
At a Glance
- Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK government announced that foreign nationals holding visas that expire between January 24, 2020 and May 31, 2020 and who are currently unable to return to their home country due to travel restrictions or self-isolation will be able to extend their visas to May 31, 2020.
- Employers should consider whether to utilise the new extension policy or extend their employees’ visas through normal processes if their employee will remain in the United Kingdom after May 30, 2020.
The situation
The U.K. government announced that foreign nationals holding visas that expire between January 24, 2020 and May 31, 2020 and who are currently unable to return to their home country will be able to extend their visas to May 31, 2020.
A closer look
- Process. Foreign nationals seeking to extend their visas for this temporary period must contact the Home Office and provide biographical and other information.
- Changing visa categories. The new policy will also allow foreign nationals to switch between visa categories from within the United Kingdom, even where the foreign national would normally be required to return home.
Background
Many foreign workers are unable to leave the United Kingdom due to restrictions on international travel stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Impact for employers
Employers should consider extending their foreign national employees stay now in the United Kingdom if their visas are due to expire before the end of May. Employers should consider whether to utilise the new extension policy or extend their employees’ visas through normal processes if the employee will remain in the United Kingdom after May 30, 2020.
Looking ahead
The new policy does not address many employers’ concerns around compliance under Tier 2 during this period and particularly, right to work checks. Employers are expected to hold a physical document when performing a right to work check, which may be challenging at present as many employees are currently unwilling to mail documents for fear of cross-contamination. We understand that this is under consideration with government officials alongside other issues.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.

Awards
Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni were honored at the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony in Houston, Texas, during the 2025 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum held from April 28-30, 2025.

Blog post
Partner Christian Dallman discusses how the automotive industry is navigating significant challenges related to tariffs, talent shortages and trade dynamics, marking a critical moment for its future.

Awards
Partner Cosmina Morariu of Fragomen in Canada received the Ecosystem Builder Award as part of the inaugural Semiconductor Achievement Awards, hosted by Canada’s Semiconductor Council.

Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna emphasises the need for long-term planning and consistent leadership to restore confidence in Canada’s immigration system.

Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.

Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss the SEVIS reversal and the continued challenges US international students may face.

Video
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat discusses Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa—officially known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)—and how you can apply for it.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains that children of H-1B visa holders must secure a new legal status or leave the US when their H-4 dependent visas expire at age 21.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses unusual biometrics requests in H-1B and I-140 cases, noting they depart from standard practice.

Blog post
Regional Immigration Manager David Makau provides essential information about the launch of Bahrain's new Golden Visa portal, highlighting key details for applicants.

Video
Partner Diana Quintas shares everything you need to know about Brazil’s Digital Nomad Visa – a great option for remote workers looking to live and work in Brazil.

Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.

Awards
Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni were honored at the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony in Houston, Texas, during the 2025 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum held from April 28-30, 2025.

Blog post
Partner Christian Dallman discusses how the automotive industry is navigating significant challenges related to tariffs, talent shortages and trade dynamics, marking a critical moment for its future.

Awards
Partner Cosmina Morariu of Fragomen in Canada received the Ecosystem Builder Award as part of the inaugural Semiconductor Achievement Awards, hosted by Canada’s Semiconductor Council.

Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna emphasises the need for long-term planning and consistent leadership to restore confidence in Canada’s immigration system.

Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.

Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss the SEVIS reversal and the continued challenges US international students may face.

Video
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat discusses Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa—officially known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)—and how you can apply for it.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains that children of H-1B visa holders must secure a new legal status or leave the US when their H-4 dependent visas expire at age 21.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses unusual biometrics requests in H-1B and I-140 cases, noting they depart from standard practice.

Blog post
Regional Immigration Manager David Makau provides essential information about the launch of Bahrain's new Golden Visa portal, highlighting key details for applicants.

Video
Partner Diana Quintas shares everything you need to know about Brazil’s Digital Nomad Visa – a great option for remote workers looking to live and work in Brazil.