In an uncharacteristic move by the Home Office, the UK government has stated that visas for Chinese nationals will be extended automatically, to assist in the global containment of this medical crisis. In the 20 years I have been giving immigration advice, I have only ever come across one other incident of this type of flexibility for certain categories of Syrian nationals, due to the beginning of the war there in 2011. This was unusual as it was not a temporary grant of any type of refugee status, but simply a temporary extension of permission to stay.
In relation to this extension, more specifically the government have stated:
You don’t need to do anything to get this extension.
You will be subject to the same immigration conditions as your last visa during the extension period.
You will not automatically receive a new visa or Biometric Residence Permit card.
Your new expiry date (31 March 2020) will be added to UK Visas and Immigration’s systems.
If you need a status letter confirming this extension, or a new Biometric Residence Permit with a revised expiry date, you should contact the coronavirus immigration helpline.
If you have already applied to extend your visa you don’t need to do anything.
If you are intending to apply to extend your stay in the UK before 31 March 2020 you should continue to do so.
If you are normally a resident, but not a national, of China, the advice is slightly more complicated, please do seek advice from our Immigration department at Williamsons Solicitors.
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