UK’s New Immigration Policy and Student Visas

UK’s formal exit from the European Union (EU), resulted in significant politico-legal changes.
For instance, there are now new points-based immigration rules in place, which aim to streamline
a single, global immigration policy for everyone. Meaning thereby, that anyone who intends to
live, work and/or study in the UK from 1st January 2021, has to apply under the new system.

How does it affect an EU citizen?

Free movement with the EU ended on 31st December 2020. It is now clear, that EU nationals no
longer enjoy the same freedoms they did before Brexit. All EU and non-EU nationals, are now
subject to the same domestic policy and would require a valid visa to live and work in the UK.
However, EU citizens who started living in the country by 31 st December 2020, may still apply
for the new settlement scheme (the last date for which was 30 th June 2021), provided they have
reasonable grounds showing why they were unable to apply on time. Also, if you are an EU
citizen and merely intend to visit the country, you can still do so without a visa, though only for
up to 6 months.

The new points-based system: what’s new?

Online applications under the new system, opened on 1st December 2020. For anyone wanting to
live and work in the country, they would have to qualify for a minimum of 70 points, to get a
valid visa. For example, having a job offer from a licensed sponsor can earn you 50 points, with
20 more to be achieved if the salary is at least £25,600 a year. Moreover, if you have a job offer
that is among the ‘shortage occupation list’, you can earn 20 points even if the salary does not
match the minimum level above (though it cannot be lower than £20,480).
Furthermore, under the new policy, the resident labor market test has been abolished and the bar
of minimum salary, as well as skill level has been lowered. It is believed, that this bodes quite
well for determined people looking to settle and work in the UK. Refreshingly, there is also a
new ‘Global Talent, Start up and Innovator visa’ designed by the government to “attract those
who have an exceptional talent or show exceptional promise in the fields of engineering, science,
tech or culture”. They can come even without a job offer. There is now also in place, a fast-
tracked, low fees, visa scheme for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals intending to
come and work in the country. The government aims to support these applicants throughout the
process, however they would still need to meet the minimum salary thresholds, which would
probably not be an issue, for people of such professional background.
Student visas: has anything changed?
To qualify for a visa to study in the UK, all international students need to show a few things:
 That you have an offer from a licensed education provider (college/university)
 Can speak, read and write English language at the required level(s)
 Have enough money to financially support yourself during your studies
The new online student visa application system, allows prospective international students to
apply 6 months before their course is due to start (3 months for those within UK). The cost of
application is £348 plus a health surcharge, which would need to be paid as part of the
application. Moreover, there is a new ‘Graduate visa’ available to those students who have
successfully completed a degree in the UK. This allows students to extend their stay for up to 2
years, work (or look for it), be self-employed or travel abroad and return to the UK. This also
provides an opportunity for those who want to settle in the UK, as it allows you to apply for the
skilled workers visa and extend your stay even further (provided you are already working or
have a job offer).
The new immigration policy does indeed carry an updated vibe, towards the post-brexit aim of
‘taking back control’ from the EU. However its effectiveness, or at least the image of it, depends
on how well it is received among the global population as time passes.