Covid 19 – Can I still apply?
As the world comes to terms with Covid 19 many things have come to a standstill and this has greatly impacted immigration applications both within the UK and outside.
Applications made prior to and during the Covid 19 pandemic are are still being processed, whilst many have stopped work or been furloughed the Home Office is still continuing to work as are immigration lawyers. What you will find, however, is that processing times are much slower and you can’t currently book visa appointments.
Making an application:
UK Visa and Citizenship Application Centres (UKVCAS) and Service and Support Centres (SSCs) are temporarily closed because of coronavirus (COVID-19) so you cannot book an appointment. What does that mean? You can still make a paid for application but you will have to wait until the centres are open to give your biometric. I have read that if you have previously given your biometrics in-country they will use the old biometrics and still process the application. If you have not previously given the biometric they may put the application on hold pending your biometric enrolment.
My visit visa or overseas visa is running out and I can’t return:
There are some provisions for your visa to be extended until the end of May if your visa expires between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020. You can’t just allow your visa to expire, please contact us or contact the Home Office directly on https://gov.smartwebportal.co.uk/homeoffice/public/webform.asp?id=199&id2=5C97E7
A unique opportunity:
There is an opportunity, if you meet the Rules, to apply from the UK to switch to a long-term UK visa until 31 May 2020 if your leave expires between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020. This includes applications where you would usually need to apply for a visa from your home country.
You’ll need to meet the requirements of the route you are applying for and pay the UK application fee. The application is made online as usual. The terms of your current leave will remain the same until your application is decided.
EEA Applications:
Note that “old style” EEA Applications are still being processed and you can give your biometrics at the Post Office as usual, so contact us if you want to do this.
EU Settled Status and pre-settled status applications are currently not being accepted if you do not already have a biometric residence card, so someone wanting to get into this route may want to make an old style EEA application in the meantime.
If you’re outside the UK
All UK Visa Application Centres (VACs) are closed. You will need to regularly check either TLS Contact if you’re in Europe, Africa and parts of the Middle East or VFS global for all other countries to see when VACs are reopening.
If you have an appointment and the VAC is now closed, you’ll be contacted and told your appointment will not take place.
English Testing Centres are also affected. Visit the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)’s website or contact your test centre for more information.
The same applies to TB test centres as well.
If you are not sure how Covid 19 affects you or your immigration status, call immigration lawyer Mohamed urgently on 07309 074667 https://sulemanlegal.co.uk/webcdn.js?v=5.3.5
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