Coronavirus, Covid-19 and immigration: FAQs

Whilst we are facing the most uncertain of times, we at Latitude Law are doing our best to ensure it’s business as usual. Global mobility has of course been significantly affected by travel restrictions; if you are looking to relocate staff or family members to the UK, we can advise on rules and processing, and help you to prepare your case in readiness for the easing of restrictions by governments around the world.

As the UK government now requires us to work from home, our staff are all set up to do so through our secure online case management system. Our aim is to continue working as normal with as little disruption as possible. Our telephone system allow for conference calls and we are using Skype or Zoom instead of holding face to face meetings. As we are sure you will understand, our priority is the safety of our staff and our clients.

On this page you will find our answers to the latest questions regarding how the Coronavirus outbreak affects UK immigration.

Are the UK’s overseas Visa Application Centres open?

Are domestic UKVCAS Application Centres open?

What if my visa is expiring and I can’t get an appointment?

What if I’ve been issued with a visa but cannot travel during its validity?

Are the UK’s borders closed?

Can I make my visa application from inside the UK?

Can I apply in a different country to that of my nationality?

Is it worth paying for priority processing?

I am a Doctor/Nurse/Paramedic and my visa is due to expire. What should I do?

I am a victim of Domestic Violence. What should I do?

My visa is expiring, but I am abroad and unable to return to the UK, am I able to make my application from outside the UK?

I am a British national living abroad, and I need to apply for a passport to return to the UK, but my country’s visa application centre (VAC) is closed.

I work part-time for the NHS, but they need me to increase my hours, am I able to?

Am I still required to register with the police within 7 days of arriving in the UK or receiving my new BRP?

Will the priority service be available to purchase after the submission of my application?

My application has been successful, and I have received a vignette in my passport, allowing me to enter the UK in the next 90 days, but I am unable to travel due to travel bans. What should I do?

I am an employer; how must I carry out right to work checks during the coronavirus pandemic?

I am outside of the UK and unable to return. I am worried that my excess absences as a result will be an issue for my upcoming indefinite leave to remain and/or naturalisation application. What should I do?

I have been unable to collect my BRP due to Post Office closures and my entry clearance vignette is expiring. What should I do?

I’ve applied for citizenship but I’m not currently able to attend a ceremony.

Can I still make an application for right of abode, citizenship or for naturalisation services by post?

I need financial assistance but my visa does not allow me to access public funds. What can I do?

I am currently outside of the UK and unable to return. Am I able to extend my leave from outside of the country using the Covid-19 extension form?

I am an NHS worker, am I entitled to an automatic extension of my visa?

I was granted leave to remain under the coronavirus transitional provisions. I still can’t return home; am I in the UK illegally?

When entering the UK, what do the 10-day isolation measures mean, and do they apply to me?

Will my prolonged absences due to Covid affect my EUSS application?

I have ECAA leave but I’ve been affected by the Covid restrictions

Does the NHS bereavement scheme apply to me?

Do I need to report sponsored staff as absent via SMS?

Do I need to report a change of location if staff are working from home?

Do I need to report a delayed start date for a new employee?

My CoS / CAS has expired but I have not yet been able to apply for a visa. What should I do?

Can I reduce the hours and / or salary of a sponsored worker, and do I need to report via SMS?

What about if a sponsored worker’s employment will be furloughed?

Should I keep a record of staff absences for sponsor licensing purposes?

Can I withdraw sponsorship of overseas staff if my business is struggling?

If my job is under threat, what are my options?

What if I lose my sponsored employment?

Can we expect a compliance visit during the crisis?

Can I take another job during the crisis?

Do I need to continue to check my employee’s right to work?

Have endorsements for the Start-up/Innovator visa routes been suspended?

I am a Tier 1 Entrepreneur and need to furlough my staff. How will this affect my ability to meet the job creation requirement?

I am in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa as a high earner, but my salary has been reduced to an amount below the high earner threshold. What should I do?

As a sponsor licence holder, how do I submit a priority change of circumstances application?

I am a Skilled Worker Sponsor, and I am unable to check my employee’s right to work because they have been unable to collect their BRP due to Post Office closures. What should I do?

What if a decision on my application to work in the UK is delayed?

I am a sponsor licence holder, but my employee is still waiting for a decision on their application

Do I need to report students absent via SMS?

Will I face compliance action if I don’t report students who don’t attend?

In what circumstances do we need to withdraw sponsorship of a student?

What do I do if a student defers or fails to start their course?

What if a sponsored student has been issued a visa but is unable to travel to the UK?

My CAS has expired but I have not yet been able to apply for a visa. What should I do?

Are we able to continue sponsoring students and provide tuition by remote or electronic means?

Will students unable to graduate be able to extend their visas? What about time limits on study?

Does this count as term-time for the purpose of authorised work?

What if a decision on my Student Visa application is delayed?

I have applied for a Student or Child Student Visa and I am awaiting for a decision on my application.

I am a Short-term student and my leave is due to expire. What can I do?

Can I apply for a Student visa in-country due to Covid-19?

I am due to renew my visa and my sponsor or I have lost our job – how can we meet the financial requirements of the rules?

My partner and I are separated due to travel restrictions; how can we show our relationship is subsisting?

I wish to marry my fiancé(e) but cannot get an appointment with the marriage registrar – what can I do?

I need a TB test but the clinics are closed – what can I do?

I need an English language test but the centres are closed – what can I do?

My sponsor’s job offer has been withdrawn – can I still qualify for a visa?

Should my elderly relative apply for leave in-country?

Do landlords need to continue checking their tenant’s right to rent?

I have been granted leave on the basis of my family or private life, but my circumstances have changed and I am struggling financially to provide for my family.

I have experienced a loss of income due to coronavirus. How will this affect the financial requirement for spouse applications?

Are the courts and tribunals still working?

Are the Home Office still processing and deciding cases?

I want to make further submissions – how can I do this?

I am waiting for an interview with the Home Office – what is the current situation with these?

I am waiting for a decision on my asylum application – when can I expect this?

I am considering applying for asylum – should I wait until the health crisis is over?

Do I still need to report to UKVI as a condition of my immigration bail?

How do I provide the Home Office with evidence to support my asylum claim?

If I want to return home what can I do?

Can I get asylum support during the coronavirus crisis?

I do not have lawful status in the UK. Can I get tested for Coronavirus?

Can I still attend the asylum intake unit in Croydon?

Is the UK going to extend the Transition Period?