The Brexit Agreement has brought significant changes to the UK`s immigration policies, including visas required for individuals seeking to work or study in the UK. For those still confused about the recent changes, we have put together a brief guide on Brexit Agreement Visas.
The UK Government has introduced a new immigration system – the Points-Based System (PBS) – that applies to both EU and non-EU citizens. This system carefully assesses individuals and determines whether they meet the requirements, granting them a visa to work or study in the UK.
Under this new system, the previously popular visa categories (such as Tier 2 and Tier 4) have been replaced with new visa categories, including the Skilled Worker Visa and the Student Visa. Interestingly, individuals from the EU and EEA (including Switzerland) can now apply for these visas without a sponsor in the UK.
The Skilled Worker Visa applies to individuals who have a job offer in the UK. The job must be at an appropriate skill level and the individual must speak English to the required level. Individuals will also need to have sufficient funds to support themselves without relying on public funds.
The Student Visa allows individuals to study at a UK university or other educational institution. The individual will need to have an offer to study at an approved institution, speak English to the required level, and have sufficient funds to support themselves without relying on public funds.
If you are unsure of which visa category applies to you, there is an online eligibility assessment tool available on the UK government website to help determine which visa is most appropriate.
Another important point to note is that individuals who hold a valid EU or EEA passport, along with their family members, may be eligible to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. This scheme allows individuals to continue living and working in the UK after 30 June 2021.
In conclusion, the Brexit Agreement has brought significant changes to the UK`s immigration policies. However, the Points-Based System aims to simplify and streamline the visa application process for both EU and non-EU citizens. If you are seeking to work or study in the UK, it is important to carefully assess your eligibility and determine which visa category best applies to you.