The government has recently posted the latest advice on immigration concerning the ongoing changes due to the coronavirus pandemic. If you would like the latest updates on immigration applications, read here. Immigration applications, as stressful they always were, were made more complicated, time-consuming and complex during the pandemic, with waiting times for outcomes expected to be longer due to staff shortages.
Here at Solicitors On Your Side, we understand that facing an immigration application can be very stressful and complicated; our experienced immigration solicitors can assist you with your application. We will ensure you come out with the best possible outcome for your case in the most stress-free and easy way.
If you have a Visa in the UK
If you are in the UK under a visa, it is your responsibility to take all the reasonable steps to leave the UK when possible. Due to the restrictions during the pandemic, it may be hard to travel to different countries at this time. The potential issues that individuals may experience during this time are; finding a quarantine hotel at the destination they are travelling to or not being able to travel to a country that has closed its borders to countries with higher infection rates.
It is your responsibility to leave the country when your Visa runs out, or neutralise your stay, by extending your Visa or applying for settlement. If you have taken all the reasonable steps and were unable to do this, you are entitled to apply for Exceptional Assurance. You can apply for Exceptional Assurance by emailing [email protected].
How to apply for exceptional assurance?
To apply for Exceptional Assurance, you must email the email address above. You must provide evidence as to why you were unable to leave the UK or neutralise your stay, and the evidence must be sufficient. The subject of the email should be “Request for an Assurance”. You must also provide your details, like your name, address, date of birth and visa application number. To read the complete list of what you will have to include in the email, read here.
If you have already got Exceptional Assurance, and your application has run out; you must apply for Exceptional Assurance again, based on not being able to leave the country or neutralise your stay again.
If you would like to stay in the UK
To stay in the UK as a resident, you must apply for relevant permission. Find out here about different types of applications to reside in the UK. If you would like to apply to stay in the UK during your Exceptional Assurance, you must do this before your deadline for Exceptional Assurance runs out. Our experienced immigration solicitors have years of experience in immigration applications and processes; we will ensure to make your application run as smoothly as possible, assuring that you come out with the best possible outcome. To start a successful immigration application with one of our solicitors, contact us now on 0330 912 2124
Entry Clearance applications
The government website states that if your entry clearance was not activated due to COVID-19 restrictions and delays, you may apply to remain in the UK without having to return overseas or reapplying. This process will allow you to vary the conditions of entry clearance. To find out how to do this, read the government help page. If you would like assistance in your entry clearance applications, contact one of our immigration experts now.
Overstaying and COVID
Due to the new restrictions, it may be hard to leave the country you are visiting before your Visa runs out; this can be incredibly stressful. If you are overstaying your Visa, we highly recommend that you contact one of our experienced immigration solicitors to provide you with the best possible advice. If you would like to find out more about overstaying, read here.
The government COVID guidance states that if your Visa has expired between 24 January 2020 and 31 August 2020, you will face no adverse immigration consequences if you did not regulate your stay during this period. After that, the consequences are likely. Here at Solicitors On Your Side, we believe that all situations are different, and we will help you if you are overstaying.
Find out more
If you would like to find out more about the changes of applications due to COVID, read here. This helpful government guide includes information on:
- Information on service centres.
- English language testing.
- Disruption of Visas.
- Student Visas.
- Visit Visas.
If your immigration status has been disrupted and you do not know what to do; you can speak to one of our experienced immigration solicitors now and get a free initial consultation.
How we can help
Our solicitors have years of experience in immigration applications and processes. Even for the most complicated applications, we will find a way to help you out. We will ensure to gather all the correct evidence for your applications and fill your applications out to the highest possible standard, making sure that you can come out with the best possible outcome in the most stress-free and easy way.
Contact our Solicitors now!
Contact us now. Solicitors On Your Side can offer you free advice and consultations.
Contact us today by phoning 0330 912 2124, emailing [email protected], or by using our website by filling out an online form.
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