Tire 2 dependent switch to T2G (COVID-19)

[Sainatha]

Cos granted but due to covid-19 I am unable to travel back to my home country to make an application, as per the new guidelines can I make T2G with in the country?

Please suggest me .

Thanks in advance

[CR001]

The UKVI Updated statement was fairly clear!

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus ... -residents

If you’re applying to stay in the UK long-term

During these unique circumstances you’ll be able to apply from the UK to switch to a long-term UK visa until 31 May. This includes applications where you would usually need to apply for a visa from your home country.

You’ll need to meet the same visa requirements and pay the UK application fee.

This includes those whose leave has already been automatically extended to 31 March 2020.

You can apply online. The terms of your leave will remain the same until your application is decided.

[Sainatha]

That mean I can apply with in UK

Thank you for the conformation

[abiuk]

That mean I can apply with in UK

Thank you for the conformation

Hi Sainatha,
Once you know, can you please share the information about this new temporary process?
Thanks

[Sainatha]

Sure, I will update when ever i will apply, right now spoke to my employer, they are waiting for the conformation from the company solicitor

[abiuk]

Sure, I will update when ever i will apply, right now spoke to my employer, they are waiting for the conformation from the company solicitor

Thanks buddy.
I am planning to call the helpline number today. I will let you know if got anything important from it.

[GG_PM2]

Hi all, hope everyone is keeping well. I'm in the same exact situation but finding the guidance slightly unclear; I'm not sure if this new exception applies to everyone, or only for those whose current visas are expiring at the end of May (the content sits as a subheading to "If you’re in the UK and your leave expires between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020"). My T2 Dependent doesn't expire for a while but keen to make the switch sooner rather than later, and obviously the COS will expire at some point.

Do let us know if you get any clarity. I emailed Home Office a few days ago so will update here with anything useful.

[Sainatha]

Hi all, hope everyone is keeping well. I'm in the same exact situation but finding the guidance slightly unclear; I'm not sure if this new exception applies to everyone, or only for those whose current visas are expiring at the end of May (the content sits as a subheading to "If you’re in the UK and your leave expires between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020"). My T2 Dependent doesn't expire for a while but keen to make the switch sooner rather than later, and obviously the COS will expire at some point.

Do let us know if you get any clarity. I emailed Home Office a few days ago so will update here with anything useful.

Thank you for the update, yesterday I try to contact helpline, seems right now lines are very busy, I was on call waiting for 2 hours so I just disconnect later.

[abiuk]

hi Sainatha/GG_PM2,

have you guys created an application online or yet to do it?

[Sainatha]

Not yet!

[GG_PM2]

hi Sainatha/GG_PM2,

have you guys created an application online or yet to do it?

Hi, not yet, waiting on confirmation from our lawyer also, but this morning my employer got an email directly from UKVI that contains the below; it's the same as in the original link but paraphrased more clearly. This seems to suggest everyone is covered, as the email was a general notice to sponsors and not only specific to those with an upcoming expiry. I'll let you know once I hear from my lawyer and/or Home Office but it seems promising

Switching to a long-term UK visa

• During these unique circumstances individuals will be able to apply from the UK to switch to a long-term UK visa until 31 May. This includes applications where they would usually need to apply for a visa from their home country.

• They will need to meet the requirements of the route they are switching into and pay the UK application fee.

• Those whose leave expires between 24 January and 31 May 2020, including those whose leave has already been automatically extended to 31 March 2020, are eligible to apply

• They can apply online

.

[GG_PM2]

Hi guys, I just got a response from Home Office, sadly it looks like it only applies if your current visa is expiring by end of May

Thank you for contacting the Home Office Coronavirus Immigration Team to enquire about switching from your current immigration route due to issues related to COVID-19.

No individual of any nationality whose leave has expired or is due to expire between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020, and who cannot leave because of travel restrictions related to COVID-19, will be regarded as an overstayer or suffer any detriment in the future.

Where you would normally be required to return to your country of residence to apply for a visa in a different category, you’ll now be able to apply from the UK to switch.

This will only apply if your leave has expired or will expire on or after 24 January 2020 to 31 May 2020; including those individuals who have already had their leave extended to 31 March 2020.

[abiuk]

Hi guys, got a response from Immigration team regardindg impact of Corona Virus Pandemic on validity of COS:


“If the 3 month period to assign the RCoS has expired and an RCoS is still required, please submit another RCoS application and email the Tier 2 Limit Team at Tier2Limits@homeoffice.gov.uk, stating the reason why the RCoS was not assigned or the visa application was not submitted. This further RCoS application will be considered outside of the monthly panel process.

If an RCoS has not been assigned the RCoS but is still within the 3 month window, it is recommended that you assign it as normal. If any delay occurs in relation to the migrant’s work start date in the UK, flexibility will be shown in terms of both the start and end dates.”

[nav18scse]

Not yet!

hi Sainatha,

have you created an application online or yet to do it?

If you have any update please let me know because I am also in the same situation and waiting COS decision.

Thanks

[nav18scse]

Hi guys, I just got a response from Home Office, sadly it looks like it only applies if your current visa is expiring by end of May

Thank you for contacting the Home Office Coronavirus Immigration Team to enquire about switching from your current immigration route due to issues related to COVID-19.

No individual of any nationality whose leave has expired or is due to expire between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020, and who cannot leave because of travel restrictions related to COVID-19, will be regarded as an overstayer or suffer any detriment in the future.

Where you would normally be required to return to your country of residence to apply for a visa in a different category, you’ll now be able to apply from the UK to switch.

This will only apply if your leave has expired or will expire on or after 24 January 2020 to 31 May 2020; including those individuals who have already had their leave extended to 31 March 2020.

Hi,
You mean that we cant switch from Tier 2 ICT dependent to Tier 2 general visa within UK if Tier 2 dependent visa is not expired before 31May 2020? Please reply.
Travel is also bared till 14Apr2020 in India and VFS offices are closed at the moment so we dont know what will be situation.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

[Sainatha]

Not yet!

hi Sainatha,

have you created an application online or yet to do it?

If you have any update please let me know because I am also in the same situation and waiting COS decision.


Hi, I have submitted tire 2 online application , but as we know, right now UKVCAS closed, so I am waiting for book an appointment for BRP

Thanks

[nav18scse]

Not yet!

hi Sainatha,

have you created an application online or yet to do it?

If you have any update please let me know because I am also in the same situation and waiting COS decision.


Hi, I have submitted tire 2 online application , but as we know, right now UKVCAS closed, so I am waiting for book an appointment for BRP

Thanks

Hi Sainatha,

Thanks for your reply. Right now i am in Tire 2 ICT dependent, my visa is expiring in 9th July, and my employer applied for RCOS on 3rd April 2020 and waiting for decision. I'm seeking information about can we do in country visa because of the current situation. It would be helpful if you share your experience. my questions are
1. Have you applied T2G from UK itself through online?
2. Once UKVCAS opened, can you finish your visa process within UK itself?
3. Can we do online application in UK even though my visa expired on July?.

Thanks

[Sainatha]

My current visa expired on 15thMarch 2020, so I can am eligible for apply with in the UK
Once UKVCAS open I can book an appointment . According to the UK guideline, whose visa expired on or before 24/01/2020 to 31/05/2020 they are eligible to apply with in the uk.

[harry1989]

Hi Sainatha,

I am also in the same boat, I used UK GOV online website to apply T2G visa and selected UK as biometric centre but online website does not allow me to proceed, can you please tell which link did you use for applying T2G within UK? Or please provide link to the solicitor you have approached.

[Sainatha]

Hi, company solicitor applied on behalf of me, no idea which link they are used

Solicitor name removed by moderator, London

[CR001]

Hi, company solicitor applied on behalf of me, no idea which link they are used

Solicitor name removed by moderator, London

Members are not permitted to name solicitors on the forum!!

[nav18scse]

My current visa expired on 15thMarch 2020, so I can am eligible for apply with in the UK
Once UKVCAS open I can book an appointment . According to the UK guideline, whose visa expired on or before 24/01/2020 to 31/05/2020 they are eligible to apply with in the uk.

Thanks for your reply.

[nav18scse]

Hi guys, I just got a response from Home Office, sadly it looks like it only applies if your current visa is expiring by end of May

Thank you for contacting the Home Office Coronavirus Immigration Team to enquire about switching from your current immigration route due to issues related to COVID-19.

No individual of any nationality whose leave has expired or is due to expire between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020, and who cannot leave because of travel restrictions related to COVID-19, will be regarded as an overstayer or suffer any detriment in the future.

Where you would normally be required to return to your country of residence to apply for a visa in a different category, you’ll now be able to apply from the UK to switch.

This will only apply if your leave has expired or will expire on or after 24 January 2020 to 31 May 2020; including those individuals who have already had their leave extended to 31 March 2020.

Hi,
You mean that we cant switch from Tier 2 ICT dependent to Tier 2 general visa within UK if Tier 2 dependent visa is not expired before 31May 2020? Please reply.
Travel is also bared till 14Apr2020 in India and VFS offices are closed at the moment so we dont know what will be situation.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Hi,
Are you managed to apply visa from UK even visa expired after May 2020?
Thanks.

[GG_PM2]

Hi guys, I just got a response from Home Office, sadly it looks like it only applies if your current visa is expiring by end of May

Thank you for contacting the Home Office Coronavirus Immigration Team to enquire about switching from your current immigration route due to issues related to COVID-19.

No individual of any nationality whose leave has expired or is due to expire between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020, and who cannot leave because of travel restrictions related to COVID-19, will be regarded as an overstayer or suffer any detriment in the future.

Where you would normally be required to return to your country of residence to apply for a visa in a different category, you’ll now be able to apply from the UK to switch.

This will only apply if your leave has expired or will expire on or after 24 January 2020 to 31 May 2020; including those individuals who have already had their leave extended to 31 March 2020.

Hi,
You mean that we cant switch from Tier 2 ICT dependent to Tier 2 general visa within UK if Tier 2 dependent visa is not expired before 31May 2020? Please reply.
Travel is also bared till 14Apr2020 in India and VFS offices are closed at the moment so we dont know what will be situation.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Hi,
Are you managed to apply visa from UK even visa expired after May 2020?
Thanks.

Hey mate,

Nah, I didn't bother once I got that response from Home Office; although I'm keen to switch ASAP, my T2 Dependent doesn't expire until next year and the response made it clear you're only eligible if your visa expires by end of May Plus the UK offices are closed anyway. Sadly, will just have to wait how this all pans out..

That said, my company's lawyer said the company have 3 months to assign the COS to me (it was granted to them in March), then once the COS is assigned, I get a further 3 months to apply for the visa. So, provided your company hasn't assigned you the COS already, you potentially have 6 months up your sleeve. It would be worth checking with your company about this, if you need to buy more time.

Best of luck!

[nav18scse]

Hi,

Thank you so much for your update, I will reach my company and update later.