COVID-19: Effects on UK Immigration

COVID-19 has caused considerable disruption for global mobility. This article briefly reviews the various temporary concessions made by the UK government in response to the disruption.

Visa Extensions

• Chinese nationals whose visas have expired or due to expire soon will automatically be granted extensions until 31 March 2020 with no need to apply for a new visa or Biometric Residence Permit. This is an unprecedented move.
• Non Chinese, non EEA nationals normally resident in China whose visas will expire prior to 30 March 2020 can seek an extension of leave until 31 March 2020 if they can demonstrate that they are normally resident in China.

 Visa Switching

• Normally Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer) visa holders would need to make an out of country application to switch to Tier 2 General. The Home Office has announced a concession which will allow Chinese nationals to make the application in the United Kingdom.

Applications from China 

• The UK Visa Application Centres and English language testing facilities are currently closed in China. Current applicants will have their applications put on hold and passports returned.
• British nationals in China cannot apply for British passports from China but may apply for emergency travel documents.

 Relaxation of Duties for Sponsor Licence Holders

• Sponsors do not need to report absences nor withdraw sponsorship for employees or students who are affected by COVID-19.

 Additional resources

• The Home Office has set up a special “Coronavirus Immigration Helpline”:

Telephone: 0800 678 1767 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)

Calls are free of charge.

Email: CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk.

This is very much a developing situation and it may be that more concessions will be announced in the near future as the Home Office attempts to deal with this unprecedented situation.

This article has been produced for general information purposes and further advice should be sought from a professional advisor. Immigration is a complex area of law for both corporates and individuals. Please contact the Business Immigration team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin for further advice or information.