In a couple of months, the United Kingdom will no longer be part of the European Union as the Brexit transition period is coming to an end soon. What should you expect as a British expat living in an EU or EEA country, or as a European who is looking to move to the UK or who is already living in the country? Here's an insight into what's changing from January 1st, 2021.
New procedures for EU and EEA nationals
If you are a citizen of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, and currently live in the UK, all your rights remain unchanged until June 30th, 2021. After this period, however, you will have to comply with the new regulations, so make sure to have all the relevant information before moving or assess your situation if you're already in the country. Are you planning to stay after Brexit? If this is the case, you will need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. If your request is accepted, you will receive a “pre-settled” or “settled” status, depending on when you made the request. The EU Settlement Scheme is already open, so you can apply until June 30th, 2021, free of charge. EU and EEA nationals having lived in the UK for several years and who wish to stay longer can also apply for UK citizenship.
On the other hand, the UK government has implemented a new points-based immigration system according to which all EU and EEA nationals, except the Irish, will need a visa to live, study and work in the UK. On the other hand, those who are planning to stay in the UK for less than six months don't need a visa.
Working in the UK after Brexit
The new immigration system provides for equal treatment of all UK citizens and EU nationals who wish to work in the UK. However, make sure to enquire about the conditions to be met, especially in terms of the number of points needed for your eligibility for a visa. In fact, anyone moving to the UK for work must have landed a job with an accredited employer at an appropriate skill level and be fluent in English. However, to be eligible for a visa, you must score at least 70 points.
So, you will need to earn a least £ 25,600 per year. Highly-qualified professionals, for example, those having a PhD in technology, science, engineering or maths, or whose profession is on the skills shortage list, are entitled to 10 to 20 additional points, even if they earn less. For example, professionals in education and healthcare can get 20 extra points even if their yearly salary is less than £ 25,600, but it has to be higher than £ 20,480.
The British government is seeking to attract and retain more foreign health professionals, including doctors and nurses, as evidenced by the recently introduced Health and Care Visa. However, applicants have to meet specific criteria in terms of skills and salary scale. The Health and Care Visa application fees are lower compared to the Tier 1 visa. Also, those whose application has been accepted will be exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge. Note that this visa is issued within three weeks.
Study in the UK after Brexit
European students who intend to move to the UK on or after January 1st, 2021, should expect major changes. Whose following courses with a duration of more than six months will need to obtain a student visa. Fees of £ 348 apply. The request can be made within six months of the start of their course. They must also have a valid passport or other travel documents. The application can be made online through a mobile app or at a visa centre in the student's home country. Also, students are entitled to a 25% discount on the Immigration Health Surcharge. EU and EEA nationals who wish to study in the UK after Brexit can apply for a visa from October 5th, 2020. Regarding the Erasmus +, EU students can complete their program until the end of 2020. However, terms and conditions haven't been finalised yet for those who wish to enrol in 2021.
Are you looking to live and work in the UK after graduation? All international students, including EU students holding a valid Tier 4 visa, can apply for the new Graduate Route from summer 2021. This will allow them to stay in the country for two more years after getting their degree and three more years after earning getting a PhD, so they will have plenty of time to work or to search for a job that matches their skills. It's worth noting that EU and EEA nationals who had to study remotely during the COVID-19 crisis, i.e. during the academic year 2020-2021, are also eligible for the new Graduate Route, provided they arrive in the United Kingdom on April 6th, 2021 at the latest. Besides, the UK government stated that there won't be any limit on the number of international students allowed to enter the UK.
What about British expats?
British expatriates should prepare to face a lot of changes besides the visa requirement for those who plan to stay more than six months in an EU or EEA country. For example, their passports must be valid for at least six months and must not be more than ten years old to enable them to travel within the Schengen area from January 1st, 2021. Also, EU pet passports (for dogs, cats and ferrets), will no longer be valid as of January 1st. Thus, to travel to the EU with their pets, British nationals will have to meet requirements such as rabies vaccination, microchip and health certificate. This has to be done at least four months in advance. Regarding healthcare, the European Health Insurance Card will no longer be valid for UK nationals staying in the EU. They will, therefore, need private health insurance. Those who wish to drive in an EU country will need to obtain an international driving license beforehand, and a green card that proves that they have appropriate car insurance.
Besides, Brits living in the EU are at risk of losing some of their pensions and benefits even though the details haven't been finalised yet. Last week, a couple of major banks announced the closure of British expats' bank accounts from the end of December 2020 due as they will be unable to provide UK-based services.
