The Home Office last evening announced measures to extend leave up to 31 May for those individuals currently affected by the restrictions or self-isolation. Anyone whose leave expires between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020, and is unable to leave the country ahead of their visa expiry, must contact the dedicated Coronavirus Immigration Team (CIT) via CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk. In doing so, their records will be updated and they will be issued with a visa extension until the end of May.

'Switching' extended

To help those who want to apply for visas to stay in the UK long-term, the Home Office is also temporarily expanding their in-country switching provisions.

Applications where you would usually need to apply for a visa from your home country can currently be applied for via the UKVI 'in-country' online submission process. The same visa requirements and UK application fees will apply. Since applications may take longer than usual due to COVID-19 related operational pressures, an individual's leave will remain in tact until their application is decided.

Compliance requirements temporarily lifted

In light of the current advice on self-isolation and social distancing, the Home Office also announced it is 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.

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