IMPACT – HIGH

The government has provided additional information on the reopening of visa application centers abroad and guidance for those whose visas expired between Jan. 24 and July 31.

Key Points on visa application centers:

• Centers are opened this week in the following cities: Georgetown, Islamabad, Karachi, Kingston, La Paz, Lahore, Port of Spain, Rio de Janeiro, Sabah, Sao Paulo, Tehran, Thimphu and Ulaanbaatar.
• This is the latest round of re-openings. At the beginning of June, visa centers in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand opened their doors.
• Other centers are still closed, including in the U.S., where no official date has been given for visa center services to resume.
• As the situation remains fluid, the government continues to review the opening of VACs daily and advises that this be checked with the most up-to-date information on the relevant websites. For Europe, Africa and parts of the Middle East: uk.tlscontact.com and for all other countries: vfsglobal.co.uk.
• Priority and Super Priority Visa services continue to be paused for now in all locations.
• If an individual’s 30-day visa to work, study or join family has expired, overseas customers can now contact their visa application center to request a replacement. Details of how to do this can be found here.

Key Points on Visa Extensions:

• Visa holders in the U.K. who could not leave because of COVID-19, had their visas extended to July 31 if their visas expired between Jan. 24 and July 31. They will no longer be able to extend their visa automatically and must take reasonable steps to leave the U.K. or regularize their stay in the U.K. Visa holders who fall into this category will be given an additional month’s grace period within the U.K. (until Aug. 31) to make the necessary arrangements to leave the U.K. Conditions of their stay in the U.K. will remain the same, allowing them to work, study and rent accommodation until Aug. 31.
• Visa holders who cannot leave the U.K. because of COVID-19 and intend to remain in the country beyond Aug. 31 may request additional time by contacting the coronavirus immigration team.
• Visa holders may be granted short-term special protection against any adverse action or consequences after their leave has expired by evidencing why they are unable to leave.

Analysis & Comments: The reopening of additional VACs is welcome news, though applicants should be aware that services are limited and some VACs, especially in areas where COVID-19 is not under control, remain closed. Visa holders with visas that expired between Jan. 24 and July 31 should follow the steps listed above. 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.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

The Home Office has released additional information on the points-based immigration system that will replace free movement for EU/ EEA nationals Jan. 1, 2021, and will apply to EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA nationals.

Key Points:

• The U.K. will introduce a Skilled Worker route to replace the Existing Tier 2 (General) route:

• • Beginning next year, skilled workers must have at least 70 points in order to apply to work in the U.K. All applicants will be required to (1) have a job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor at (2) the skill level of RQF Level 3 or higher and (3) speak English. Meeting these criteria will give applicants a total of 50 points. To reach 70 points, candidates must earn additional points based on their salary level if the role is recognized as a shortage occupation or by having a Ph.D. in a relevant field.
  • There will be no quota or labor market testing requirement.
  • Existing Tier 2 (General) migrants will be required to apply for Skilled Worker visas if they change employers or jobs or need to extend their stay in the U.K. when the Tier 2 (General) route closes.
  • The standard minimum annual salary will be £25,600; however, the minimum salary threshold can drop below that level for workers in certain health or education jobs, as well as for “new entrants” at the beginning of their career. New entrants will be permitted to earn as little as 70% of what their colleagues in similar positions earn, but must have an annual minimum salary of at least £20,480 per year.

• The new Skilled Worker Health and Care Visa will allow doctors, nurses and other overseas health professionals to be eligible for fast-track entry, reduced fees and additional support in the application process.
• There will be changes to the Rules for Intra-Company Transfers (ICT). Under “cooling off” rules for intra-company transfers, foreign nationals will not be eligible to maintain ICT status for more than five years in a six-year period, except where they qualify on the basis of their salary for up to nine years. The ICT route will still require applicants to be in roles skilled to RQF6 and there will be no English requirement. Applicants must have been employed by the sending business for at least 12 months prior to the date of the transfer (or three months in the case of Graduate Trainees). The policy statement also suggests it may be possible to switch from the ICT route (which does not provide a path to settlement) into the Skilled Worker route from within the U.K.
• The new Graduate Route, which will allow international students to stay and work in the U.K., will be established next summer. This will allow foreign graduates of U.K. universities to remain in the U.K. and work for two years (three for Ph.D. holders). Visa holders in this category will be able to work at any skill level and have the opportunity to switch to other routes once they find a long-term job.
• There will be no specific route for lower-skilled workers.
• An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visa-free travelers will be phased in by 2025. This will require all foreign nationals (except Irish nationals) to apply ahead of time to enter the U.K. prior to travel.
• The new points system will not apply to EU nationals already in the U.K. by Dec. 31, 2020. EU, EEA and Swiss nationals in the U.K. must apply for permission to remain in the U.K. under the EU Settlement Scheme by June 30, 2021. Applicants who have been in the U.K. for less than five years will receive Pre-Settled Status for another five years. Applicants who have been in the U.K. for five years will receive Settled Status, which grants permanent leave to remain in the U.K.
• The new points system will not apply to Irish nationals, who will be able to continue freely working in and traveling to the U.K. under Ireland and the U.K.’s Common Travel Area arrangements.

Background: The information released this week builds on information the Home Office published in its policy paper earlier this year.

Analysis & Comments: The latest update from the Home Office is welcome news, as it gives a better picture of the new points-based system and how it will operate, providing more details to help U.K. companies plan for recruitment, talent acquisition and staff retention after free movement ends. Employers are reminded that under the transition period, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who are living in the U.K. as of the end of 2020 must apply under the EU Settlement Scheme by June 30, 2021. Any EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who have not been living in the U.K. by Dec. 31, 2020 will fall under the new points-based system. Employers must also consider that there will be new prescribed methods for conducting Right to Work checks for European nationals from Jan. 1, 2021. Deloitte will provide additional updates on the transition to the new immigration system as further information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

As of July 13, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will begin a phased resumption of services and will re-open Premium Application Centres (PAC) in the U.S.

Key Points:

• Applicants who were unable to attend an earlier appointment can now log in to their account and make a new appointment.
• Those who have completed their application on GOV.UK but did not book a PAC appointment can now do so.
• An appointment is necessary to visit a PAC.
• When visiting a PAC, applicants must practice social distancing and wear a face mask.
• Limited appointments for U.K. visa services will be available, as of July 13, at select USCIS Application Support Centers (ASC). Please visit the website for further information on ASC openings.

Additional information: The Seattle PAC remains closed at this time. Additionally, the Los Angeles PAC has a new address: 8530 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 420, Beverly Hills, CA, 90211.

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.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has eased the self-isolation policy for travelers entering England and has introduced travel corridor exemptions.

Key Points:

• As of July 10, those entering England from select countries may not have to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.
• Those traveling from the Common Travel Area (Channel Islands, Ireland and Isle of Man) and British Overseas Territories are also generally exempt from self-isolation.
• Those transiting through countries not on the list will have to enter 14-day self-isolation if anyone on the flight disembarks or if passengers from the transit country embark on the same flight.
• Travelers to the U.K., including U.K. residents (except those from Ireland, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) must complete a passenger locator form before arrival. There may be other reasons this form will not need to be completed which can be found here.

Additional information: Travel restrictions for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are published by their respective devolved governments.

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.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

Effective July 1, a temporary Global Talent visa concession is available as part of UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) endorsed funder route for those undertaking COVID-19 research in the U.K. The Global Talent visa is an immigration category for talented individuals in specific sectors wishing to work in the U.K. The Global Talent visa replaced the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa earlier this year.

Key Points:

• Applicants under this concession will be required to meet the full UKRI endorsed funder requirements with the exception that:
  • Written confirmation from the endorsed funder must confirm the grant of award covers a minimum period of one year instead of two years.
  • Employment contract or hosting agreement of the applicant must have at least one year (instead of two years) remaining at the time of the application for endorsement.
• The letter from the employer or host institution should also confirm that applicants are working on a COVID-19-related grant and provide the corresponding unique database reference number from the UK Collaborative on Development Research COVID-19 Research Project Tracker, or equivalent evidence. For further details, please see UKRI’s website.
• Applicants who are successfully endorsed under this concession and are already in the U.K. will be able to switch into the route from any category. This replaces the standard switching requirements.
• In all other respects, the Global Talent application will remain the same. For applicants who are endorsed, there will be no difference in the requirements to be granted entry clearance or leave to remain, and any grant of leave received will be under the normal Global Talent Immigration Rules. This means applicants endorsed under the concession may request a five-year grant of leave and would be eligible for settlement after three years.

Additional information: 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.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

Eleven U.K. visa centers in India are set to open next week.

Key Points:

• The following U.K. visa centers in India are reopening from July 6:
  • Ahmedabad
  • Bengaluru (Global Tech Park)
  • Chandigarh
  • Chennai (see note below)
  • Cochin
  • Hyderabad
  • Jalandhar
  • Kolkata
  • Mumbai (South)
  • New Delhi
  • Pune.
• Individuals will not be able to visit the Chennai application center until local lockdown restrictions in Tamil Nadu are lifted.
• The VFS booking system should be available this week for scheduling appointments. It should be possible to rebook appointments that were canceled when the centers closed initially because of the pandemic by logging into the system.
• The remaining Indian Visa Application Centres may not be open for some time. Applicants who had previously booked appointments at these centres may be able to arrange appointments at the locations that are now reopening.

Analysis & Comments: The reopening of the 11 U.K. visa centers in India is good news for employers who have employees in India needing to submit visa applications to the U.K. However, companies still need to consider other related strategic factors such as relocation availability, quarantine requirements and travel out of India. It should also be noted that visa processing times will be potentially delayed due to the backlog. Your Deloitte professional can support you navigating this complex landscape.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

As of June 22, many visa application centres (VAC) will reopen abroad. Additionally, the government has updated visa extensions.

Application Centres:

• The following VACs will reopen by June 22:
  • Africa: Banjul and Tunis.
  • Asia: Bandar Seri Begawan, Changsha, Chengdu, Chiang Mai, Danang, Fuzhou, Hangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Jinan, Kunming, Nanjing, Osaka, Phnom Penh, Seoul, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Tokyo, Wuhan and Xi’an.
  • Europe: Barcelona, Belgrade, Brussels, Geneva, Lisbon, Madrid and Paris.
  • Middle East: Adana, Alexandria, Amman, Ankara, Baku, Bursa, Cairo, Gaziantep, Istanbul and Izmir.
  • Oceania: Auckland.
• For more information on which VACs are open, see the following websites:
  • Countries in Europe, Africa and parts of the Middle East: uk.tlscontact.com
  • All other countries: vfsglobal.co.uk.
• As of June 1, the following UK Visa and Citizenship Application Centres have reopened: Birmingham, Birmingham Premium Lounge, Chelmsford, Croydon, Exeter, Leeds, London Mark Lane Premium Lounge, London Victoria, Manchester Fountain Street Enhanced Service Point, Manchester Premium Lounge, Sheffield and Southampton. Click here for more information.
• Some English Testing Centres are also resuming services. Individuals are advised to visit the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)’s website, the Pearson Test of English website or the LanguageCert website, or contact their testing center for more information on reopening and how they can book their Secure English Language Test.
• Service and Support Centres remain temporarily closed owing to COVID-19.
• The immigration status of those who are unable to attend their appointment will not change.

Visa Extensions: 

• Visas are extended until July 31 for those who are legally in the U.K. and whose visa expired or will expire between Jan. 24 and July 31. Those who have already had their visa extended until May 31 will have their visa automatically extended to July 31. Those whose visa is expiring between Jan. 24 and July 31 can apply to switch to a long-term visa until July 31, including those who would normally have to apply outside the U.K. Those who were planning to leave the U.K. and whose visa is expiring must contact the Coronavirus Immigration Team (CIT). Note, this only applies to those who already in the U.K. and not those who are abroad and need to extend their U.K. status.
• Some frontline health workers and their dependents will have their visas automatically extended.

U.K. Border Exemptions:

U.K. Border rule exemptions have been extended to Scotland, and some travelers will be exempt from the new border rules, meaning they may not need to provide their journey/contact details or self-isolate for 14 days after they arrive. Self-isolation rules and penalties differ for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

• A small number of people travelling to the U.K. to maintain essential supply chains, critical national infrastructure, to contribute to crisis response or other essential government work, will not need to self-isolate or provide contact details.
• Registered health or care professionals travelling to the U.K. to provide essential healthcare, including where this is not related to Coronavirus, must self-isolate for 14 days.
• Frequent travelers for work who live in the U.K. but work in another country and travel between the U.K. and the country of work at least once a week; and/or live outside the U.K. but work in the U.K. and travel between their country of residence and the U.K. at least once a week, must self-isolate for 14 days. Further information can be found here.

Other Updates:

• Those working or volunteering for the NHS as a doctor, nurse or paramedic are no longer limited to how many hours they can work, provided they are a:
  • Tier 4 student.
  • Tier 2 worker whose NHS job is a second job.
  • Visiting academic researcher.
  • Short-term visa holder permitted to volunteer.

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.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

Some UK Visa and Citizenship Application Centres will open for existing customers on June 1.

Key Points:

• The following service points will be open as of June 1: Birmingham, Birmingham Premium Lounge, Chelmsford, Croydon, Exeter, Leeds, London Mark Lane Premium Lounge, London Victoria, Manchester Fountain Street Enhanced Service Point, Manchester Premium Lounge, Sheffield and Southampton.
• Appointments cannot currently be booked at a UKVCAS service points. Only those with an existing appointment are eligible to use the services at one of the UKVCAS Centres that are reopening. Those with an existing appointment will be contacted.
• Service and Support Centres (SSCs) remain temporarily closed because of COVID-19.

Background: The Home Office closed all visa application centers in March to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

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.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

As of June 8, there will be new rules for residents and visitors entering the U.K.

Key Points:

• Those entering the U.K. must provide journey and contact details via an online form before traveling.
• Those entering must self-isolate for 14 days after entering the U.K. except for the following exceptions:
  • Anyone moving from within the Common Travel Area, i.e., Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
  • Medical professionals traveling to help combat coronavirus.
  • Seasonal Agricultural Workers who will self-isolate on the property where they will work.
  • Road haulage and freight workers (to ensure the supply of goods is not affected).

Additional information: Those traveling from June 8 onward must check the latest public health advice on the coronavirus before they travel and after entering the U.K. Travelers should also download the NHS contact tracing app from the same website once it is available. Travelers entering the U.K. who refuse to provide contact details may be fined £100; those who refuse to self-isolate in England and Wales may be fined £1,000.

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.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has announced visa extensions and other measures to ease immigration requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Points:

• Leave will be extended to July 31 for those whose leave expires between Jan. 24 and July 31, and who are unable to return to their home country because of COVID-19 travel restrictions or quarantine. UKVI has set up a COVID-19 immigration team email to assist with the visa extension process. Visas that were previously extended to May 31 will be extended automatically to July 31.
• The Home Office is temporarily expanding in-country switching provisions until July 31 for those wishing to apply for a visa to stay in the U.K. long-term, e.g., from Tier 4 (Student) to Tier 2 (General Worker), while remaining in the U.K. This includes visa applications that must usually be submitted from the applicant’s home country (where leave expires between Jan. 24 and July 31).

Additional information: The Home Office will continue to review the situation and may extend the current date accordingly. For more information and advice regarding immigration and the COVID-19 virus, visit the gov.uk website.

Analysis & Comments: The extension policy is good news for employers and their foreign national employees, as it should lessen compliance concerns amid travel restrictions and quarantine measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Foreign nationals who avail themselves of the visa extension policy, however, are reminded that they must return to their home country as soon as possible once travel restrictions are lifted. 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.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.