Overseas nationals who cannot return home due to the
coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will be able to extend
their visa until the end of July to give them peace of mind
that they can stay in the UK until they are able to return
home safely.
The extension will last until 31 July and will apply to
anyone whose leave expired after the 24 January and cannot
leave the country because of travel restrictions or
self-isolation.
While the government has offered this extension to help
those who are unable to get home prior to 31 July, those
currently in the UK on temporary visas, such as visitor
visas, should return home as soon as it is safe and
possible to do so.
Home Secretary said:
By extending people’s visas further, we are giving them
peace of mind that they are able to stay in the UK until
the end of July if they are unable to leave the country
safely.
This is one of a number of unprecedented measures the
government has made to support people during this time,
however, as we begin a cautious return to normality those
currently in the UK on expired visitor visas should
return home as soon as possible.
Today’s announcement builds on the previous extension which
lasts until of 31 May, and ensures people who are not able
to leave the UK are not impacted by circumstances outside
of their control.
A dedicated coronavirus immigration team is continuing to
work with individuals to make the process as
straightforward as possible. Anyone in this situation, who
has not contacted them already, just needs to contact the
team via an online
form to let them know their visa has expired and
they will be issued with an extension.
To help those who want to apply for visas to stay in the UK
long-term, the Home Office is also extending the in-country
switching provisions until 31 July.
This will mean people can apply to switch into long-term
routes whilst remaining in the UK. UKVI will continue to
process applications as quickly as possible, however some
applications may take longer than usual due to coronavirus
related operational pressures.
Many foreign nationals have found themselves unable to
return home since the outbreak of coronavirus due to flight
cancellations and border restrictions.
Those who contact the Home Office for these visa extensions
will be expected to return to their home countries as soon
as possible once flight and border restrictions are lifted.
No immigration enforcement action will be undertaken during
this time for those who email the Home Office as outlined
above.
In light of the current advice on self-isolation and social
distancing, the Home Office is also waiving a number of
requirements on visa sponsors, such as allowing non-EU
nationals here under work or study routes to undertake
their work or study from home.
