New immigration rules announced

The new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, setting out the new post-Brexit immigration system, were released yesterday (22 October).  Many of the new rules come into effect on Tuesday 1 December 2020, save those that apply to EU nationals, who are eligible now to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme for settled or pre-settled status.  EU nationals in the UK should apply under the EU Settlement Scheme now, if they haven’t already done so, as from 1 January 2021 they will be treated the same as non-EU nationals. From 1 January 2021 freedom of movement for EU nationals to come to, reside and work in the UK is set to end, meaning that they will need to qualify to work or reside here long term.

The changes to come in from 1 December 2020 are broad and replace or amend the Tier 2 skilled worker (intra company transferees as well as new hires), Tier 4 Student, Global Talent and Visitor categories, among others.  Please get in touch with us if you are considering making an application under any of these categories, or you have concerns as to how the new rules affect you or your business.