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Talent Mobility Visas and International Travel

United Kingdom Creates New Settled Status for European Union Nationals and Family Members

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The United Kingdom is creating a new Settled Status for European Union nationals and their family members residing in the UK. This new designation arose from an agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union. The new Settled Status replaces the current permanent residence status that is granted under EU Law.

Negotiations pertaining to the UK’s exit from the EU, also known as BREXIT, continue on specific matters pertaining to the exit process.

What are the important timeline dates?

The Month of March 2019: The application process will be fully open

March 29, 2019: The United Kingdom exits the European Union

The Timeframe from March 30, 2019 through December 31, 2020: Implementation Period for BREXIT

December 31, 2020: Five Year Residency deadline for EU citizens and immediate family members residing in the UK

June 30, 2021: The deadline for applying for the new Settled Status

Who is eligible to apply for the new Settled Status?

  • All European Union nationals and their qualifying family members (spouses, unmarried and civil partners, children) living in the UK on a continuous basis for five years up to December 31, 2020.
    • NOTE: A fee comparable to the current cost of a UK passport (£80) will apply.
  • All European Union nationals who arrive in the UK prior to the December 31, 2020 deadline, have not met the five year residency rule, but who do want to remain in the UK.
    • NOTE: Must apply for temporary “pre-Settled Status” permission to reside in the UK until they meet the requirements for the new Settled Status.
    • NOTE: A fee comparable to the current cost of a UK passport (£80) will apply.
  • Immediate family members of European Union nationals who arrive in the UK prior to the December 31, 2020 deadline, have not met the five year residency rule, but who do want to remain in the UK—ONLY if the family relationship existed BEFORE December 31, 2020.
    • NOTE: Must apply for temporary “pre-Settled Status” permission to reside in the UK until they meet the requirements for the new Settled Status.
    • NOTE: A fee comparable to the current cost of a UK passport (£80) will apply.
  • Current EU citizens residing in the UK who hold permanent residence status or plan to do so before December 31, 2020 must exchange this document for the new Settled Status in order to continue residing in the UK after the deadline.
    • NOTE: There should be no fee to exchange this document if the EU citizen currently holds permanent residence status.

What is the process to apply for the new Settled Status?

The United Kingdom Home Office will be introducing a new online application process. This new process will eliminate the current requirement to complete an application form and provide several supporting documents. The Home Office notes that the new process will link to relevant government departments. Also, the new process will synchronize records to automatically confirm data such as the applicant’s work history.

Applicants for the new Settled Status, or those applying for temporary permission to reside in the UK until they meet the residency requirements for Settled Status, must prove their identity and nationality. Acceptable documents include a current passport, Identification Card, and a recent photograph. Applicants must also declare any criminal convictions on their records.

When will the new Settled Status application system be in use?

The United Kingdom Home Office is targeting the application system to be fully open by March 2019.

What should employers do?

Companies that have current EU national employees residing in the United Kingdom should review their eligibility under the new Settled Status requirements and plan accordingly. EU national employees and their family members should learn about and understand the UK’s new residency and application requirements if they wish to remain in the United Kingdom.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients with their country-specific employment, visa, and residency requirements. We can help your company understand how to respond effectively to the United Kingdom’s new Settled Status. Learn how to navigate the changing residency landscape during BREXIT from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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Global Relocation Global Relocation Challenges Global Relocation Tips Global Relocation Trends Visas and International Travel

United Kingdom Changes Immigration Rules for Tier 2 Sponsored Visas

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The United Kingdom Home Office is changing the Immigration Rules for Tier 2 Sponsored Visas effective July 6, 2018. The change is in response to growing concern within the business community over the negative impact the current immigration rules are having on hiring efforts for technical occupations.

What is the change to the Immigration Rules for Tier 2 Sponsored Visas?

Starting on July 6, doctors and nurses who apply under the Tier 2 (General) Sponsored Visa rules will be exempt from having to also apply for a Restricted Certificate of Sponsorship (RCoS). This removes these workers from the cap on skilled worker visas.

What is the reason for this change?

Currently, over 8,000 RCoS requests have been refused since December 2017 due to the available quota reaching its limit. Since December 2017 those with salaries below £50,000 have been unsuccessful in obtaining an RCoS. Applicants must receive an RCoS before they can submit a visa application. Thousands of doctors have been denied Tier 2 Visas due to the immigration quotas. The National Health Service has been pressing the Home Office to exempt skilled employees from Tier 2 visa requirements as the immigration quotes restrict their ability to hire medical staff. Starting on July 6, there will be no requirement for prior approvals, and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) can be assignable to an individual following the completion of a Resident Labor Market Test (RLMT).

What is the impact of this change?

This change will allow the National Health Service to recruit talent from outside of the United Kingdom and European Union. This change in turn also increases the availability of up to 1,600 RCoS that health workers no longer require. Employers can use these RCoS for highly qualified professionals in other areas such as Information Technology, Engineering, and Teaching.

What should employers expect with this change?

Removing health workers from the monthly allocation should open up opportunities for recruitment in other business sectors under the RCoS. The business community is hoping that the minimum salary threshold will soon be reduced from the current £50,000 threshold, to further increase the availability of labor for businesses in the United Kingdom.

What should employers do?

Employers should review their hiring plans for foreign professionals in the United Kingdom to determine their eligibility with these changes. They should also monitor the United Kingdom Home Office’s future changes to rules. Changes that may reduce the minimum salary threshold below £50,000 would further expand the available pool of labor.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts have helped thousands of our clients with country-specific employment and visa requirements. We can help your company understand how to gain the most benefit from the changes to the United Kingdom’s Tier 2 Sponsored Visas. Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

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Immigration Rules Visas and International Travel

EU Citizen Rights: Arriving in UK During Post-BREXIT Transition May Not Secure Same Rights

Handsome young man with tablet in the streets of London

EU citizen rights are not secure for those arriving in the UK during the post-BREXIT transition. Prime Minister Theresa May indicated EU citizens arriving post-BREXIT may not receive the same rights as those who arrived prior to the vote. Prime Minister May said while the details were a matter for negotiation with the EU, she is clear that there is a difference between the EU citizens who were in the UK prior to the vote, and those who arrive afterward, knowing the UK is leaving the EU.

What is the question on EU citizen rights?

Prime Minister May believes the government is doing what the British people asked the government to do, which is to deliver on the promise of BREXIT. As such, complete freedom of movement for EU citizens into the UK post-BREXIT is not supported during the transition period.

Prime Minister May has stated that EU citizens who arrive during the post-BREXIT transition must not have the same rights as those EU citizens within the UK prior to the vote. Prime Minister May has been very appreciative of the contributions EU citizens residing in the UK have made, and has clearly stated that “EU citizens living lawfully in the UK” will be able to stay in the UK post-BREXIT.

Who does this EU citizen rights issue affect?

  • Employers who have EU citizen employees currently residing in the UK.
  • EU citizens who arrive in the UK during the post-BREXIT implementation period and who are seeking residency.

What should employers and citizens expect from this EU citizen rights issue?

There may be an increase in applications for residency in the UK in response to Prime Minister May’s comments. Although the European Parliament believes citizen’s rights during implementation are in full effect and are not negotiable, Prime Minister May’s statements indicate negotiations on this point have not been finalized in her view. EU citizens may want to expedite their applications for residency with the expectation that a firm deadline will be negotiated.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts have helped thousands of our clients manage relocation to the UK, as well as understand how BREXIT will impact their programs. We can help your company understand the impact of this EU citizen rights issue, and how to submit applications for residency in the UK. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

What Does the UK Economy Look Like for 2018?

Hipster manager sitting on stairs on sunny Piccadilly Circus, London, working on laptop, using a smart phone

While BREXIT (the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union) consumed nearly all of 2017’s economic headlines for the UK, what does it portend for the 2018 UK Economy? Employers with plans to relocate employees to the UK, and those transferees currently in the process of relocation, should be aware of economic implications that might impact their plans.

UK Economy and Manufacturers Benefit from Eurozone and Global Growth

Despite predictions, there was no post-BREXIT referendum recession. Global growth and a vibrant Eurozone continue to benefit British manufacturing companies. However, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) predicts a further drop in UK economic activity, from 1.5 percent in 2017 to 1.2 percent in 2018. The OECD also predicts another drop to just 1.1 percent in 2019 when the UK is expected to leave the EU.

British Pound Weakness Benefits Exports for 2018

A recovering global economy helps sustain UK exports since the British Pound lost value after the referendum. This growth in UK exports will lead to a stronger British Pound for 2018.

British Pound Weakness Hurt Citizens But May Temper in 2018

The weak British Pound led to higher inflation for imports, while wages did not keep pace. However, the low level of unemployment and lower immigration rates may lead to higher wages across the board. Also, as the government’s position is looking more secure, this supports the value of the currency.

UK Employers are Optimistic about UK Economy Job Growth

Surveys indicate UK employers are optimistic about generating jobs in 2018, with over half of all firms planning to increase employment. Employers in the North East UK are reporting a four-point increase in the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.

UK Employers Worry About Skills Gap

A majority of UK employers note a skills gap is a major threat to the UK’s market competitiveness. Lower immigration rates will further hamper the skills gap. The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) 2017 Survey of 800 UK employers with technology and engineering staff report a lack of skills in the market. The IET also reports a shortage of engineering and technical skills among professionals presenting a major challenge.

Conclusion

The global relocation experts at Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) have helped thousands of our clients manage relocation to the UK. We have the knowledge and expertise to help your company determine the best plan forward as the UK Economy continues to evolve with BREXIT issues, currency fluctuations, and global economic challenges.

Contact our team of experts online to discuss how we can help your company’s global relocation plans for the UK, or call us directly at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

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