistakes while you still can. If the interpreter got something wrong — have it noted straight away.
2. You've remembered something important
Tell your lawyer. You can usually add to your case after the interview — through your representative.
3. Waiting for the decision
The Home Office doesn't publish timescales, and the wait can be long. Don't leave the country. Fill the time: English, volunteering (allowed without permission to work), community.
4. If it all gets too much
Many people find the days after the interview hard — that's a normal reaction. Samaritans 116 123, 24/7. Switchboard 0800 0119 100.
Frequently asked questions
Can I come without a lawyer?
I fell ill the day before the interview.
Can I ask for a female officer?
What happens after the interview?
Official sources
Sexual identity issues in the asylum claim
GOV.UK: Home Office guidance on LGBT cases
Open →Leaflet for applicants
GOV.UK: the official description of the process
Open →Right to Remain Toolkit
The interview explained in plain language
Open →Rainbow Migration
Support for LGBTQI+ people in the asylum process
Open →Find a legal aid lawyer
Ministry of Justice, category Immigration or asylum
Open →Qadam London
How Qadam London can help
- We'll tell you how the interview went for people before you — specifics, no horror stories.
- We'll remind you of your rights: interpreter, breaks, the record — and give you the phrases in English.
- We'll be in touch on the day of the interview and after — there'll be someone to message in the evening.
Useful phone numbers at this stage
Asylum and LGBTQI+
020 3752 5801Rainbow Migration. 18+, you're in the UK, you have your own lawyer.
Services are free
Help for refugees
0808 196 7272Refugee Council. Referral to a lawyer, helpline in several languages.
Free
Struggling and no one to talk to
116 123Samaritans. You can call in any state.
24 hours, free
LGBTQ+ support line
0800 0119 100Switchboard. Talk about anything: coming out, loneliness, fear.
Daily 10:00–22:00
Survivors of torture: therapy
020 7697 7777Freedom from Torture. You can contact them yourself.
Self-referrals accepted
Danger right now
999Police, ambulance, fire. If you can't speak, press 55 silently.
24 hours
Personal plan · free · 24 hours
Interview booked? Prepare step by step
How to find a lawyer before the interview, what to bring, what your rights are in the room. We don't assess your case — we show you the way to those who can.