The First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) is an independent Tribunal dealing with appeals against decisions made by the Home Secretary and her officials in immigration, asylum and nationality matters.

The main types of appeal we receive are made against decisions to:

• Refuse a person asylum in the UK.
• Refuse a person entry to, or leave to remain in, the UK.
• Deport someone already in the UK.

Appeals are heard by one or more Judges who are sometimes accompanied by non legal members of the Tribunal. Judges and non legal members are appointed by the Lord Chancellor and together form an independent judicial body.

Fees are payable on many Immigration and Asylum Appeals.

Immigration and Appeals Tribunal fees guidance

We hear appeals in a number of hearing centres across the United Kingdom. Where the appeal is being decided at an oral hearing, the person making the appeal (the appellant), their representative and a representative from the Home Office can attend.

The Judge (or panel) will decide whether the appeal against the decision of the Home Office should be allowed or dismissed. This will be provided in writing and is called a 'determination'.

In certain circumstances, either the appellant or respondent may apply for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal.