Request your personal
information and immigration
records held by the Home Office
23 February 2022
If you want to see the personal information about you that is held on the Home Office’s immigration records, you can make a request to access this data. This is known as a Subject Access Request.
Processing Subject Access Requests is expensive for the UK taxpayer, therefore you should be as clear as you can about what information you require in order to get the best service.
It should be noted that the Home Office is unable to provide immigration status documents. If you want to check someone’s immigration status online, you can use this service if you have their share code. There are different online services to check someone’s right to work and right to rent.
All other personal information held in the government’s borders, immigration and citizenship system can be obtained using a Subject Access Request. There are three types of request you can make:
- Basic
- Specific
- Detailed
All types of request are free of charge. If multiple requests are submitted for the same person, the first request received will be treated as your sole application. You will receive a response within one month of your supporting documents being received by the Home Office.
Below, we explore the three types of Subject Access Request you can make, what you will receive from each, and how to submit a request to the Home Office.
Basic request
This is the most common type of request submitted, and most people find that a basic request provides them with all the personal information they need. With a basic request, you can ask for a copy of:
- An electronic summary of your immigration history
- Landing cards the Home Office holds electronically
- Visa applications you submitted from outside the UK (as part of entry clearance)
- Workers Registration Scheme (WRS) information if you are a national of Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia
- Entry and exit into and out of the UK. Your travel history can be provided for the past 5 years if a passport or travel document is submitted for this period.
Specific request
This type of request allows you to ask for more specific information if you need to. When submitting a specific request, you should clearly describe which documents you need. You can request copies of up to 5 single documents, for example:
- A list of your applications
- A particular decision letter
- The outcome of an appeal (appeal determination)
- A particular detention progress report
- A deportation order
- A particular interview record.
If you need more information that the single documents in the above list, you will need to submit a detailed request.
Detailed request
As expected, a detailed request is the most comprehensive form of Subject Access Request you can make. This allows you to request a copy of your Home Office paper file.
When you make a detailed request, you will initially be sent an electronic summary of your immigration information (as with a basic application). This gives most people the information they need.
However, this option also allows you to request further information from your Home Office paper file if the electronic data did not fulfil your request. Refining your request to state clearly what paper records you need will help your application.
How to make a request
The easiest way to request access to your personal information held by the Home Office is to use the online application form.
Using the online form will reduce the time it takes to receive a response to your request. Data subjects may make a request to access their personal data in other formats which will also be accepted by the Home Office, but the online form is designed to speed up the process.
Submitting evidence
When submitting a Subject Access Request, you will also need to provide evidence to show that the person making the request has permission to do so. In addition to answering the questions about you in the application form, you will also need to submit the following evidence to confirm your identity:
- A good quality, colour copy of your photo identification such as a passport or travel document, driving licence, national identity card or biometric residence card. If none of these options are available, you will need to send a recent photograph. The Home Office will match your photograph against their systems to ensure they are sending personal information to the right person.
- A letter to give permission for your records to be sent to you or your representative. This can be a short letter or statement and must include confirmation that you give permission for your records to be sent to you or a third party representative applying on your behalf, your signature and the date within the last 6 months.
- Proof of your relationship, if you are applying for a child under 12. This evidence can include a birth certificate or proof of parental responsibility. Additionally, if you are applying on behalf of someone because you have the power of attorney, or are a litigation friend, you must provide evidence of this.
You will be advised where you need to email your evidence in your application form. Your application will not be accepted until the Home Office has received these documents, and it will be automatically rejected if you do not send them within 15 days of making your application.
Where can I get help?
If you would like more information on making a Subject Access Request or if you need help filling in your form, you can contact the Home Office by email on subjectaccessrequests@homeoffice.gov.uk.
Submitting the request itself via email is not advised as this may delay your application if the Home Office has to seek further information to verify your identity. You should instead use the online form to submit the request.
If you have a general immigration query, our qualified immigration advisors at Smith Stone Walters are on hand to assist. You can contact us on 0208 461 6660 or email info@smithstonewalters.com.
Share story
