First-tier Tribunal asylum appeals are the most common proceeding requiring immigration expert evidence. Expert reports address country conditions, persecution analysis, human rights violations, and return risk beyond the Home Office CPIN and refusal letter.
Solicitors should identify the report type required at the earliest stage — country condition, persecution, human rights, or combined instructions. Use our report types hub and network directory to route instruction to the right specialist.
Expert reports must be exchanged in accordance with tribunal directions. Standard turnaround is 2 to 3 weeks. Practice Direction 2024 default 20-page limit applies unless permission is granted for longer reports.
LAA prior authority is required for expert disbursements in legally aided cases. Confirm funding before the expert begins work. See our Legal Aid instruction guide for rate expectations and prior authority process.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What expert reports do FTT asylum appeals typically need?
Country condition reports are most common, often alongside persecution or human rights analysis. CPIN challenge and internal relocation analysis may be required depending on the refusal grounds.
How early should I instruct an expert for an FTT appeal?
As soon as the appeal is lodged and report type identified. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for standard reports and obtain LAA prior authority before work begins in legally aided cases.