Employees who were living in the UK before the end of 2020 must apply for the EU settlement scheme by the end of June 2021. Those individuals who have resided in the UK for 5 years will be granted settled status, whilst those who have under 5 years continuous residency will able to acquire ‘pre settled status’ which will then be transferred to a settled status once the 5 year criteria has been met.
The new system –
The points based immigration system for visa applications was implemented back in December 2020.
The system requires employers to obtain a sponsorship license in order to hire staff from outside of the UK. This is necessary for both EU and non EU workers.
To be eligible for sponsorship, an individual must obtain 70 points via a strict criteria set by the government. Including the offer being given by an approved sponsor, for a position that appears on the job shortage list. This list is currently being reviewed due to the recent coronavirus pandemic which has caused a number of positions to be included such a pharmacists and care workers.
From March, the Home Office confirmed a new graduate visa route that is due to be open from July 2021. This allows international students, who have completed an ‘eligible’ course via a UK university, to apply to stay for a further 2 years (or 3 in some cases).The idea is Employers can use this time to plan ahead and secure long term sponsorship.
Potential changes –
A new ‘elite visa’ is said to be coming in 2022. There isn’t much information out there as yet, but it might allow highly skilled individuals to fast track the system to obtain a visa, potentially without the need for a sponsor.
We may also see the ability to apply for a visa allowing additional mobility for companies needing internal transfers across the globe
Watch this space.
If you have any questions on any of the above, please get in touch with the office: sally.phillips@wardwilliams.co.uk or call 01932 830664.