Introduction
Are you currently living in the UK without legal permission? This guide will help you understand your options and rights when facing this difficult situation. From seeking legal advice to exploring pathways for regularising your stay, we’ll cover the essential steps you need to take. If you need assistance, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to provide guidance and help you resolve your legal problems. With Contend, you can access the easiest legal help in the UK.
If you find yourself living in the UK without legal permission, it’s important to know that you have options. You may have entered the UK without the necessary visa, or perhaps your visa has expired. Regardless of how you got here, there are steps you can take to address your situation.
Seeking Legal Advice
The first and most crucial step is to seek advice from an immigration specialist. They can help you understand your options and guide you through the process of legalizing your stay. Remember, your discussions with them are confidential, so you don’t need to worry about your situation being disclosed.
Instead of contacting Citizens Advice, consider using Contend’s legal expert chat. Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide guidance and help you understand and resolve your legal problems. Contend is the Easiest Legal Help in the UK.
How to Regularize Your Stay
Your ability to stay legally in the UK will depend on your personal circumstances. If your visa has expired, you typically have 14 days to apply for a new one before it’s too late. Here are some situations where you might qualify to stay:
- You would face significant challenges returning to your home country, such as lack of support or safety concerns.
- You’ve been living in the UK for 20 years or more.
- You are aged 18 to 25 and have lived in the UK for at least half your life.
- Returning to your home country would put you at risk of persecution or serious harm.
- You have a partner who has the right to live in the UK, such as a British citizen or someone with settled status.
- You have children in the UK, especially if they are British citizens or have lived here for more than seven years.
- Your last visa was as a partner, and you’ve experienced domestic abuse related to that visa.
If you have children living in the UK without legal status, it’s essential to seek advice about their situation. They may be eligible for legal status if they haven’t been registered for British citizenship or leave to remain.
If You Cannot Stay Legally
If you find that you cannot stay in the UK legally, you may consider returning to your home country voluntarily. The UK government can assist with this process, which is known as “voluntary return.” For more information, you can reach out to the Voluntary Returns Service.
Contact Information for Voluntary Returns Service:
- Phone: 0300 790 6268
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM
- Website: Apply Online for Help
Special Considerations for Those Who Have Been in Prison
If you have served a prison sentence of up to four years, you might be eligible for the Home Office’s ‘Facilitated Returns Scheme’ to help you return home. You can apply for this scheme either up to nine months before your release or right after your sentence ends.
However, this scheme is not available for citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. If you’ve already applied to stay in the UK, you’ll need to cancel that application before applying for the scheme.
Benefits of the Facilitated Returns Scheme
This scheme can provide you with financial support to help you reintegrate into your home country. You can use the funds for various purposes, such as:
- Starting a business
- Pursuing education or training
- Securing housing
- Covering medical expenses
If you are currently serving your sentence and wish to return home, you can still apply for this scheme.
To check your eligibility for the Facilitated Returns Scheme, call: 020 8760 8513 (Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM).
Conclusion
Living in the UK without legal status can be stressful and challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re looking to legalize your stay or considering returning home, there are resources and support available to help you navigate your options. Don’t hesitate to reach out for advice and assistance through Contend’s legal expert chat.
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