How Will EU Citizens Stay In The UK If There Is A No Deal Brexit?

Author: Taylor S Carroll

There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding Brexit, even as the leave date draws near.

But should the UK leave without a deal, here is what you need to know if you are an EU citizen wanting to stay in the UK after the 29 March 2019.

Changing UK immigration rules

Rules for UK immigration are changing. Currently, if you are an EU citizen you can come to the

UK, live, work here and the only proof of identity needed is your passport or identity card.

A hard Brexit means the freedom of EU citizens to remain in the UK indefinitely without any type of visa, will end. Even if you are already an EU citizen resident in the UK, there will be changes thataffect you.

In 2021 a new skills-based immigration system will be in place, but from 29 March until then there will be a transition period. During the transition period the following requirements will be placed on EU citizens wishing to come to the UK.

  • Staying for 3 months or less.You will not need a visa and will be able to continue to travel to the UK and remain with you EU passport or identity card.
  • Staying for longer than 3 months. You must apply for European Temporary Leave toRemain during the initial three-month period. People applying to remain for this extendedperiod will undergo criminal, security and identity checks. If you pass these you will then beable to stay for a maximum of 3 years.
  • Travelling to the UK with non-EU family members. You will need to apply inadvance for a family permit.
  • Intending to remain in the UK for longer than three years. You must apply under the new skills-based immigration system being introduced in 2021. There is no option to extend the TemporaryLeave to Remain.
  • EU citizens resident in the UK before the exit date. You can secure their long-term residency inthis country by applying for Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status. If the UK leaves with no deal the deadline to apply for settled status will be the 31 December 2020. With a deal, this limit will be extended to 30 June 2021.

How can GSC Solicitors help me?

The situation remains fluid until we know whether the UK exits the EU with or without a deal, but one thing is for sure; the process of applying to stay in the UK will certainly become more complicated.

However, at City of London Solicitors GSC we have specialist immigration solicitors who will be able to advise and support you on your specificsituation. We can support individuals and organisations employing EU citizens www.gscsolicitors.com/brexit-what-happens-to-my-non-eu-staff/.

Contact GSC Solicitors today and we will answer your immigrationquestions. We will help you to understand how Brexit could affect you and what you need to do next.

We advise companies of all sizes and private individuals on their business and personal legal and commercial issues. Our clients include entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized family and privately owned businesses, publicly quoted companies, major institutions, significant families and private individuals in the UK and overseas.