Here’s some important advice for UK visa applicants and temporary residents. Anyone in the UK whose leave to remain expires between now and 31st July 2020 can remain in the country without worries.
Home Office has announced that all visas will be extended to 31st July 2020 if the holders cannot leave the UK because of travel restrictions or self-isolation related to coronavirus (COVID-19).
You must however apply for extension of your visa by updating your records with the Coronavirus Immigration Team (CIT) if your visa is expiring and you cannot leave the UK at present but are not planning to stay in the UK in the long term. Click here to update your records: https://gov.smartwebportal.co.uk/homeoffice/public/ho_form.html
Please note that the government expects you to take all reasonable steps to leave the UK 31st July 2020 where it is possible to do so.
Those applying to stay in the UK long-term…
It is possible to apply from within the UK to switch to a long-term UK visa until 31 July 2020 if your leave expires between now and 31 July 2020. This includes applications where you would usually need to apply for a visa from your home country.
You are however required to meet the requirements of the route you’re applying for and pay the UK application fee. This includes those whose leave has already been extended to 31st July 2020. The application can be submitted online.