The Home Office has released guidance for individuals who have been unable to depart the UK prior to an impending visa expiry as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are in the UK and your visa expires between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020 and you are unable to leave the country because of travel restrictions or self-isolation related to COVID-19 your visa will be extended to 31 May 2020. You must contact the dedicated Coronavirus Immigration Team (CIT) at the Home Office to update your records if your visa is expiring – CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk

If you are in the process of applying for a visa to remain in the UK on a long-term basis, e.g. under the Tier 2 (General) category which would ordinarily require to you leave the country to file the application, during these unique circumstances you will be able to apply to switch your status from within the UK until 31 May 2020. This includes those whose visa has been automatically extended to 31 March 2020.

The status is under constant review so the deadlines above may change at any time.

If you are in the process of trying to secure a Tier 2 (General) visa/ a long-term visa under another category and you feel you may be eligible to switch on an in-country basis please reach out to us at info@grovelands-immigration.com for further assistance.