The United Kingdom is a popular destination for citizens of the European Union (EU) who wish to study, work, or live in the country. However, since the UK officially left the EU on January 31, 2020, there have been changes to the visa requirements for EU citizens. In this blog post, we will discuss the current UK visa requirements for citizens of the EU.
Prior to Brexit, EU citizens enjoyed the freedom of movement within the EU, including the ability to live and work in the UK without much restriction. However, the EU Settlement Scheme was introduced to safeguard the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and provide them with a legal status post-Brexit.
Under the EU Settlement Scheme, EU citizens who were residing in the UK before December 31, 2020, and have been continuously living in the UK for at least five years, are eligible to apply for settled status. Settled status grants individuals the right to live and work in the UK indefinitely. This means that they can continue to enjoy the same rights and benefits as before.
For EU citizens who have been living in the UK for less than five years, they can apply for pre-settled status. Pre-settled status allows individuals to stay in the UK for a period of five years, after which they can apply for settled status. This provides a pathway to permanent residency for those who wish to make the UK their long-term home.
It is important to note that the deadline to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme is June 30, 2021. It is crucial for EU citizens to apply before this date to ensure they secure their status and protect their rights in the UK.
For EU citizens who arrive in the UK after December 31, 2020, different rules apply. Since the end of the transition period, EU citizens are now subject to the same immigration rules as citizens from non-EU countries.
The main visa option for EU citizens who wish to work in the UK is the Skilled Worker Visa. To be eligible for this visa, individuals must have a job offer from an approved UK employer, have a good knowledge of the English language, and meet the minimum salary requirement. The salary threshold varies depending on the occupation, but it generally starts at £25,600 per year.
In addition to the Skilled Worker Visa, there are other visa options available depending on the individual’s circumstances. For example, the Student Visa is for those who wish to study in the UK, while the Family Visa is for individuals who have family members in the UK and wish to join them.
It is important to thoroughly research and understand the specific visa requirements for each category. The UK government’s official website provides detailed information on the different visa options available, along with the necessary application forms and guidance.
It is worth noting that the UK government has recently announced the introduction of a new immigration system, which will come into effect from January 1, 2021. The new system is based on a points-based system, which takes into account factors such as skills, qualifications, and salary.
Under the new system, EU citizens will be treated the same as non-EU citizens and will need to meet the specific requirements for each visa category. However, the exact details of the new immigration system are still being finalized, and it is advisable to regularly check the UK government’s official website for updates.
In conclusion, the UK visa requirements for citizens of the EU have changed since Brexit. EU citizens who were residing in the UK before December 31, 2020, have the opportunity to apply for settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. For EU citizens arriving in the UK after this date, they will need to apply for a visa under the new immigration system. It is crucial to stay updated with the latest information and ensure compliance with the visa requirements to avoid any complications or issues.
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