The British government has presented the new immigration system which, starting from 2021, due to Brexit, will also affect EU citizens. EU Students will get Basic guideline about Work and study in the uk from this article .
Working in the UK :
The UK has left the European Union, and the new provisions for entry and residence visas , inspired by the Australian ones, are very strict.
Among the various features of the new model, we find a good knowledge of English and a preferential lane assigned to highly qualified workers such as scientists, academics, etc …
The new points system, put in place by the British government , will come into force in 2021 and is very restrictive for unskilled workers, let’s see what the main changes are.
The new provisions also apply to citizens of EU countries, in addition to citizens of non-European countries.
It will no longer be possible, therefore, to move to the United Kingdom with the idea of doing more or less occasional jobs in pubs or restaurants. It will not even be possible to move for a few months to learn English better. The conditions required for study visas in the United Kingdom also change.
The visa and passport to work in the uk from 2021
From 1 February 2020, the UK is no longer part of the area of free movement of people and goods, provided for in the EU. However, for the whole of 2020 , only the identity card can still be used to enter the country.
Starting from January 1, 2021 , to enter the country, you will need to be in possession of a valid passport. Furthermore, tourists arriving in the UK from EU countries, therefore also from Italy, must have a visa , to be obtained at least three days before departure for Great Britain .
To obtain this particular visa it will be necessary to follow an online procedure , similar to that required for obtaining the ESTA ( Electronic System for Travel Authorization ). At present, the cost of the future UK visa is not yet clear.
A tourist with a visa, which will be registered, can stay in the UK for a maximum of 3 months , after which he will have to return to his country of origin. This is the classic tourist visa that does not require any particular formalities.
For those, however, who wish to stay in the United Kingdom for more than three months, it will be necessary to obtain a work permit (so-called work visa ).
Working in the uk: the points system for a residence permit
In order to regulate the access and permanence of foreign subjects, the United Kingdom has decided to strictly regulate the possibility of staying longer than three months in the country. The possibilities of stay are linked to a points system , inspired by the Australian model, to establish who will have the right to obtain a residence permit for work reasons .
The essential aspects of this points system are as follows:
In order to enter the UK, you will need to have at least 70 points .
The first 50 points are mandatory for all migrants and must be achieved with the mandatory requirements, i.e. knowledge of the English language, a job offer already valid for a specialized profession.
The remaining 20 points can be obtained with additional characteristics. For example, if the job is in an industry where there is a shortage of workforce, you get 20 points.
An additional 10 points are awarded to those who have a PhD in a discipline consistent with the profession they would like to do in Great Britain.
The salary can also lead to accumulating points , the higher it is, the more points you can get.
For these reasons, it will no longer be possible to move to the United Kingdom with the idea of doing more or less occasional jobs in pubs or restaurants, such as waiter or dishwasher. It will also no longer be possible to move to the UK for a few months (beyond 3 months of tourist visa) in order to learn English.
The European migrants already living in the UK without having a residence permit definitive or it will move by the end of 2020, already have access to a special program to apply to remain in the country even after 2021.
Those who have lived in the UK for more than five years can apply for a permanent permit , while those who have arrived for a shorter time can apply for a temporary convertible permit after five years of residence .
The minimum salary
As for the salary, it must exceed the threshold of £25,600 pounds per year (about 30,800 euros at the current exchange rate ), to get 20 points .
However, there are exceptions, since there are also university roles paid less than that amount, in this case we are talking about tolerance thresholds .
You are entitled to 10 points if your salary drops by 10%, or from 23,040 to 25,599 pounds . You are not entitled to any points if your salary is between 20,480 to 23,039 pounds .
Scientists and researchers
The UK government has also launched an unlimited fast track for scientists , researchers and mathematicians , designed to attract the best talent in the world to the UK.
The secretary of the interior, in fact, stated that the plan aims to reduce the number of immigrants in the country and attract the brightest, improving the economy.
Training and shortage of workers
Twenty points will go to those who will work in sectors where there is a lack of professionalism at the domestic level (such as nurses).
Ten points for those in possession of a doctorate (Phd) in a subject relating to the work they are going to carry out.
Twenty points if the doctorate is in a subject such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Summary table for obtaining a work visa in the uk from 2021
The following table summarizes the characteristics and the relative score assigned:
Features Essential Score
- Job offer from an approved sponsor YES 20
- I work with a high level of knowledge YES 20
- Speaking English at a required level YES 10
- Wages from £ 20,480 to £ 23,039 NO 0
- Wages from £ 23,040 to £ 25,599 NO 10
- Salary of £ 25,600 NO 20
- Job position NO 20
Health insurance in the uk
Until 31 December 2020, no changes are planned with regard to health care, as it is sufficient to have an Italian health card.
As of January 1, 2021, health cards will not be valid.
However, the European Union , in its FAQ on the possibility of Brexit, made it clear that:
“EU citizens will no longer be able to access healthcare in the UK with their European Health Insurance Card. Check with your insurance institution if emergency medical expenses are reimbursed in a non-EU country. If they are not, you can decide to take out private travel insurance ” .
The uk international student visa
The international students accepted into a British educational institution must apply for a visa to the UK students before the course.
Following Brexit, the previous Tier 4 (general) student visa went through a ” rebranding “, which is mainly related to the fact that EU and EEA students are now required to apply for a visa if they want to study in the UK.
Uk tier 4 student visa changes
As of 4 October 2020, the previous Tier 4 (general) student visa has been replaced with the so-called ” student path “. The Student Route is the new UK student visa, which will also be available to EEA citizens, who, prior to Brexit , did not need a visa to study in the UK.
According to the UK government, under the new Student Visa program , the number of students who can receive a visa is unlimited.
Some of the main changes to the UK student visa that went into effect after 5th October 2020 are:
- It is divided into Student Route (for adult students over the age of 18) and Child Student Route (for students aged 4-17, which replaced the Tier 4 Child Student Visa);
- EU / EEA citizens must also apply for a visa if they will enter the country after 1 January 2021;
- You can now apply for a student visa up to six months before the course starts, instead of three;
- Whether you are eligible for a visa depends on a points-based system. You have to collect 70 points;
- Those who graduate from a UK educational institution by and after summer 2021 will be able to apply for a postgraduate visa, allowing them to work / look for work in the UK for up to 2 years;
- Other requirements, such as knowledge of English and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) remain the same as for the Tier 4 student visa.
Do EU / EEA students need a uk student visa?
If you are entering the UK after January 1, 2021, you will need to apply for a student visa. If you are already in the UK before 1 January 2021, you need to apply for the EU settlement scheme.
Who can apply for a uk student visa?
EU / EEA and non-EU / EEA citizens can apply for the new UK student visa if they achieve 70 points in the points-based system. The system measures whether you meet the requirements to study in the UK, such as:
- Have you been accepted into an approved institution? The institution issues proof of acceptance for studies (CAS);
- Do you have the financial resources to finance your stay? In addition to the money needed to pay for the course, you also need £ 1,265 per month if you are studying in London or £ 1,015 per month if you are studying outside London. If you have dependents, you need around £ 800 per month for each of them;
- Do you know English well? When applying for the visa, you must pass an English proficiency test from an approved provider.
- B2 for undergraduate or higher courses.
- B1 for master’s degree courses.
Uk student visa course requirements
You can get a UK student visa if you have been accepted into one of the following courses:
- A full-time course, below the undergraduate level (more than 15 hours of study per week). Referred to as RQF level 3, 4 or 5, this includes levels A (basically the last two years of high school), apprenticeship or the first two years of a degree.
- A full-time course leading to a bachelor’s degree or higher level qualification. Includes RQF levels 6, 7 and 8 (bachelor’s, postgraduate, master’s or doctorate);
- A part-time course at an undergraduate level above RQF 7 (specialist degree, master’s or doctorate);
- An approved program for postgraduate doctors or dentists;An English language course (level B2 or higher) in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
How to apply for a uk student visa?
You can apply for a UK student visa as early as six months before your courses start if you are outside the UK. You must start your online application on the UK Government website (UK Student Visa Application ) before going to a Visa Application Center in your country to submit your biometric data.
Once you have been offered a place on the course, your education provider will send you a reference number called Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. You must enter this number when registering online. After submitting your application online, you will receive instructions on how to proceed, depending on your country of residence.
Applicants for an underage student visa will need the consent of a parent or guardian.
Can i upgrade to a student visa if i am already in the uk?
If you are already in the UK, you can upgrade to a student visa as long as your current visa is not one of the following:
- Travel visa;
- Short-term student visa;
- Student Parent Child Visa;
- Seasonal worker visa;
- Domestic worker with a private residence visa;
- Leave immigration rules out.
- You can apply to switch to the UK Student Route up to three months before the start of classes.
- You must be accepted into one of the approved institutions and your current visa must still be valid.
Uk student visa processing time
If you are applying outside of the UK, it will take around 3 weeks for us to get a decision on your student visa application. If you apply from within the UK (switch to student visa), it will take around 8 weeks to make a decision on your application.
Uk student visa fees and costs in 2021
The fees for a UK student visa are:
- £ 348 if applying from outside the UK.
- £ 475 if you apply to extend or upgrade a student visa from within the UK.
You must pay a separate fee for you and each family member who joins you. In addition to the visa fee, you also need to prove that you have enough money to finance your stay:
- At least £ 1,265 per month if you study in London (up to nine months).
At least £ 1,015 per month if studying outside London (for up to nine months).
Documents required for a uk student visa application
When applying for a UK student visa, the following documents are required:
- Your valid passport;
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your school;
- Proof that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family;
- An Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, if applicable;
- Criminal record certificate;
- Proof of knowledge of the English language;
- Results of the tuberculosis test;
- For students under 18:
- Proof of parental consent;
- Proof of your relationship with your parents or legal guardians;
- Any additional documents requested during the application process.
- How long does the uk student visa last?
- The UK student visa is granted for a period of time corresponding to the course you have started.
- If you are of age, enrolled in a degree course, the visa can be granted for a maximum of five years.
- If you are pursuing a lower degree course, the visa will be granted for two years.
Can i extend a uk student visa?
Yes, you can extend a UK student visa as long as you are accepted into a different course in the UK. The course must be of a higher level than the one you have completed. You can also extend your student visa if you have a Tier 4 (general) student visa. You can apply no earlier than three months before the start of your new classes.
Can i stay in the uk after my studies?
Yes, as of summer 2021, international students in the UK who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree will be able to apply for a graduate visa. The graduate visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to two years after graduation while working or looking for work. Doctoral students can stay up to three years.
If you find a suitable job during that time, you will be able to switch to a different immigration category, such as a UK work visa .
Can i work on a uk student visa?
Yes, international students in the UK can work under certain conditions. For example, you can work as a student union sabbatical officer, but you won’t be able to claim public benefits and pensions. The type of work you can do in the UK on a student visa will depend on what you are studying and whether you will be working during the semester or during breaks.
Some jobs are also off-limits , such as working as a professional sportsman or sports coach or being self-employed.