Coronavirus: Immigration Applications (updated 15/04/2020)

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 15 April 2020. 

The situation has largely remained the same for:

• individuals in the UK who are staying temporarily
• individuals who have booked appointments with UKVCAS or SSC
• Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa holders
• individuals outside of the UK applying for a UK visa.  

For more information, please refer to our blog post on Coronavirus: Immigration Applications dated 3 April 2020. 

For individuals in the UK who are applying to stay in the UK in the long-term 

All UK Visa and Citizenship Application Centres (UKVCAS) and Service and Support Centres (SSCs) in the UK remain closed.

The UKVI has stated that for both those who have yet to book a UKVCAS or SSC appointment and for those who have already booked such appointments, the immigration status of these individuals will not be negatively affected as a result of them not being able to attend an appointment. 

Applicants will be in the UK lawfully and no one will be subject to immigration action if they are unable to attend a biometric appointment or if there are delays in processing their application. 

Individuals who have applied for a Tier 4 visa and have yet to receive a decision 

You can start your course or studies before your visa application has been decided if:

• your sponsor is a Tier 4 sponsor
• you have been given a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS)
• you submitted your application before your current visa expired and you show your sponsor evidence of this
• the course you start is the same as the one listed on your CAS
• you have a valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if required

If your application is eventually rejected as invalid or refused you must stop your course or studies.

Individuals who have applied for a Tier 2 or Tier 5 visa and have yet to receive a decision

You can start work before your visa application has been decided if:

• you have been assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• you submitted your application before your current visa expired and you show your sponsor evidence of this
• the job you start is the same as the one listed on your CoS

If your application is eventually rejected as invalid or refused your sponsor will stop sponsoring you and you must stop working for them.

The UKVI has also put together a team for customers with immigration queries related to coronavirus.

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. 

SINCERE IMMIGRATION