UK Immigration News

There were high hopes for the UK Innovator visa and Start-Up visa schemes introduced on what was supposed to be Brexit day on 29 March 2019.  However, it seems that it will be difficult to come under these schemes.  The big problem is with the requirements of endorsing bodies which is likely to be tough. 

There is still the possibility of a “No Deal” Brexit which, if it happens, will mean that new EU citizen arrivals will need a Tier 2 visa or some other visa under the UK visa system.  The Tier 2 Sponsor Licence, required by employers under the visa scheme, and Tier 2 visa system remains a difficult, expensive and bureaucratic system to navigate.  It will probably be a long time before major changes are made to the UK visa

The Brexit drama continues.  The good news is that EU citizens can definitely stay in the UK on a long term or permanent basis.  EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can apply for settled status if they have lived in the UK for five years or pre-settled status if they have lived in the UK for a shorter period.  If you are in this situation, probably best to apply for this soon.   It also seems that the Tier 2 Sponsor Licence and Tier 2 visa scheme will continue for a long time to come

The UK Innovator visa scheme is very new.   So there are a number of uncertainties about what will happen in practice.  How difficult will it be to obtain an endorsement from an endorsing body?   How long will it take to obtain an Innovator visa?  We understand that currently only some of the endorsing bodies are ready to accept applications for endorsemen

Sanwar Ali workpermit.com comment:

If Brexit does eventually happen it seems that the UK visa system may not be ready.  The Tier 2 Sponsor Licence and Tier 2 visa system remain unchanged.  The confusing, complicated, unjust and unfair system causes numerous problems.  Companies and individuals have suffered because the Tier 2 visa system allows UK Visa and Immigration to revoke Tier 2 Sponsor Licences almost at will. 

Many UK businesses are applying for Tier 2 Sponsor Licences in preparation for Brexit (if it ever happens!).  This is a particular concern if there is a "no deal" Brexit and no transitional period. However, many are also unprepared.   Applying for a Tier 2 Sponsor Licence can be a time consuming and complicated process. If employers wish to employ someone on a Tier 2 visa not already having a Sponsor Licence can cause considerable delay.