Coronavirus - Immigration Advice

CORONAVIRUS - IMMIGRATION LAW & HOW WE CAN HELP

The Courts and immigration tribunals remain open but with significant changes to procedure, including hearings by telephone. Our barristers are available to give advice on your case in these fast-changing circumstances. 

The Home Office, meanwhile, is also changing some of its practices and requirements. If you are considering making a new application or fresh claim, our barristers will advise on procedure and timing.

Extending or varying your current visa
Those wishing to extend their stay in light of travel restrictions imposed by the pandemic must make a specific application. Leave is not being automatically extended by the Home Office. We can help you with straightforward applications under the Rules and with more complex issues relying on the exercise of discretion or human rights arguments.

Asylum and international protection
The pandemic looks set to put Tribunal and Home Office decision making on hold for a while. Anyone with a pending application, appeal or possible fresh claim now has the time to take on board expert legal advice on how best to improve their case.  

Family and children
If you are worried about joining your loved ones from abroad, or remaining with your family in the UK, we can help ensure your family’s best interests are progressed at the first possible opportunity.

TOIEC (English language fraud), tax discrepancy and other dishonesty allegations
The Tribunal may wish to proceed with your case without a hearing or by telephone – our barristers will advise on tactics and the merits of seeking adjournments. Oral evidence is especially important in these types of hearing.

EU free movement and EU Settlement Scheme
The deadlines have not changed but the speed of decision-making is likely to diminish. We can advise on whether your best option is to make an application under the EEA Regulations or the domestic settlement scheme.

Commercial and business immigration (including the Points Based System)
The economic shutdown will have implications for your ability to recruit and retain sponsored workers. Whilst the latest Home Office measures may prevent individuals being treated as overstayers, suspension and revocation decisions are proceeding for sponsors of workers and students.

Removal or Deportation
While removals are being suspended in the short-term, the Home Office is yet to give clear guidance on enforcement measures and ongoing deportation proceedings. Make the most of the extra time you may have by taking on board expert advice to make sure you put your case in the most forceful way.

Immigration detention
If you have a family member in detention, we can help with fast bail applications. The coronavirus may make it more difficult for the Home Office to justify ongoing detention.