Something happened before

I overstayed my visa

Sample content

Overstaying is serious and it is common. What matters now is how long it has been, why it happened, and what you do next. Doing nothing makes every option harder.

What the words mean

Overstaying: Staying after your permission ended.
Section 3C leave: In some cases your permission continues automatically while an in-time application or appeal is outstanding. Whether it applies to you is a question for an adviser.
Voluntary departure: Leaving of your own accord. It can affect whether a re-entry ban applies and for how long. Take advice before agreeing to anything.

What to do first

Step 1. Find the date your permission ended, and any letters since.
Step 2. Do not sign anything and do not agree to leave before you have spoken to an adviser.
Step 3. Get free advice quickly. Many charities and law centres will see you without charge.
Step 4. Keep going to any reporting appointments you have been given.
Step 5. Gather evidence of your life here: how long, family, work, health, anything that shows your ties.

What to gather

Your passport and any old visas or biometric cards
Every letter from the Home Office
Evidence of how long you have been here
Evidence of family and other ties in the UK

Who can help

Do not guess at this one and do not take advice from anyone who is not regulated. There may be routes open to you that are not obvious, and there are things you can do now that make them harder later.

Find a regulated adviser

Sample content · written for review · not checked by a lawyer or against the Immigration Rules