As the Coronavirus pandemic continues, the Home Office and UK Visas and Immigration are continuing to update their guidance for migrants in the UK. On 3 August 2020, further updates were made which can massively benefit Applicants in the UK whose leave has or is about to expire and there are Covid-19 implications to their applications. Our Immigration Solicitors in London have been regularly reviewing updates from UK Visas and Immigration and are able to advice potential Applicants during a consultation as to how these Covid-19 measures may be applicable and beneficial to their case.
What are the main latest Covid-19 updates from UK Visas and Immigration?
According to latest Home Office guidance for UK visa Applicants and temporary residents, for those whose UK visa expired between 24 January 2020 and 31 August 2020 there will be no future adverse immigration consequences if no further UK Visas and Immigration application to regularise their stay in the UK during this period. However, Applicants must make an application for further leave to remain by 31 August 2020 or otherwise leave the UK. Whilst this could be positive and comforting news for many migrants in the UK, it is well-known that the Home Office can often not follow its own guidance and therefore it is strongly recommended that legal representatives such as ourselves are instructed to prepare detailed representations in support of more complex cases to minimise the chance of refusal.
Furthermore, the ‘automatic’ visa extensions have now come to an end. Individuals who previously had a UK visa that expired between 24 January 2020 and 31 July 2020 were able to request for a temporary extension to remain if they were unable to leave the UK due to suffering from Coronavirus (including having to self-isolate) or were unable to depart due to the travel restrictions that were in place. However, now that the Foreign Office is allowing more travel around the world, individuals who wish to continue to remain in the UK will need to make an application or otherwise leave the UK by 31 August 2020.
Can I now book and attend a biometric appointment in the UK?
UK Visas and Immigration has recently announced that they will be changing the way biometric information is given by an Applicant as part of the application process. If an Applicant is applying for further leave to remain in the UK, they may be able to reuse the fingerprints given in a previous application. Suitable Applicants will be sent an email from the Home Office with instructions on how to upload a recent photograph along with uploading clear scanned copies of their supporting documents (as is now widely done anyway). Therefore, many Applicants will not be required to attend an appointment at an application support centre (UKVCAS). However, some Applicants will be required to attend an in-person appointment to provide their biometric information and they will also be notified by the Home Office via email informing them of how and when to do this.
Priority and super priority visa processing services in the UK still remain suspended.
What are the Covid-19 updates for UK Visas and Immigration applications made from outside the UK?
As lockdown restrictions across the world are continually being reviewed, most UK vias application centres abroad have now reopened (where possible). Priority and super priority visa services are available in limited locations so it is best to check with the individual centre. Some English language test centres are also resuming services, but again, Applicants should check with their local testing centre.
Can I still see an immigration lawyer given the Coronavirus Covid-19 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 have been continuing to assist clients during this pandemic and give immigration advice in the most difficult circumstances.
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 advice regarding UK Visas and Immigration during the Covid-19 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 Covid-19 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.