What are the effects of UK Immigration During Covid-19

The Coronavirus epidemic has caused enormous upheaval in just about every area of UK society, and in societies around the world. Systems such as finance, trade, travel and communication that we have increasingly come to take for granted have been turned upside down, and it's often hard to keep track of just what is running normally and what isn't. For migrants, that can mean a huge amount of concern and worry with carefully laid plans now completely up in the air as policies change rapidly to keep up with the changing situation. So what is the current outlook for immigration into the UK during the pandemic, and how might that change in the future? Let's take a look.

- I'm trying to obtain a visa to remain in the UK

One of the biggest problems facing immigrants in the UK is that Visa Application Centres around the world have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of this, the Home Office has relaxed the rules surrounding in-person appointments so that prospective immigrants aren't disadvantaged. If your visa would normally require you to make your application outside the UK, but you can't return to your home country, you can make your application from within the UK instead.

This same clemency also applies to people who would normally be required to attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre. The Home Office guidance has reassured these applicants that their visa status won't change while centres are closed by the pandemic, allowing them to fulfil appointments when centres reopen. However, one group for whom the rules don't change are people who can make postal applications for visa changes or extensions, who will have to file their paperwork as normal before their visas expire. You will then be allowed to remain in the UK until you can attend your in-person appointment, but be aware that this may still result in your application being denied. As of 1st June, Visa Application Centres in the UK and around the world have begun to reopen, so it's best to keep checking to see when your local centre will be available.

- I have already begun the process of getting a UK visa, but I can't complete the required English language test and/or the Life in the UK test. What should I do?

While many tests around the world are starting to reopen, the backlog of cases that are being heard means that there are very few appointments available, especially as they are prioritising people whose appointment has already been cancelled. If you find yourself unable to obtain a pass on any of your tests due to a lack of available appointments you should submit your application anyway, and as long as you are able to pass your test before your in-person appointment there should be no problem processing your application. The only requirement is that you make your application before the deadline, after which any mitigating circumstances can be ironed out with the Home Office separately.

- I am currently on track to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain but I am trapped outside the UK

One area of the visa process that the Home Office enforces rigorously is the time limit on staying outside the UK. Depending on what type of visa you are applying for this can limit the time you're allowed to be absent from the UK to 180 days within a 12 month period, which is a problem for many people trapped in countries that do not allow travel to and from the UK during the pandemic. While the Home Office has not issued any specific guidance for this issue, there is already a mechanism for people to appeal this rule if they can provide serious and compelling reasons why they were outside the UK for so long. In the current circumstances, it is highly likely that most cases will fall neatly within this exception. It is a good idea to arm yourself with evidence in order to prove your circumstances, however, such as evidence of cancelled flights or hospital stays.

- I'm trapped in the UK and I can't get home

While the UK is slowly beginning to open travel corridors with countries around the world there are still many destinations to which travel is not allowed. If you are a citizen of one of those countries, and your UK travel visa is about to expire, you can apply to have your visa extended to 31 July 2020. Note that if you already had your visa extended in the past for this same reason, your visa will be automatically extended, but you should continue to check and make sure your arrangements are in order before you relax.

- Can I still apply for a visa to live in the UK?

If you had planned to apply for a UK visa but found your plans interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, your next steps will largely depend on where you live. From 1st June many Visa Application Centres around the world have begun to open up again, but this very much depends on where you are applying from and what the local rules regarding movement and assembly are. While it is still possible to submit the online components of the application if an in-person appointment is not possible then there is little point in making the application just yet as nothing can be progressed without the appointment. It is best to wait and see when your local centre will reopen before you make any further plans.

- I have been issued with a 30-day visa to visit the UK but can't travel

If you're barred from entering the UK as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, but you would still like to make use of your 30-day visa, the Home Office has announced that you can apply for a revised visa free of charge until the end of 2020. However, it's best not to do this until you know when your country's travel restrictions will be relaxed, so you can prepare properly.