The UK Home Office are continually reviewing their guidance as the situation in relation to COVID-19 changes, whilst the guidance in relation to most immigration routes remains the same this Easter weekend, there have been the following updates:
If you are in the UK and your leave expires between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020:
As previously noted, you are required to update your records with the Home Office, and they have now issued a specific form that needs to be completed online here:
https://gov.smartwebportal.co.uk/homeoffice/public/webform.asp?id=199&id2=5C97E7
The Home Office have reiterated; “No individual of any nationality whose leave has expired or is due to expire between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020, and who cannot leave the UK because of COVID-19, will be regarded as an overstayer or suffer any detriment in the future.”
You should only complete this form if you are not intending to extend your leave to remain in the UK and cannot leave the UK due to Coronavirus related travel restrictions.
You will be asked to verify your email address following submission of this form and the Home Office aim to respond within 5 days.
Applying to remain in the UK long term
If you have leave to remain in the UK and are planning to extend, you are not required to submit the form as above. You need to complete the online application before your leave expires.
The guidance on switching immigration categories remains the same and can be viewed here.Need advice?
As ever, we are available to give you free advice to address any concerns you have arising out of the Coronavirus immigration rules update in these difficult circumstances. Email [email protected], call 0330 111 6682 or visit our scheduling page on our website to book in a phone or video call with on of team here.