Once you apply for asylum, you will undergo an initial interview and be required to complete a short application form. An interpreter will be provided if necessary.

This interview serves the following purposes:

• Confirming that you wish to apply for asylum.
• Collecting basic information about you.
• Determining whether you should be admitted to the International Protection Process.

During this stage, your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) will be taken to check whether you have previously applied for international protection in another country.

You will also be asked to explain why you are seeking asylum.

Required Documents

When visiting the International Protection Office (IPO), you should bring important documents, if available, to support your application. These include:
✔️ Passports and travel documents such as air tickets.
✔️ Identification documents (for yourself and any accompanying children), such as identity cards, birth and marriage certificates, or school records.
✔️ Any other documents that may support your asylum claim.

Next Steps

Following the first interview, you will receive:

• An International Protection Questionnaire to complete and return to the IPO.
• A scheduled date for a second interview (also known as the substantive interview).

It is crucial to:
✔️ Submit the completed questionnaire by the specified deadline.
✔️ Attend all scheduled interviews as failure to do so may result in the refusal of your application.

Tip: Seek legal advice before completing the questionnaire. It must be answered as thoroughly as possible, in your own language, as the IPO will use this information to assess your application.

Second (Substantive) Interview

During this detailed interview:

• You will be interviewed alone, unless you are a child.
• An interpreter will be provided if required.

You will be asked to explain:
✔️ How you experienced persecution in your home country.
✔️ Why you fear returning to your home country.

Supporting Evidence

It is highly recommended to bring any supporting evidence of persecution or serious harm, as this can strengthen your case.

Important: If you fail to attend the substantive interview and do not provide a valid reason within three working days, your application may be refused.

Legal Assistance

You have the right to legal support from the Legal Aid Board (LAB), which can:
✔️ Assist in preparing your application.
✔️ Provide representation during your interview.

Decision & Next Steps

Following the substantive interview, the International Protection Office (IPO) will assess your case and make a recommendation on your application.

Although asylum applications should ideally be decided within six months, in practice, it often takes longer—sometimes several months or even years.

Possible Outcomes

✔️ If your application is successful, the Minister for Justice and Equality will issue a formal declaration of Refugee Status or Subsidiary Protection. This official document is essential and should be kept in a safe place.

✔️ If your application is refused, the Minister will review your case for leave to remain before issuing a final decision on all three applications (Refugee Status, Subsidiary Protection, and Leave to Remain).

What Happens If Your Application Is Rejected?

If your case is refused at the first instance, you have legal options:

• Judicial Review: Legal counsel can assess whether the decision can be challenged in court.
• Appeal: If a judicial review is not possible, an appeal can be filed with the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT).

During the waiting period for a decision, applicants are provided with accommodation and basic services to ensure their well-being.