Safebridge Immigration Services Limited our trusted partners can assist you with Immigration Services and help you make your move to the UK stress-free. They have immense knowledge regarding UK Immigration and can guide you step by step in obtaining a desired outcome.
Even though since Brexit European nationals became subject to complex Immigration laws government opened multiple visa routes for EU nationals enabling them migrate to the UK. For instance, some of the popular visas for EU nationals are:
Some of the popular visas are:
- Skilled Worker Visa (previously Tier 2): For workers with a job offer from a licensed UK employer, meeting specific salary and skill level thresholds.
- Global Talent Visa (previously Tier 1): For highly talented or promising individuals in fields such as science, humanities, engineering, arts, and digital technology.
- Student Visa (previously Tier 4): For individuals looking to study in a UK educational institution.
- Family Visas: For individuals looking to join a family member already in the UK.If you are Italian/EU national and you have a spouse in the UK then you should apply for a Spouse Visa. It is important to initiate a Spouse Visa application well in advance of the intended relocation to the UK as spouse visa is one of the most complex ones and requires a thorough gathering of correct documentation.
Brexit changes have particularly affected business procedures and family visa immigration rules. Businesses looking to hire EU nationals now need to obtain Sponsor Licenses, while EU nationals and their family members must apply for the EU Settlement Scheme to obtain Settled or Pre-Settled status. It’s important to note that, starting from early 2024, some EU nationals may struggle to convert their Pre-Settled Status into Settled Status, so having a proper immigration strategy and evidence collection is crucial to avoid complications. While the Home Office has discretion to make exceptions on an individual basis, there are no guarantees.
Regarding Business Immigration, the salary threshold for the Skilled Worker visa (previously Tier 2 visa) has been lowered from £30,000 to £26,200, with certain cases having even lower thresholds, especially for jobs falling under the Shortage Occupation Code. Family Immigration rules for non-EU nationals remain the same, necessitating a minimum income of £18,600 and financial evidence. EU nationals now need to meet these requirements as well, although the rules are less restrictive for joining EU citizens with Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Brexit has also impacted EU students wishing to study in the UK, now requiring sponsorship from a licensed educational institution and payment of international tuition fees, visa fees, and the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS). Previously, EU nationals followed the same rules and fee structure as UK students, but a positive addition is that both EU and non-EU nationals on a UK Student Visa can apply for a Post-Study Work visa without salary or occupation restrictions and employer sponsorship.
Furthermore, access to benefits previously available to EU nationals has been affected, and claiming benefits in breach of visa conditions can lead to visa curtailment and affect future Immigration Applications.
Overall, the post-Brexit Immigration System is expected to slow the long-term growth of the migrant population, reducing EU Immigration compared to the free movement scenario. However, the system for non-EU citizens has become somewhat more liberal, potentially leading to an increase in non-EU migration.
EU nationals currently do not need a Visit Visa for short-term purposes or business trips, being allowed to stay in the UK for up to 6 months under the new Points-Based Immigration System. Nonetheless, living in the UK through frequent or successive visits is not allowed, and Immigration Officers at border control may consider this if they suspect the visitor’s intentions.
It is advisable to consult with accredited Immigration Lawyers to ensure you are aware of your immigration rights and responsibilities prior to submitting an immigration application.
You can contact Meriam Altaf Director and Immigration lawyer of Safebridge Immigration Services through LinkedIn. You can also contact us by filling in the enquiry form on the website or by sending an email to info@safebridgeimmigration.co.uk. You can also read more about Immigration by visiting FAQ/BLOG page.
