Brexit, the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union, has had a significant impact on the movement of people between the EU and the UK. Prior to Brexit, EU citizens had the right to live, work, and study in the UK without any restrictions. However, with the end of free movement in 2020, many people are wondering: Can EU citizens still move to the UK after Brexit?
In this article, we will explore the changes brought about by Brexit, the new immigration system in place, and what EU citizens need to know if they want to move to the UK post-Brexit.
The End of Free Movement
Before Brexit, the free movement of people was one of the key principles of the European Union. This meant that citizens of EU member states could travel, work, and reside in any other EU country without requiring a visa or work permit. The UK was no exception, and EU citizens had unrestricted access to the UK labor market and educational institutions.
However, after the UK officially left the EU on January 31, 2020, the transition period ended on December 31, 2020. This marked the end of free movement between the EU and the UK.
The UK’s New Immigration System
Following the end of free movement, the UK introduced a new points-based immigration system. This system treats EU and non-EU citizens equally, and it is designed to attract skilled workers to fill gaps in the labor market. The UK government aims to ensure that those moving to the UK are highly skilled and contribute to the economy.
The new immigration system has several key requirements that EU citizens must meet if they wish to move to the UK. Let’s take a look at how it works.
1. The Points-Based System
Under the new system, EU citizens (as well as citizens from other countries) are required to earn points to qualify for a visa. Points are awarded for specific criteria such as having a job offer from a licensed sponsor, meeting the salary threshold, and possessing certain qualifications.
For example:
- A job offer from an approved employer: 20 points
- A salary of £25,600 or more: 20 points
- English language proficiency: 10 points
- Meeting the required educational qualifications: 10 points
Applicants need to score at least 70 points to qualify for a work visa.
2. Work Visas for EU Citizens
To move to the UK for work, EU citizens need to apply for a work visa under the points-based system. There are several types of work visas available:
Skilled Worker Visa
This is the most common visa for EU citizens wishing to work in the UK. To qualify, the applicant must:
- Have a job offer from an approved sponsor
- Meet the required salary threshold (usually £25,600 or higher)
- Prove their knowledge of the English language
- Global Talent Visa
This visa is for highly skilled individuals in fields such as science, humanities, engineering, the arts, and technology. It is aimed at attracting world-class talent to the UK, and applicants must be endorsed by a recognized body in their field.
Health and Care Worker Visa
For EU citizens working in the healthcare sector, this visa allows healthcare professionals to work in the UK without needing to meet the high salary threshold. It is aimed at addressing shortages in the UK healthcare system.
3. Family Reunification and Spouse Visas
If an EU citizen has a family member or spouse who is a UK citizen or settled in the UK, they may be eligible to join them under the family reunification rules. The process involves applying for a family or spouse visa, which requires meeting specific criteria such as financial requirements and proving the relationship.
4. Student Visas
EU citizens wishing to study in the UK also need to apply for a student visa under the new immigration rules. The process is similar to the previous system, but it now includes EU citizens alongside non-EU applicants. To qualify for a student visa, the applicant must:
- Have an offer from a recognized educational institution
- Demonstrate sufficient financial support to cover tuition fees and living costs
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements
The EU Settlement Scheme: A Special Provision for EU Citizens
While new immigration rules apply to EU citizens wishing to move to the UK post-Brexit, there is a special provision for those who were already living in the UK before the end of the transition period.
The EU Settlement Scheme was introduced to allow EU citizens who were living in the UK by December 31, 2020, to continue living and working in the country. This scheme allows eligible individuals to apply for settled or pre-settled status.
1. Settled Status
Settled status is granted to EU citizens who have lived in the UK for at least five years. This status allows individuals to remain in the UK indefinitely, with access to healthcare, education, and social benefits. It also allows them to leave and re-enter the UK without restrictions.
2. Pre-Settled Status
For those who have lived in the UK for less than five years, pre-settled status is granted. This status allows individuals to remain in the UK until they have accumulated five years of continuous residence, at which point they can apply for settled status.
It is important to note that the deadline for applying for the EU Settlement Scheme was June 30, 2021. However, if someone missed the deadline, they may still be able to apply in exceptional circumstances, such as if they have a good reason for missing the deadline.
Can EU Citizens Move to the UK for Short Visits?
Even after Brexit, EU citizens can still visit the UK for short stays (up to six months) without the need for a visa. This applies to tourism, business visits, and family visits. However, EU citizens will need to show proof of their travel purpose at the border and may be required to meet additional entry requirements, such as showing proof of sufficient funds for their stay.
1. Travel Rules After Brexit
Although EU citizens do not need a visa for short stays, they must meet the UK’s entry requirements, such as:
- Having a valid passport (EU national ID cards are no longer accepted for travel to the UK)
- Proving the reason for their visit (e.g., booking a return ticket, proof of accommodation, etc.)
- Having sufficient funds to cover their stay
For long stays, including for work, study, or family reunification, EU citizens must apply for the appropriate visa or status.
Conclusion
In conclusion, EU citizens can still move to the UK after Brexit, but the rules have changed significantly. The end of free movement means that EU citizens must now navigate the UK’s new points-based immigration system, which applies to both EU and non-EU citizens. To live, work, or study in the UK, EU citizens need to apply for the appropriate visa based on their circumstances.
For those who were already living in the UK before the end of the transition period, the EU Settlement Scheme offers a route to stay in the country long-term.
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