MPs are in a unique position to promote the concerns and interests of constituents, including in matters involving visas, nationality and immigration. As an MP, I do not have direct influence or formal authority over Government departments and agencies, however, where I can help, I will make enquiries and representations to get answers and actions required for you.
Passport Enquiries
A common issue people encounter is delay in passport applications, or issues surrounding correspondence with the Passport Office (HMPO). If you are experiencing a delay in your passport application:
- Email me at maya.ellis.casework@parliament.uk or call 01254 964055.
- Provide your full name, address, date of birth and your passport number (if you already have one) and/or any reference numbers relevant to your application.
- Tell us the date you applied, dates of appointments at the Passport Office (if you have had these yet) and dates of any correspondence with HMPO.
As your Member of Parliament I can:
- Use this information to find out where your application is up to, and try my best to ask that it is expedited.
If HMPO has had a UK-based customer’s application for longer than ten weeks, and they can evidence they are due to travel within the next fortnight, their application will be expedited. The same goes for compassionate grounds.
Visas, Immigration and Asylum
Though I have no formal authority over the Home Office, as your Member of Parliament, I can try to support you with common issues such as:
- Delays in Visa applications
- Delays in Leave to Remain decisions
- Delays in receiving invites to Asylum interviews, or in receiving a decision following Asylum interviews
- E-Visa enquiries
In any of the above cases, I will need the following information:
- Your full name and address (including postcode)
- Your Date of Birth
- Your nationality
- Your NI Number (if you have one)
- Any Home Office reference numbers you have (such as your UAN)
I will be able to ask UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) questions on your behalf, such as;
- Where is your application up to?
- How much longer might you have to wait for a decision?
- Is there anything that either UKVI or you (as the applicant) can do to speed up your application/case?
Neither I, nor my team, can give legal advice. If you require legal advice, you must seek this yourself. I may be able to point you to support with legal aid. My team and I can, however, give advice surrounding visas, immigration and asylum, such as current timescales for decisions, and eligibility for certain visas or immigration claims.
I am not able to influence in any way the outcome of an application for asylum, visa or residency. If your case is urgent, I can use a special urgent enquiry route to UKVI to seek to expedite your case. But I must stress, this is only for the most urgent cases.
Immigration Advice
- Citizens Advice can provide support on several immigration matters: Citizens Advice – Immigration
International Students
- University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is working in partnership with Moses Law to offer the UCLan Immigration Clinic (Drop In Service, term time only): UCLan Immigration Clinic – Citizens Advice
UK Visas and Immigration
- Contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for support through dedicated teams and online guides and services: Contact UKVI – GOV.UK
British Red Cross, Preston
- The British Red Cross provides crucial support to asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants in the offering information and providing emergency provisions: Immigration – British Red Cross (Preston)