Aston Brooke Solicitors is a reputable law firm based in Harrow, Middlesex. We have been serving our valued customers for over a decade by providing high quality, bespoke legal services such as Conveyancing, Litigation, Immigration and Wills & Probate and more. In light of the current coronavirus outbreak, we are proud to be at the forefront of providing our customers with up to date news and advice on regulations regarding coronavirus. We will update our information regularly as per instructions from the Government.
The Coronavirus pandemic has brought about concerns for people in relation to their immigration status.
The UK Government have introduced a number of provisions, especially with regards to Tier 2 visas, which provide more certainty and security for those who find that they are unable to return home or extend their visas during these unprecedented times.
Aston Brooke Solicitors have a dedicated Immigration Team that will be able to assist you with any concerns and issues that you may have in relation to your immigration status and employment within the United Kingdom.
Please see the following FAQ’s relating to your visa status:
Yes. Your employer are not required to withdraw sponsorship and will not face enforcement action if an unpaid absence from work of any length is authorised and due to coronavirus.
Yes. Your employer can temporarily reduce the salary to 80% of the salary recorded on your CoS or £2,500 per month, which- ever is lower. This concession sets aside the requirement for you to satisfy the minimum salary threshold for your job type and visa category, including if you have been furloughed.
Yes. You will receive a curtailment letter from your employer and then you will have 60 days to seek alternative employment with another Tier 2 employer.
Yes. The Government has released a list of frontline workers that will be eligible for an automatic extension if their visas expire prior to the 1st October 2020.
The following professions eligible are:
• biochemist
• biological scientist
• dental practitioner
• health professional
• medical practitioner
• medical radiographer
• midwife
• nurse
• occupational therapist
• ophthalmologist
• paramedic
• pharmacist
• physiotherapist
• podiatrist
• psychologist
• social worker
• speech and language therapist
• therapy professional
Extension of visas for those working in the jobs listed above also include their family dependents.
No. You will need to submit the relevant application, whether that be Tier 2 or a Further Leave to Remain application, prior to the expiration date of your current visa on your BRP Card. Home Office Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge Fees will apply as normal.
Aston Brooke Solicitors has expertise across all visa types, and will be able to assist you in the process.
Yes. Due to Coronavirus, appointments across the United Kingdom have been suspended until further notice. The Home Office have stated that appointments will either be rescheduled, or Biometrics will have to be emailed to them to make a decision on the application.
Yes. Once your CoS has been assigned and your application has been submitted, you will be able to commence employment with your new employer.
Aston Brooke will be able to promptly advise and guide you as to how this can be proceeded with.
Yes. The Government has introduced what is known as Emergency legislation so you can temporarily register to practice. Please see the following link, which provides information in relation to this:
https://www.nmc.org.uk/news/coronavirus/temporary-registration/
In the unfortunate circumstance that the main applicant passes away due to Coronavirus, all dependents including spouses will be granted Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Yes. They will need to apply in the country they are staying to renew the visas. This will have to be done before the visas expire. As the main applicant you will also need to apply for an extension before your visa expires so you are not an overstayer.
Yes. You should submit your online application in the normal way and wait for the application to be processed. Your employer may need to report your delayed start date but you will still be able to take up the post once your application is approved.
Please contact our Immigration Team on 02034754321 if you have any queries regarding any Immigration matter.
Time: 16:34
Date: 17th May 2020
