COVID-19 update: Tier 4 Student Visas & Advice for International Students in the UK

The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting businesses and lives worldwide, but it’s also making things more challenging for migrants who are travelling or living abroad, far from their home countries and families. Those residing in the UK with an immigration permit are confused about what their next steps should be

The uncertainties related to the UK visa extensions and renewals have further exacerbated this issue. Visa renewals and extensions are crucial to ensure that an applicant is complying with United Kingdom laws of immigration.

Fortunately, according to recent guidelines announced by the UK government, immigrants with settled status can relax. On March 27^th, 2020, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) announced that visas that are due to expire between January 24^th, 2020, and May 31^st, 2020, will be extended until May 31^st for immigrants who cannot go back to their home countries due to self-isolation or travel restrictions in the UK or their home country.

This rule has brought about a wave of relief to all immigrants, including Tier 2 Work Visa holders and international students holding a Tier 4 Student Visa.

Due to the university closures amid the pandemic, international students are having a tough time in the UK. They are left in a state of uncertainty about whether or not they should go to their homes or if leaving is even an option.

What Should International Students, Holding a Tier 4 Student Visa, Do Next?

The UK government is announcing a daily update on the visa situation, so advice will change. However, as of the most recent guidelines, international students can be certain that university closures and their inability to attend classes won’t impact their immigration permit.

Though it is typically required for holders of Tier 4 student visas to complete a certain number of course hours in the form of examinations, lectures, seminars, and tutorials, meeting this requirement is no longer a possibility due to the pandemic. International students who are studying at universities that have moved to online teaching can still meet the requirements by attending online lectures, seminars, and exams.

Accommodation for International Students During COVID-19 Emergency

The UK Department of Education has announced guidelines for European and UK national students who hold a Tier 4 Student Visa in the UK. As per the guidelines, these international students can continue living in their university halls of residence or shared rooms or apartments with fellow university students.

However, if they exhibit any symptoms of the coronavirus or test positive, they must isolate themselves in their current accommodation and ask their university or college to provide support until they test negative.

DoE also advised educational institutions to adopt a non-eviction policy, even if the institute is closed due to the social distancing guidelines. In this situation, international students must be allowed to live in the institute’s hall of residence if they don’t have any alternative, even if their contract has expired or it doesn’t cover residence during holiday periods.

For more information, get in touch with the best immigration lawyers in London at Wembley Solicitors.  Our UK immigration lawyers are highly experienced and helpful, and they will walk you through the process of obtaining, extending, and other information regarding the Tier 4 student visa.

Get in touch with us to hire the top immigration solicitors in the UK today!