As we know, the United Kingdom will be leaving the European Union on 31stOctober 2019. The UK government have since introduce the procedure arrangement for European national and their dependent and this is set out in detail here.
We will summarise what you need to know below.
- Introduction of European Temporary Leave to Remain (Euro TLR)
This will be the go-to application for EU citizens who move to the UK after 31 October 2019. A successful application will grant them a ‘visa’ which will be valid for 36 months. This application is meant to be simple and free and will be made after arrival in the UK.
EU citizens who move to the UK after Brexit and who do not apply for Euro TLR will need to leave the UK by 31 December 2020 unless they have applied for and obtained a UK immigration status under the UK’s new points-based immigration system.
- But how about EU citizens who are resident before Brexit?
The government reassures that Euro TLR will not apply to EU citizens who are resident here before 2300 hours on 31 October 2019, and their family members. Resident EU citizens have at least until 31 December 2020 to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
- So, does it mean it will be harder for me to cross the border after Brexit?
The government stated that for the time being, border crossing arrangement will remain unchanged. EU citizens will enter the UK as they do now using their passport or national identity card and they will also be able to use the eGates if they are travelling on a biometric passport. From 2020, the government will start to phase out the use of EEA national identity cards for travel to the UK.
- What else do I need to know?
Transitional period after Brexit will apply from 31 October 2019 until 31 December 2020. It is important for existing EU resident who enters the UK before 31 October to have completed their Settled Status application by this period to ensure that their status in the UK will not be affected.
European Temporary Leave to Remain (Euro TLR) is a voluntary scheme which means that the burden is on you to take the initiative to apply to guarantee a secure legal status in the UK.
Regardless of which application that will apply to you, we highly recommend you not to delay any application to avoid any disruptions to your day-to-day life in the UK.
Get in touch with one of our Immigration lawyers if you have any questions regarding this article.
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