What you can access depending on your immigration status

How we can help you plan your future and get support.

If you are from outside the UK and separated from your parents or carer, there is support available for you. Help available is different depending on your age.

When you're under 18

When you are under 18, you'll have access to the same support as any other child in care in Essex.

When you're 18 and over

When are 18 years old your level of care and support depends on your immigration status.

How we plan for your future

We will plan with you for three possible outcomes. This means:

  • helping you plan for a future in the UK if you receive some form of leave to remain
  • supporting you while you wait for a decision
  • helping you make a backup plan if you do not receive leave to remain in the UK and have tried all appeals

Accommodation

We'll make sure you have somewhere suitable and safe to stay.

Depending on your immigration status, you may be able to access the housing needs register in Essex.

If you lose your immigration status

If you move into local authority or housing association accommodation at 18, then do not get the status you need, you will lose access to public funds and housing services.

If this happens, your personal advisor will then assist you in the next steps.

Healthcare

We'll make sure you get: 

  • healthcare and emotional support 
  • an interpreter if you need it
  • respect for your dietary, cultural and religious needs

Who can use UK health services

If you are:

  • a child in care
  • under 21 years old and in education

You can receive medical treatment through the National Health Service (NHS).

If you do not have status and have used up your appeal rights, you will be entitled to free primary NHS healthcare, such as the GP, dentists, opticians, pharmacist and optometrists.

But, you will be required to pay for most types of secondary and community NHS healthcare, unless the treatment you need is exempt from charging.

Read a migrant health guide on the NHS website.

Study and work

We will provide you with education, training and employment opportunities. This includes developing your written and spoken English.

The help we can give you can depend on your immigration status. 

Organisations who can help separated migrant young people

There are many organisations who can offer you help no matter what your status, such as:

Refugee council

Red Cross

Young Roots

The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants