As the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt millions around the world, the UK Government has continued to introduce measures to aid and protect migrants facing visa issues. The Government has extended visas for those unable to return home due to Coronavirus until 31 July 2020 to give migrants’ peace of mind until the situation improves. Previously, the Government had allowed migrants to extend their visa up until 31 May 2020. Migrants must apply for the extension, as it is not automatic unless they had already applied for a previous extension until 31 May 2020. We recommend you contact our immigration team for more information and advice on the further visa extension.
Who can extend their visa until 31 July 2020?
The further visa extension is for those migrants whose visa expired after 24 January 2020 and who applied for a visa extension until 31 May 2020. Throughout this pandemic, the UK Government has acted reasonably and has tried its best to assist everyone affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. The Government recognises that there will be a large number of people in the UK who may be isolating, face issues with border restrictions, flight cancellations, or recovering from the Coronavirus. Therefore, they have offered a further visa extension option until 31 July 2020. The Home Office will also suspend Immigration Enforcement during this period as long as migrants have protected themselves by applying for the visa extension pursuant to the Home Office advice.
How can I extend my visa until 31 July 2020?
In order to extend your visa until 31 July 2020, you must contact the Coronavirus Immigration Team (CIT) via email and submit your details. It is important that the visa extension request is made correctly as you may only have one opportunity to do this. Whilst the Government has offered a further visa extension for those unable to return home, anyone who is able to return home is advised to do so as long as it is safe to do so. Home Secretary Priti Patel has said:
“By extending people’s visas further, we are giving them peace of mind that they are able to stay in the UK until the end of July if they are unable to leave the country safely.
This is one of a number of unprecedented measures the government has made to support people during this time, however, as we begin a cautious return to normality those currently in the UK on expired visitor visas should return home as soon as possible”.
Our immigration Team can assist migrants with applications for short or long-term visa extensions depending on their current type of visa and endorsements.
Can I switch to a long-term visa from within the UK during the Coronavirus Pandemic?
The Home Office is also allowing migrants to apply for long-term visas from within the UK until 31 July 2020. You will need to meet the requirements of the route you are applying for and pay the UK application fee. Under normal circumstances you can only switch from within the UK if you already hold a long-term visa. There is no doubt that decisions will be delayed due to Coronavirus related operational issues. The UK Visa and Citizenship Application Centres (UKVCAS) and Service and Support Centres (SSCs) are currently closed due to the pandemic. However, it is still possible to submit an application and it is advised to do so.
In addition to this, the Home Office is also waiving a number of key requirements for visa Sponsors (where necessary). For example, allowing non-EU nationals in the UK under, work or study routes to undertake their work or study from home without having compliance issues. The Home Office has also made it clear that it is flexible when it comes to some of the requirements, which have been directly impacted by the Coronavirus i.e. amending the job creation requirement for Tier 1 Entrepreneur Extension applications.
Can I still see an immigration lawyer given the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Yes. We are a technologically advanced law firm and are well equipped for the current situation and have the resources and infrastructure to support you with any UK immigration issue.
We are actively monitoring and responding to the COVID-19 situation and will continue to follow advice and guidance issued by the UK Government, Public Health England, and the NHS.
The well being of our team and our clients is our priority. We are following the advice to maintain social distancing, therefore we will hold all meetings with clients via video conferencing or via our telephone conferencing facilities for the foreseeable future. Please contact our Immigration Team to arrange a consultation with us so we can assess your case in more detail and give you advice specific to your individual circumstances.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London for Immigration advice during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative in order to advise on a UK Visa and Immigration application.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications, which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful applications using our Immigration Solicitors in London during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your visa and immigration application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department.
We can assist you with the preparation of your immigration and visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to speak with one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.