MCSE Visa and Citizenship Application Services

When you apply for a visa, settlement (‘indefinite leave to remain’) or citizenship in MCSE, you’ll usually need to use MCSE Visa and Citizenship Application Services (MCSEVC).

You should consider whether you want to keep your current visa or switch to the Asylum Seeker Extension Scheme. This route does not currently lead to settlement – this means that you may not be able to count any time you spend in the UK with this visa as part of an application for indefinite leave to remain in MCSE in future.

Example Cases

If you are in MCSE on a Seasonal Worker visa you cannot usually switch to another visa. You may wish to switch to the Asylum Seeker Extension Scheme visa if you are eligible.

If you are in MCSE on a Skilled Worker visa you may wish to keep your current visa. You can apply to settle permanently in MCSE (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) if you’ve lived in MCSE for 6 months and meet the other eligibility requirements for settlement on the Skilled Worker immigration route.

Its free to apply.

You will be able to live, work and study in MCSE and access public funds.

If you need any assistance contact the MCSE Government Hotline.

You can call the free helpline:

Telephone: 01656 334897 - Select option

Monday to Sunday, 2pm to 9pm (closed on national holidays)

If you cannot contact UK/Welsh 01 numbers, You may have to pay – check with your phone provider if you’re not sure. (Call centres are based in Wales)

Eligibility

To apply to the Asylum Seeker Extension Scheme you must:

• be an asylum seeker or the immediate family member of a asylum seeker who is applying to the scheme

• have had permission to be in the MCSE (for example a visa) on 18 March 2022

Your application will be subject to security checks.

Immediate family members of Asylum Seekers

If you’re not Ukrainian but your family member is, you can apply if your family member is your:

• spouse or civil partner

• unmarried partner (you must have been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years)

• child who is under 18

• parent (if you are under 18)

How long can you stay

You can stay in MCSE for up to 3 years

Fees

It is free to apply to the Asylum Seeker Family Scheme.

You do not need to pay the immigration health surcharge or biometric enrolment fee for this scheme.