Being held far from home can make a prison sentence significantly harder. Family visits become expensive and infrequent, and maintaining the relationships that sustain you becomes a logistical struggle. The good news is that prison transfers are possible, though they are never guaranteed.
Why Prisoners Request Transfers
The most common reasons prisoners apply for transfers include:
The Prison Service does not consider personal preference alone as a valid reason. Your application must demonstrate a genuine, evidenced need.
How the Transfer Process Works
Prison transfers in England and Wales are managed by the Prisoner Allocation Unit within the Ministry of Justice. The process is not straightforward and involves several stages.
Step 1: Internal application
You must first apply through your current prison's transfer system. Ask your personal officer or the transfers clerk for an application form. You will need to state your reason clearly and provide supporting evidence.
Step 2: Governor review
The governor or deputy governor at your current prison reviews your application. They consider your behaviour record, security category, and whether the reason meets transfer criteria. If the governor supports the transfer, the application moves to the allocation team.
Step 3: Allocation review
The Prisoner Allocation Unit searches for a suitable receiving prison with available space. They must match your security category, sentence length, and any specific needs. This is often the bottleneck — many prisons are full.
Step 4: Decision
You will receive a written decision. If approved, you will be given a transfer date, usually within a few weeks. If refused, the letter will state the reason and explain your right to appeal.
What Evidence to Include
Strong applications include documentary evidence:
The more specific and documented your application, the stronger your case.
How Long Does a Transfer Take?
There is no fixed timeline. A straightforward transfer with space at the receiving prison might take 4 to 8 weeks. Complex cases, or those requiring category changes, can take several months. Urgent medical or safety transfers are processed faster.
Appeals and What to Do If Refused
If your transfer is refused, you can appeal to the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman within six weeks. The Ombudsman will review whether the refusal was fair and proportionate.
You can also reapply after a reasonable period, particularly if your circumstances change — for example, if your medical condition worsens, a new programme opens, or a space becomes available at your preferred prison.
What Happens on Transfer Day?
Transfers usually happen early in the morning. You will be woken, given time to pack your property, and searched. Your property will be inventoried and transported separately or with you.
You will travel in a prison van, possibly with other prisoners. The journey can be long and uncomfortable. Upon arrival at the new prison, you go through a shortened reception process — another health screening, property check, and wing allocation.
You will need to re-establish your phone list, canteen account, and visits list at the new prison. This can take several days.
Inter-Prison Visits as an Alternative
If a transfer is refused or delayed, you may be able to arrange an inter-prison visit instead. This allows two prisoners — usually close relatives — to visit each other in one of their prisons. Applications are made through the visits department and are subject to security checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose which prison I transfer to?
You can express a preference, but you cannot choose. The allocation team selects the receiving prison based on space, category, and your needs.
Will a transfer reset my IEP level?
No. Your Incentives and Earned Privileges status normally transfers with you, though the new prison may review it during your first few weeks.
Can I transfer from a Category B to a Category C prison?
Only if you have been re-categorised. Category changes are separate from transfers. You must apply for re-categorisation first, then apply for a transfer.
Do transfers affect my release date?
No. Your release date is calculated from your sentence and is unaffected by transfers, unless you receive added days for disciplinary offences.
Can I be transferred to an open prison?
Only after you have been assessed as suitable for Category D conditions. This requires a clean disciplinary record and a recommendation from your offender supervisor.
*Last updated: June 2026.*