Corporate, Immigration News, Individuals, Legislation, Sponsorship, Visas
Can I switch my visa in the UK because of Coronavirus?
The short answer is yes. At present there are a number of visa applications which must ordinarily be made from the applicant's home country, regardless of whether the applicant has existing leave in the UK. Given the current climate many people are likely to find this difficult to impossible, due to the widespread travel disruption and amount of countries on lockdown.
Thankfully the Home Office has indicated that due to these ‘unique’ circumstances that it will allow in country applications for those ‘applying to stay in the UK long-term’, whose current visas run out before 31/05/2020. This would mean applicants in this position would no longer have to return to their home countries’ in order to apply. It is also possible to extend your visa to 31/05/2020 if you are unable to return to your home country, if it expires before this date. Doing this does not exclude you from being able to apply to switch in country.
As the Home Office has not provided any lists of accepted visa switches or further details we are working under the assumption that any switch to a long term visa, could be made. This would include, but is not limited to:
- Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme to Tier 2 (general)
- Tier 2 (dependant) to Tier 2 (general)
- Visit visa to any long term visa.
- Visit visa to ancestry visa.
- Marriage visit visa to any long term visa.
Applications are to be made online and can only be made up until 31/05/2020, although this is up for review and may be further extended if the need should arise. You will still need to pay the same fee and meet all the other requirements of your visa.
This presents a chance for people to save money on an expensive international trip, so if you have been planning to apply for a long term visa, have an expiry date before 31/05/2020, and are already in the UK, now might be a good time to make the switch.
We can help you manage the process of switching in country. Contact us at [email protected] or on 01403 801 801 to arrange a video consultation.