Good morning, we hope that everyone is staying safe and well. Today's update from UKVI focuses on something other than #COVID19 and looks ahead to the new #immigration system still planned to come into force from 2021. (Thread 1/)
You can explore the guidance for yourself here: gov.uk/government/pub… but this summary aims to highlight the key points of interest. (2/)
UKVI starts by restating a message we've already heard; the new system will be Points Based and aims to level the requirements for all applicants regardless of their nationality, thereby ending free movement for EU nationals. (3/)
We then recap the situation for those EU nationals, which is always helpful to remember: anyone entering the UK before 31 Dec is fine to stay, but all EU nationals must apply for residence documents under the EU Settled Status scheme by 30 June 2021. (4/)
Moving on to skilled workers, which is the area seeing the most change: from 01 Jan 2021 skilled workers coming to the UK need a job offer from an employer at a role skilled at RQF 3 or higher. Minimum salary requirements still apply, dependent on the specific job role. (5/)
It's a strange time to be highlighting this restriction on 'skill' level, given that the country is currently heavily dependent on a number of 'unskilled' positions which will not be eligible for sponsorship next year. Think care workers, large lorry delivery drivers, etc, (6/)
The standard min salary is £25,600, although the minimum required for any given applicant might be more and is role specific. Something new for 2021: if the salary is low (but is at least £20,480), sponsorship might still be possible if the individual is in a shortage role. (7/)
There's a table explaining how the points will be allocated for each application, with points scoring in areas such as meeting the skill level (20 points), earning £25,600 or above (20 points), etc. A total of 70 points or more is needed for the application to succeed. (8/)
Helpfully, there are case studies showing examples of how an applicant might meet the points total in different scenarios. (9/)
Interesting statement relating to the very highly skilled. The Global Talent route remains for those endorsed in key areas, but also: "In the longer term, an unsponsored route for highly skilled workers will be introduced." We are intrigued to see further details on this. (10/)
Then back to restating the obvious: "There will not be an immigration route specifically for those who do not meet the skills or salary threshold for the skilled worker route." Yes, we know. (11/)
There's a vague reference to new options "for scientists, graduates and NHS workers". Good to see mention of the Graduate Immigration Route for international students completing a degree in the UK from summer 2021; word on this had been quiet since last year. (12/)
We move to a section about becoming a sponsor: "Employers not currently approved by the Home Office to be a sponsor should consider applying now if they think they will want to sponsor skilled migrants, including from the EU, from early 2021." (13/)
There then follows info re the application process, timeline, & fees. The encouragement to apply now is important & employers will find themselves caught short without a licence in 2021 if they don't act. Applications continue to be submitted and processed despite #COVID19 (14/)
That's all. Key takeaway is the need to apply for a sponsor licence if you don't already have one and you think your business might need it from 2021. The current situation in the UK is only likely to lead to backlogs & delay, so timely action is a must. Call us! (End.)
