Immigration alert: UK immigration applications can continue during lockdown

We provide a quick update on the UK immigration system in light of the new national lockdown due to start this Thursday 5 November.  

In respect of applications to be submitted at appointments in the UK via Sopra Steria, the Home Office’s service provider, these can continue as normal and applicants are able to attend in person during the lockdown. Sopra Steria has been designated as providing an “essential service” and so hence the applications can continue. For visa applications submitted outside the UK, the majority of visa application centres remain open and applications can proceed. Our coronavirus FAQs contain further information on how the pandemic is affecting the UK immigration system.

Also, as a reminder, given the new Skilled Worker category will open in a few weeks on 1 December, any staff on Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer) visas can apply from within the UK to switch to a Skilled Worker visa in order to be on a track to indefinite leave to remain.

If you have any queries in relation to the above or any other immigration matter, please contact a member of the immigration team.