May Not Get Back To Uk Before Settlement Visa Expires

[icequeen]

I have a friend who is currently living in the UK on a two year settlement visa which expires on 24th January.

She is currently in Thailand on holiday with her ten month old baby and is scheduled to fly back to UK on 11th December.

As the airports show no sign of reopening soon we are becoming increasingly concerned about when she is going to be able to get back to the UK.

Worst case scenario what would happen if she didn't get back before her settlement visa expires? Would she be given any sort of 'grace period' due to the current circumstances or would she have to stay in Thailand and apply for a settlement visa all over again?

Any help greatly appreciated.

[CharlieB]

I have a friend who is currently living in the UK on a two year settlement visa which expires on 24th January.

She is currently in Thailand on holiday with her ten month old baby and is scheduled to fly back to UK on 11th December.

As the airports show no sign of reopening soon we are becoming increasingly concerned about when she is going to be able to get back to the UK.

Worst case scenario what would happen if she didn't get back before her settlement visa expires? Would she be given any sort of 'grace period' due to the current circumstances or would she have to stay in Thailand and apply for a settlement visa all over again?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Best advice is to contact the embassy direct and ask them. I would advise your friend to look around asap for alternative ways to get back.

[7by7]

Normally if someone is out of the UK when their current leave expires they have to apply for a new visa and start the whole process all over again. However, these are special circumstances so, as suggested above, you should contact the embassy or home office PDQ.

However, today's news may solve your friend's problem.

Edited December 3, 2008 by 7by7