Covid-19 Pandemic – Update for clients
We’re living through unpredictable times, with a constantly changing situation around the COVID-19 virus. We have set up this page to provide our clients with up to date information regarding our operations and updates on UK Immigration guidance.
Our Operations
We continue to operate normally with limited face to face meetings and following government guidelines to ensure staff and client safety in this difficult time. We kindly request to avoid requesting any face to face meetings unless it is absolutely necessary.
UK Visa Extensions
Update 29 July 2020: UKVI confirmed that as the travel restrictions are lifting globally, there will not be any more automatic extensions on that basis and clients are expected to take all reasonable steps to leave the UK where it is possible to do so or apply to regularise their stay in the UK.
The Home Office has allowed further time to make the necessary arrangements to leave the UK, if the visa or leave that was due to expire between the 24 January 2020 and 31 August 2020. There will be an extra month’s grace period to stay within the UK up until 31 August 2020. If your visa or leave expired between 24 January 2020 and 31 August 2020 there will be no future adverse immigration consequences if you didn’t make an application to regularise your stay during the period. UKVI is expected to clarify the grace period conditions and formalise this specific commitment within the Immigration Rules. From 1 to 31 August 2020, the conditions of the stay in the UK will be the same as the conditions of the current leave. So, if the conditions alowed to work, study or rent accommodation, this may continue during August 2020 ahead of the departure.
If you decide to stay in the UK, you should apply for the necessary leave to remain in the UK. You’ll also be able to submit an application form from within the UK where you would usually need to apply for a visa from your home country. This includes those whose leave expires before 31 August 2020.
During the grace period the conditions of your stay in the UK will be the same as the conditions of your leave. So, if your conditions allowed you to work, study or rent accommodation you may continue to do so during August 2020 ahead of your departure. It is advisable to start taking necessary steps to regularise your stay as soon as possible.
You do not need to contact the Home Office to tell us you are able to leave the UK during the grace period up until the 31 August. If you intend to leave the UK but are not able to do so by 31 August 2020, you may request additional time to stay, also known as ‘exceptional indemnity’, by contacting the coronavirus immigration team (CIT).The indemnity does not grant you leave but will act as a short-term protection against any adverse action or consequences after your leave has expired.
Please visit Corona virus update page for more details.
