2nd FLRM coming up - What if Government office shut?

My first half of my FLRM spousal visa is expiring 7th of May, so I am planning on applying mid April for my extension (paying the extra fees for priority service because I do not want to be without my passport). As the goverment recomendations and restrictions are changing on a daily basis over the coronavirus I have a huge fear that I will not be able to renew my visa if things shut down.....and then I will be here as on overstayer.

What are people's thoughts on this. Is there someone I should contact?

Thanks!

I believe you will get to keep your passport while you wait for your decision. Isn't everything scanned now?

During the premium appointment they can scan your documents at that time. The reason I am doing premium appointment is so I can keep my passport instead of having to send it off with a regular application.

Only during the premium? I thought a scanning service was offered at regular biometric appointments for an upcharge if you did not scan in your documents at home. I also thought that scanning your documents at home meant you get to keep everything. You don't have to print anything out or send it off anymore, do you?

During the premium appointment they can scan your documents at that time. The reason I am doing premium appointment is so I can keep my passport instead of having to send it off with a regular application.

But you don’t send it off anymore anyway.

The entire application process has changed and all your documents are scanned and uploaded now, including your passport and BRP card. The only difference is that you either scan it at home or you pay for them to scan it at the appointment.

You can also use the 24-hour Super Priority Service for £800, which will give you a decision within 24 hours. And again, you keep your passport for that one too.


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Only during the premium? I thought a scanning service was offered at regular biometric appointments for an upcharge if you did not scan in your documents at home. I also thought that scanning your documents at home meant you get to keep everything. You don't have to print anything out or send it off anymore, do you?

Yes, you keep your passport in all situations now.

The main appointment options are:
- free biometrics appointment, scan your documents and passport at home
- out of hours/next day/same day biometrics appointment for £110
- you can add document checks (£45) and document scanning (£50) to the appointments above
- enhanced appointment for £69 (document checks and scanning included)
- you can pay £800 for the 24-hour super priority service when you pay for the visa and then you book one of the above appointments


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Since this thread is very similar to my questions and in the same spirit, I will "hijack" the thread.  I am currently on FLR(M) part 2 and will be applying for ILR in the next week.  Also, I have a job that is extremely flexible and I can work from home, even if there are mass shutdowns.  I have also passed my Life in the UK test.

I am in a similar situation where I cannot submit my ILR visa application until  Tuesday 17th March, visa expires on 14th April.  What are my options if I do, or do not, get the premium service? 

If I get the premium service and if the government shuts down before my appointment, will they postpone my appointment?  If the shutdown lasts beyond 14th April, what would I be labeled as an overstayer and keep my appointment?

What about my job?  If my employment is tied to the processing of my visa status, which an new application cannot be processed, could I lose my job?

If I do not get the premium service and the government is shut down, what then?  I assume that there will be no government officials to deport me, but cannot work either.

What would the likelihood be of some sort of immigration freeze?

Thanks again for all of your help!

As long as you make a valid, in time online application before your visas expire, you are protected under section 3c of the immigration rules.

This means that your current rights to live and work and use the NHS are extended during processing.

If I get the premium service and if the government shuts down before my appointment, will they postpone my appointment?  If the shutdown lasts beyond 14th April, what would I be labeled as an overstayer and keep my appointment?

What about my job?  If my employment is tied to the processing of my visa status, which an new application cannot be processed, could I lose my job?

As long as you submit your online application before April 14th, you will be fine. Your visa status and your right to work will automatically be extended under 3C Leave and until your visa has been processed. So, you have nothing to worry about, you will not become an overstayer and you can continue to work.

See:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/3c-and-3d-leave

At this point, we do not know what will happen if government departments shut down, so just concentrate on getting your online application submitted before your visa expires and we'll just have to see what happens after that.

As long as you submit your online application before April 14th, you will be fine. Your visa status and your right to work will automatically be extended under 3C Leave and until your visa has been processed. So, you have nothing to worry about, you will not become an overstayer and you can continue to work.

See:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/3c-and-3d-leave

At this point, we do not know what will happen if government departments shut down, so just concentrate on getting your online application submitted before your visa expires and we'll just have to see what happens after that.

Perfect!  This is exactly what I'm looking for, thank you!  Good to know Immigration isn't unreasonable.  Is there some sort of form or verification you can use to claim that an application has been made and 3C applies in case an employer (or anyone else) asks for it?

Perfect!  This is exactly what I'm looking for, thank you!  Good to know Immigration isn't unreasonable.  Is there some sort of form or verification you can use to claim that an application has been made and 3C applies in case an employer (or anyone else) asks for it?

You can show your employer the 3C Leave guidance, and there is also a way for them to check your right to work online:
https://www.gov.uk/check-job-applicant-right-to-work

You can show your employer the 3C Leave guidance, and there is also a way for them to check your right to work online:
https://www.gov.uk/check-job-applicant-right-to-work

Awesome as always ksand!  Thank you very much!

Hi all, I'm dreading this too. I submitted my application last month but couldn't get an appointment (of any price) until late March. Now I'm worried if/when government offices close the backlog of applications will slow down processing. We've got fingers crossed most of the travel restrictions will be over by late July, but this is one more component we can't control with tickets we booked months ago.

Just wondering if anyone here is booking a sopera steria appointment? My appointment is on the 24th of March and I’m afraid of the lockdown. Called sopera steria to check if I can change my appointment to next week but they said they have to cancel my appointment first to see the availabilities and they can’t guarantee me if there are appointments next week. If anyone hasn’t book a biometric appointment and can see the availabilities online can you please let me know?

Just wondering if anyone here is booking a sopera steria appointment? My appointment is on the 24th of March and I’m afraid of the lockdown. Called sopera steria to check if I can change my appointment to next week but they said they have to cancel my appointment first to see the availabilities and they can’t guarantee me if there are appointments next week. If anyone hasn’t book a biometric appointment and can see the availabilities online can you please let me know?

We have also gotten a little worried about the closure of government offices so we have re-booked for Friday. To re-book you have to cancel your initial appointment and you'll get a refund in 5-10 days if you paid for it. I have just re-booked 5 mins ago and there were appointments but only Wednesday, Thursday & Friday but they were pricey at £110 for a standard appointment and £185 for express.

I hope this helps