Insights / 26-05-2020 / New guidance and concessions for foreign nationals currently in the United Kingdom

The UK Government has announced new guidance and concessions for those foreign nationals currently in the United Kingdom and with leave to remain that expires between 24 January 2020 and 31 July 2020. Your visa will be extended to 31 July 2020 if you cannot leave the UK because of travel restrictions or self-isolation related to coronavirus (COVID-19).

You must request an extension by updating your records with the Coronavirus Immigration Team (CIT) at the Home Office if your visa is expiring and you cannot leave the UK at present but are not planning to remain in the long term.

If you have already had your visa extended to 31 May 2020 via the earlier concessions, your visa will be extended automatically to 31 July 2020. If you are in the country in a temporary immigration capacity, you will be expected to return to your home country as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.

These concessionary arrangements also offer the opportunity to vary your leave to remain within the UK into other immigration categories, when normally it is necessary to return home to your country of residence to apply for a visa from abroad.

The Immigration Team at Ince remains available to advise clients on these concessions or on other immigration matters and how they affect business and individuals at this time. Contact Alan Platt, Director of Immigration at Ince [email protected].