Guidance

Section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 leave (accessible)

Updated 2 December 2024

About this guidance

This guidance tells Home Office staff about how to process section 67 leave for those transferred to the UK under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016. It also provides guidance on how to assess asylum claims for those who choose to claim asylum.

Contacts

If you have any questions about the guidance and your line manager or senior caseworker cannot help you or you think that the guidance has factual errors then email Asylum Policy.

If you notice any formatting errors in this guidance (broken links, spelling mistakes and so on) or have any comments about the layout or navigability of the guidance then you can email the Guidance Rules and Forms team.

Publication

Below is information on when this version of the guidance was published:

• version 5.0
• published for Home Office staff on 29 November 2024

Changes from last version of this guidance

This guidance has been updated to indicate that references in paragraphs 352ZG to 352ZS of the Immigration Rules to a residence permit shall include biometric immigration documents such as an eVisa, and to set out the policy on handling cases where there is an impending prosecution.

Introduction

Purpose of instruction

This guidance is for Home Office staff and decision makers who deal with applications for section 67 leave from those transferred to the UK under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016. It also provides guidance on how to deal with asylum claims for those who also choose to claim asylum.

Although intended for Home Office staff it is a public document and parts of it may be useful to others working with unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) - for instance, staff in children’s services departments of local authorities, and NGO staff dealing with unaccompanied children.

An asylum claim can be made by or on behalf of a child in their own right and must only be processed by a decision maker who has received appropriate training for that role.

This guidance must be read in conjunction with the guidance on Children’s asylum claims, and the specific guidance on particular sections. For instance:

• section 55
• assessing credibility and refugee status
• humanitarian protection
• discretionary leave
• curtailment
• families
• family tracing
• assessing age
• working together to safeguard children
• victims of modern slavery
• identifying people at risk (enforcement)
• UASC National Transfer Protocol

Child welfare issues are covered in:

• Interviewing children
• Advice, support and welfare for asylum seeking children
• Modern slavery

Training for Home Office staff dealing with children

The Home Office takes its responsibility towards children very seriously. All staff dealing with asylum claims from children must have completed the following training:

• foundation training programme (FTP)
• tier 1 Keeping Children Safe – e-learning
• tier 3 Keeping Children Safe – classroom-based safeguarding and asylum specific

Staff must be aware that other agencies are involved in the welfare of the child. Whilst the Secretary of State for the Home Department remains the decision maker with regard to the asylum claim and with regard to immigration status, Home Office staff are expected to liaise with other agencies and organisations both from the public and private sectors to ensure that the welfare of the child is safeguarded at all stages of the immigration process. The role of other agencies may include providing factual information that will assist in safeguarding the child. Agencies with whom it is permissible to disclose personal information on the child and to what extent are specified within this asylum instruction.

Policy intention

Section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 states:

Unaccompanied refugee children: relocation and support

1. The Secretary of State must, as soon as possible after the passing of this Act, make arrangements to relocate to the United Kingdom and support a specified number of unaccompanied refugee children from other countries in Europe.

2. The number of children to be resettled under subsection (1) shall be determined by the Government in consultation with local authorities.

3. The relocation of children under subsection (1) shall be in addition to the resettlement of children under the Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme.

The policy is intended to allow the government to deliver on its statutory obligation to ‘relocate’ and ‘support’ all those transferred under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016. In accordance with paragraph 352ZHA of the Immigration Rules, children transferred from the 1 October 2019 under section 67 will now be entitled to section 67 leave upon arrival in the UK. Children who transferred before the 1 October 2019 and are currently having their asylum claim assessed will also be able to apply for section 67 leave. A total period of 5 years’ continuous leave with recourse to public funds will be granted under the policy unless the exclusion criteria apply. Following 5 years’ continuous residence under paragraph 352ZL as a main applicant or 352ZM as a dependant, authorised by residence permit issued under paragraph 352ZI, 352ZJ, 339QA or 339QB for a continuous period of 5 years in the UK, and assuming their leave in the UK has not been revoked under paragraph 352ZK, those transferred under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 will be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain. References in paragraphs 352ZG to 352ZS of the Immigration Rules to a residence permit shall include biometric immigration documents such as an eVisa.

Official – sensitive: start of section

The information in this section has been removed as it is restricted for internal Home Office use.

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Immigration Rules: section 67 leave

Section 67 leave

Before the 1 October 2019, those transferred under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 claimed asylum once transferred from a participating state. If their claim was successful, they received refugee status. If the individual’s asylum claim was unsuccessful, they would receive section 67 leave.

From the 1 October 2019, those transferred to the UK under section 67 will be granted section 67 leave shortly after arrival and upon receipt of a short application. This grant of leave provides certainty and reassurance to those children transferred from the outset of their arrival to the UK. This does not prevent the child from claiming asylum should they wish to do so. If they chose to do so, they will still retain their section 67 leave whilst their claim for asylum is considered.

Where section 67 leave is granted to an individual on the understanding that they are a child at the time of their transfer and information subsequently comes to light that suggests they were an adult at the time of their arrival and grant of section 67 leave, action should be taken to satisfactorily establish the individual’s age. If the local authority has raised concerns about the individual’s claimed age, then any information provided by the local authority, such as a Merton compliant age assessment must be taken into account and given appropriate weight, in accordance with the Assessing age guidance.

In cases where the Home Office transferred an individual on the understanding they were a child but later accepts that the individual was an adult at the time of their transfer and grant of section 67 leave, consideration must be given to whether it is appropriate to curtail that leave in accordance with the Immigration Rules. The appropriate action to be taken in such cases will depend on the individual circumstances of the case, which should be referred to a senior manager.

Those who transferred under section 67 before 1 October 2019 will be contacted by the Home Office explaining the options available to them.

Asylum

The child still has the right to make a claim for asylum if they wish to do so. If the claim is not lodged at the port of arrival the child can still claim asylum by contacting the Asylum Intake Unit on 0300 123 4193.

Relevant legislation and legal framework

The legal framework for processing asylum claims from unaccompanied children consists of the UK’s international obligations and the safeguarding and welfare provisions that are found in legislation and the Immigration Rules.

Immigration Rules

When considering an asylum claim under the Immigration Rules part 11: asylum see paragraphs 326A to 352H.

The provisions relating to children transferred to the UK under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 are set out under paragraph 352ZH to 352ZS of the Immigration Rules.

Also refer to the Immigration Rules part 9: grounds for refusal, for the refusal of entry clearance, leave to enter or variation of leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom (paragraphs A320 to 324).

The Refugee Convention

The 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol (the ‘Refugee Convention’) are the primary sources of the framework for international refugee protection.

The 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNHCR) is an international treaty which sets out the rights of the children. The UK signed the convention on 19 April 1990 and it came into force on 15 January 1992.

The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and Human Rights Act 1998

Under section 6(1) of the Human Rights Act 1998 a public authority is bound to act in a way which is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Child specific provisions in domestic legislation

Section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016

Section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 requires the Secretary of State to make arrangements to relocate to the United Kingdom and support a specified number of unaccompanied refugee children from other countries in Europe. Following consultation with local authorities, the Government set the specified number of children to be transferred under section 67 at 480.

Section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009

Section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 requires the Secretary of State to make arrangements for ensuring that immigration, asylum and nationality functions are discharged having regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children who are in the UK. It came into force on 2 November 2009 and is how the UK gives effect to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in immigration matters that affect children.

The main ways in which the Home Office gives effect to this are:

• staff must be alert to potential indicators of abuse or neglect, be alert to risks which abusers may pose to children, and be ready and able to share relevant information with other public bodies with a responsibility towards children in order to safeguard a child
• staff who have face to face contact with children must be able to conduct their work in a child sensitive manner, and staff with roles involving regular contact with children, such as interviewing children, must receive appropriate training for their role

Children Act 1989

Local authorities in England have a duty under sections 17 and 20 of the Children Act 1989. Similar duties are placed on local authorities in Scotland under sections 22 and 25 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995. The equivalent duties of Welsh local authorities are set out in parts 3, 4 and 6 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. In Northern Ireland the duties of Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland are set out in articles 18 and 21 of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995.

Asylum Seekers (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2005

To protect the best interests of the child, the Home Office has a duty under regulation 6 of the Asylum Seekers (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2005 (the 2005 regulations) to endeavour to trace the families of unaccompanied asylum seeking children as soon as possible after a claim for asylum is made.

Staff must also ensure they are familiar with the obligation to trace family.

Section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 leave

A child should be granted section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 leave (section 67 leave) under paragraph 352ZH of the Immigration Rules unless the exclusion criteria apply. See Exclusions under paragraph 352ZP of the Immigration Rules.

Dependants

A dependent child of a person granted section 67 leave under paragraph 352ZO will be granted leave to enter or remain for the same duration as that person (‘leave in line’) provided that the requirements of paragraph 352ZH (except for (ii)); and 352ZM (iv) are met. A child means a child who is under 18 years of age and for whom the person has parental responsibility.

Appeal rights and administrative review

Applicants for asylum and humanitarian protection continue to carry the right of appeal under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002. However, refusal to grant limited or indefinite leave under s.67 leave is not an appealable decision and cannot be considered for an administrative review. Those who wish to challenge such a decision will need to apply for Judicial Review. The guidance on Asylum appeals provides guidance on rights of appeal arising from decisions made on asylum cases.

Conditions for section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 leave

A total period of 5 years’ continuous leave will be granted with recourse to public funds and permission to work and study in the UK provided that they meet the residency requirements. The Immigration Health Surcharge is not applicable to cases considered under this policy. After 5 years’ continuous leave authorised by a residence permit issued under paragraph 352ZI, 352ZJ, 339QA or 339QB for a continuous period of 5 years in the UK they will also be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain under part 11 of the Immigration Rules under paragraph 352ZL.

Applicants also need to satisfy the three years’ residency test for student finance.

Family reunion

A person granted limited leave under this policy is not eligible to sponsor a person to enter the UK because this is not a protection based leave.

Travel documents

Eligibility for a Travel Document will depend on the status granted to the applicant. See: Apply for a Home Office travel document.

Related external links

Asylum Seekers (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2005

Children Act 1989

Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014

Children (Scotland) Act 1995

Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995

How to assess asylum claims from those transferred under section 67

This section provides guidance on how you assess an asylum claim from a person transferred to the UK under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016.

Children transferred under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 must be granted the status and leave that they are entitled to in accordance with the relevant Immigration Rules.

Decision making principles

Processing the asylum claim when the applicant is still under 18

This section must be read in conjunction with the relevant sections of Children’s asylum claims. In addition, the following must be taken into account:

• children’s claims must be considered within the framework set out at paragraphs 349 to 352FI of the Immigration Rules and any other policy commitments made on children
• where a child meets the requirements for refugee status or humanitarian protection, the appropriate leave must be granted - the provisions relating to the consideration of asylum claims are set out in Part 11 of the Immigration Rules
• the underlying factors that would affect a child’s account in terms of detail, consistency, evidence, would be dependent on factors such as age, education, maturity, gender, the standing of the child’s family in the community, their general life experience, trauma experienced and the cultural expectations and attributes of children in their country of origin
• the credibility of the claim taking into account any additional relevant child specific factors
• where relevant, be proactive in pursuit and consideration of objective factors and information relating to the child’s claim
• Country of Origin Information (COI) must be obtained and referred to including child specific sections where available
• where there are clear discrepancies in an account given by a child, consider the ability of a child to be able to clarify these discrepancies and how far these should be pursued
• complex cases must be discussed with an appropriately qualified senior caseworker or Technical Specialist

Processing the asylum claim when the applicant is now 18 or over

If the child’s 18th birthday passes before a substantive asylum interview has been conducted, they are legally an adult. However, staff must follow best practice for children’s cases. The child should be interviewed by a decision maker who has completed the appropriate training for handling children’s asylum claims and be given an opportunity to discuss the statement of evidence form (SEF) as it may refer to issues that are child specific. The decision maker should also be trained in handling children’s cases. However, the asylum decision will be made in line with adult claims.

Where the applicant has since admitted to being an adult, or evidence confirms the applicant as an adult, at the point of claiming asylum, the application should be assessed as an adult claim.

Best interests consideration

Refer to: Processing children’s asylum claims.

Refugee status

Children must be granted the status and leave that they are entitled to in accordance with the relevant Immigration Rules. A child who fulfils the Refugee Convention criteria is a refugee and should be granted refugee status under paragraph 334 of the Immigration Rules unless the exclusion criteria apply. See Exclusion under Article 1F and Article 33(2) guidance.

For children, any decision about immigration status that follows non-recognition of a protection claim based on the Refugee Convention must include consideration of the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child.

In cases where the child is found to be a refugee it will usually be clear that their best interests are served by remaining in the UK. You must ensure that local authorities are aware of the outcome, so that social workers can ensure that the child’s pathway plan reflects the likelihood of long-term residency. There may be some cases where because the child has siblings or other family who are settled in a third country and would like to be reunited with these relatives, it is in the child’s best interests to join them. You must discuss with social workers the possibility for the child to be relocated. For further information, including the length of leave to grant, see drafting, implementing and serving asylum decisions.

Staff may also want to be aware of the UNHCR publication Guidelines on international protection which contains the UNHCR’s guidance on interpreting some of the terms used in the Refugee Convention and related international instruments.

Humanitarian protection

When a child does not qualify for refugee status, you must next consider whether they qualify for a grant of humanitarian protection (HP). As with a grant of asylum, a decision to grant HP will normally be in keeping with a duty to take account of the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child. As part of granting HP you must liaise with the child’s local authority social worker. See the asylum instruction on humanitarian protection.

Section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 leave

Where the child does not qualify for refugee status or humanitarian protection, decision makers must next consider whether the child qualifies for a grant of section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 leave if he/she has not already been granted this leave.

Serving the decision

Refer to Children’s asylum claims for serving the decision.

Implementing a decision to grant leave

For those arriving in the UK under section 67 after 30 September 2019, if they decide to claim asylum, and where a decision is made to grant the child refugee leave, you must update the child’s social worker, where they have one, to ensure that they are able to take this into account in their pathway plan for the child.

For a child who is transferred to the UK under section 67 and granted refugee leave, humanitarian protection or section 67 leave for a period of 5 years, the pathway plan will most likely reflect the provisions of the Children Act 1989 as amended by the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000. The Act places a responsibility on local authorities to support care leavers until they reach the age of 21 or beyond if they remain in an approved programme of education or training.

The agreed pathway plan will include the assessed or identified needs, identified timescales, action plan to meet these needs and the responsible person which assist the child to make the transition from care to the responsibilities of adulthood. It must be flexible and regularly updated. These matters will all be handled by the local authority.

The decision letter

Where an asylum claim has been refused, you should clearly explain within the reasons for refusal letter how this decision has taken in to account the section 55 duty. For further guidance on drafting reasons for refusal letters, refer to the Assessing credibility and refugee status asylum instruction.

Applications for indefinite leave to remain for those transferred under section 67

This section provides guidance on how caseworkers should process applications for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) for those who were transferred to the UK under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016.

Those who were transferred under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 are eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years of Section 67 leave authorised by a residence permit issued under paragraph 352ZI, 352ZJ, 339QA or 339QB within part 11 of the Immigration Rules for a continuous period of 5 years in the UK.

Those seeking indefinite leave to remain under this route should use the SET (P) (Settlement Protection) form to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

A person applying for indefinite leave to remain on the basis of Section 67 leave is exempt from paying a fee as set out in Table 9, section 9.15 of schedule 2 of The Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018.

Applicants using the SET (P) form should specify they are applying as recipients of section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 leave.

The requirements for indefinite leave to remain for a person granted Section 67 leave are set out in part 11 of the Immigration Rules.

Under paragraph 352ZL of the Rules, a person may apply for indefinite leave to remain under paragraph 352ZN where:

• they have been granted Section 67 leave; or
• they transferred to the UK under Section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 and, having been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection, that person has had their status ended or refused under either paragraph 339A or paragraph 339G of the Immigration Rules following a review.

Under Paragraph 352ZM of the Rules the requirements for indefinite leave to remain for a person described in paragraph 352ZL are that:

• each of the requirements of paragraph 352ZH continue to be met;
• the person has held a residence permit issued under paragraph 352ZI, 352ZJ, 339QA or 339QB for a continuous period of 5 years in the UK;
• the person’s residence permit has not been revoked; and
• the person has not in the view of the Secretary of State, at the date on which the application has been decided, demonstrated the undesirability of granting settlement in the United Kingdom in light of his or her conduct (including convictions which do not fall within paragraphs 339R(iii)(a-e)), character or associations or the fact that he or she represents a threat to national security.

Indefinite leave to remain for a person granted Section 67 leave

Under paragraph 352ZN of the Rules Indefinite leave to remain will, on application, be granted to a person described in paragraph 352ZL where each of the requirements in paragraph 352ZM is met.

The Immigration Rules also make provision for Dependant children of a person transferred to the UK under Section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016.

Under Paragraph 352ZO of the Immigration Rules the dependent child of a person granted leave to remain under paragraph 352ZH or 352ZN, will be granted leave to enter or remain for the same duration as that person (“leave in line”) provided that the requirements of paragraph 352ZH (except for (ii)); and 352ZM (iv) are met. For the purposes of this paragraph, a dependent child means a child who is under 18 years of age and for whom the person has parental responsibility.

Indefinite leave to remain cases where there are criminal charges pending

Where an applicant is subject to criminal prosecution and successful prosecution could mean that they do not meet the suitability criteria for an application for indefinite leave to remain under paragraph 352ZL, you must keep the application on hold pending the outcome of the prosecution. Where you are holding the application for the conclusion of criminal prosecutions, you must write to the applicant to inform them that their application will not be decided until the criminal proceedings are completed.