Update 2! A couple of hours after the first email, I received another email
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Dear XYZ
Thank you for your application for permission to stay in the UK.
We apologise for the inconvenience, but, due to the worldwide response to COVID-19, UKVI services are limited and we are not able to meet our usual service standards.
Although we would normally decide your application six months from the date it was submitted, unfortunately this is may not going to be possible in your case.
In line with Government advice on essential travel, social distancing and other restrictions related to COVID-19, for the safety of our customers and our staff, the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS) locations where you would ordinarily submit your biometric details and provide any documents for scanning that you have not already uploaded yourself, are currently closed.
As your application was submitted prior to your current grant of leave expiring, your current status within the United Kingdom has been extended by section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971. You do not need to do anything else at this stage and do not need to be concerned about your immigration status.
If you have applied to switch your status in respect of your employment or studies then please refer to the guidance on Gov.UK
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus ... -residents as you should be permitted to commence work / study prior to your application being decided, should you meet the conditions set out in the guidance.
We apologise for the delay in dealing with your application and for the inconvenience this is causing. Please be assured we will do all we can to make a decision on your case as quickly as possible once our UKVCAS service locations reopen.
We appreciate your patience at this time.
Regards
Work Non Sponsored Team 2
Visas & Citizenship Operations – Work & Study
UK Visas and Immigration
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Although from Home Office, this email came from Non Sponsored Team 2 while the earlier one was from W & S Contingency Casework Document Return team. Both referenced my application reference number in subject line and both from home office gov.uk email.
I am applying after 5 years on Tier 1 E 50k route, not Tier 2.
I applied online on 22nd March. My appointment for biometrics on UKVCAS is scheduled for 9th July (if the centres re-open!) in Croydon, South London.
I've collated all my documents and scanned any pending ones and am ready to submit to the W & S Contingency Casework Document Return team but I'll sit on it for a day or 2 to go through and most likely submit on Friday.
Cheers,
Spikky