How we can help you plan your future and get support
If you're from outside the UK and separated from your parents or carer, there's 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 Luton.
When you're 18 and over
When you're 18 years old and over, your level of care and support depends on your immigration status.
Types of immigration status
Find out about some of the main types of immigration status. The Home Office make decisions about your immigration status, but we can support you through this process.
There are many types of immigration status. The most common you'll hear about are:
- refugee status
- indefinite leave to remain
- discretionary leave
Find out more about visas and immigration on GOV.UK.
Refugee status
You can receive refugee status if the Home Office recognises you as a refugee. See the definition in the Refugee Convention.
A person given refugee status is usually granted leave to remain in the UK for five years.
At the end of this five years, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Indefinite leave to remain
Indefinite leave to remain is how you settle in the UK. It’s also called ‘settlement’.
It gives you the right to:
- live, work and study here for as long as you like
- apply for benefits if you’re eligible
- apply for British citizenship
Check to see if you can get indefinite leave to remain on GOV.UK.
Discretionary leave
This means the Home Office has decided you cannot receive refugee status or humanitarian protection. But, there are other strong reasons why you need to temporarily stay in the UK.
If all your immigration appeal rights have been used
We'll do an assessment to decide whether removing your leaving care support would breach your human rights.
Find out about human rights on the Citizen’s Advice website.
Finding missing family
Find information about family tracing. We'lll help you trace family members who might be living in the UK.
To trace family members in another country, we'll help you get support from organisations such as the British Red Cross.
How we plan for your future
We'll 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 Luton.
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'll lose access to public funds and housing services.
If this happens, your personal advisor will then help you with 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
You can receive medical treatment through the National Health Service (NHS) if you're:
- a child in care
- under 21 years old and in education
If you do not have status and have used up your appeal rights, you'll be entitled to free primary NHS healthcare, such as the GP, dentists, opticians, pharmacist and optometrists.
But, you'll be required to pay for most types of secondary and community NHS healthcare, unless the treatment you need is exempt from charging.
Read this migrant health guide on the NHS website.
Study and work
We'll 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: