Further to our last alert of 3 April, we now provide an update on an important announcement made yesterday.
As mentioned in our previous alert of 19 March, there has been a need for the Home Office to clarify what those stuck outside the UK with expired 30-day entry visas need to do in order to be able to enter the UK. Where an application is submitted for a visa valid for more than 6 months, an initial 30-day entry visa is granted to enable the individual to travel to the UK and collect their Biometric Residence Permit showing their full entitlement to be in the UK.
The new Home Office guidance confirms that those with expired 30-day entry visas must apply for a replacement visa before travelling. Before the end of 2020 an email must be sent to the Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre in order that once the visa application centres reopen a replacement visa can be obtained free of charge.
Whilst it is disappointing the Home Office has decided not to take a pragmatic approach and allow those in this position to freely enter the UK with an expired 30-day entry visa so long as it was issued during the pandemic, the confirmation of the guidance on this important issue is nonetheless still welcome.
This issue is explained further at question 2 of our updated FAQs. We are continuing to update the FAQs regularly and so please do check back into them for the latest updates.
If you have any questions about this update or any other immigration matter, please contact a member of our immigration team.
Click here to read our Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Uk immigration faqs >
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