I have received a letter from an authority – what do I do?

A letter from an authority can feel stressful, especially if the language is difficult. Here is a simple order to go through. The guide applies to letters in general – for decisions in your asylum case the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) or your representative is the right contact.

Step by step

1. Open and read the letter as soon as you can. Do not put it aside.
2. Find out who sent it. The sender is usually at the top: for example the Migration Agency, the Tax Agency (Skatteverket), the Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan), the Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen), Region Uppsala (a call to healthcare) or Uppsala municipality.
3. Find what the sender wants you to do. Is it a summons to a meeting, a request for more information or a decision?
4. Look for dates and a last day to reply. Write them in a calendar. If you cannot reply in time, contact the sender before the date has passed.
5. Note the case or reference number. It makes things easier when you contact the authority. If you have an application card from the Migration Agency your case number is under the photo.
6. Keep the letter and all attachments. Take a photo as a copy.
7. Ask for help if you do not understand. See below.

How to contact the sender

Use the phone number or email address in the letter, or the contact options on the authority’s website. Say immediately that you need an interpreter and which language you speak. Under section 13 of the Administrative Procedure Act an authority must use an interpreter when needed so that you can safeguard your rights. Read more in the guide How do I get help from an interpreter?

Help understanding letters in Uppsala

• Vägvisaren helps you understand letters, notices and information and shows where you can go. The staff can book an interpreter.
• The Red Cross Samhällsguiden helps with contacts with authorities, understanding letters and filling in applications, in a conversation with a volunteer. It is free and an interpreter can be arranged. They cannot give legal help in migration cases.

Both are described with contact details further down and on the authority contacts page.

If the letter is a decision

A decision is something different from an ordinary summons. The Migration Agency sends decisions by post. The decision says whether it can be appealed and how to do so, and how long you have. Read that part carefully and act in time. For help with the case itself, turn to your case officer at the authority or, if you have one, your representative. The Migration Agency contacts your representative instead of you if you have one.

Read your post regularly – and report a new address

If you have applied for asylum and move you must tell the Migration Agency your new address. Otherwise important letters cannot reach you.

Do not send sensitive documents to the association

The Kurdish Friendship Association cannot read or assess letters about your own case. Do not send asylum documents, personal identity numbers or medical records through our contact form. Turn instead to the right authority, Vägvisaren or Samhällsguiden.