Following the recent statement of changes to the UK immigration rules, ESP Law’s immigration specialist solicitor, Charlotte Ashton, sums up the latest, key updates…
International Sportsperson Visa
A new visa replaces the Tier 2 and Tier 5 options for international sportspeople and offers an option for athletes coming to the UK for 12 months or less. The main requirements for an International Sportsperson Visa are to be endorsed by the UK governing body of the sport, relevant to the individual, and who has a certificate of sponsorship from a club. If an individual wants to stay in the UK for longer than 12 months, they need to show a basic level of English language skill.
Change to identity evidence on arriving in the UK
From 1 October 2021 EU, EEA and Swiss citizens will no longer be able to use their national identity cards as travel documents, and instead must require a passport for entry to the UK. Those citizens who were UK residents prior to 31 December 2020, and have a status under the Settlement Scheme, a frontier worker permit – or healthcare visa – means they can continue to use their national ID card until the end of 2025. However, it is worth noting the change for any employees who may need to visit the UK from Europe.
Expansion of the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa – which currently applies to citizens from certain countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Japan – is being extended to citizens from Iceland and India from 1 January 2022. There are limited places for those citizens and there are additional requirements for Indian citizens to either hold a degree-level qualification or have three years’ work experience in a professional role equivalent to a skilled occupation.
This is a useful scheme enabling holders to work in the UK without the need for being sponsored by an employer. At the end of the visa, holders are now able to apply to switch into the Skilled Worker Visa.
Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa is for talented and promising individuals in the fields of science, digital technology and arts and culture wishing to work in the UK. Applicants need an endorsement from an endorsing body or must have won an eligible award. The route is being amended following feedback and recommendations from endorsing bodies, and there is also an expansion of the qualifying awards which will enable an individual to be eligible for the visa without endorsement.
As an employer, it is important that you understand a little about these changes to ensure you are kept up to date with the UK’s immigration system – particularly as free movement has ended due to Brexit and more employers may be considering and paying people who need to hold visas. If you are still unsure as to what you should be checking, speak to us today by using the contact details below.
