UK Visas and Immigration Updates

In the past 2 weeks, the Home Office has published a range of UK Visas and Immigration updates especially following ‘Freedom Day’ on 19^th July 2021.

Barar & Associates has summarised a list of the updates for you below.

EU Settlement Scheme: information for applicants

On 16^th July 2021, the Home Office published a factsheet for people who have secured their status under the EU Settlement Scheme or are waiting to hear the outcome of an application made under the EU Settlement Scheme before 30^th June 2021. It includes information such as how to access and update your digital immigration status, pending applications, switching from pre-settled to settled status and joining family members.

You can access the factsheet via the link below:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1003186/EUSS_Applicants_leaflet_-_WEB_VERSION_FINAL.pdf

For those of you who did not make an application under the EU Settlement Scheme by 30^th June 2021, you can still do so and should do so as soon as possible.

If you are encountered by Immigration Enforcement and you may be eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme, you will be provided with a written notice giving you an opportunity to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, normally within 28 days.

More information for late applicants can be found via the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eu-settlement-scheme-information-for-late-applicants?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_source=6e380948-e1eb-453c-8a3d-c782b21c18e1&utm_content=immediately

Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT)

As of 19^th July 2021, the lists of test centres in and outside the UK are updated.

You can access the lists via the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prove-your-english-language-abilities-with-a-secure-english-language-test-selt?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_source=ca227c0f-77fe-41ca-819c-132bf07b2b34&utm_content=immediately

British nationals (overseas) in Hong Kong

From 20^th July 2021, if you would like to come to the UK with a British nationals (overseas) passport, you must apply for the BNO visa and wait for the decision before you travel. The ‘Leave Outside the Rules’ route has been closed.

Country returns guide

On 20^th July 2021, the country returns guide has been updated and can be accessed via the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/country-returns-guide?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_source=6fdf1e7d-c8fc-40f8-9335-51e9f53ba00d&utm_content=immediately

Windrush Compensation Scheme

On 21^st July 2021, the guidance for decision-makers considering cases under the Windrush Compensation Scheme, the claim form and its guidance have been updated.

You can access the updated caseworker guidance via the link below:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1003683/windrush-compensation-case-work-guidance-v7.0ext.pdf

On the other hand, you can access the claim form and its guidance via the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/windrush-compensation-scheme-claim-forms-and-guidance?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_source=f67fbc10-810a-47d7-a42d-635be25425b3&utm_content=immediately

EU Settlement Scheme caseworker guidance

As of 21^st July 2021, the EU Settlement Scheme: EU, other EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members guidance has been updated following rules changes on 1 July.

You can access the updated guidance via the link below:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1004627/main-euss-guidance-v13.0ext.pdf

Youth Mobility Scheme visa: ballot system

The 2021 ballot for those eligible to apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa from any of the following countries below has now closed:

• Hong Kong, if you have a HKSAR passport;
• Japan;
• South Korea;
• Taiwan.

The details of the 2022 ballot will be published in due course.

Should you have any questions relating to UK immigration, please contact our expert team of London immigration lawyers at Barar and Associates at barar.london@bararassociates.co.uk or call us on 020 7487 8370. You can access more information about us via https://bararassociates.com/.