What you need to know
When you are granted Leave To Remain in the UK it is important you get good information, and good advice as soon as possible.
The laws in the UK can be complicated and change a lot. It is important to use information that is trustworthy and up to date.
The best way to make sure your advice is up to date is to go to a specialist Advice Service. This might be online, or in person. But remember not all advice is good advice, or up to date advice. What worked for your friend last month might have changed.
Government offices like the Local Council (also called the Local Authority) and Job Centre Plus are reliable sources of information and advice. For example, the Council produced this Guide for New Refugees in October 2024.
Many other organisations also provide free information and advice, in particular the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).
Prepare well, before your meeting
You will save a lot of time if you are well prepared. If possible gather all of your information together in one place so that you can answer their questions easily. Full accurate names, addresses and dates are always important.
Be prepared for Advice services to offer more than just advice
When you go to a place for help they may offer several things
- Information – to help you know what your options are
- Advice – guidance to help you choose between options
- Signposting – tell you about someone else who is better at helping than they are, and tell you to go there
- Advocacy – someone to help you to ask for what you need, or to speak on your behalf
The only people who can offer advice or advocacy around legal issues or immigration matters are people who are legally qualified.
Where you need to go
In person
Leeds Council have local Community Hubs which provide information on Council services. You can visit these in person. Here is a list of them:
Some advice services can offer extra help when you first become a refugee. Refugee Employment Training Advice Service (RETAS) offers help with finding a house, and to register for Universal Credit.
Telephone RETAS: 0113 380 5630
The Citizens’ Advice Bureau provides information on money, debt, welfare benefits, housing, immigration and other legal matters.
There are many other providers of Advice in Leeds and you can find them by searching on:
By phone
You can telephone Leeds Council for help from 9am til 5pm Monday to Friday.
Telephone Leeds Council: 0113 222 4444
You can contact Leeds Citizens Advice Bureau by telephone:
Telephone Citizens Advice: 0808 2787878
What you need to take with you
- Make a list of things you want to talk about
- Take your ID and all your Information/Official Documents
Other things to think about
- Have you called ahead to check they are open?
- Do you need to make an appointment?
Do you need immigration advice?
If you are looking for immigration advice, please go to our Getting Immigration Advice section for more information.
