Coronavirus: Immigration Applications (updated 03/04/2020)
UPDATE
The UKVI has updated their guidance for individuals in the UK who are unable to return to their home countries and has issued guidance for visa applicants in the UK as of 3 April 2020.
Individuals in the UK
For individuals in the UK whose visa expires between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020
Your visa will be extended to 31 May 2020 if you cannot leave the UK because of travel restrictions or self-isolation related to coronavirus.
If your visa is expiring and you were not planning to stay in the UK, you must email CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk in English with the following information:
- Your full name
- Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
- Nationality
- Your previous visa reference number
- Why you can’t go back to your home country
UKVI will aim to reply to your email within 5 working days.
For individuals in the UK who are applying to stay in the UK in the long-term
You can apply from the UK to switch to a long-term UK visa until 31 May 2020. This includes applications where you would usually need to apply for a visa from your home country.
You’ll need to meet the requirements of the route you are applying for and pay the UK application fee.
This includes those whose leave has already been automatically extended to 31 March 2020.
You can apply online. The terms of your leave will remain the same until your application is decided.
However, please note that all UK Visa and Citizenship Application Centres (UKVCAS) and Service and Support Centres (SSCs) in the UK are temporarily closed because of coronavirus. As such, you cannot book an appointment.
For individuals who have already booked an appointment with UKVCAS or SSC
If you’ve already made an appointment to attend a UKVCAS or an SSC, you will be contacted to be informed that it has been cancelled. You’ll be advised when you can book a new appointment.
Your immigration status in the UK will not change as a result of you not being able to attend an appointment.
For Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa holders whose business has been disrupted
You no longer need to employ at least 2 people for 12 consecutive months each. The 12 month period you are required to employ someone for can be made up of multiple employees across different months.
Time when your employees were furloughed will not count towards the 12 month period.
If have not been able to employ staff for 12 months in total by the time your visa expires, you will be allowed to temporarily extend your stay to give you time to meet the requirement.
Individuals outside the UK
Individuals applying for a Global Talent, Start-up or Innovator visa
If your endorsement from an endorsing body has expired because you have not been able to travel to the UK you may still be eligible for a visa.
You should make your application as planned and the UKVI will consider all applications on a case by case basis.
UK Visa Application Centres (VACs)
All UK Visa Application Centres (VACs) are closed. For updates to the status of VACs in your country, please contact:
- https://uk.tlscontact.com/ – for individuals in Europe, Africa and parts of the Middle East
- https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/en – for individuals in all other countries
If you have an appointment and the VAC is now closed, you’ll be contacted and told your appointment will not take place.
English Testing Centres
English Testing Centres are also affected. For all the latest information, please visit the IELTS website, or contact your test centre directly by email.
We will continue to update this page with information. If you have any queries in relation to these matters, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Useful links:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents
https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/en
https://www.ielts.org/news/2020/covid19-information-for-our-global-test-taker-community
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public
SINCERE IMMIGRATION
