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25 Mar COVID-19- further guidance issued

Posted on March 25, 2020 in EU Immigration, Investing in the UK, Migra & Co, Nationality & Citizenship, Other Visas, Spouses & Partners, Visa Refusals, Working in the UK by
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On 24 March 2020, the UKVI published further guidance for visa nationals who cannot return home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are in the UK and your leave expires between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020, your visa will be extended to 31 May 2020. This must be because you cannot leave the UK due to travel restrictions or self-isolation related to COVID-19.

You will need to contact the Coronavirus Immigration Team (CIT) to update your records if your visa is expiring, and will need to provide your personal details, visa reference number and the reason you cannot return to your home country.

Applying to stay in the UK long-term

You will be able to switch in-country to a long-term visa until 31 May 2020. This includes applications in which you would usually need to apply for a visa from your home country. However, you will still need to satisfy the visa requirements and your leave will not be varied until a decision has been made.

Outside of the UK

Many UK Visa Application Centres (VACs) are closed or are offering limited services. Therefore, you may wish to check the following links:

TLS contact- Europe, Africa and parts of the Middle East

VFS Global- All other countries

If you have an appointment at a VAC which is now closed, you will be contacted to re-schedule your appointment.

Documents return

If you have paid for a courier return, your documents will still be returned to you by courier if courier routes remain open.

If your passport is held at a VAC and you wish for it to be returned to you, you will need to contact TLS or VFS Global directly.

British nationals abroad who need to apply for a passport

If your country’s VAC is closed and you need to urgently travel to the UK, you can apply for an emergency travel document.

If you have any further questions, you may wish to contact the Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre for further advice:

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 0800 678 1767 (lines are open from Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm and are free of charge)

We will continue to update our website, as new measures come into place!

The content of this article is for general use and information only. Since each case should be prepared on its own merit and in light of the constant amendments to the Immigration Rules, it is important to note that the information provided must not be relied upon unless Migra & Co has either given written consent or has been officially engaged in relation to a specific immigration matter. As a result, Migra & Co will take no responsibility for any damage, cost or loss resulting from relying on the information contained in this article, blog and website.