This is an update to our previous blog on this topic.
Back in March 2020 the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, announced that overseas migrants who were unable to leave the UK due to self-isolation or travel restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, and whose visas were expiring between 24 January and 31 May 2020, would be able to extend their visas until 31 May 2020 (subject to contacting the Home Office).
This concession has now been extended to include migrants whose visas are expiring between 1 June and 31 July 2020. This means that all eligible migrants with visas expiring between 24 January and 31 July 2020 may have their leave extended until 31 July 2020.
In order to benefit from the concession, eligible migrants must contact the Home Office by completing its online form. For those migrants who have previously contacted the Home Office under the previous concession, the Home Office will automatically extend the migrant’s visa until 31 July 2020.
Any immigration queries related to coronavirus should continue be directed to the Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre by email (in English) at CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk or by phone on 0800 678 1767 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
In addition to this, overseas migrants with visas expiring before 31 July 2020 may now benefit from an in-country switch to a long-term visa category. For more information regarding eligibility for an in-country visa switch, 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