Updated May 2020. COVID-19: UK visas, help for businesses and people

By 1st 4Immigration - #1 UK Immigration Experts -
UK visas and your immigration status: 

If your current visa expires before 31 July 2020, and you are not planning to remain in the UK, you can request the above extension until 31 July 2020 (but you have to ask for it, ie it's not automatic). 

If your current visa expires before 31 July 2020, and you are planning to stay in the UK long-term, you can make an online application for that - by 31 July 2020. Even if you couldn't switch under the normal circumstances, you will be able to do so now. Examples: from a visitor status to a Spouse visa; from a visitor status to a Tier 4 student or Tier 2 work visa. 

 The latest extension, up to 31 July 2020, will be applied automatically to those who had already extended their stay until 31 May 2020 under the previous provision (in which case you don't have to ask for it, it will be done automatically).  

Tier 2 migrants working for the NHS as a doctor, nurse and other eligible occupations:  if your visa expires before 1 October 2020, your Tier 2 Sponsor (employer) will be able to ask for a 12-month extension.

If you have an entry visa stamp for 30 days in your passport but unable to travel before it expires (or before it has already expired): you will be able to request another stamp, free of charge, to travel until the end of 2020.

Our work:  

 We at 1st 4Immigration continue to work remotely (but as normal otherwise) via email, What’s App, Skype and phone. Visa applications are prepared, analysed and submitted by us electronically - you can send your documents to us via email, Dropbox or similar. Once submitted, applications are considered by the UK authorities electronically.

Our advice session service (consultations with our lawyers) are running as normal via What’s App, Skype and email. You can book a consultation here. 


Help for businesses:  

Company directors: 
If you or your business have been affected by Coronavirus, you can also claim support with your director’s salary under the Job Retention Scheme. Only your salary under PAYE, not dividends. 

Employees:
As above, your employer may be able to get help to keep you on their books while you have no work to do. 

Self-employed (sole traders without a company or those in a Partnership):

1st 4Immigration is one of the most experienced and prominent UK immigration law companies, accredited by the OISC at the highest Level 3. We have been in business for over 10 years, our OISC reference is 200800152, in which 2008 stands for the year accreditation. Office address: Tower 42 (NatWest Tower), 25 Old Broad Street, City of London, London, EC2N 1HN. www.1st4immigration.com 

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