How long does the International Protection Process take?

Please be aware that the times stated on this page are estimates and should only be viewed as indicative.

First Instance Decision

The median processing time for first-instance decisions in 2025 is 14 months.

For those subject to the accelerated procedure it has been four months.

This is from the day you apply for International Protection to the day you receive your decision which follows the substantive interview.

How long will the IPAT appeal take?

In June 2024, it took on average 8.5 months to receive a decision from the International Protection Appeal Tribunal (IPAT).

What can I do if my case is delayed? 

If you are experiencing a significant delay, we recommend you seek the assistance of a lawyer and ask them to contact the IPO on your behalf. For information on legal aid see here. However please be aware that, ultimately, the power to schedule interviews and grant decisions rest with the International Protection Office/ International Protection Appeals Tribunal; your lawyer can advocate for you, but cannot control processing times. This is from the day you apply for asylum and receive the blue card, to the day you receive your decision which follows the substantive (big) interview.This was reduced to 7 weeks for accelerated cases.  

How long will the IPAT appeal take?

In June 2024, it took on average 8.5 months to receive a decision from the International Protection Appeal Tribunal (IPAT).

What can I do if my case is delayed? 

If you are experiencing a significant delay, we recommend you seek the assistance of a lawyer and ask them to contact the IPO on your behalf. For information on legal aid see here. However please be aware that, ultimately, the power to schedule interviews and grant decisions rest with the International Protection Office/ International Protection Appeals Tribunal; your lawyer can advocate for you, but cannot control processing times.