Hello and welcome to note 13 of 15! In the last note, we showed you examples of questions you might be asked in an asylum interview. In this note, we will explain what the next step is - asylum decision. You can do this!

Asylum decision is basically the outcome of your asylum application - whether you have been granted asylum or not.

Traditionally, the immigration office should inform you about the status of your application within six months of your substantive interview.

But, it could take longer if the officials need to verify your supporting documents and evidence.

The outcome of any asylum application can be YES or NO.

If the decision is yes, it means your asylum request has been granted - either as a refugee or under Humanitarian Protection.

You may be granted asylum for one to five years, depending upon the country you’re applying to. In UK, a refugee status is valid for five years. In Netherlands, you may be given an endless residence permit after living as a refugee for three years.

In some countries, you can also apply for residence permit after your refugee status is over, or nearly over.

Your rights as a refugee also vary from country to country. While some countries may give you an allowance, some may allow you to work, some might not receive any benefits. Please double check with your lawyer/caseworker for more clarity on this.

But, do not forget - If your asylum application is approved - you have succeeded!

If your asylum application has not been approved, there is a way to appeal, which we will discuss in the next lesson.

REMEMBER: It can take a minimum of six months to get a response on your application.

ACTION: Look up your rights as a refugee in the country you have applied for asylum.

NEXT: Let’s look at appealing after receiving a rejection.

And don’t forget: You are valuable. You are powerful. You can do this!

The Soul Medicine team.