Key Takeaways:
- Brexit has changed immigration rules for EU nationals in the UK, affecting their ability to bring family members.
- EU nationals must have applied for pre-settled or settled status by June 30, 2021, to continue living in the UK.
- The UK’s new points-based immigration system applies to EU nationals and requires meeting specific criteria for a visa.
Understanding the Brexit Impact on EU Nationals
For EU nationals residing in the UK or considering a move to the country, the landscape has significantly changed post-Brexit. The UK’s departure from the European Union has altered previous rules and rights concerning immigration, including the ability to bring family members to the country.
Family Immigration Rights in the UK After Brexit
The UK’s exit agreement from the EU brought about new regulations that apply to EU nationals and their family members. If you’re an EU national, it’s crucial to understand your family rights in the UK post-Brexit.
Pre-Settled and Settled Status for EU Nationals
As an EU national, if you were living in the UK before December 31, 2020, you should have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme to secure either pre-settled or settled status. This entitles you to continue living in the UK and gives you the same rights to work, study, and access public services as you had before Brexit. The deadline for applying was June 30, 2021, but late applications can still be submitted in exceptional situations.
Bringing Family to the UK After Brexit
For EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status wishing to bring family to the UK after Brexit, the rules have changed. Close family members—such as spouses, civil partners, dependent children, and grandchildren—can still join you in the UK. However, they will need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme by June 30, 2021. If they are joining you after this date, they should apply within three months of their arrival in the UK.
It’s important to note that any relatives must have begun their relationship with you before December 31, 2020, and it must have continued when they apply. You will need to provide evidence of this relationship.
The New Points-Based Immigration System
Since January 1, 2021, the UK has implemented a new points-based immigration system that applies to anyone who wishes to come to the UK, including EU nationals. For those not covered by the EU Settlement Scheme, this system requires earning enough points for a visa by meeting specific criteria such as a job offer from an approved employer, speaking English, and meeting a salary threshold.
Continuing Challenges and Considerations
The Brexit transition continues to pose challenges for EU nationals attempting to understand their rights and secure their family’s future in the UK. Authorization for family members to join EU nationals in the UK is now more complicated than it was while the UK was an EU member state.
Seeking Assistance for Immigration Inquiries
If you’re uncertain about your current status or need assistance in bringing family members to the UK after Brexit, it’s recommended to consult with immigration experts or refer to official resources such as the UK Government’s official immigration website.
In Summary
Brexit has undoubtedly complicated the process for EU nationals when it comes to bringing family members to live with them in the UK. While EU nationals who have secured pre-settled or settled status have a set of rights, new arrivals and family members are subject to new regulations under the points-based system. Staying informed and seeking proper guidance are essential steps in navigating the post-Brexit immigration landscape with confidence.
Expert Insights
Did You Know?
- EU Nationals in the UK: As of June 2021, over 5.6 million applications have been made to the EU Settlement Scheme, securing the status of EU nationals living in the UK after Brexit.
Family Reunification: The EU Settlement Scheme allows EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status to bring their spouses, civil partners, dependent children, and grandchildren to the UK. However, family members must have begun their relationship with the EU national before December 31, 2020, and provide evidence of the ongoing relationship.
Points-Based Immigration System: The new points-based immigration system in the UK applies to both EU nationals and non-EU nationals wishing to live and work in the country. This system requires applicants to earn enough points by meeting criteria such as job offers, English language proficiency, and salary thresholds.
Settlement Scheme Application Deadline: While the deadline for EU nationals to apply for settled or pre-settled status was June 30, 2021, late applications can still be submitted in exceptional situations. It’s important to seek proper guidance and consult with immigration experts or official resources for assistance.
Continuing Challenges: The Brexit transition has posed challenges for EU nationals and their families, with the process for bringing family members to the UK becoming more complex. Staying informed, seeking assistance, and understanding the regulations is crucial in navigating the post-Brexit immigration landscape effectively.
Resources for Assistance: Apart from seeking professional assistance, the UK Government’s official immigration website provides valuable information and resources for EU nationals and those looking to bring family members to the UK after Brexit. It is recommended to refer to official resources to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.
Remember, staying informed and seeking proper guidance are key to navigating the evolving landscape of immigration regulations and ensuring a smooth transition for EU nationals and their families in the post-Brexit era.
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Glossary of Immigration Terms
- EU Nationals: Individuals who hold citizenship in one of the member states of the European Union (EU).
Brexit: The term used to refer to the departure of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU), a process initiated through a referendum held in 2016.
Immigration: The act of individuals moving from one country to another with the intention of residing and/or working in the destination country.
Family Members: Close relatives of an individual, including spouses, civil partners, dependent children, and grandchildren.
Pre-Settled Status: A status granted to EU nationals residing in the UK before December 31, 2020, through the EU Settlement Scheme. This status allows individuals to continue living in the UK with rights to work, study, and access public services, similar to the rights held prior to Brexit.
Settled Status: A status granted to EU nationals residing in the UK before December 31, 2020, through the EU Settlement Scheme. This status provides individuals with enhanced rights and allows them to continue living in the UK indefinitely.
EU Settlement Scheme: A program initiated by the UK government for EU nationals residing in the UK before December 31, 2020, to secure their immigration status. The scheme grants either pre-settled or settled status, depending on the time spent living in the UK.
Points-Based Immigration System: A new immigration system implemented by the UK since January 1, 2021, which applies to individuals from all countries, including EU nationals. This system assigns points to applicants based on specific criteria, such as job offers, English language proficiency, and meeting a salary threshold, to determine eligibility for entry and residency in the UK.
Authorized Employer: An employer approved by the UK government to offer job positions to individuals applying under the points-based immigration system.
Late Applications: Applications to the EU Settlement Scheme submitted after the June 30, 2021, deadline. Late applications may be accepted in exceptional situations.
Relationship Requirement: A condition that must be met by family members of EU nationals who wish to join them in the UK after Brexit. The relationship must have existed before December 31, 2020, and must continue at the time of application. Evidence of the relationship is required.
Official Resources: Resources provided by government agencies or other authorized bodies that contain accurate and up-to-date information about immigration regulations and procedures.
Immigration Experts: Professionals who specialize in immigration matters and can provide guidance and advice to individuals seeking assistance with immigration inquiries.
UK Government’s Official Immigration Website: The official website maintained by the UK government that provides information and resources related to immigration policies, procedures, and regulations in the UK.
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FAQ’s to know:
FAQ 1: What is the EU Settlement Scheme and how does it affect EU nationals in the UK after Brexit?
Answer: The EU Settlement Scheme is a program that allows EU nationals residing in the UK to secure their immigration status. If you were living in the UK before December 31, 2020, you should have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme to obtain either pre-settled or settled status. This ensures that you can continue living in the UK and maintain the same rights as before Brexit, including the right to work, study, and access public services. The deadline for applying was June 30, 2021, but late applications can still be submitted in exceptional situations.
FAQ 2: Can EU nationals bring family members to the UK after Brexit?
Answer: Yes, EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status can bring close family members, such as spouses, civil partners, dependent children, and grandchildren, to the UK. However, the rules for family immigration have changed. Family members need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme by June 30, 2021, if they plan to join you in the UK. If they are joining you after this date, they should apply within three months of their arrival. It’s important to note that the relationship must have begun before December 31, 2020, and evidence of this relationship will be required.
FAQ 3: What is the new points-based immigration system in the UK post-Brexit?
Answer: The UK has implemented a new points-based immigration system since January 1, 2021, which applies to both EU nationals and non-EU nationals. The system requires individuals to earn enough points to obtain a visa by meeting specific criteria, including having a job offer from an approved employer, speaking English, and meeting a minimum salary threshold. This system applies to individuals who are not covered by the EU Settlement Scheme and wish to come to the UK for work or other purposes. It’s important to understand the eligibility requirements and criteria set by the points-based system to navigate the immigration process successfully.
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What did you learn? Answer below to know:
- True or False: EU nationals who were living in the UK before December 31, 2020, need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to secure their family’s immigration rights after Brexit.
- Which family members can join an EU national in the UK after Brexit?
a) Siblings
b) Cousins
c) Dependent children
d) Nephews/nieces - What is the new immigration system implemented by the UK after Brexit called?
a) EU Settlement Scheme
b) Points-based immigration system
c) UK Family Immigration Program
d) Brexit Immigration Scheme
