What Do Changes in the UK Visa System Mean For Me?
Freedom of movement between the UK and the European Union ended on 1 January 2021, bringing with it several changes to the UK visa system. Are you hoping to apply for a Startup Visa? What does this mean for you?
How Has The Visa System Changed?
There’s several changes for both EU and non-EU citizens.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who lived and worked in the UK before 1 January 2021 can apply for ‘pre-settled status’ or ‘settled status’. This is fast and free to do. Applications require proof of your identify and your residence in the UK. The deadline is 30 June 2021.
Short term travel, which is defined as up to 90 days within a 180 day period, is permitted without a visa. Short term visitors are not authorised to work in the UK, but general business activities are still allowed. This means that trips for business meetings and conferences can still go ahead without extra paper work.
For longer term residency, a new points-based immigration system has been introduced in the UK. Under this new system, which was introduced in January 2021, EU and and non-EU citizens are treated equally. The new system is designed to make is easier to apply for a work visa. Applicants will need 70 points to be eligible. Points are earned through a variety of requirements. A job offer at an appropriate skill level from an approved sponsor and a sufficient level of English are mandatory, and account for 50 points. Applicants can then make up the remaining 20 points if they meet various requirements. A salary above £25,600, for instance, is worth 20 points, while a PhD in a subject relevant to the field is worth 10 points.
However, there are other options available. The Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa system was ditched in spring 2019. It was replaced with the Innovator and Start Up visas. These were designed with Brexit in mind, and so haven’t changed since freedom of movement ended at the start of 2021. You can still apply to settle in the UK, extend your visa, or apply for family members to join you if you already have a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa.
Finally, the Global Talent visa has been recently extended to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, as well as non-EU members.
You can apply and pay for one online. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can submit a digital photo of themselves using a smartphone, while non-EU citizens will have to submit fingerprints and a photo at an overseas application centre. Proof of work and fees also apply, depending on the type.
Which Visa Is Best For You?
Have you got a job offer in the UK? The Skilled Worker visa is a route for those with an approved employee sponsor.
Are you an industry leader looking for opportunities in the UK? If you work in tech, academic, the arts, or research, the Global Talent visa will allow you to live and work in the UK without a sponsor.
Are you an aspiring talent in tech, the arts, or academia? The Global Talent visa is also open for those who are promising potential leaders in their field of expertise.
Do you want to set up an innovative business in the UK? The Innovator and Start Up visas are options for both established and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Skilled Workers
This is a route for those with a job offer prior to moving to the UK. Eligible applicants need to be able to speak English and have a salary of £25,600 or higher. If you earn less than this, you may be able to apply for for the Skilled Workers visa if you have points in other areas - for instance, if you have a PhD, or work in health or education. In addition, successful applicants must have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from their employer.
This allows you to stay in the UK for up to 5 years. After the 5 years expires, there will be an opportunity to extend it, and you’ll be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
The Global Talent
The Global Talent scheme is a new version of the Exceptional Talent one, which was available for non-EU applicants. The scheme has recently been opened up to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. It allows leaders or up and coming talent in academia, research and digital technology to apply to live in the UK without a job offer. It’s a great option as it allows successful applicants to live and work in the UK for up to five years, with the option to extend when the visa expires. To apply, you need endorsement from an authorised UK organisation to show that you are a leader or a potential leader.
The Innovator
This is a route for people who want to set up and run a new business in the UK. It’s designed for experienced, well-established businesspeople with an innovative idea that is different from anything else on the market. This allows you to stay for 3 years, with the opportunity to extend when the visa expires. Applicants must have access to funds of at least £50,000.
The Start Up
The Start Up visa shares many similarities with the Innovator one. It’s designed for those with an original, viable idea who want to start a business in the UK. However, the Start Up visa is aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs with less experience. It allows you to stay for up to 2 years, and gives you the option to switch to another visa once you’re in the UK. What’s more, you can work in another job while also working for your business. Eligible applicants must be endorsed by either a UK higher education institution or a business organisation that supports UK entrepreneurs.
If you want help writing your business plan to support your visa application, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.