Home Office extends visas to 31 July 2020

The Home Office extends visas to 31 July 2020

The UK Home Office extends visas to 31 July 2020. The nationals who cannot leave the UK because of the coronavirus, will not be regarded as overstayers.

If your visa expires between January 24 and July 31, 2020, you will be able to renew it until July 31. Apply for an extension and submit the form to the UK Visas & Immigration. The rules are only valid during the pandemic period. If you have already applied for this service and extended your visa until May 31, you will extend it until July 31 automatically.

One of the conditions for the extension is an explanation of the reason for remaining in the UK.

Long-term visas

The nationals can also switch to a long-term UK visa until 31 July 2020 if their visas expires between 24 January 2020 and 31 July 2020. This includes applications where nationals would usually need to apply for an entry clearance from their home country.

The applicants have to meet the immigration requirements of the type of the visa they are applying for and pay the correct application fee.

This includes those applicants, who have already extended their leave to remain to 31 July 2020.

It is possible to apply online. The terms of the applicant’s leave will remain the same until their application is decided.


The recent changes due to the coronavirus public health crisis

The recent changes due to the coronavirus public health crisis

The Home Office introduced the following changes due to the Coronavirus public health crisis to immigration process and asylum.

Extension of the leave to remain and visas

Some migrants in the UK on visas are unable to return home at the end of their visa. This is due to coronavirus. They can ask the Home office to extend their leave to stay to 31 May.

Asylum screening interviews

The Home Office cancelled some screening interviews.

The new system for asylum claims will be introduced soon by the Home Office to limit the contact and travel of the registrants.

Substantive asylum interviews

The Home Office currently paused the substantive asylum interviews.

The Home Office informs:

“Many of our applicants travel a long way to have a substantive asylum interview, which can be a lengthy interaction taking several hours. On that basis, we have decided to pause face to face substantive asylum interviews for now. That means we will be cancelling any that are scheduled from tomorrow 19 March and will not be scheduling any new face to face interviews for now. “

The Home Office is considering the alternative ways of carrying out the interviews due to the coronavirus public health policy. For example, they already carry out some substantive interviews by video link/Skype).

Asylum support due to the coronavirus Health Crisis

Currently, there are not many changes in ending people’s asylum support.

Due to the Coronavirus public health crisis, the Asylum Support Appeals Project (ASAP) has issued a new fact sheet about asylum support and COVID-19. There are some people, whose “appeal rights exhausted”. Some of them do not currently have a fresh claim under consideration by the Home Office. They all may receive some support. They cannot now leave the UK due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions and the grounding of flights.

Further Submissions (Fresh Claims)

The previous requirement to submit further evidence in person in Liverpool for consideration by the Home Office as a fresh claim is not available. Now the applicants can submit their further evidence by post or email. The applicant has to explain who he/she is, why he/she submits the evidence, why the submitted evidence amounts to a fresh claim. The evidence must be sent to the following postal address: Further Submissions Unit, The Capital Building, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L3 9PP, or by email: CSUCE@homeoffice.gov.uk

Appeals And Judicial Reviews

From 25 March, the First-tier Tribunal does not list the face-to-face appeal hearings. Until at least 30 April, judges will carry out Case Management Review Hearings by telephone and decide whether the Home Office and appellant are ready to proceed with the full hearing a few weeks later.

Due to coronavirus, the First-tier tribunals will hold the new full hearings by video.

The Upper Tribunal has cancelled almost all listed hearings, even most of the Judicial Reviews.

Reporting To The Home Office

The Home Office temporarily closed reporting centres due to the coronavirus public health policy. All migrants who must report to the Home Office to satisfy the immigration bail condition will receive an SMS text message soon with details of their next reporting date.

Detention Rules In Coronavirus Public Health Crisis

The Home Office closed detention centres to visitors and released 350 people from detention.

The immigration departments made some changes to the case reviewing process due to the Coronavirus public health crisis. The Home Office started urgently reviewing the cases of the most vulnerable detainees and stopped the new detentions of people who would in normal circumstances be facing removal to one of the 49 countries.

Because of COVID-19 travel restrictions, removals to the following countries are not taking place: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Bulgaria, Cameroon, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, India, Iraq, Ireland, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Lichenstein, Lebanon, Libya, Luxembourg, Mauritania, Morocco, Netherlands, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Zimbabwe.

The Home Office Opened The Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre

All people can send their immigration queries related to coronavirus to CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk.

Source: www.gov.uk


points-based immigration system

The UK is introducing a points-based immigration system from 2021.

The UK is introducing a points-based immigration system from 2021. The new arrangements will take effect commencing on 1 January 2021. It will occur, once freedom of movement with the European Union (EU) has ended. The Home Office will treat all EU as well as non-EU citizens equally. Moreover, people from other countries will be able to come to the United Kingdom to contribute to the UK’s economy. Besides, Irish citizens will continue to be able to enter and live in the UK as they do now.

Skilled workers

The UK government designed a new points-based system for skilled workers. However, they must have a job offer from an approved employer sponsor.

From January 2021, we should expect the removal of the current annual cap under the Tier 2 (General) visa route. So, it will lower the skills’ threshold from RQF 6 to RQF 3. It will also eliminate the resident labour market test. Moreover, the minimum general salary threshold will be as low as £25,600. If the worker may earn less than this, but not less than £20,480. Then, he or she may still be able to apply by ‘trading’ points on specific characteristics against your salary. For example, if you have a job offer in a from the list of shortage occupations or have a PhD relevant to the job.

The employers without a sponsor licence will need to apply for one. They will need it to employ EU nationals from outside of the UK from 1 January 2021.

Global talent scheme for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

The UK will open a new global talent scheme to EU, EEA and Swiss. It will allow highly-skilled scientists and researchers to come to the UK without a job offer.

Low-skilled workers

There will not be an immigration route specifically for low-skilled workers. However, we should expect an expansion of the seasonal agricultural visa pilot scheme. 

International students and graduates under the points-based immigration system

The UK will open up student visa routes to EU, EEA and Swiss citizens. They will be able to apply for a visa to study in the UK if they:

  • have a place on a course
  • can speak, read, write and understand English
  • have enough money to support themselves and pay for their course

A new graduate immigration route will be available to international students who have completed a degree in the UK from summer 2021. They’ll be able to work or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to 2 years under the new points-based immigration system.

Other visa routes

EU citizens will be able to apply for short-term work visas in specific sectors (the current ‘Tier 5’) and investor, business development and talent visas (the current ‘Tier 1’) from 2021.

Visiting the UK

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and other non-visa nationals will not require a visa to enter the UK when visiting the UK for up to 6 months. All migrants looking to enter the UK for other reasons (such as work or study) will need to apply for a visa in advance.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens living in the UK by 31 December 2020

All EU, EEA or Swiss citizens living in the UK before 31 December 2020 can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021.

Crossing the UK border

Citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United States of America, Singapore and South Korea will continue to be able to use ePassport gates to pass through the border on arrival. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens will also be able to use ePassport gates.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens will continue to be able to cross the UK border using a valid passport.

The Home Office may not accept the EU, EEA and Swiss national ID cards for entry to the UK after 2020. However, if the EU, EEA and Swiss national begin living in the UK before 31 December 2020 and have status under the EU Settlement Scheme, he or she will be able to use their national identity card to enter the UK until at least 31 December 2025.

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Proving immigration status in the UK

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens will use an online service to view their immigration status and to show their status to others.

Employers, landlords and public service providers will continue to accept EU citizens’ passports and identity cards as evidence of their immigration status until 30 June 2021.

Employers will be able to carry out right to work checks on EU citizens and their family members in the UK.

Non-EU citizens

Non-EU citizens will continue to use a physical document to prove their immigration status.

Source of information: https://www.gov.uk/


Significant changes in the UK's immigration system

Significant changes in the UK’s immigration system

We can all expect significant changes in the United Kingdom’s international status and immigration system in the upcoming decade. Boris Johnson firmly establishes control over the UK government. Now we can only await the consequences of future Brexit negotiations and the UK’s departure from the EU on 31 January 2020.

As part of their electoral manifesto, the Conservative Party revealed its revolutionary plans to modify the existing immigration system. Such changes include a new NHS visa and a point-based system for visa applications; similar to what is currently in place in Australia. We can analyze the information heard from UK officials to form a more precise prediction of the upcoming changes.

National Health Services Visa (NHS Visa)

The Queen explained, during her speech in the House of Commons, that the new visa would provide expedited entry for qualified doctors, nurses and medical workers to the United Kingdom.

Boris Johnson specified the effects of the plans during the 2019 November general election. The changes he mentioned included a reduction in the cost of a visa for healthcare providers from £928 to £464. The Prime Minister also asserted that the consideration process of these visa types would take two weeks. The minimum salary threshold is currently £30,000. It will also be abolished for skilled migrants who apply for a five-year visa.

The NHS is currently facing a shortage of qualified nurses and doctors. It means that the reduction in the NHS visa fee is an overall improvement. However, it is unclear whether the cost will stay the same when applying for either a three-year and a five-year visa.

Currently, the process of consideration of visas under standard services finish within 15 business days, and for an additional £220 foreign applicants can get a decision within five business days. The Conservative Party’s goal to consider visa applications for health workers within two weeks would significantly contribute to the growth of the NHS’s workforce.

The previously mentioned abolition of the salary threshold of £30,000 for medical workers, who will apply for five-year visas, will be the most contributing aspect of the new system. Such change will surely increase the demand for healthcare work placements in the UK and attract qualified medical workers globally.

An additional long-awaited change will be the removal of the annual quota of migrant medical workers entering the UK. It will assist the country’s healthcare system in filling the shortage of healthcare based labor.

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The new points-based immigration system

According to the Queen’s speech, a fairer point-based immigration system will allow skilled workers from around the world to contribute to the UK economy. At present, we already have a point system for applicants who are not EU citizens. Since the introduction of the point system in 2008, it has become more complex and rigorous.

Our team is ready to provide advice and assistance to enterprises and individuals. We will also keep you updated on the latest developments and report on changes in UK immigration policy. Contact us now to arrange a consultation with one of our immigration specialists.


Changes in the UK immigration system

Coming changes in the UK immigration system after Brexit: expert views

Boris Johnson confirmed his plans to make changes in the UK immigration and visa system after Brexit. The system will be separate from the Home Office. Currently the ministerial department responsible for immigration and security in the UK. This process will likely change how the Home Office functions.

Expert views

The majority of lawyers and campaigners suppose the primary goal of these changes is to increase border control. They also believe that the implementation of these changes must complete within an adequate time and resource frame. The failure to do so may adversely affect the immigration and visa system.

Migration specialists speculate that the Conservative party focuses on decreasing the amount of immigration. Therefore, the new system will be comparable to the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and the ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agency in the US. Both organisations are currently responsible for security and immigration enforcement.

Some lawyers believe that the new system would make less justifiable decisions. Its focus will be directed towards controlling and restricting migration. Moreover, the system will prioritise reducing the number of migrants to peoples’ interests and wishes. Consequently, past mistakes, such as the Windrush scandal, are likely to repeat.

Some experts are concerned that the coming changes in the UK immigration system could disrupt immigration services. The Home Office’s past mistakes, such as the EU Settlement Scheme and the Windrush scandal, weakened the public’s confidence and trust in the immigration system. It would take time for the newly created department, responsible for the immigration decision-making process, to build its trust with the public and start functioning efficiently.

Other legal specialists believe that any negative experience could help the government to create a new department with a well-structured and planned system in the future.

For now, we can only reflect on these speculations and hope for the best.


The costs of studying in a UK university

How much does studying in the UK cost when it comes to studying at a university? In the UK, you can get a world-class education, because a British diploma is the dream of many. The price varies depending on the subject studied and the status of the university. The study period affects the total cost by the duration also. In the magistracy, the training time lasts one year, while a bachelors degree takes three years to earn. Applicants have the right to submit documents to six universities at once, and each will need to meet the applicant in person.

Why would I study in the UK?

A diploma from a British university gives excellent prospects; providing an opportunity to work in any organisation in the world that is relevant to your speciality. Graduates from British universities are always in high demand. A student with a British education indicates excellent knowledge of both the English language and the profession they chose.

The cost of studying in the UK

The cost of studying at British universities is, on average, 10-17 thousand pounds a year; however, this amount can vary more depending on the status of the university. Besides, you will also need to consider the cost of food, accommodation and other expenses that are unrelated to your studies. To save money, the majority of students choose to live in a hostel, rent a room or an apartment. Living in London is more expensive than staying in other cities. Additional costs include bills, transportation and entertainment expenses. Therefore, the Home Office takes the applicant’s income and financial wealth into consideration when reviewing the application for a UK visa.

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What are the requirements under the immigration laws?

There is a minimum threshold for the amount of money an applicant must have before becoming a British university student.

Under the UK immigration rules, the minimum requirement for the cost for accommodation and maintenance (excluding the cost of studying) is 11,385 pounds for university students in London and 9,135 pounds for students in other UK cities. Usually, student fees are paid directly to the university, while living and accommodation fees remain in a personal bank account.

Examples of costs

As an example, a London university student living in a studio with a kitchen and bathroom will spend around 35 thousand pounds.

A student in a small town living in a room in a house with common areas will spend roughly 25 thousand pounds a year.

Our immigration lawyers assist with all types of UK student visas.


EU Citizens and their rights in the UK after Brexit

EU citizens and their families who have been living on the English territory
Rights Of EU Citizens And Their Families In The UK After Brexit

Every EU citizens and their families will still benefit from the right to free movement up to the moment of the UK’s exit from the EU. Besides, they will be able to ask for permission to reside within the country even after the UK’s withdrawal.

The Home Office will give each of the existing lawful residents and their families a grace period by to make all the necessary arrangements for their residence permit as well as to carry out their work or business as usual.

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Residence permits

They will have up to two years from the exit day to do so. Home Office will accordingly replace Residence permits delivered in the past as they will not be valid any more. If an applicant didn’t follow these procedures, then he/she in question will not be eligible to any exemptions usually granted by the Government. As a further matter, they will not be allowed to stay in the country.

EU citizens and their families who have been living on the English territory before the specified date, and that had five years’ continuous residence in the UK either at the time of the UK’s exit from the EU or when their grace period is over can receive the settled status. For that, however, they must be able to prove their five years’ residence when completing their application.

EU citizens and their families

As for the EU citizens that have been living in the UK before the indicated date but who do not benefit from the settled status, or have not enjoyed five years’ residence when their grace period has expired, they will be able to remain in the UK to meet the five-year condition. However, they will have to seek a leave to remain from the Home Office. After the five years, they can apply to receive the settled status.
Family members of EU citizens – they can either be EU citizens or non-EU nationals – who have been living in the UK before the UK leaves the EU will also be able to receive the settled status. They must nonetheless fulfil the conditions as mentioned above and should have been in a genuine relationship with an EU citizen for the time they have been resident in the UK.

Family members who have not met the five years’ residence criteria yet will also be able to apply for a leave to remain to do so. Moreover, almost every EU citizens will be able to receive the settlement status in their own right, which means that they do not have to apply as a family member of a resident EU citizen. The previously mentioned point, therefore, concerns mainly non-EU national family members. EU citizens, however, may receive a settlement as a family member. All they have to do is prove their relationship.

Future family members of EU citizens

Prospective family members of EU citizens – that have been in the country before the UK leaves the EU – who arrive at the UK after UK leaves the EU will have to follow the same procedures as non-EU nationals joining British citizens. The protocol will be the same as for EU citizens who come to the country after Brexit takes place.

Children of EU citizens that can apply for the settled status will also be able to apply to obtain the settled status, which would be the case regardless of whether the children were born in the UK or overseas, or if they landed in the UK after Brexit is official. Children of EU citizens who have received the settled status and are born in the UK will enjoy British citizenship and will, therefore, be able to reside in the UK. EU resident parents who have been in the UK before the date the UK leaves the EU, but who still need to make the necessary arrangements for leave to remain after that date to fulfil the five-year condition, will also have to do the same for their child when the latter is born.

The Government will take all the necessary measures

The Government will take all the steps needed so that the students who engage in a higher or further education course during or before the 2018/19 academic year will be apt to seek a permit to reside in the country to carry on with their curriculum.

The Home Office has set the objective of making the new application procedures as seamless as they can get for EU citizens and their families that live in the UK lawfully.