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30 Mar COVID-19 Update

Posted on March 30, 2020 in EU Immigration, Investing in the UK, Migra & Co, Nationality & Citizenship, Other Visas, Spouses & Partners, Visa Refusals, Working in the UK by
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If you are in the UK and cannot return to your home country because of COVID-19 and your leave expires between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020, your visa will be extended until 31 May 2020.

You will need to contact the Coronavirus Immigration Team to update your records if your visa is expiring, and will need to provide them with the following information:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Nationality
  • Previous reference number

The reason why you cannot return to your home country e.g. the border has closed or you are self-isolating.

Switching visa categories

In addition, if you wish to switch visa categories and would usually need to make an entry clearance application, you will be able to apply from the UK before 31 May 2020. However, you will still need to meet the same visa requirements and pay the online application fee.

The above information also applies to those who have previously had their leave extended until 31 March 2020.

Closure of UK biometric centres (UKVCAS appointments or Service and Support Centres)

Please note that UKVCAS appointments and Service and Support Centres have temporarily closed in the UK for the next 6 weeks, therefore you will be unable to book a biometric appointment.

If you already have an appointment booked, this will be re-scheduled and you should be contacted in due course.

If you are outside the UK

Many UK Visa Application Centres continue to be closed or are offering a limited service. For full information on the visa services offered in your country, you may wish to refer to the TLS Contact website of visit VFS Global.

Citizenship ceremonies

Citizenship ceremonies must usually be booked within 21 days from the date on the citizenship invitation letter, and must take place within 3 months.

There ceremony must still be booked within the 21 days’ time frame; however, the Home Office has extended the time frame in which it must take place from 3 months to 6 months.

English Testing Centres

Some countries have chosen to suspend IELTS testing, due to COVID-19. Please refer to the link below for further details on the closest centre to you.

https://www.ielts.org/news/2020/covid19-information-for-our-global-test-taker-community

The content of this article is for general use and information only. Since each case should be prepared on its own merit and in light of the constant amendments to the Immigration Rules, it is important to note that the information provided must not be relied upon unless Migra & Co has either given written consent or has been officially engaged in relation to a specific immigration matter. As a result, Migra & Co will take no responsibility for any damage, cost or loss resulting from relying on the information contained in this article, blog and website.