Following the recent developments with Brexit, English UK have updated their advice to agents and students about what to expect after Britain leaves the EU. We have summarised some of the key points below. You will be reassured to know that very little will change before 2021.
From Brexit Day* to 31 December 2020
There will be no change or very little change to the way EU/EEA and Swiss nationals enter the UK after Brexit until the end of 2020. The differences depend on whether the UK leaves with a deal or with no deal.
*As you may know, the date the UK will leave the EU is currently unclear. EU leaders have granted an extension until 31 October 2019. However, the UK may leave before this date.
If the UK leaves the EU with an agreement, students will not notice any difference to the way they currently enter the UK. This will remain the case until 31 December 2020. During that time students will be able to work and study as now.
If the UK leaves the EU without an agreement, EU/EEA and Swiss nationals will still enter the UK as they do now. The biggest difference is that if they plan to stay for more than three months, they will need to apply for permission to remain (European Leave to Remain). This would allow them to stay for up to three years.¹
National ID cards can be used for entry to the UK until December 2020.
From January 2021
From January 2021, there will be a brand new immigration system. It will still be easy for EU/EEA/Swiss students to enter the UK. Students will have to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation and when they arrive, they will be given a short-term study visa.
For more information, please refer to the article ‘Brexit and English Language Students from the EU’ on the English UK website. English UK is the UK’s national association of English language teaching centres.
Useful links
Check if you need a UK visa (UK government website)
https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y
Lewis School page on Travel, Visa & Preparation (Adult Courses)
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¹Retrieved from Brexit and English Language Students from the EU’ on the English UK website
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