All you need to know about UK Immigration visa changes

Free movement rights under the current transitional arrangements end on 31 December 2020.

On 31 December 2020, freedom of movement between the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) will end. From January 1st, 2021, the main work and study route for EU passport holders will have the same requirements as they do now for non-EU citizens.

EU nationals residing in the UK on or before 31 December 2020 with an intention to remain in the UK, must apply for Pre-Settled or Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to protect existing right to reside and access to resident labour market. EU nationals travelling to the UK after 31 December 2020 will need to obtain a visa prior to arrival for all categories other than as a short-term visitor (both business or leisure)

This means that if a company wishes to bring an EU passport holder into the UK for work from 1 January 2021, they will need to have a sponsorship licence.

SPONSORSHIP SUMMARY

• Those joining/arriving in the UK after 31st December will require sponsorship.
• The application will need to be submitted prior to travelling to the UK and the lead time for applications must be factored in to the hiring process.

SPONSORED ROUTES REMAIN OPEN WITH DIFFERING CRITERIA, INCLUDING:

• Skilled Worker - no advertising or cap, minimum salary threshold of £25,600, skill level at A Level or above, no maximum limit on stay however applicants must hold an English language qualification to apply.

• Intra Company Transfer - no advertising or cap, minimum salary threshold of £41,500, skill level at Graduate level, maximum limit of 5 years in any six on a rolling basis (unless a high earner), no English language qualification required.

• Graduate level - maximum limit of 5 years in any six on a rolling basis (unless a high earner), no English language qualification required.

• Global Talent - open to leaders or potential leaders in the fields of academia or research, arts and culture or digital technology.

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For companies looking to obtain your licence to sponsor, there will likely be an application backlog in early 2021, so it’s beneficial to apply now and ensure you have the information you need to hire within the UK, across the EU and beyond. To read more on the sponsor licences available and the costs to obtain your licence click here

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Our Global Visa Partner Newland Chase is a wholly owned subsidiary of CIBT. Newland Chase is the leading global provider of immigration and visa services for corporations and individuals with over 1,700 expert immigration and visa professionals, attorneys and qualified migration consultants located in over 70 offices in 25 countries. Newland Chase has an unrivalled understanding of the sponsor licence process, offering a full range of services including full system audits and recommendations tailored to your business.

Newland Chase provides end to end support, including: Assistance with Sponsor Licence applications. Collation and review of all supporting documentation.  Completion and submission of all visa application forms. Booking of local visa appointment. Guidance on visa application process and act as point of contact with local government authorities.  Arranging for translations/certifications where needed. Follow-up with government authorities where necessary. Post-grant assistance, if required. 

Compliance is critical when you’re reliant on a licence to employ a specialist workforce – we are on hand to assist employers in navigating the complexities.

Contact Newland Chase today to find out more about their services. 

Nargiz Garadaghi - Business Development Manager
nargiz.garadaghi@newlandchase.com
Mobile: + 44 (0)7824 384 708
www.newlandchase.com
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