Deportation from the UK – What You Need to Know (As of July 2025)

What Is Deportation?

Deportation means being forced to leave the UK for the public good. It usually happens after someone who is not a British citizen has been convicted of a crime and has served a prison sentence.

When Can the UK Deport You?

You may face deportation if:

You are sentenced to more than 12 months in prison.

You committed a crime that caused serious harm, even if your sentence is shorter.

You are a repeat offender who shows disregard for UK laws, even if no single sentence was over 12 months.

What If You Have Family in the UK?

If a deportation order is made against you, your spouse, partner or children may also be deported — unless they:

Are British citizens

Have Indefinite Leave to Remain

Or are already living separately from you

Sentences Over 4 Years

If you were sentenced to 4 years or more, the Home Office assumes you should be deported. You would need very strong reasons to stop deportation, like serious family hardship.

Sentences Between 12 Months and 4 Years

If you were sentenced to between 12 months and 4 years, the Home Office may still deport you — especially if your crime caused serious harm.

What Counts as “Serious Harm”?

A court case confirmed that:

There must be proof you actually caused harm.

Harm doesn’t have to be to a specific person — but there must be evidence of real impact.

Each case is looked at individually.

Family and Human Rights Exceptions

You might avoid deportation if removing you would breach your human rights, especially the right to family and private life (Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights).

The court may stop deportation if:

You have a child under 18 who is British or has lived in the UK for at least 7 years

You have a real relationship with your child

It would be unduly harsh for the child to live without you or move abroad

Or if:

You have a real and stable relationship with a partner who is British or has Indefinite Leave to Remain

You were in the UK legally when the relationship began

It would be unduly harsh for your partner to live without you or move abroad

You also need to show:

You have lived in the UK most of your life

You are part of UK society and culture

You would face serious problems adjusting to life in the country you are being sent to

Appealing a Deportation Order

There is no automatic right to appeal a deportation order. But you may appeal if deportation would breach your human rights, especially under Article 8 or Article 3 (if returning would put your life at risk or cause serious harm).

You should respond to the ‘one stop notice’ (a legal notice from the Home Office) with all reasons why you believe you must stay in the UK.

If you delay or fail to explain your reasons at that point, the Home Office can reject your claim without giving you the right to appeal.

Final Advice

Deportation is a serious and long-lasting issue that can affect you and your family deeply. If you have received a deportation order, seek legal help immediately to protect your rights.