Freemovement iconFreemovementSep 11, 2026

Two rule changes narrow the use of section 3C leave from 8 October

Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 exists to make sure that a person who submits an application before their leave expires does not become an overstayer simply because the Home Office has not yet got round to deciding it. After all, applicants cannot control how long the Home Office takes to make a decision.

Two rule changes narrow the use of section 3C leave from 8 October

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Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 exists to make sure that a person who submits an application before their leave expires does not become an overstayer simply because the Home Office has not yet got...

After all, applicants cannot control how long the Home Office takes to make a decision.

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Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 exists to make sure that a person who submits an application before their leave expires does not become an overstayer simply because the Home Office has not yet got round to deciding it. After all, applicants cannot control how long the Home Office takes to make a decision.

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