Guidance and instructions
This section provides details of the policy and guidance that our staff follow. We publish this information as part of our commitment to freedom of information. There are a few documents that we classify as restricted - this means that they contain sensitive information. In these circumstances we remove the sensitive information from the document or, on some occasions, we do not make the document available.
For policy guidance about applications under the points-bases system, see the 'Applying' page for the relevant tier and category in the Working in the UK and Studying in the UK sections.
Asylum policy instructions
The asylum policy instructions are the Government's policy on asylum. They are followed by our asylum case owners.
Asylum process guidance
This section provides guidance for our asylum team case owners who are handling asylum applications through the integrated end-to-end case management process.
Asylum support policy bulletins
These policy bulletins describe how we interpret the current legislation as operational processes and procedures. For information on section 4 support, see Asylum process guidance.
Border force operational manuals
This section provides guidance and information for officers who are dealing with passengers at the UK borders.
Country specific asylum policy
Operational guidance notes (OGN) provide a brief summary of the general, political and human rights situation in the country and describe common types of claim. Country policy bulletins are issued on an ad hoc basis and aim to provide clear guidance on how to deal with particular country-specific issues arising in asylum and human rights applications.
European casework instructions
These instructions contain guidance and information for case workers dealing with European applications under the Free Movement of Persons Directive (2004/38/EC).
Immigration directorate instructions
This page lists the chapters of the immigration directorate instructions or 'IDI'. These are internal guidance for our staff on the handling of applications.
Nationality instructions
This page lists the chapters of the nationality instructions. This guidance is used by our staff when deciding applications for citizenship.
Enforcement Instructions and Guidance
This manual contains guidance and information for officers dealing with immigration enforcement within the United Kingdom.
Working in the UK casework instructions
These instructions contain guidance and information for caseworkers dealing with work permit and other applications.
Contact management
Contact management is the means by which we maintain contact with asylum applicants and other applicants throughout the application process.
Travel expenses
This page explains our policy on paying travel expenses to help people adhere to their reporting restrictions under certain circumstances.
Non-compliance with the biometric registration regulations
This page explains our policy on non-compliance with the biometric registration regulations.