United Kingdom Immigration Changes Post-Brexit

Britain will officially exit the European Union on 31^st December 2020. On 1^st January 2021, when freedom of movement within the EU ends, the United Kingdom will launch a new immigration system. UK immigration applicants who are citizens of the EU, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland will compete at par with applicants from non-EU countries like India.

Starting 1^st January, new immigration pathways to live, work, and study in the UK will open. Applicants can submit the application and visa fee online. Non-EU citizens can submit their biometrics at a visa application center in their country. The Global Talent Scheme will now be open to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, allowing high-skilled scientists and researchers to migrate to UK without a job offer.

Skilled Workers

To ensure that skilled workers from all countries have a fair shot at a UK work visa, candidates who can contribute to the UK economy will enter through a new point-based system. Candidates will receive the Points:

• Have a job offer from an approved UK employer sponsor for a job at skill level RQF3 or higher.
• Have the required English language skills.
• Are being offered a salary of £25,600 or the occupation's going rate, whichever is more.

Those who do not meet the salary threshold, but will earn at least £20,480, can still apply by claiming 'tradeable' points against their salary for specific characteristics such as having a job offer in specific shortage occupations, having a relevant Ph.D., etc.

Students

By Summer 2021, there will be a new immigration program allowing international students who have graduated by completing a degree in the UK to work or search for jobs in the country for up to two years (or three years, for Ph.D. graduates).

Visitors

• Non-visa nationals, including EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, can visit the UK for up to six months without a visa. Migrants planning to enter the UK for reasons like work or study must apply in advance for entry clearance.
• Citizens of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan who have a biometric chip in their passports can still cross the border using their ePassport gates.

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens (and their families) who have been living in the UK before 31^st December 2020 may continue residing in the UK even after 30^th June 2021 by applying for the EU Settlement Scheme. Irish citizens can continue to enter and live in the UK as they did previous to the changes. To view and prove their status, EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens will be able to use an online service – while non-EU citizens will continue to utilize their physical immigration documents.