UK: Concessions for Syrian Nationals

March 4, 2016

On 29th February 2016, UKVI published certain concessions to the Immigration Rules for Syrian nationals who are present within the UK, whose country of habitual residence is Syria and have limited leave to enter or remain, or whose leave has expired but are applying within 28 days of their current leave expiring.

Qualifying applicants under these concessions in certain categories may apply for an extension for a period greater than the maximum time stated under the Immigration Rules. The categories include Tier 4 General, Family Members of Relevant Points-Based System migrants, Visitors, Overseas Domestic Worker and Short term students.

The concessions also permit certain Syrian nationals to switch in-country to another category of visa (from the one that they currently hold), provided they meet the rules of the other category. Switching into a settlement category however, is not permitted. Under the concessions the switching restrictions do not apply to the following categories: Tier 1 Exceptional Talent, Tier 1 Entrepreneur, Tier 1 Investor, Tier 2 General, Tier 2 Minister of Religion, Tier 2 Sportsperson, Tier 4 General (Student) and Tier 5 Temporary Worker

The concession also provides for document flexibility in recognition of the civil unrest in Syria where applicants may not be able to provide the full range of documents required for an in-country application.

If you are a Syrian national currently in the UK lawfully with leave to remain issued for the maximum period permitted in the categories listed above, you could benefit from this concession to apply for further leave to remain. The application must be made in time, or within 28 days of the expiry of your leave. Please note that applications made after 28 Feb 2017 will not be considered under this concession.

If you are a Syrian national in the UK and wish to discuss how the concessions may affect/benefit you, please email us at [email protected].