AVR - Gov.uk

Assisted voluntary returns (AVR)
Page 1 of 31
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
Assisted voluntary returns (AVR)
About this guidance
About this guidance
What is assisted
voluntary return?
Voluntary assisted return
and reintegration
programme
Assisted voluntary return
for irregular migrants
Assisted voluntary return
for families and children
AVR process
AVR rejection,
withdrawal or
cancellation
Background: benefits of
assisted voluntary return
Page 2 of 31
This is the guidance for assisted voluntary returns (AVR).
In this section
Changes to this
guidance
It tells you:
 what an assisted voluntary return (AVR) is
 information about the three different AVR programmes
 the procedure when an AVR application is accepted, rejected, withdrawn or cancelled.
Changes to this guidance – This page tells you what has changed since the previous
version of this guidance.
Contacts – This page tells you who to contact for help if your senior caseworker or line
manager can’t answer your question.
Information owners – This page tells you about this version of the guidance and who owns it.
Safeguard and promote child welfare – This page explains your duty to safeguard and
promote the welfare of children and tells you where to find more information.
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
Contact
Information owner
Related links
Links to staff intranet
removed
Assisted voluntary returns (AVR)
Changes to this guidance
This page lists changes to the ‘Assisted voluntary returns (AVR)’ guidance, with the most
About this guidance
recent at the top.
What is assisted
voluntary return?
Date of the change
Details of the change
Voluntary assisted return
and reintegration
2 April 2014
Change request:
programme
Assisted voluntary return
 Throughout guidance:
for irregular migrants
o applicants in immigration removal
Assisted voluntary return
centres not eligible for assisted
for families and children
voluntary return
 VARRP eligibility:
AVR process
o sub-heading ‘Eligible groups’, first
AVR rejection,
paragraph, fifth bullet point deleted
withdrawal or
o
sub-heading ‘Eligible groups’, second
cancellation
paragraph, first bullet point new
Background: benefits of
o
sub-heading ‘Ineligible groups’, first
assisted voluntary return
paragraph, fifth bullet point split to
create new sixth bullet point
o sub-heading ‘Ineligible groups’, fourth
bullet point changed
o sub-heading ‘Ineligible groups’, sixth
bullet point deleted
 VARRP assistance:
o second paragraph, third bullet point
changed
 AVRIM eligibility:
o sub-heading ‘Eligible groups’, first
paragraph, sixth bullet point deleted
o sub-heading ‘Eligible groups’, second
paragraph, first bullet point new
Page 3 of 31
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
Related links
VARRP eligibility
VARRP assistance
AVRIM eligibility
AVRIM assistance
AVRFC eligibility
AVRFC assistance
AVR process
Background: benefits of
assisted voluntary return
See also
Contact
Information owner
Links to staff intranet
removed






Page 4 of 31
o sub-heading ‘Ineligible groups’, first
paragraph, fifth bullet point split to
create new sixth bullet point
o sub-heading ‘Ineligible groups’, fourth
paragraph changed
o sub-heading ‘Ineligible groups’, sixth
paragraph deleted
AVRIM assistance:
o second paragraph, third paragraph
changed
AVRFC eligibility:
o sub-heading ‘Eligible groups’, first
paragraph, eighth bullet point deleted
o sub-heading ‘Eligible groups’, second
paragraph, first bullet point new
o sub-heading ‘Ineligible groups’, fourth
bullet point split to create new fifth
bullet point
o sub-heading ‘Ineligible groups’, fourth
paragraph changed
AVRFC assistance:
o second paragraph, third bullet point
changed
AVR process:
o sub-heading ‘The application process’,
sixth paragraph changed
o sub-heading ‘Departure’, first
paragraph changed
Background: benefits of assisted
voluntary return:
o fourth paragraph, first bullet point
changed, fifth bullet point changed
Minor housekeeping changes.
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
11 November 2013
Six month review by the modernised guidance
team:
 Minor housekeeping changes.
For previous changes to this guidance you will
find all earlier versions in the archive. See
related link: Assisted voluntary returns archive.
Page 5 of 31
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
Assisted voluntary returns (AVR)
What is assisted voluntary return?
About this guidance
What is assisted
voluntary return?
Voluntary assisted return
and reintegration
programme
Assisted voluntary return
for irregular migrants
Assisted voluntary return
for families and children
AVR process
AVR rejection,
withdrawal or
cancellation
Background: benefits of
assisted voluntary return
This page explains what assisted voluntary return (AVR) is, and lists the AVR programmes
that are available.
AVR refers to a range of programmes available to people who are in the asylum system or
who are irregular migrants, and who wish to return home permanently. This can be to their
(non-European Economic Area) country of origin or to a third country where they are
permanently admissible (country of return).
AVRs differ from voluntary departures. They are dealt with by Choices, a charity completely
independent to the Home Office, who help the applicant through each stage of the process.
For more information, see related link.
The Home Office deals with voluntary departures which are entirely separate from AVRs.
There are three general AVR programmes (for more details, see links on left):
 Voluntary assisted return and reintegration programme (VARRP)
 Assisted voluntary return for irregular migrants (AVRIM)
 Assisted voluntary return for families and children (AVRFC).
In all cases, the AVR team decides who is eligible for the AVR programmes.
Page 6 of 31
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
External links
Choices
Assisted voluntary returns (AVR)
Voluntary assisted return and reintegration programme
About this guidance
What is assisted
voluntary return?
Voluntary assisted return
and reintegration
programme
Assisted voluntary return
for irregular migrants
Assisted voluntary return
for families and children
AVR process
AVR rejection,
withdrawal or
cancellation
Background: benefits of
assisted voluntary return
This section tells you about the voluntary assisted return and reintegration programme
(VARRP).
In this section
VARRP eligibility
VARRP is the assisted voluntary return (AVR) programme for people in the asylum system
and those with related temporary status in the UK.
VARRP assistance
It is possible to apply for VARRP at any stage of the asylum process.
You must continue to consider any asylum claim while an AVR application is ongoing. If
someone wants to return home on an AVR they must not withdraw their asylum claim as this
will make them ineligible for the programmes.
All AVR returnees sign a declaration of voluntary return on application. They sign a
disclaimer withdrawing any outstanding claims, for instance asylum claims, on departure
from the UK.
For information about VARRP eligibility, and the range of assistance available for VARRP
applicants, see related links:
 VARRP eligibility
 VARRP assistance.
Page 7 of 31
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
Assisted voluntary returns (AVR)
VARRP eligibility
About this guidance
What is assisted
voluntary return?
Voluntary assisted return
and reintegration
programme
Assisted voluntary return
for irregular migrants
Assisted voluntary return
for families and children
AVR process
AVR rejection,
withdrawal or
cancellation
Background: benefits of
assisted voluntary return
Page 8 of 31
This page tells you who is eligible for the voluntary assisted return and reintegration
programme (VARRP).
Eligible groups
The programme is open to anyone (including dependants) of a person who:





has an asylum application pending
has been refused asylum and is appealing against that decision
has been refused asylum and has exhausted the appeals process
has not withdrawn their asylum application, or
has been refused asylum, but granted discretionary leave to remain in the UK outside
the Immigration Rules.
Except where:
 An application for VARRP is made by a detainee from within an immigration removal
centre.
 It is believed an application for asylum was made for the sole intent of returning under
VARRP.
 It is believed the application for VARPP is an abuse of the programme.
 Anyone included on the application form is involved in ongoing matters related to the
criminal justice system.
 A deportation order is made against anyone on the application form.
 Return arrangements for anyone included on the application form are already in place.
This may be reconsidered with the caseworker if there is a valid reason to overturn.
For example, if it is in the best interest for the Home Office business.
 Anyone included on the application form has received custodial sentences in the UK,
totalling 12 months or more, before Choices receives the application.
 The application includes a dependant not involved in the asylum application.
 Anyone included on the application form is part of a returning family group eligible for
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
In this section
VARRP assistance
the assisted voluntary return for families and children (AVRFC) scheme.
 The applicant is an unaccompanied child.
Ineligible groups
The programme is not open to those who:
 are British citizens, or nationals of Switzerland or the European Economic Area (EEA)
states
 have been granted humanitarian protection, indefinite leave to remain and/or refugee
status
 have never sought asylum in the UK
 have permission to enter or remain in the UK for non-asylum or non-humanitarian
reasons, for example as a student, spouse or visitor
 are immigration detainees
 have removal directions set at any time during their current case
 are convicted offenders subject to deportation orders
 have been convicted of a serious immigration offence, for example, facilitation and/or
people trafficking, or
 have indicated their only reason for leaving is to change their immigration status to reenter the UK.
In each individual case, applications are received and screened by Choices. The final
decision about suitability of applications for the programme rests with the assisted voluntary
returns (AVR) team.
Also, the majority of individuals who have already participated in an AVR programme are
excluded from taking part a second time if they return to the UK. However, an application
from a previous participant will be carefully considered, taking all relevant factors into
consideration. Relevant factors may include a significant change in the country situation, a
new basis of asylum claim, and previous participation in AVR as a dependant.
Only two AVR applications are normally considered for each applicant. No application will be
considered from a detained applicant. Anyone who cancels or withdraws their application or
does not leave within three months of approval on two occasions will no longer be eligible
Page 9 of 31
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
for the programmes.
A third application will be considered on production of evidence to support exceptional
reasons why departure through AVR has not taken place. This applies to applications made
for any AVR programme. In each case the decision about consideration of a third AVR
application rests with the AVR team.
The eligibility criteria may be altered on a case-by-case basis to meet the business needs of
the Home Office, but this requires assistant director (grade 7) authority.
Page 10 of 31
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
Assisted voluntary returns (AVR)
VARRP assistance
About this guidance
What is assisted
voluntary return?
Voluntary assisted return
and reintegration
programme
Assisted voluntary return
for irregular migrants
Assisted voluntary return
for families and children
AVR process
AVR rejection,
withdrawal or
cancellation
Background: benefits of
assisted voluntary return
This page tells you the assistance available for those who return under the voluntary
assisted return and reintegration programme (VARRP).
Choices will:





help the applicant get travel documentation, if needed
arrange and pay for flights
arrange transport to the UK departure airport, if needed
give assistance at the departure airport, and
arrange onward transport, if needed, when back in the country of origin or the third
country to which a person is permanently admissible (country of return).
Those who return under VARRP are eligible for up to £1,500 worth of reintegration
assistance for each person, including a £500 relocation grant in cash on departure for
immediate resettlement needs.
Once home, a range of reintegration assistance options are available, tailored to the
returnee’s individual needs. This assistance is to help returnees to make an income and
become financially independent. To take up this part of the reintegration assistance,
returnees must contact Choices within one month of their return. All reintegration assistance
is supplied within the first six months of return.
Reintegration assistance can be used for any of the following:






Page 11 of 31
business set-up
education
vocational training
job placement
housing (temporary accommodation or for repair work)
childcare fees, or
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
In this section
VARRP eligibility
 medical and psychosocial support.
Page 12 of 31
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
Assisted voluntary returns (AVR)
Assisted voluntary return for irregular migrants
About this guidance
What is assisted
voluntary return?
Voluntary assisted return
and reintegration
programme
Assisted voluntary return
for irregular migrants
Assisted voluntary return
for families and children
AVR process
AVR rejection,
withdrawal or
cancellation
Background: benefits of
assisted voluntary return
Page 13 of 31
This section tells you about the assisted voluntary return for irregular migrants (AVRIM)
programme.
In this section
AVRIM eligibility
AVRIM is the assisted voluntary return (AVR) programme for people who are in the UK
illegally and wish to return to their home country.
AVRIM assistance
For information about AVRIM eligibility, and the range of assistance available for AVRIM
applicants, see related links:
 AVRIM eligibility
 AVRIM assistance.
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
Assisted voluntary returns (AVR)
AVRIM eligibility
About this guidance
What is assisted
voluntary return?
Voluntary assisted return
and reintegration
programme
Assisted voluntary return
for irregular migrants
Assisted voluntary return
for families and children
AVR process
AVR rejection,
withdrawal or
cancellation
Background: benefits of
assisted voluntary return
Page 14 of 31
This page tells you who is eligible for the assisted voluntary return for irregular migrants
(AVRIM) programme.
Eligible groups
The programme is open to anyone (including dependants) of a person, who:




has been accepted by the Home Office as a victim of trafficking
has entered the UK illegally, having been smuggled from abroad
has otherwise entered the UK illegally
has been granted conditional leave to enter or to remain, but breached one or more
conditions of that leave, or
 has not applied for asylum but has been granted discretionary leave to remain in the
UK outside the Immigration Rules.
Except where:
 An application for AVRIM is made by a detainee from within an immigration removal
centre.
 Anyone included on the application form is involved in ongoing matters related to the
criminal justice system.
 It is believed the application for AVRIM is an abuse of the programme.
 A deportation order has been made against anyone included on the application form.
 Return arrangements for anyone included on the application form are already in place.
This may be reconsidered with the caseworker if there is a valid reason to overturn.
For example, if it is in the best interest for the Home Office business.
 Anyone included on the application form has received custodial sentences in the UK,
totalling 12 months or more, before Choices receives the application.
 Anyone included on the application form is part of a returning family group eligible for
the assisted voluntary return for families and children (AVRFC) programme.
 The applicant is an unaccompanied child.
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
In this section
AVRIM assistance
Ineligible groups
The programme is not open to those who:
 are British citizens, or nationals of Switzerland or the European Economic Area (EEA)
states
 have been granted humanitarian protection, indefinite leave to remain and/or refugee
status
 have sought asylum in the UK and has not withdrawn the application, or left the UK
since that application
 have permission to enter or remain in the UK for non-asylum or non-humanitarian
reasons, for example as a student, spouse or visitor, and has breached any conditions
of that leave
 are immigration detainees
 have removal directions set at any time during their current case
 are convicted offenders subject to a deportation order
 have been convicted of a serious immigration offence, for example, facilitation and/or
people trafficking
 has chosen to withdraw their extant leave to make a return through the programme, or
 have indicated their only reason for leaving is to change their immigration status to reenter the UK.
In each individual case, applications are received and screened by Choices. The final
decision on suitability for the programme rests with the assisted voluntary returns (AVR)
team.
Also, the majority of individuals who have already participated in an AVR programme are
excluded from taking part a second time if they return to the UK. Each application from a
previous participant is carefully considered, taking all relevant factors into consideration.
Relevant factors include a significant change in the country situation, or previous
participation in AVR as a dependant.
Only two AVR applications are normally considered for each applicant. No application will be
considered from a detained applicant. Anyone who cancels or withdraws their application or
Page 15 of 31
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
does not leave within three months of approval on two occasions will no longer be eligible
for the programmes.
A third application will be considered on production of evidence to support exceptional
reasons why departure through AVR has not taken place. This applies to applications made
for any AVR programme. In each case the decision about consideration of a third AVR
application rests with the AVR team.
The eligibility criteria may be altered on a case-by-case basis to meet the business needs of
the Home Office, but this requires assistant director (grade 7) authority.
Page 16 of 31
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
Assisted voluntary returns (AVR)
AVRIM assistance
About this guidance
What is assisted
voluntary return?
Voluntary assisted return
and reintegration
programme
Assisted voluntary return
for irregular migrants
Assisted voluntary return
for families and children
AVR process
AVR rejection,
withdrawal or
cancellation
Background: benefits of
assisted voluntary return
This page tells you the assistance available to anyone who returns under the assisted
voluntary return for irregular migrants (AVRIM) programme.
Choices will:





help the applicant get travel documentation, if needed
arrange and pay for flights
arrange transport to the UK departure airport, if needed
give assistance at the departure airport, and
arrange onward transport, if needed, when back in the country of origin or the third
country to which a person is permanently admissible (country of return).
AVRIM reintegration assistance
Up to £1,000 cash grant is available to particularly vulnerable applicants. For example
applicants:
 who have been subject to torture, rape or other serious forms of psychological,
physical or sexual violence
 suffering with a terminal illness, or
 who have a serious medical condition and have had, for example, a stroke and/or heart
attack.
All requests require evidence from a medical professional before the application can be
considered. The evidence must be sent to the assisted voluntary returns (AVR) team as
consideration and final approval rests with them.
Page 17 of 31
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
In this section
AVRIM eligibility
Assisted voluntary returns (AVR)
Assisted voluntary return for families and children
About this guidance
What is assisted
voluntary return?
Voluntary assisted return
and reintegration
programme
Assisted voluntary return
for irregular migrants
Assisted voluntary return
for families and children
AVR process
AVR rejection,
withdrawal or
cancellation
Background: benefits of
assisted voluntary return
This section tells you about the assisted voluntary return for families and children (AVRFC)
programme.
In this section
AVRFC eligibility
Family groups made up of a maximum of two adult parents or legal guardians and at least
one child, under 18, qualify for AVRFC. Unaccompanied children, under 18, also qualify for
AVRFC.
AVRFC assistance
If a family group includes any other adults they may apply for the voluntary assisted return
and reintegration programme (VARRP) or assisted voluntary return for irregular migrants
(AVRIM) programme.
As all AVRFC applications include children, the assisted voluntary return (AVR) team make
checks with the applicant’s local social services department and the Children and Families
Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS). The AVR team deals with applications
involving children in line with the statutory duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of
children. For more information on safeguarding children, see related link: Safeguard and
promote child welfare.
For information about AVRFC eligibility, and the range of assistance available for AVRFC
applicants, see related links:
 AVRFC eligibility
 AVRFC assistance.
Page 18 of 31
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
Related links
Links to staff intranet
removed
Assisted voluntary returns (AVR)
AVRFC eligibility
About this guidance
What is assisted
voluntary return?
Voluntary assisted return
and reintegration
programme
Assisted voluntary return
for irregular migrants
Assisted voluntary return
for families and children
AVR process
AVR rejection,
withdrawal or
cancellation
Background: benefits of
assisted voluntary return
This page tells you about eligibility for the assisted voluntary return for families and children
(AVRFC) programme.
In this section
AVRFC assistance
Eligible groups
The programme is open to family groups comprising of a maximum of two adult parents or
legal guardians and at least one child (under 18), and from unaccompanied children (under
18) who:
Related links
Links to staff intranet
removed






have an asylum application pending
have been refused asylum and are appealing against that decision
have been refused asylum and have exhausted the appeals process
have entered the UK illegally, having been smuggled from abroad
have otherwise entered the UK illegally
have been granted conditional leave to enter or to remain, but have breached one or
more conditions of that leave
 have been refused asylum, but granted discretionary leave to remain in the UK outside
the Immigration Rules, or
 come under any of the above categories when anyone included on the application form
was accepted by the Home Office as a victim of trafficking.
Except where:
 An application for AVRFC is made by a detainee from within an immigration removal
centre.
 Anyone included on the application form is involved in ongoing matters related to the
criminal justice system, and/or a deportation order was made against anyone included
on the application form. This is unless the parent or legal guardian has been accepted
under the facilitated returns scheme (FRS). In these circumstances, decided on a case
by case basis, the parent will depart under an FRS package and the child under
AVRFC.
Page 19 of 31
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
 It is believed by the assisted voluntary returns (AVR) team that the application for
AVRFC is an abuse of the programme.
 Return arrangements for anyone included on the application form are already in place.
This may be reconsidered in conjunction with the caseworker if there is a valid reason
to overturn the decision. For example if it is in the best interest for the Home Office
business to assist return rather than enforce removal.
 Anyone included on the application form has received custodial sentences in the UK,
totalling 12 months or more, before Choices receives the application.
Ineligible groups
The programme is not open to those who:
 are British citizens, or nationals of Switzerland or the European Economic Area (EEA)
states
 have been granted humanitarian protection, indefinite leave to remain and/or refugee
status
 have permission to enter or remain in the UK for non-asylum or non-humanitarian
reasons, for example as a student, spouse or visitor and have not breached any
conditions of that leave
 are immigration detainees
 have removal directions set at any time during their current case
 are convicted offenders subject to deportation orders
 have been convicted of a serious immigration offence, for example, facilitation and/or
people trafficking
 have chosen to withdraw their extant leave to make a return through the programme,
or
 have indicated their only reason for leaving is to change their immigration status to reenter the UK.
In each individual case, applications are received and screened by Choices. The final
decision on suitability of the applicant for AVRFC rests with the AVR team.
Also, the majority of individuals who have already participated in an AVR programme are
excluded from taking part a second time if they return to the UK. Each application from a
Page 20 of 31
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
previous participant is carefully considered, taking all relevant factors into consideration.
Relevant factors may include a significant change in the country situation, a new basis of
asylum claim, and previous participation in AVR as a dependant.
Only two AVR applications are normally considered for each applicant. Anyone who cancels
or withdraws their application or does not leave within three months of approval on two
occasions will no longer be eligible for the programmes.
A third application will be considered on production of evidence to support exceptional
reasons why departure through AVR has not taken place. This applies to applications made
for any AVR programme. In each case the decision about consideration of a third AVR
application rests with the AVR team.
The eligibility criteria may be altered on a case-by-case basis to meet the business needs of
the Home Office, but this requires assistant director (grade 7) authority.
Page 21 of 31
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
Assisted voluntary returns (AVR)
AVRFC assistance
About this guidance
What is assisted
voluntary return?
Voluntary assisted return
and reintegration
programme
Assisted voluntary return
for irregular migrants
Assisted voluntary return
for families and children
AVR process
AVR rejection,
withdrawal or
cancellation
Background: benefits of
assisted voluntary return
This page tells you the assistance available for anyone who returns under the assisted
voluntary return for families and children (AVRFC) programme.
In this section
AVRFC eligibility
Choices will:
Related links
Links to staff intranet
removed





help the applicant get travel documentation, if needed
arrange and pay for flights
arrange transport to the UK departure airport, if needed
give assistance at the departure airport, and
arrange onward transport, if needed, when back in the country of origin or the third
country to which a person is permanently admissible (country of return).
Those who return under AVRFC are eligible for up to £2,000 worth of reintegration
assistance per person, including a £500 relocation grant in cash on departure for immediate
resettlement needs.
Once home, a range of reintegration assistance options are available, tailored to the
returnee’s individual needs. This assistance is to help returnees make an income and
become financially independent. To take up this part of the reintegration assistance,
returnees must contact Choices within one month of their return. All reintegration assistance
is supplied within the first six months of return.
Reintegration assistance can be used for any of the following:






Page 22 of 31
business set-up
education
vocational training
job placement
housing (temporary accommodation or for repair work)
childcare fees, or
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
 medical and psychosocial support.
Page 23 of 31
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
Assisted voluntary returns (AVR)
AVR process
About this guidance
What is assisted
voluntary return?
Voluntary assisted return
and reintegration
programme
Assisted voluntary return
for irregular migrants
Assisted voluntary return
for families and children
AVR process
AVR rejection,
withdrawal or
cancellation
Background: benefits of
assisted voluntary return
This page tells you about the assisted voluntary return (AVR) process.
Initial contact
Those interested in returning on an AVR programme must contact Choices on their free
phone number 0808 800 0007. For more information see related link: Choices.
The application process
Once the applicant has decided to return, they must fill in the appropriate form and sign a
declaration of voluntary return. All applications must be sent to Choices.
Choices send completed application forms to the AVR team to check eligibility and they
enter applications on CID and complete a variety of checks to confirm applicants are eligible
for the programme applied for.
All applicants must be checked against the Police National Computer (PNC).
Applicants for the assisted voluntary return for irregular migrants (AVRIM) programme must
give their fingerprints. You may also ask some applicants for the voluntary assisted return
and reintegration programme (VARRP) and assisted voluntary return for families and
children (AVRFC) programme to give their fingerprints.
As all AVRFC applications include children, you must make checks with the applicant’s local
social services department and the Children and Families Court Advisory and Support
Service (CAFCASS). This is in line with your duty to carry out any functions for safeguarding
and promoting the welfare of children. For more information see related link: Safeguard and
promote child welfare.
You must approve or reject the application and inform Choices of the decision. You must
update CID at the same time. Successful applicants have up to three months to depart the
UK.
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Related links
Links to staff intranet
removed
External links
Choices
Impact on enforcement removal actions
Home Office staff must stop all enforcement removal actions when an applicant applies for
AVR. The date of AVR application is the date on which it was received by Choices and not
the AVR team. Consequently, there may be a one to three day delay in the application
information being put on CID.
When removal directions are set after the application date for AVR, and provided the AVR
team can approve the application, Home Office staff must cancel the removal directions to
allow the person to leave voluntarily.
When live removal directions are set before the application date for AVR, the AVR team will
reject the application. There are no circumstances where an AVR application will delay,
postpone or interfere with a scheduled enforced removal.
If you come across an AVR applicant with a live application during an enforcement
operation, you must contact the AVR team in office hours. The presumption must be that the
Home Office will allow the applicant to make an AVR, but if there is information that may
change an applicant’s eligibility you must immediately tell the AVR team through the AVR
duty inbox (see related link). The AVR team will decide if AVR can continue and note CID.
Home Office staff must always release any documentation requested by the AVR team, for
example, passports or identity cards, to positively identify the applicant and facilitate return.
If an individual applies for AVR and has previously started a judicial review, their return
should not be deferred.
Documentation
Choices start to provide the support needed by applicants for their return when the Home
Office approves an AVR application. They help returnees get travel documentation, liaising
with embassies, high commissions and the Home Office when necessary.
Departure
Choices arrange and pay for the international flight. They arrange transport to the departure
airport if needed and meet returnees at the airport to help them through the departure
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Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
process.
All AVR returnees must sign a disclaimer withdrawing any outstanding applications on
departure for:
 asylum-based applications, this is an IS.101PA
 non-asylum applications, this is an IS.101.
Support in the country of return
Choices are working to allow the meeting of returnees when they arrive in their country of
origin or the third country to which they are permanently admissible (country of return),
arranging onward domestic transport if needed. Delivery of reintegration assistance in the
country of return will start, if applicable and if requested by the returnee.
Case closure
Restricted – not for disclosure – start of section
The information in this page has been removed as it is restricted for internal Home Office
use only.
Restricted – not for disclosure – end of section
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Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
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Assisted voluntary returns (AVR)
AVR rejection, withdrawal or cancellation
About this guidance
What is assisted
voluntary return?
Voluntary assisted return
and reintegration
programme
Assisted voluntary return
for irregular migrants
Assisted voluntary return
for families and children
AVR process
AVR rejection,
withdrawal or
cancellation
Background: benefits of
assisted voluntary return
This page tells you about the circumstances when an assisted voluntary return (AVR)
application is rejected, withdrawn or cancelled.
Related links
VARRP eligibility
The AVR team will reject an AVR application if the applicant is not eligible for the
programme. For more information about eligibility for the AVR programmes, see related
links:
AVRIM eligibility
 VARRP eligibility
 AVRIM eligibility
 AVRFC eligibility.
Links to staff intranet
removed
An applicant can withdraw from an AVR programme at any time before departure. The AVR
team inform the immigration compliance and engagement (ICE) team (formerly known as
local immigration team (LIT)) who must reconsider enforcement action and the potential for
the applicant receiving section 4 support. For more information on section 4 support, see
related link.
The AVR team will cancel an AVR application if:
 the applicant fails to travel within three months of approval date for their application,
and there is no valid reason for not travelling within this time
 contact between the applicant and Choices is lost within the three months allowed for
departure, or
 a change in the applicant’s circumstances makes them ineligible for the AVR
programme they applied for.
The AVR team and Choices keep each other informed about all rejected, withdrawn and
cancelled cases.
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Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
AVRFC eligibility
Valid from 2 April 2014
Assisted voluntary returns (AVR)
Background: benefits of assisted voluntary return
About this guidance
What is assisted
voluntary return?
Voluntary assisted return
and reintegration
programme
Assisted voluntary return
for irregular migrants
Assisted voluntary return
for families and children
AVR process
AVR rejection,
withdrawal or
cancellation
Background: benefits of
assisted voluntary return
Page 28 of 31
This page explains the benefits of assisted voluntary return (AVR) for the applicant.
You can use the information on this page to explain the benefits of AVR to potential and
current applicants.
Restricted – do not disclose – start of section
The information in this page has been removed as it is restricted for internal Home Office
use only.
Restricted – do not disclose – end of section
An AVR offers the applicant:
 Help all the way home. Choices arrange flight tickets and can help get travel
documentation. They also arrange transport to the departure airport, and transport
from the arrival airport in the country of origin or a third country to which a returnee is
permanently admissible (country of return), if needed.
 A dignified return. Travel is on normal commercial flights as an ordinary passenger,
without being escorted by Home Office staff.
 A more sustainable return. Choices give reintegration assistance in the country of
return to those that qualify. This assistance can help the returnee to become financially
independent through:
o business set-up
o education
o vocational training, or
o job placements.
 Information and choice. Choices keep applicants fully informed about the process and
options available.
 Control over their return. AVR is entirely voluntary and applicants can have up to three
months in which to get their affairs in order before their return.
 A confidential service. Choices treat all enquiries in the strictest confidence. They will
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
not communicate details of an applicant’s immigration status or asylum claim in the UK
to the government in the country of return.
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Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
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Assisted voluntary returns (AVR)
Contact
About this guidance
What is assisted
voluntary return?
Voluntary assisted return
and reintegration
programme
Assisted voluntary return
for irregular migrants
Assisted voluntary return
for families and children
AVR process
AVR rejection,
withdrawal or
cancellation
Background: benefits of
assisted voluntary return
This page explains who to contact for more help with a specific assisted voluntary return
(AVR) case.
If you have read this guidance and still need more help with an AVR case, you must first ask
your senior caseworker or line manager.
Restricted – do not disclose – start of section
The information in this page has been removed as it is restricted for internal Home Office
use only.
Restricted – do not disclose – end of section
While an AVR application is ongoing, applicants must contact Choices on 0808 800 0007 if
they wish to talk about their case. However, caseworkers must not contact Choices directly
about individual cases.
Changes to this guidance can only be made by the modernised guidance team (MGT). If
you think the policy content needs amending you must contact the AVR team, who will ask
the MGT to update the guidance, if appropriate.
The MGT will accept direct feedback on broken links, missing information or the format, style
and navigability of this guidance. You can send these using the link: Email: Modernised
guidance team.
Page 30 of 31
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Valid from 2 April 2014
Related links
Changes to this
guidance
Information owner
Links to staff intranet
removed
Assisted voluntary returns (AVR)
Information owner
About this guidance
What is assisted
voluntary return?
Voluntary assisted return
and reintegration
programme
Assisted voluntary return
for irregular migrants
Assisted voluntary return
for families and children
AVR process
AVR rejection,
withdrawal or
cancellation
Background: benefits of
assisted voluntary return
This page tells you about this version of the ‘Assisted voluntary returns (AVR)’ guidance,
and who owns it.
Version
Valid from date
Policy owner
Cleared by director
Director’s role
Clearance date
This version approved for
publication by
Approver’s role
Approval date
10.0
2 April 2014
Assisted voluntary return (AVR) team
Hugh Ind
Director, compliance and returns
31 March 2014
Naomi Hatton
Director, operational policy and rules
1 April 2014
Changes to this guidance can only be made by the modernised guidance team (MGT). If
you think the policy content needs amending you must contact the AVR team, see related
link, who will ask the MGT to update the guidance, if appropriate.
The MGT will accept direct feedback on broken links, missing information or the format, style
and navigability of this guidance. You can send these using the link: Email: Modernised
guidance team.
Page 31 of 31
Guidance – Assisted voluntary returns – version 10.0
Valid from 2 April 2014
Related links
Changes to this
guidance
Contact
Links to staff intranet
removed

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