IMPACT – HIGH

The Home Office has published updated information concerning certain visas that may be expiring due to current conditions with COVID-19.

Global Talent Visa

  • Individuals applying for a Global Talent visa may still be eligible if their endorsement from an endorsing body has expired because they have not been able to make an application for a visa. Endorsements will be accepted if it was granted on or after Jan. 24, 2020 and applicants who apply for their visa before Jan. 1, 2021.
  • Applicants who are applying for a Start-up or Innovator visa may still be eligible if their endorsement from an endorsing body has expired because they have not been able to travel to the U.K. The Home Office will consider all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Leave expiring after Sept. 1

  • Individuals whose leave expires after Sept. 1, can submit an application form from within the U.K. where they would normally need to apply for a visa from their home country. Those individuals will need to show an urgent need, pay the fees and meet all normal requirements of the visa.

Biometric enrollment

  • Individuals who have given their fingerprints to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may be able to reuse them. Those individuals will be emailed instructions on how to send an image of their face and supporting documents. If successful, there will be no need for these visa applicants to attend a UKVCAS or an SSC service point appointment to provide biometric information.

Immigration and nationality fees

  • Updated immigration and nationality fees for applications were announced on Aug. 4 and are available here. The Home Office confirmed there will be no impact on a majority of the services apart from the introduction of fees for the Health and Care visa.

Priority and Super Priority Service

  • Priority and super priority and service is now available in some visa application centers, however, it is recommended that visa applicants check with their immigration representative to confirm if they can use this service at the time of application submission.

Additional Information: Most Visa Application Centers have resumed services where local restrictions allow. Those who have immigration queries related to coronavirus may email the Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre at through email CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk or by telephone: 0800 678 1767 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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