A point-based immigration system has been adopted in the United Kingdom. On December 31, 2020, the free movement of persons inside the European Union (EU) came to an end, and new procedures for EU citizens were implemented. Ireland’s citizens are free to visit, live, and work in the UK.

To learn more about UK Immigration Laws, you can hire expert immigration lawyers. 

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Visa Application Process

For people desiring to work, live, or study in the United Kingdom, new immigration options have opened up. The entire process can be done on the internet and you can easily apply and make payments. Biometric information will also be required when you apply.

For Swiss, EU, EEA Citizens

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens

There are now mobile apps that can be utilized to take photos for verification. Your fingerprints will not be requested. Some options need you to get your photo taken at an overseas visa application centre.

Non-EU citizens

At an overseas visa application centre, you’ll keep giving us your fingerprints and a photo.

Skilled workers

There is a very easy process in place for individuals who are qualified and have received a job offer from an employee sponsor. The position you’re applying for must have an RQF3 or above skill requirement (equivalent to A level). In addition, you must be able to speak in English and be compensated according to your sponsor’s pay standards. The higher of the £25,600 general salary level or the market rate for your occupation.

You are eligible to apply by trading points on different attributes against your salary if your earnings are less than £20,480. 

Global talent scheme

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can now participate in the global talent program. It enables highly qualified researchers and scientists to come to the United Kingdom without an employment offer.

Graduates and international students

Student visa possibilities for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens have expanded. If you are fluent in English, are financially strong and have been offered admission, you can easily apply for a visa to study in the UK. International students with a degree from the United Kingdom can now apply for a new graduate visa.

Applying For a Visit Visa

For up to 6 months, visitors from visa-exempt nations, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals do not need to apply for a visa. All migrants who want to come to the UK for other reasons (such as a job or study) must first apply for permission to enter. Before travelling to the UK as a guest, make sure you know what the visitor immigration rules allow.

Getting married

If you want to marry or engage in a paper marriage with a citizen of the United Kingdom, you’ll need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa. If you’re from the EU, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland etc., you would need to apply for a visitor marriage visa and would need to register your marriage in the UK.

EU, EEA, and Swiss residents living in the United Kingdom on December 31, 2020

You may be eligible for the free EU Settlement Scheme if you or a family member arrived in the UK before December 31, 2020. For most people, the application date was June 30, 2021. If you meet one of the following criteria, you can still apply.

  • You have a later deadline, such as December 31, 2020, to join a family member in the UK.
  • You are unable to apply before 30 June 2021 due to’ reasonable grounds,’ such as illness or domestic abuse.

Getting Across The Border

Citizens from Japan, the USA, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea have chips in their passports and can easily cross the borders. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can use the passport gates (this will be kept under review). According to the policies, after October 1st, individuals will not be allowed to enter with just a Swiss, EU, EEA national ID card unless: 

  • They have applied for the settlement scheme before 30th June but haven’t gotten a decision
  • They qualify for the EU Settlement Scheme
  • They have a work permit
  • They have a Settlement Scheme Family Permit
  • They are an S2 Healthcare Visitor

In some circumstances, you can enter the United Kingdom using your national ID card until December 31, 2025.

Proving immigration status in the UK

European Union citizens, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland should utilize the internet tool to check their immigration status and prove it to others. Non-EU citizens can still establish their immigration status using a physical document.