Expired HSMP visa - successful in-country extention

[IMMIGRATION LAWYER]

I though I should let the adience know that fact, as it could be useful, hopefully.

A client of mine recently brought his HSMP Further Leave to Remain application. Unfortunately, by the time the passport was submitted to this office his HSMP visa had already expired by a few days.

A quick conversaton with the Home Office did not bring any positve results - your client is an overstayer and he must leave the UK.

A proper representation followed with a request for a discretionary consideration.

Two weeks later a package arrived from the Home Office - a visa was extended for 4 years and, most importantly, there was NO gap between the old visa and the new visa.

Therefore this client would be elidgible for Settlement on completion of his 5 years in the UK.

The bottom line is that the Home Office may still consider applications outside of the rules. It is worth trying, alnyway.