The UK leaving the European Union is going to change the immigrant system. If you are planning on moving to the country, it is important to learn what has changed to ensure you are still able to immigrate. This will take some work before you get to the country. So, let’s find out about the new system.
The UK is moving to an immigration points system. This is similar to what is used in countries such as Australia. This is a consequence of free movement from the ending. In particular, points mean that high skilled workers will be preferred over low skilled workers. Essentially, EU citizens will face a similar system to non-EU workers. Priority is given to skilled workers that are in need. For example, scientists and academics.
In order to work and live in the UK, you will have to secure 70 points. For example, a job offer will be 20 points. Applying for a skilled job is another 20 points. It is essential that you speak English to be awarded a Visa to work and live in the UK. This is another 10 points. In addition, another 20 points is gained from securing a job with a salary above £25,600.
If you are already living in the UK and you are from the EU, you can apply to the EU settlement Scheme. You must do this by the 30th June 2021 so that you are legally allowed to stay in the country. You will be able to access the same health care and benefits at UK citizens can. It is free to put in your EU Settlement Scheme.
Once you have successfully completed your EU Settlement Scheme application, you will be given settled status or pre-settled status.
Settled status is granted to those that have lived in the UK for five continuous years. There are only some exceptions to this. For example, that you had military service, you spent time abroad as a Crown servant or for another important reason you were absent for up to 12 months. This could include illness, childbirth or training. When you have been awarded settled status, you may be able to gain British citizenship. If you have a child when you have settled status, they will become British citizens.
For those that have not lived in the UK for five continuous years, you may be awarded pre-settled status. Once you have completed these five years, you can then apply for settled status. You still have the same rights, which include the ability to work in the UK and access NHS services, as well as enrol in education. In addition, you can claim benefits or a pension in the UK. If you have a child when you have pre-settled status, they will automatically be given pre-settled status too.
There are a number of British citizens that are currently working and living in the EU. This is believed to be around 1.3 million. This includes all ages from those that are retired to young teenagers who are students. Indeed, they worry what will happen now that the UK has left the EU.
Indeed, freedom of movement has stopped. However, any British citizens who are currently residing in one of the 27 EU countries should not worry. There is a transition period and you will not have to do anything until the end of 2020. It will then be necessary to apply for residence status in order to live and work in the country. Every country will be different and it will be for you to investigate how to remain in the country when this happens.
Of course, there will be nothing to stop UK citizens from returning to the United Kingdom. In addition, if they wish to bring anybody back from an EU country, there is not a pressing need to apply for a Visa straight away. If they have EU citizenship, this process should be done by 29th March 2022.
One thing that a lot of retired seniors are worried about that live abroad is their pension after Brexit. You are able to claim a UK state pension from most places around the world. This includes anywhere from South Africa to Canada. Previously, this was the case if you now lived in the EU. As negotiations stand, this is set to continue for those living outside of the UK until the end of 2020. However, if you choose to retire to an EU country from 2021 onwards, this may be different. This is going to depend on what happens with negotiations and each country could be different. Therefore, we will have to wait and see what happens during discussions.