The Home Office has eased its visa restrictions for:
- British nationals overseas
- healthcare workers
- International students
- migrant entrepreneurs
- overstayers
- Tier 2 Visa holders
- Tier 5 Visa holders
The penalty usually given to visa overstayers is being scrapped, and overseas NHS workers can work at any medical facility in the UK for as many hours as they wish.
It is the first time visa rules have been relaxed since March when the Home Office loosened its restrictions on overseas healthcare staff, overstayers, international students and entrepreneurs. Despite the concessions, British nationals overseas still are unable to submit a passport application when their local office is not open.
The Home Office says:
“There will be no adverse immigration consequences in the future for people whose leave to remain or visa expired between 24th January and 31st August 2020, if they did not apply to regularise their stay.”
Overstayers
Persons who do not extend their stay before the expiration date ‘must leave the UK.’
Persons due to leave in November but who cannot to do so due to COVID-19 flight restrictions or testing positive for coronavirus can request additional time in the UK.
Persons whose visa expires after 31st October can renew their visa or apply for a different one within the UK, rather than having to return to their country of origin to do so.
Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa
Holders of this visa are no longer required to employ at least two people for a full year. The 12 months can be made up of multiple jobs and no longer need to be consecutive.
Healthcare workers
Overseas NHS employees can now work at any medical facility during the pandemic, in any healthcare role. The restrictions on the number of hours they can work have been lifted.
International students
International students can now begin their studies in the UK before getting a Tier 4 Student Visa.
Tier 2/Tier 5 Visa holders
Persons who applied for a Tier 2 or Tier 5 Visa for work reasons can begin their employment before getting their visa.
British nationals overseas
British nationals overseas can submit a passport application online.
Scarsdale Immigration Solicitors
For advice from Immigration solicitors Manchester, immigration solicitors Rochdale and immigration solicitors Oldham call Scarsdale Oldham Solicitors, Scarsdale Manchester Solicitors and Scarsdale Rochdale Solicitors on 0161 660 6050.
