Brexit has made a big impact on immigration in the UK. Between 1995 and 2015, the number of immigrants from European Union countries living in the UK has tripled, from 0.9 million to 3.3 million. Since the UK has announced leaving the European Union in 2016, the number of immigrants in the UK has drastically declined. The immigration points-based system replaced the free movement provided as a part of the EU, making coming to the UK harder.
Immigration rules for people living in the UK
EU and non-EU nationals living in the UK before the 31st of December 2020 could apply for a pre-settled and settled status until the 30th of June 2021. The deadline for most people was the 30th of June 2021; an extended deadline is available for some individuals. If you want to find out if you are eligible to apply after the deadline, you can find out here.
The skilled worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 category working visa in the UK. Unless you came to the UK to live or work before the 1st of January 2021, you might require a skilled worker visa to work in the UK.
Skilled worker visa
If you desire to come to the UK momentarily, you can apply for a skilled worker visa. You can apply for this type of visa under a range of conditions, including:
- You must have a job offer from an employer with a sponsorship licence, and the job meets the required skill level and a minimum salary threshold.
- Have a certificate of sponsorship from your proposed employer.
- Meet the English language requirements by passing an English language test. You can be excluded from taking the English language test because of your country of origin or qualification.
- Meet the financial requirement. That indicates you must prove that you have adequate financial funds to sustain yourself whilst living in the UK.
- You must hold a criminal record certificate if your intended job demands this type of certificate.
- You must have at least 70 points in the UK immigration points system.
Immigration based points system insights
As mentioned before, people entering the UK to work need to meet a range of criteria, including:
- Receiving a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor.
- The job offer is at the demanded skill level.
- Speak English to the expected standard.
- The salary threshold of £25,600, the precise salary necessary for their occupation.
| Characteristics | Mandatory/Tradeable | Points |
| Offer of the job by an approved sponsor | Mandatory | 20 |
| Job at proper skill level | Mandatory | 20 |
| Speaks English at the required level | Mandatory | 10 |
| Salary of £20,480 to £23,039 or at least 80% of the going rate for the profession (whichever is higher) | Tradeable | 0 |
| Salary of £23,040 to £25,599 or at least 90% of the going rate for the profession (whichever is higher) | Tradeable | 10 |
| Salary of £25,600 or above or at least the going rate for the profession (whichever is higher) | Tradeable | 20 |
| Job in a shortage occupation as appointed by the Migration Advisory Committee | Tradeable | 20 |
| Education qualification: PhD in a subject relevant to the job | Tradeable | 10 |
| Education qualification: PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job | Tradeable | 20 |
What do these changes mean in practice?
With tougher measures and stricter conditions to enter the UK to live and work, specialists predict that the rate of immigration will slowly decrease over the following years. The Home Office forecasted that the total number of migrants who would arrive at work long-term in the UK would decline by roughly 350,000 over ten years. There are predictions that these changes will also lower short-term immigration to the UK.
We understand that these changes can be confusing and stressful for anyone who wants to come to the UK to live and work. Our qualified solicitors will ensure you get the advice you need and come out with the most favourable possible result in the most stress-free and easy way.
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