New immigration system of UK to be introduced from January 2021

UK Immigration
  • October 30, 2020

The UK government has announced on July 13, 2020 on UK’s new point-based immigration system that is set to implement from January 1, 2021. This immigration system will treat EU and non-EU citizen equally and aiming to attract the immigrants who can contribute to the economy, while Irish citizens will continue to be able to enter and live in UK as they do now.

 

Visa application process

With the new process introduced, you will be able to apply and pay for the visa online. You are supposed to provide your biometric information along with the application.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens will be able to provide a digital photo of face using a smartphone app and do not need to give fingerprint for most visas. For a small number of low volume routes, they are required to go to overseas visa application center to have your photo taken. The details for the same will be given later.

Non-EU citizens will have to submit fingerprint and photo at an overseas visa application center.

 

Skilled workers

The new system includes a route for skilled workers who have a job offer from an approved employer sponsor. Your job offered is needed to be at a required skill level RQF3 or above which is equivalent to A level. In addition, you should be able to speak English and be paid the relevant threshold by your sponsor. It will be either general salary threshold of £25,600 or the going rate for your job, whichever is higher. If you earn less than this, but not less than £20,480, you may still be able to apply by ‘trading’ points on specific characteristics against your salary.

There will not be a general route for employers to recruit at or near the minimum wage. If you’re not already a licensed sponsor and you think you’ll want to sponsor migrants through the skilled worker route from January 2021, you should apply now.

 

Visiting the UK

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and other non-visa nationals will not require a visa to enter the UK when visiting the UK for up to 6 months. All migrants looking to enter the UK for other reasons (such as work or study) will need to apply for entry clearance in advance.

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