In response to the increasing concern surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) have suspended all services for a period of six-weeks.
Applicants who have pending immigration applications for leave to remain in the UK, indefinite leave to remain and for British nationality will not be able to enrol their biometrics at this time.
Sopra Steria, the official partner for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) issued a statement by email on 28 March 2020 confirming that all biometric appointments will be automatically re-scheduled for approximately six weeks ahead of the original appointment date.
Applicants do not need to manually re-book appointments at this time, and can ascertain the date of their new appointment on their UKVCAS account. If applicants are unable to attend the postponed appointment, it can be cancelled online and a full refund will be issued.
The appointment booking system is not functional at this time, and applicants will therefore not be able to manually re-schedule their appointments until the online booking system reopens.
UKVI has issued guidance to confirm that all foreign nationals whose leave has expired after 24 January 2020 will be granted a visa extension until 31 May 2020 on the condition that they contact the Home Office at the following email address: CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk
Please refer to our previous blog for further information on how to notify the Home Office for this extension, or please 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