Screening
This page explains what we mean by screening and what you can expect at the screening unit.
Before you are allocated to your case owner, you will have to go to our asylum screening unit either in Croydon (near London) or in Liverpool. For the addresses of screening units, see How to claim asylum. If you claimed asylum at your port of entry, you will go through a screening process similar to this before being allocated to your case owner, but it will take place at the port.
At the unit, you will be interviewed briefly - we call this part of the process 'screening'. You will be expected to produce your passport or travel document to establish your identity and nationality and to support your application. We will retain this while we make a decision on your application.
We will take your fingerprints, photograph, and any other physical identification information we think is required. This helps us to prevent fraud and multiple applications by the same person.
You will be asked some basic questions about your application. If you have children or other dependants, they should come with you so that they can be included in your application.
We will provide an interpreter if you need one. In special cases, we can provide a male or female interpreter if you prefer one of a specific gender.
At the screening unit, you will normally be given an application registration card, often known as an ARC. This shows you have made an application for asylum and contains your personal details and photograph. For more information about this, and why it is important, see Application registration card.
Terms explained
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Asylum screening unit
The asylum screening unit is a centre run by the UK Border Agency where a person is registered as an asylum applicant and begins the process of applying for asylum.
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Dependant
Someone who depends on you financially, such as a husband, wife, partner, or child.