BAMF Interview - what asylum seekers need to know

BAMF interview - why this appointment can decide your asylum case

The interview at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, known in Germany as the BAMF, is one of the most important appointments in the entire asylum procedure. In many cases, this interview determines whether protection is granted or whether the asylum application is later rejected.

Many asylum seekers underestimate this appointment. They think it is only about briefly telling their story again. In reality, the BAMF interview is the central moment in which reasons for flight, persecution, risks in the country of origin, personal circumstances and possible deportation bans must be presented fully and clearly.

Anyone who goes into the interview unprepared risks contradictions, gaps, misunderstandings or an incomplete record. These points can later be used against the applicant.

"The BAMF interview is not a normal conversation. It is the central moment of the asylum procedure. Anyone who speaks unprepared often loses opportunities that are difficult to recover later."

— Tom Beisel, Attorney at Law (Germany)

Attorney Tom Beisel assists asylum seekers with preparation for the BAMF interview, problems with the interview record, rejection of the asylum application and lawsuits before the administrative court.

What is the BAMF interview?

The BAMF interview is the personal meeting in which the asylum applicant explains the reasons for seeking protection. The Federal Office wants to know why the person left their country of origin, what happened there and what would happen if they returned.

The interview is not only about general political or economic problems in the country of origin. What matters is the personal situation:

• →Who is persecuting you?
• →Why are you personally being persecuted?
• →What exactly happened?
• →When did it happen?
• →Where did it happen?
• →Who was involved?
• →Did you seek protection from the police or state authorities?
• →Why could you not stay in your country of origin?
• →What exactly would happen to you if you returned?

The BAMF uses the interview to assess whether grounds for protection exist. These may include asylum, refugee status, subsidiary protection or national deportation bans.

Why the interview is so important

In asylum proceedings, there is often little written evidence. In many cases, there are no official documents, no police reports, no judgments, no medical records and no witness statements from the country of origin.

That is why the personal account is especially important. The BAMF examines whether the statement is credible, understandable, consistent and individual.

Problems arise if the interview later appears to be:

• →too general
• →contradictory
• →exaggerated later
• →incomplete
• →memorised
• →not personal enough
• →unclear in time sequence
• →not connected to the applicant personally
• →inconsistent with country information

This is why preparation is crucial. Not to invent a story, but to tell the real story in an organised, complete and understandable way.

The most important rule: truth, completeness and clarity

Nothing should be invented in the interview. False statements can damage the entire asylum procedure and may also affect later immigration options.

At the same time, it is not enough to say only generally: "I had problems" or "It was dangerous." The BAMF needs concrete facts.

A strong statement means:

• →remain truthful
• →do not add invented details
• →do not hide important facts
• →explain the timeline as clearly as possible
• →name people and places where possible
• →explain your personal involvement
• →openly explain uncertainties
• →do not artificially fill memory gaps
• →address misunderstandings immediately

What you should prepare before the interview

Good preparation should not start only the day before the appointment. Anyone who has never gone through their story in an organised way may become nervous during the interview, jump back and forth in time or forget important points.

It is useful to write down in advance:

• →personal data
• →place of origin
• →family situation
• →religious, political or ethnic background
• →professional background
• →previous problems with authorities, police, military or groups
• →specific incidents before fleeing
• →threats, violence, arrests or mistreatment
• →escape route
• →reasons why protection in the country of origin was not possible
• →reasons why safe return is not possible
• →special medical or family circumstances
• →existing documents and evidence

This preparation does not replace the interview. But it helps to organise the story mentally and avoid forgetting essential points.

What questions does the BAMF ask?

The questions can vary greatly depending on country of origin, reason for flight and personal situation. However, typical questions concern:

• →identity and origin
• →family and place of residence
• →education and profession
• →religion, ethnicity or political beliefs
• →travel route to Germany
• →stay in other countries
• →previous asylum applications
• →concrete reasons for flight
• →individual incidents in the country of origin
• →state protection in the country of origin
• →risk upon return
• →health situation
• →special vulnerability

For important points, the BAMF often asks several follow-up questions. This is not automatically a bad sign. The authority often tries to clarify details or identify contradictions.

It is important to remain calm and answer the question precisely. If you need to explain more, say so clearly.

Typical mistakes in the BAMF interview

Many mistakes do not happen because of bad intentions, but because of fear, shame, poor interpretation or lack of preparation.

Typical mistakes include:

• →answering too briefly
• →speaking only generally about the situation in the country of origin
• →not describing specific personal incidents
• →hiding important details because of shame
• →contradictions about the travel route or earlier statements
• →giving exact dates although you are unsure
• →not addressing interpreter problems
• →not checking the record carefully
• →not requesting corrections or additions
• →signing the record although something was recorded incorrectly
• →presenting new reasons only after rejection

Interpreter during the interview

An interpreter is usually present during the interview. The translation is crucial. If the interpretation is incorrect, incomplete or difficult to understand, this can affect the entire case.

You should say something immediately if:

• →you do not understand the interpreter well
• →the dialect does not fit
• →the interpreter summarises instead of translating fully
• →your answer is translated differently
• →you cannot speak freely
• →you feel uncomfortable because of the interpreter's gender, origin or behaviour
• →you have the impression that important details are being lost

Such problems should be expressly included in the record.

The interview record

At the end of the interview, the written record becomes especially important. Your statements are recorded and translated back to you. You then have the opportunity to correct mistakes or add information.

Take this part seriously. Many later rejections are based on alleged contradictions or gaps in the interview record.

Check carefully:

• →Was everything essential included?
• →Are dates, places and names correct?
• →Were important incidents fully recorded?
• →Were threats, violence or persecution described correctly?
• →Were corrections included?
• →Were problems with interpreter or understanding noted?
• →Are crucial explanations missing?

Do not sign lightly if you believe that the record is incorrect or incomplete.

Special vulnerability

Some asylum seekers require special protection or special consideration during the interview. This may apply, for example, to:

• →minors
• →single women
• →victims of sexual violence
• →victims of torture
• →traumatised persons
• →seriously ill persons
• →persons with disabilities
• →queer persons
• →victims of human trafficking
• →persons particularly at risk for religious or political reasons

In such cases, it should be checked early whether special needs must be raised. This may include a specially trained interviewer, a specific gender of the interviewer or additional support.

Especially in cases involving traumatic experiences, preparation is important. Many affected persons cannot immediately explain what happened in a structured way. This should not automatically be used against them.

Political persecution

In cases of political persecution, it must become clear why the state, security forces, militias, parties or other groups are targeting the specific person.

Important details include:

• →What political activity took place?
• →Were there demonstrations, publications, memberships or support?
• →Was the person observed, threatened, arrested or injured?
• →Were there summonses, arrest warrants or searches?
• →Were family members affected?
• →Why would return be dangerous?
• →Is there evidence, photos, messages or documents?

General criticism of the government is not always enough. The decisive question is whether individual persecution or a concrete risk upon return can be made credible.

Religious persecution and conversion

In cases involving religious persecution or conversion, the BAMF often examines the facts very closely. It is not only about formal religious membership, but also about personal conviction and the danger upon return.

Important points may include:

• →previous religion
• →time of turning to a new religion
• →personal reasons for conversion
• →baptism or contact with a religious community
• →religious practice
• →reactions of family, society or authorities
• →risk upon return
• →previous threats or attacks

Again, the statement must be personal and understandable. Memorised general sentences usually do not help.

Persecution because of sexual orientation or gender identity

Protection claims based on sexual orientation or gender identity require particular sensitivity. Many affected persons do not speak openly about these topics because of fear, shame or previous experiences.

It is important to explain the personal risk concretely:

• →How does the person live their identity?
• →Were there threats, violence or blackmail?
• →How do family, society or authorities react?
• →Is there criminalisation or state persecution in the country of origin?
• →Why is hiding not a reasonable solution?
• →What risk exists upon return?

Anyone who has such reasons should not remain silent out of fear. If these reasons are raised only late, the procedure may become more difficult.

Illness and deportation bans

Illnesses may also play a role in the asylum procedure. The issue is not automatically whether someone is ill, but whether there is a serious concrete danger in the country of origin.

Important points include:

• →exact diagnosis
• →current medical documents
• →need for treatment
• →medication
• →consequences if treatment is interrupted
• →treatment options in the country of origin
• →accessibility and affordability of treatment
• →special risks upon return

Medical reasons should not only be stated orally. Where possible, meaningful medical documents should be submitted.

Family and children in the interview

If spouses, children or other relatives are affected, it must be checked carefully who has which individual reasons.

Important questions are:

• →Does each person have their own reasons for protection?
• →Are children themselves at risk?
• →Is there a risk of forced recruitment, forced marriage or domestic violence?
• →Is there gender-specific persecution?
• →Are there special medical or psychological burdens?
• →Are there family members in the country of origin who could provide protection or who are themselves at risk?

Families should not artificially make their stories identical. It is normal that different people experienced different things or remember events differently.

What happens if you do not attend the interview?

The interview must be taken seriously. Anyone who does not attend without a sufficient reason risks serious disadvantages in the procedure.

If there is an important reason, such as illness, this must be communicated immediately and proven. A medical certificate should be as specific as possible and explain why attendance is impossible.

It is not advisable to simply ignore the appointment. If you cannot attend, you should seek advice early and document the situation properly.

Should a lawyer be contacted before the interview?

Legal preparation is useful, especially in difficult or sensitive cases. This does not mean that the lawyer invents a story. That would be wrong.

Legal preparation means:

• →organising the facts
• →identifying legally relevant points
• →discussing gaps and risks
• →checking documents
• →preparing sensitive topics
• →explaining interpreter and record problems
• →preparing for typical questions
• →clarifying which documents should be submitted

The goal is that the applicant can tell their own story fully, truthfully and understandably.

What to do after the interview?

After the interview, you should not simply wait if mistakes or gaps become apparent.

Useful steps include:

• →secure the interview record
• →check its content
• →note mistakes
• →submit missing documents
• →add medical evidence
• →document new developments
• →keep your address updated
• →open BAMF letters immediately
• →check deadlines immediately if there is a rejection

In rejection cases, deadlines are often short. Anyone who reacts too late may lose important legal options.

If the asylum application is rejected

A rejection is not automatically the end. Depending on the type of rejection, a lawsuit and in certain cases an urgent application to the administrative court may be possible.

It is essential to check quickly:

• →When was the decision served?
• →What type of rejection is it?
• →Is there a deportation warning?
• →What deadline is stated in the decision?
• →Is an urgent application necessary?
• →What mistakes does the decision contain?
• →Was the interview evaluated correctly?
• →Were evidence or protection reasons overlooked?

Typical legal options and next steps

Depending on the case, a lawyer can examine:

• →preparation for the interview
• →structuring the reasons for flight
• →checking existing documents
• →submitting evidence
• →statement to the BAMF
• →correction or addition after the interview
• →review of the interview record
• →lawsuit against rejection
• →urgent application against deportation
• →review of deportation bans
• →subsequent asylum application if new reasons exist
• →alternative immigration options

The goal is not to artificially prolong the procedure. The goal is to ensure that decisive facts are presented fully, on time and in a legally usable way.

Common mistakes you should avoid

Many mistakes in the asylum procedure can be avoided.

Particularly dangerous mistakes are:

• →going to the interview unprepared
• →speaking only generally about the situation in the country of origin
• →leaving out personal experiences
• →giving false dates
• →not mentioning interpreter problems
• →not checking the record
• →not submitting important documents
• →presenting new reasons only after rejection
• →missing deadlines after a decision
• →not keeping your address updated
• →not opening mail
• →giving up without legal advice

The interview has long-term effects. What is said or not said there often shapes the entire further procedure.

What you should do now

If you have received an invitation to a BAMF interview or your asylum procedure must be prepared:

• →take the appointment seriously
• →prepare your reasons for flight in an organised way
• →write down important dates and events
• →collect documents
• →secure medical documents
• →address interpreter problems immediately
• →check the record carefully
• →invent nothing
• →hide nothing important
• →seek legal advice in time

The better the interview is prepared, the more likely it is that the BAMF can fully understand your situation.

FAQ - BAMF interview

What is the BAMF interview?

The BAMF interview is the personal meeting in the asylum procedure in which the applicant explains the reasons for flight and the danger upon return. It is one of the most important appointments in the entire procedure.

Do I have to tell everything during the BAMF interview?

Yes. All important reasons should be presented fully and truthfully. Later additions may become more difficult, especially if they concern decisive points.

Is there an interpreter?

Usually, an interpreter is used. If you do not understand the interpreter or the translation is wrong, you should say so immediately and have it included in the record.

Can I write down my story beforehand?

Yes. Written preparation can help organise dates, places and events. During the interview, however, you should speak truthfully and in your own words.

What happens if I forgot something?

If you notice after the interview that something important is missing or was recorded incorrectly, it should be checked quickly whether a correction or addition is possible and useful.

Can a lawyer help with preparation?

Yes. A lawyer can help organise the facts, identify legally important points, prepare documents and avoid typical mistakes.

What should I do if the asylum application is rejected after the interview?

The decision, date of service, deadline, type of rejection and possible lawsuit or urgent application must be checked immediately. In asylum law, deadlines can be very short.

Contact - lawyer for BAMF interview and asylum procedure

Have you received an invitation to a BAMF interview? Are you unsure how to prepare your reasons for flight? Has your asylum application already been rejected?

Attorney Tom Beisel assists with preparation for the interview, review of the interview record, additional submissions, court proceedings and urgent questions in the asylum procedure.

• →Mobile: +49 172 8974716
• →Office: 0201 4517 380
• →Email: kanzlei@rechtsanwalt-beisel.de
• →Address: Bredeneyer Str. 2b, 45133 Essen

Asylum law representation in German, English and Russian - clear, personal and nationwide.