Understanding the Latest UK Visa Changes After Brexit: A 2024 Guide

 

Brexit has reshaped the landscape of immigration and visa policies for the United Kingdom, introducing new regulations that impact travelers, workers, and students from across the globe. With 2024 just around the corner, staying informed about the latest UK visa changes is crucial, especially if you are planning a trip, study, or work in the country. This guide will walk you through the most significant updates and what you need to know when applying for a UK visa in the post-Brexit era.



1. New Visa Requirements for EU Citizens
European Union (EU) nationals were permitted to live, work, and study in the UK without a visa prior to Brexit. But starting January 2021, EU nationals must obtain a visa just like non-EU people. If you're an EU citizen looking to visit the UK in 2024, you'll need to apply for a visa under the same categories available to everyone else.

For short-term stays, like tourism or visiting family, an EU citizen can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa, similar to what non-EU travelers require. For work, EU citizens will need to apply for a work visa under the UK's new points-based immigration system, which emphasizes skills and job offers.

2. The Points-Based Immigration System
Introduced in 2021, the UK’s points-based immigration system is one of the most notable post-Brexit changes. This scheme, which is intended to draw highly skilled individuals to the UK, is applicable to all non-UK nationals, including citizens of the EU.

Under this system, applicants must score at least 70 points to qualify for a visa. Points are awarded based on criteria such as having a job offer from a UK employer, proficiency in the English language, and meeting a minimum salary threshold. This system favors skilled workers in specific sectors, such as healthcare, engineering, and IT, making it easier for individuals with specialized skills to secure a visa.

3. Graduate Route Visa for International Students
The Graduate Route Visa remains an appealing option for international students in 2024. After completing their studies in the UK, students can stay and work for up to two years (or three years for doctoral graduates) without needing a specific job offer. This visa is open to all international students, providing a pathway to gaining work experience in the UK post-graduation.

For EU students, this represents a significant change from the pre-Brexit era when they could work in the UK without restrictions. Now, they must apply for this visa, just like students from other countries.

4. Visa Waivers for Short-Term Visits
While visa requirements have tightened for EU citizens, the UK still offers visa-free access for short visits from many countries. Travelers from countries like the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan can visit the UK for up to six months without a visa, as long as the visit is for tourism or business purposes.

However, those planning longer stays or activities beyond tourism—such as studying or working—will still need to apply for the appropriate visa. This change has brought the UK in line with other worldwide visa policies, making it consistent with how non-EU nationals have historically been treated.

5. The EU Settlement Scheme
For EU citizens who were already living in the UK before the end of 2020, the EU Settlement Scheme allows them to continue living and working in the UK without a visa. However, if you did not apply for this scheme by the 2021 deadline, you will now need to apply for a visa like any other international applicant.

For those who successfully applied, "settled status" allows indefinite residence, while "pre-settled status" offers a pathway to settled status after five years of continuous residency.

6. UK Work Visa Options for 2024
In addition to the points-based system, the UK offers several specific work visa options. Some of the most popular choices include:

Skilled Worker Visa: Replacing the Tier 2 General Visa, this visa allows individuals with a job offer in a skilled occupation to live and work in the UK.
Global Talent Visa: Designed for exceptionally talented individuals in fields such as science, engineering, arts, and digital technology. The goal of this system is to draw highly skilled individuals to the UK and it applies to all non-UK nationals, including citizens of the EU.


Original Content : Understanding the Latest UK Visa Changes After Brexit: A 2024 Guide



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