This updates gathers UK immigration system excluding unchanged news from last week. 

1. Tier 4 Student Visa Applicant 

The individuals who have submitted application with valid CAS and are waiting for the decision can start the course before the decision is made. The application should have made before their current visa expired and satisfy the evidence. They need ATAS(Academic Technology Approval Scheme) if they required. Once the application is refused, they must stop the course or study. 

2. Tier 2 or Tier 5 Visa Applicant

The individuals who have submitted application with valid CoS and are waiting for the decision can start  work before the decision is made. The application should have made before their current visa expired and satisfy the evidence. The job they start is same as the one listed on their Cos. Once their application is refused, they must stop working for the sponsor. 

3. Tier 2 and 5 Sponsor

The Tier 2 and Tier 5 Sponsor do not need to update to the Home Office if employees are working from home or having absence because of COVID-19. Although the Home Office does not specify the condition of payment, the sponsor can cut off the payment 80% of the salary or  £2,500 a month or lower. 

4. Expired COS or CAS and application 

The employee or student will still be able to apply for their visa. The starting working date or course date may have changed and it is not automatically refused. The HO may accept a Cos or CAS if they become invalid because the applicant are unable to travel because of the pandemic. HO will consider this on a case by case basis. 

We will update changes to immigration law and practice caused by coronavirus.