On July 13, 2020, the government released more details about the UK point system. The new regulation will come into force on January 1, 2021, as soon as freedom of movement with the European Union (EU) has expired.
It will treat EU and non-EU citizens equally and aims to attract people who can contribute to the UK economy. Irish citizens can still enter and live in the UK as before.
Visa application process
Later this year, from 1 January 2021, new immigration routes will open in the UK to apply for work, life and studies.
You can apply for a visa and pay for it online.
When submitting your application, you will be asked to provide your biometric details. To do this:
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens
For most visas, you provide a digital photo of your face using a smartphone app. You don’t have to give your fingerprints
For a small number of routes with low traffic (to be confirmed later this year), please contact the foreign application center to take a photo.
Citizens outside the community
You will continue to send fingerprints and photos to the overseas visa application centre.
Skilled workers
The points system covers an itinerary for skilled workers who have a job offer from an approved employer sponsor.
From January 2021, the job offered must have the required qualification level RQF3 or higher (corresponding to level A). You must also be able to speak English and receive an appropriate salary threshold from your sponsor. This is the general salary threshold of £ 25,600 or the current rate for your work, whichever is higher.
If you earn less but no less than £ 20,480, you can still redeem points for certain characteristics for your salary. For example, if you have a job vacancy in an occupation that is shortage, or if you have a work-related PhD.
Detailed information on how the credit system works can be found in the more detailed document.
There will be no common way for employers to hire a minimum wage or a similar wage.
If you are not yet a licensed sponsor and would like to sponsor migrants on the Skilled Worker Trail from January 2021 onward, you must apply now.
Global talent program
The global talent system will be open to EU, EEA and Swiss nationals. This allows highly qualified scientists and researchers to come to the UK without a job offer.
International students and graduates
Student visa routes will be opened to EU, EEA and Swiss citizens. You can apply for a UK study visa if:
a place on the course was offered
can speak, read, write and understand English
Have enough money to support yourself and pay for the course.
The new graduate immigration route is available for international students who have completed their studies in the UK from summer 2021. You can work in the UK at any skill level for up to 2 years or look for a job for 3 years. years if you are a PhD student.
Visit Great Britain
EU, EEA and Swiss nationals, as well as other visa-exempt citizens, do not need a visa to enter the UK if they are visiting the UK for up to 6 months. All immigrants who want to enter the UK for any other reason (such as work or study) must apply for an entry permit in advance.
EU citizens living in the UK until 31 December 2020
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen and residing in the UK before December 31, 2020, you and your family can apply for the EU Settlement System to continue living in the UK after June 30, 2021.
Abroad British
Citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, United States of America, Singapore and South Korea who have a biometric chip in their passports can still use the e-passport door to cross the border upon arrival. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can also use the e-passport door (this is still verified).
At least until January 2026, We will continue to recognize ID cards used for travel by EU citizens and their EU family members who are UK residents before the end of the transition period and have EU comparator status. After 2026, we will also recognize ICAO-compliant identification cards from this group.
We intend to discontinue the use of uncertain identification for newly arrived migrants and we will provide further details on this shortly.
Proof of UK immigration status
EU citizens
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens will use the online service to check their immigration status and prove their status to others.
Employers, landlords and public service providers will continue to accept EU citizens’ passports and ID cards as proof of their immigration status until 30 June 2021.
There are guidelines for employers to carry out checks on the work of EU citizens and their family members in the UK.
Citizens outside the community
Non-EU citizens can still use a physical document to prove their immigration status.
Persons holding a valid biometric residence permit, biometric residence card or status granted under the EU Comparison System can also demonstrate their right to work for an employer via the web service. There are employer guides for tips on how to do a physical document review or an online review.
