Coronavirus and the UK immigration system (as of 02 November 2020)

General immigration policy rules

Exceptional assurance was initially available only to those with a visa expiring up to 31 October, but has now been extended to 30 November as part of the second national lockdown. Further extensions of the scheme seem likely.

People requesting exceptional indemnity/assurance need to fill in an online form to explain why they can’t leave by 30 November. 

The guidance also allows people to apply for further leave to remain in the UK even “where you would usually need to apply for a visa from your home country” — provided that the application is “urgent”.

Biometrics

For a while, the Home Office stopped insisting that applicants provide a fresh set of fingerprints every time they extend their permission to stay in the UK. This concession is now limited to student visa holders.

If previous fingerprints can be reused, student applicants can send in a photo along with supporting documents. Where applicable, “this will mean you do not have to attend a UKVCAS or an SSC service point appointment to provide biometric information”.