UK visa delays ‘causing rent, employment and healthcare issues’

People seeking to clarify immigration status facing hostile environment' problems, research reveals

Thousands of people living lawfully in the UK are encountering delays in the visa renewal process, which then cause them problems with hostile environment policies, according to research published this week by a migrant rights charity.

People seeking to extend or formalise their immigration status are given the little-understood status of 3C leave" while they wait for the Home Office to process their application. During this period, their right to work, rent property and access healthcare is in theory protected, but because they have no documentary evidence proving their status, many face difficulties with landlords and employers.