The Home Office has published updated guidance relating to all migrants in the UK in light of the current coronavirus pandemic.
Those migrants whose visa has already expired or is due to expire between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020, will be granted an extension of their leave to remain in the UK until the 31 May 2020.
However, please note that this will only happen if those in this situation contact the COVID-19 immigration team at the Home Office at the following email address: CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk. An extension of your visa will not be granted unless you email this Home Office immigration team.
Those migrants who are caught up in the current situation will be expected to return to their home countries once this period has elapsed and/or once flight and border restrictions have been lifted, unless a valid extension application has been made.
The Home Office has also expanded the ability for migrants to make in-country applications to switch from one visa category to another, which would normally require the applicant to return to their home country to do this by way of an entry clearance application. Switching from a Tier 4 (student) visa to a Tier 2 (General Worker) visa is one example of the type of switching application, which can now be made in-country.
For further information please refer to our recent blog: https://www.gherson.com/blog/covid-19-update-leave-due-expire
If you are in this position and require advice or assistance with your current immigration status or wish to discuss your specific circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Please note that the information in this blog is current at the date and time of posting. The situation regarding policy and guidance based on the COVID-19 pandemic is subject to change at short notice. We shall be monitoring all aspects of UK immigration which may be impacted by the coronavirus closely, so please do keep updated with further blogs and articles which we will be posting on this site.
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
Paralegal in our General Immigration team