Brexit and immigration | What are the new dates for EU migrants to be aware of?
Published on 22nd May 2019
With the UK's formal departure from the EU having been delayed to 31 October 2019 and a further extension at least a possibility , the relevant dates for EU migrants have also shifted.
The EU Settlement Scheme is now open to EU migrants and their family members to apply for pre-settled or settled status. If there is no deal, the deadline to apply will be 31 December 2020 (subject to any further extension of the Article 50 notice period beyond that date). If the current deal is agreed, the deadline will be 30 June 2021.
If the UK leaves without a deal on 31 October 2019, EU nationals entering after that date will need to apply for a visa to live and work in the UK. The current proposal is that they are granted a visa on entry for three months, which can be extended for up to three years whilst in the UK. If there is a deal, there will be a transition period and those entering after 31 December 2020 will need a visa.
The current proposal suggests that there will be an updated immigration system which will cover all nationalities, albeit some 'low risk' countries will have some benefits in policy terms.
One way businesses registered in the UK can be prepared is to have a Sponsor Licence which is the current system of issuing work visas. We expect the new system to be embedded with the current licensing process.
