For migrants holding valid UK Vignette Visas, travel restrictions exist during the coronavirus pandemic.
Here are some frequently asked questions to help support you:-
What is a UK Vignette Visa?
UK vignette visa is an actual visa (entry clearance stamp) like a sticker the Entry Clearance Decision maker places on the migrant’s passport. Once the decision-maker at the UK Visa Centre is satisfied that the migrant has met all the legal requirements and conditions required under the UK visa type application, a migrant will only be granted a UK vignette Visa from their country of origin upon entry clearance. Once satisfied, a UK vignette visa can also be added to the travel document. There are many types of UK vignettes visas, including Spouse, marriage visitors, unmarried partners, setting up Businesses, working, study and family dependent visas.
How long is the UK Vignette Visa valid for?
A vignette visa is normally only valid for 30 days; you are generally able to note the validation of the vignette visa by looking at the sticker in your passport. It will state the date of the visa as the “issuing date” with the “end date” to be only 30 days. In simple terms, the holder of this vignette visa travel to the UK before this period ends. If this type of visa holder fails to land in the UK before the UK Vignette Visa expires, you cannot enter the UK any more because of the UK Vignette Visa expiring.
What are my rights under a UK CAT C Vignette Visa?
A UK CAT C Vignette Visa holder can is issued to a “visa national migrant” ( a migrant that must apply for permission first to enter the UK) issued as limited entry visitors visa to the UK or as a transit visa through the UK. These visas used to be valid for 90 days and are no longer issued since June 2019. Anyone holding the CAT C Vignette will not be allowed to work or stay above the period issued on the visa.
What are my rights under a UK CAT D Vignette Visa?
A UK CAT D Vignette Visa holder is still valid and usually issued for every other type of travel, including Spouse, marriage visitors, unmarried partners, setting up Businesses, working, study and family dependent visas. In simple terms, if the migrant applied to enter the UK for employment, therefore granting the right to work in the UK, a UK CAT D Vignette Visa would be issued; if a migrant applied to enter the UK for study, a UK CAT D Vignette Visa would be issued therefore granting the right to study in the UK; if a migrant that is married to a British National intends to join their partner in the UK, a UK CAT D Vignette Visa would be issued therefore granting the right to settle with the British Partner and so forth. The UK CAT D Vignette Visa would only be valid for 30 days if approved. The rights are only exercisable if the migrant lands in the UK within 30 days and collects his or her Biometric Card.
What are my rights if my passport is lost, holding a Vignette Visa outside of the UK, and I missed the 30-day entry?
The issuing authority of your vignette visa will consider issuing the migrant with a new one. The migrant must ensure to have obtained documentary evidence, e.g. police report of loss or theft (if relevant), to send to the issuing authority. Secondly, obtained a new passport and then apply for the “BRP Vignette Transfer” Apply online
What are my rights if I missed the 30-day entry to the UK because of COVID 19?
You can apply again for a replacement vignette visa, the Issuing Authority; however, you will be required to apply online under the ‘Category of application’, select ‘To transfer or replace your visa (vignette)’.
What are my rights if my passport is destroyed holding a Vignette Visa inside of the UK?
The issuing authority of your vignette visa will consider issuing the migrant with a new one. The migrant must ensure to have obtained documentary evidence, e.g. police report of loss or theft (if relevant), to send to the issuing authority. Secondly, obtained a new passport and then apply for the “BRP Vignette Transfer” Apply online
Can I apply for the Exempt UK Vignette Visa because I did not land in the UK within 30 days because of COVID-19?
No, the Exempt Vignette Visa is only issued to a diplomat or working for a diplomatic mission in the UK, and you were outside the UK when offered the post, in addition, an overseas government minister on official business or travelling with one as part of your job; a member of Commonwealth or Overseas Territories armed forces posted in the UK or training in the UK; a head of state, or working for a head of state (e.g. on a state visit), therefore the exempt vignette visa is not open to resident migrants in their countries.
What are my rights if my circumstances change while holding a Vignette Visa outside of the UK because of COVID 19?
The issuing authority of your vignette visa will consider issuing the migrant with a new one; the migrant must ensure to have obtained documentary evidence, e.g. police report of loss or theft (if relevant), to send to the issuing authority. Secondly, obtained a new passport and then apply for the “BRP Vignette Transfer” Apply online.
What are my rights if my circumstances change while holding a Vignette Visa inside of the UK?
The issuing authority of your vignette visa will consider issuing the migrant with a new one. The migrant must ensure to have obtained documentary evidence, e.g. police report of loss or theft (if relevant), to send to the issuing authority. Secondly, obtained a new passport and then apply for the “BRP Vignette Transfer” Apply online.
What are my rights if I don’t enter the UK within 30 of my UK Vignette Visa because of COVID 19?
You can request the issuing authority to replace your UK Vignette Visa; you will be expected to pay the Government processing fees. It is unclear whether the UKVI will refund fees for an application that has been approved but not implemented owing to COVID 19. However, you can still write to UKVI and request a refund, registering your interest for a refund is definitely a good idea.
I am concerned that UKVI will not replace my expired UK Vignette Visa, is this correct?
It really depends on your circumstances. At present COVID 19 has disrupted migrant movement, and UKVI is likely to replace an expired UK Vignette Visa during COVID 19.
Can I apply online for a replacement UK Vignette Visa during COVID 19? How is that done?
Yes, you have the right to transfer your visa (vignette) to a new passport or travel document; you have the right to replace your visa (vignette) because your name or personal details in your existing passport have changed, and most importantly, you have the right to replace your visa (vignette) because your previous visa has expired (this lets you re-enter the UK once within one month of issue). If you are abroad, and your UK Vignette Visa has expired, and you would like my support to reapply to, email me on [email protected].
Can I apply for more than one replacement UK Vignette Visa during COVID 19?
Yes, however, you will be expected to pay all of the Government Processing fees and may forfeit all the fees should the Home Office consider reapplication a waste of valuable time during COVID 19.
Can I apply for more than one replacement UK Vignette Visa during COVID 19? Without a tuberculosis test result or use my previous one?
No, you must have a valid TB Medical certificate when applying for a replacement, as many testing centres are closed owing to COVID 19, you may have to wait to apply for your replacement until you have a valid TB Certificate. You ought to wait until the border restrictions are lifted before applying again. You can use your current TB Certificate if it is still valid at the time of applying for your replacement UK Vignette Visa.
Cases of coronavirus are on the rise today the latest figures from public health authorities on the spread of COVID-19 in the United Kingdom, the figure at 19.35 pm on the 6th April 2020 stands at 55,242 confirmed cases in England with 6,159 confirmed deaths.
For advice and legal support, call 01634 789 223 to speak with Shabana Shahab today.
For more information or advice about Spouse Visas or Marriage Visas, please click here.
