COVID-19 (UK) UPDATE

Due to travel restrictions because of coronavirus some individuals may be facing uncertainty in relation to the expiry date of their current visa or leave to remain in the United Kingdom. The Home Office understands that in many cases this is because of circumstances outside of your control.

Subject to the below guidance, most people in the UK whose immigration status is affected by the coronavirus outbreak will get an automatic extension of their visa until 31 March 2020.

Read the guidance below to find out if your visa will be automatically extended or if you need to contact the Home Office’s dedicated coronavirus immigration helpline to discuss your circumstances and arrange an extension.

The J1 Visa programme has been suspended for 60 days.

USIT, which oversees the J1 process in Ireland, expects to know more early next week after it speaks to US authorities.

Last year 3,000 people here took part in the J1 programme, which allows third-level students to work in the US legally for up to four months.

The news comes after President Trump declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national emergency.

The US Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs says the decision will be reviewed after the suspension, with a possible 30 day extension.

Lorna Fitzpatrick, President of Union of Students in Ireland, said the situation is a concern.

She said: “Our advice would be to contact their provider, and to also check out the Department of Foreign Affairs website.

“The main thing is to follow the advice of the HSE and the Government in relation to all aspects of this.

“It is a concerning situation, but we don’t want to panic people.”