The UK Home Office has extended the end date for adjusted right to work checks to April 5, 2022 (inclusive). This replaces previous guidance issued on June 18, 2021, which would have ended the adjusted right to work checks on August 31, 2021 (inclusive).
The end date deferment allows the Right to Work Scheme to continue in a manner that supports employers while allowing for the UK Home Office to implement a long-term, post-pandemic solution.
Guidance for Employers Carrying Out Adjusted Right to Work Checks During COVID-19
The following temporary changes were made on March 30, 2020, and remain in place until April 5, 2022 (inclusive):
- Checks can be carried out over video calls.
- Job applicants and existing workers can send scanned documents or a photo of documents for checks using email or a mobile app rather than sending originals.
- Employers should use the Home Office Employer Checking Service if a prospective or existing employee cannot provide any of the accepted documents.
- Employers do not need to carry out retrospective checks on those who had a COVID-19 adjusted check between March 30, 2020, and April 5, 2022 (inclusive).
This extension reflects feedback received about the ease of conducting the required checks remotely. As such, the UK Home Office has initiated a review of the availability of specialist technology to support a system of digital right to work checks in the future. This would enable checks to continue to be conducted remotely but with enhanced security.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to send updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.