Urgent Help please?

[bpatmens]

Hello good people, I am asking this question on behalf of a work colleague who is in limbo and does not know what to do. This lady came to England as a dependant on her husband who was on student visa. Sadly, the husband passed away 2 years ago when this lady was pregnant with their first child. After the death of the husband, the university informed Home Office; however, Home Office never contacted her about her status and what to do. Now her visa is due to expire in August, 2020. Does she stand any chance of remaining in UK? If yes, what route can she explore? Please help.

[Zerubbabel]

Hello

Sad story

Usually, if a settled or a British sponsor passes away, there are provisions for the remaining partner to stay in the UK.

But as her husband wasn't settled in the UK, he was on Tier 4 until his death, she can't use that sponsorship to renew her visa in August 2020.

She has 7 months to find another route under which she can qualify. I don't recommend she travels abroad on her current visa, because they might turn back and refuse entry because she doesn't meet the requirements.

Hope other forum members have other options.

[bpatmens]

Thank you very much for your reply. She is now confused as she does not know which route she can explore. Very sad situation indeed.

[Zerubbabel]

The immigration system in the UK is complex and simple in the same time. Simple because it doesn't allow thousands of different routes really.

If she is a skilled person, she might qualify for a Tier 2 visa. Sometimes it's difficult due to market conditions or competitive market, but it's still a viable option.

If she is not skilled, the Tier 2 route is not possible.

Do you know how long in total did she live in the UK (all visas considered, not only this Tier 4 dependent)?

[bpatmens]

No she is not a skilled person. She works as a support worker in NHS mental health hospital. She has been in UK since November, 2015