Coronavirus Lockdown - Help, my visa is about to expire!
24/03/2020
As everyone in the country and across the world is now no doubt aware, the coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) has continued its spread across Europe and has recently entered the UK.
Even now the UK government is regularly announcing new plans and temporary, immediate measures in an attempt to contain the virus, protect jobs and keep everyone in the country as safe as possible.
This can be a frightening time for those in the country, but doubly so for anyone concerned or confused about their visa status within the UK during the outbreak.
We have collated all the below information to serve as an up-to-date review of how the coronavirus impacts UK visas and immigration at present, with links to the government pages you should be following as new details are announced.
How does the coronavirus affect my UK visa?
The good news announced late on 24 March is that UK visas will now be extended to 31 May 2020 for individuals who have been affected by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
Anyone in the UK with a visa which expires between 24 January and 31 May 2020 will be able to obtain an extension until 31 May 2020 if they are unable to leave the UK due to travel restrictions or self isolation. Individuals in this situation should contact the Coronavirus Immigration Team to register personal details.
It will also be permitted for individuals to switch (change) visa category within the UK, instead of needing to return to their home country as usual. This is incredibly welcome news for many who have been understandably concerned about their immigration status in these difficult times.
Will sickness absences caused by the coronavirus affect my UK working/student visa?
The current NHS guidance states that if you are showing symptoms of the virus you should stay at home and self-isolate for 7-14 days.
For those on working or student visas, there are valid concerns that these absences caused by the coronavirus could negatively affect their Tier 2, Tier 4 or Tier 5 visas.
There are also concerns that ongoing travel cancellations could affect people trying to return to the UK to continue their Tier 2 employment.
How does the coronavirus affect my duties as a sponsor licence holder?
The Home Office have stated that sponsors should not report absences relating to the virus which they have authorised.
Sponsors also don’t need to withdraw sponsorship for extended leave (typically absence for over a month) taken by students or workers if they consider the circumstances to be exceptional.
The Home Office have noted that they recognise the virus as an exceptional circumstance and will not be taking compliance action against those unable to work due to the outbreak. They state they will also not take action against sponsors continuing to sponsor and authorise absences for those affected by the virus.
This section of guidance is kept under review, and in light of escalating circumstances will likely be updated in the near future to better answer these questions, based on the newfound severity of the situation in the UK.
We would advise you to monitor this webpage for updates, or contact either the Coronavirus Immigration Helpline or our office directly if you have visa-related employment concerns.
Are UKVCAS and VAC Immigration Centres still open despite the coronavirus?
As of 28 March 2020 all UKVCAS centres are currently closed - see the UKVCAS website for full details.
Applicants can continue to submit applications at this time, however they will now be placed on hold until the centres reopen. Provided that the application was submitted before the expiry of their current visa, the conditions of an individual’s current visa are automatically extended during this period.
You can find more information about UKVCAS here, or a list of all UKVCAS centres here.
VAC (Visa Application Centres) around the world are generally closed, however the good news is that these have now reopened in China.
Keep an eye on this site for full updates.
We would advise you to check and monitor the status of your VAC before applying and whilst waiting for your appointment date.
Can I switch to a different UK visa?
This will now exceptionally be permitted, it appears even for those such as visitors who would usually need to return to their home country to make the application. Contact us at White Rose Visas if this situation applies to you so that we can advise on all options open at the moment.
Will White Rose Visas remain open during the coronavirus outbreak?
We are operating as usual, although our physical offices are closed in line with government guidance. We are well placed and ready to support you throughout this difficult time.
This means we will continue to operate our 30-minute free consultation service by phone or email, and continue to provide assistance and advice on the situation to all of our clients, whilst ensuring their visa applications continue to be submitted.
If you require further information or need to extend your visa you can contact the Home Office Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre or you can contact us directly using our phone line, email address or website contact form.
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