Legal Aid and free services

Legal Aid helps cover the cost of legal advice, representation, and court fees for those who cannot afford it. In immigration cases, it is means-tested and only available for specific types of issues.

 Legal Aid is available for the following immigration-related cases:

• Claiming asylum or humanitarian protection
   
• Fresh asylum claims or appeals
   
• Asylum support issues (e.g. housing, financial help)
   

• Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a victim of domestic abuse (SET(DV) form)
   
• Includes applications under the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession (MVDAC)
   

• Victims of trafficking can get advice and help with immigration applications and appeals
   

• Children under 18 with no legal guardian in the UK usually qualify for legal aid for immigration matters
   

• Help for people held in immigration detention, including bail applications
   

• If you're facing deportation (especially after criminal convictions), Legal Aid may be available

 Legal Aid is not normally available for:

• Standard visa applications (e.g. work, student, spouse visas)
   
• Immigration appeals not related to asylum or human rights
   
• British citizenship or naturalisation
   
• Visitor visa refusals
   

(Though some of these may be covered under exceptional funding — see below.)

You must show that you can’t afford legal advice. This is based on:

• Income (usually under £733/month disposable income)
   
• Savings/assets (usually less than £8,000)
   
• Whether you receive benefits like Universal Credit or Income Support
   

If you’re in a refuge, asylum support accommodation, or on certain benefits, you may automatically qualify.

The Legal Aid Agency must agree that:

• Your case has legal merit
   
• There’s a realistic chance of success or an important legal issue involved
   

The case must fall into the categories legally allowed for Legal Aid (e.g. asylum, trafficking, domestic abuse).

 Even if your case is normally excluded, you can apply for ECF if:

• Your human rights would be breached without legal help (e.g. risk of inhumane treatment or unfair trial)
   
• You can’t fairly represent yourself due to complexity or language barriers
   

This is especially important for:

• Private immigration cases
   
• Family reunion applications
   
• Some nationality issues
   

A solicitor can help you apply for ECF.

• Find an immigration solicitor authorised by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA)
   
• They’ll assess your financial eligibility and submit the Legal Aid application
   
• You can use this directory to search:  https://find-legal-advice.justice.gov.uk/
   

 If you’re:

• A victim of domestic violence, trafficking, or modern slavery
   
• On a partner visa and facing abuse
   
• Without income or safe housing
   

…you are very likely eligible for Legal Aid, and should seek a Legal Aid solicitor immediately.