Free movement with the European Union (EU) ended on December 31st, 2020, and there are new arrangements for EU citizens. Where Irish citizens can continue to enter, live and work in the UK freely, citizens of EU countries will now need to obtain a work visa to live and work in the UK. The UK has introduced a points-based immigration system, with the last updates effective from July 1st.
Immigration Skills Charge
ISC is a charge paid by a UK employer for each worker being sponsored through Skilled Worker and Intra-Company Transfer routes.
Employers who sponsor non-EU migrant workers under Tier 2 (General) and Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) will be required, as now, to pay the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) unless a specific exemption applies. Employers must pay £1,000 per skilled worker for the first 12 months, with an additional £500 charge for each subsequent six-month period. Under the new rules, the ISC would have to be paid with respect to EU and non-EU migrant workers.
Immigration Health Surcharge
IHS is a charge paid by the applicant upfront for the duration of their stay. It gives them free access to NHS services on broadly the same basis as British citizens/permanent residents.
You’ll have to pay:
- £470 per year for a student or Youth Mobility Scheme visa, for example, £940 for a 2-year visa
- £470 per year for visa and immigration applicants who are under the age of 18 at the time of application
- £624 per year for all other visa and immigration applications, for example, £3,120 for a 5-year visa
Dependants aged 18 or over usually need to pay the same amount as you.
Maintenance
The majority of migrants coming to the UK from overseas must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their families while in the UK (unless maintenance is certified by the sponsoring employer). This is a so-called maintenance charge. Tier 1 migrant has to prove access to at least £3,310.
ORACLE CAPITAL GROUP provide immigration support in obtaining a visa, extending an existing right to stay and getting a British residency permit with the prospect of becoming a British citizen.
