On 1 November 2020 the Home Office updated its COVID-19 concession to extend the ‘exceptional assurance’ policy until 30 November 2020.
The policy is aimed at those migrants who intend to leave the UK but have not been able to, and whose leave or visa expires between 1 November 2020 and 30 November 2020. As with the previous policy, ‘exceptional assurance’ does not grant leave, although it will act as a short-term protection against any adverse consequences for those who do not have valid visas or leave to remain in the UK. A grant of ‘exceptional assurance’ will also allow migrants to work, study or rent accommodation in the UK where their previous leave conditions allowed them to do so.
For those migrants who have already completed the form to request ‘exceptional assurance’ to remain in the UK and who are awaiting an outcome, the Home Office stipulates that no further action needs to be taken. During the processing time of such requests the migrant will not be treated as an overstayer or suffer any detriment in future immigration applications.
If you have already been granted assurance to remain in the UK, you may be able to request a further period of ‘exceptional assurance’ due to a change in your circumstances or where you are still unable to leave the UK by the deadline provided to you.
The policy continues to allow migrants to switch to long-term visa routes from within the UK where an application would usually have to be made from their home country. Migrants must evidence that the application is urgent (for example that they have a new job or course of study with an imminent start date). This concession is being kept under review.
If your visa or leave has expired and you are unable to leave the UK please contact Gherson for further advice. Similarly, if you wish to switch to a long-term visa route from the UK, we would be delighted to assist you.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
©Gherson 2020
Immigration Consultant and Trainee Solicitor in our Private Client department