What is it like to migrate to the UK now? In the past year, the UK has introduced some changes to immigration laws. As part of our immigration services , we, with our expert immigration consultants , are here to break down for you what immigration laws are like in the UK right now.
Visa application process
For non-EU citizens, you’ll have to fill out an online application form and book a visa appointment. On the visa appointment date, you will have to bring: Your appointment confirmation (electronic or hard copy), signed and dated printout of your completed online application form, passport-size photographs (check the UK dimensions for passport-size images), travel documents such as your passport, copy of the main page of your passport, proof of finances, bank statements and payslips over the past six months, accommodation and travel details, letter of invitation stating your future address in the UK, and any supplementary application forms. Because of the pandemic, visa processing times may take longer than usual. Contact us for further details and assistance with the visa application process.
Skilled workers and the points system
Perhaps the most critical change in the past year for UK immigration is implementing a points-based system for skilled workers. The points-based system offers a route for skilled workers outside the UK to live in the UK based on a job offer from an approved sponsor. The UK will accept your visa application based on a points system that balances out your expected salary, the urgency of your job, your educational qualifications, among other things.
To get accepted, generally, the job must require you to have an equivalent A-Level qualification (which means to get in the UK via the points system, you’ll need to have educational qualifications equivalent to A-Levels) be proficient in the English language. The job offer must also provide a salary comparable to £25,600 or the usual rate for your job. Suppose the salary offered is less than £20,480. In that case, you may still enter the UK via the skilled worker route if you’re working in a shortage occupation or have high educational qualifications (like a graduate degree). Generally, getting accepted into this route requires what is called a “trading” of points. You may contact us to see how you might qualify in this new points system for more information.
What now?
Now, you know the latest updates to UK immigration laws. What is the next step for you? Each immigration process is personalized to your given context – your educational background, work experience, financial situation, etc. While we’ve given you an overview of UK immigration laws, the new systems in place can affect everyone in different ways. For a better picture of how schemes like the points system would affect your chances at immigration or if you just want to know how to get started with the visa application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We don’t bite. We’re committed to helping you every step of the way.