Skip to main content
Guidance

Windrush scheme: caseworker guidance

Immigration staff guidance on considering cases under the Windrush scheme.

Updates to this page

From:
Home Office and UK Visas and Immigration
Published:
24 May 2018
Last updated:
11 August 2026
Show all updates

  1. Updated guidance to reflect that Nauru has officially changed its name to Naoero.

  2. Updated with changes to the returning resident guidance and the strong ties section.

  3. Guidance has been updated to reflect that from 26 February 2026 certificates of entitlement are issued in digital form and other minor changes have been made throughout.

  4. 'General grounds for refusal' references changed to 'suitability requirements', in line with Immigration Rules changes.

  5. Guidance updated. Changes are explained on page 6.

  6. Updated guidance published. Changes are detailed on page 6.

  7. Guidance updated. Changes are explained on page 6.

  8. Updated guidance to clarify the historical impact of Section 1(5) of the Immigration Act 1971 on the immigration status of Commonwealth citizens. Previous versions of Home Office guidance contained errors regarding the impact that this legislation had. This guidance has also been updated to reflect an amendment to the Windrush Scheme policy in order to provide for granting of indefinite leave to remain (ILR) to individuals who may previously have been incorrectly issued a status document as a result of these errors.

  9. Updated Windrush guidance for use on or after 1 December.

  10. Updated caseworker guidance

  11. Updated with the new version of the caseworker guidance. Published the archived version of the previous caseworker guidance.

  12. First published.

Documents

Windrush scheme casework guidance (accessible)

HTML

Windrush scheme casework guidance

PDF, 654 KB, 55 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

UK Visas and Immigration guidance for staff on how to consider cases under the Windrush scheme from those covered by the Windrush scheme policy.

Those who wish to be considered under the Windrush scheme, should refer to the information about the Windrush scheme on GOV.UK.

Previous versions of this guidance are available on the National Archives website. These archived versions are for reference only and are no longer current guidance.

Sign up for emails or print this page

Related content