Urgent detention and bail guidance. England and Wales.
Legal Aid for Immigration Detention
Detention cases can move fast. If you or a family member is detained, or removal may be approaching, speak to a solicitor urgently. We connect you with solicitors who can explain Legal Aid eligibility and options.
This page provides general information only. A solicitor will advise based on the facts and documents.
If removal may be imminent
If you have been told removal is planned, or there are urgent deadlines, seek legal advice immediately. Time limits can be extremely short and urgent action may be needed.
What this page covers
Immigration detention cases often involve urgent decisions and paperwork. This page is a practical overview of common steps and what to prepare.
- What detention means and what to do first
- Immigration bail basics
- Documents and key dates to gather
- How Legal Aid may apply
- How to help if a family member is detained
- Next steps and how to get connected to a solicitor
Immediate steps that often help
You do not need perfect information to get started. But clear basics can speed up advice.
- 1) Confirm where the person is detained (if possible) and any scheduled dates.
- 2) Gather key documents and decision letters (even photos are helpful).
- 3) Get legal advice quickly and do not miss deadlines.
Immigration bail, explained
Immigration bail may allow a person to be released with conditions. Conditions can be strict and vary case by case. A solicitor can advise on whether bail is appropriate, timing, and what evidence may help.
Common bail conditions
Reporting requirements, residence rules, travel restrictions, or other conditions depending on risk factors.
What can strengthen a bail application
Clear address details, community ties, medical information where relevant, and a realistic plan for compliance.
What to prepare before you speak to a solicitor
If you can provide these, it helps a solicitor assess urgency and options faster.
- Identity details: full name, date of birth, nationality
- Detention details: where detained (if known), date detention started
- Key letters: decision letters, removal directions, bail paperwork (if any)
- Deadlines: hearing dates, reporting dates, removal dates (if stated)
- Health or vulnerability: anything relevant to risk or wellbeing
- Address support: proposed address on release (if applicable)
How Legal Aid may apply
Legal Aid may be available for detention-related matters depending on circumstances. A solicitor can assess eligibility and explain what applies.
Eligibility checks
A solicitor may ask for basic details and documents. If you do not have everything, provide what you can and explain what is missing.
If Legal Aid is not available
A solicitor can discuss alternative funding routes and what limited steps may still be possible quickly.
Next steps
- 1) Tell us who is detained and where (if known), plus any key dates.
- 2) Share any letters or paperwork you have.
- 3) We connect you with a solicitor to discuss eligibility and urgent options.
FAQs
Can I get Legal Aid for immigration detention cases?
Legal Aid may be available for certain immigration matters including detention-related work. A solicitor can assess your circumstances and explain eligibility and next steps.
What is immigration bail?
Immigration bail is a process that may allow someone to be released from detention with conditions. A solicitor can advise whether it is appropriate and how to apply.
What if removal is imminent?
If you believe removal is imminent, seek urgent legal advice. Deadlines can be extremely short and urgent applications may be needed.
Can you help if a family member is detained?
Yes. You can submit an enquiry on their behalf. Provide their full name, date of birth, where they are detained (if known), and any key dates or documents.
Do you guarantee Legal Aid or release from detention?
No. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and solicitor assessment. Outcomes depend on the facts, risk factors, and decisions by the relevant authority or tribunal.