With the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, commonly known as Brexit, the immigration rules for non-EU citizens looking to join family members in the UK have undergone significant changes. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the new immigration rules and procedures for non-EU citizens who wish to join their family members in the UK post-Brexit. Whether you’re wondering “Can I bring my parents to the UK after Brexit?” or “How many EU citizens are in the UK?”, this guide will provide the answers you need.
Understanding the New Immigration System
The UK’s new points-based immigration system, which came into effect on January 1, 2021, treats EU and non-EU citizens equally. This means that non-EU citizens now follow the same immigration rules as EU citizens when they want to join a family member in the UK. The new system prioritizes skills and talent over nationality.
Family Visa
If you’re a non-EU citizen and you want to join a family member in the UK, you’ll need to apply for a Family Visa. The type of Family Visa you need depends on your relationship with the family member you’re joining.
- Partner Visa: If you’re joining a spouse, fiance, or partner who is a UK citizen or has settled status, you can apply for a Partner Visa.
- Parent Visa: If you’re joining a child who is a UK citizen or has settled status, you can apply for a Parent Visa.
- Adult Dependent Relative Visa: If you’re joining an adult family member who is a UK citizen or has settled status, and you need long-term care that they can provide, you can apply for an Adult Dependent Relative Visa.
Eligibility Criteria
There are several eligibility criteria you must meet to join a family member in the UK. These include:
- You must prove your relationship to your family member.
- Your family member must be a UK citizen, have settled status, or have refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
- You must intend to live with your family member in the UK.
- You must prove that you can be adequately maintained and accommodated without recourse to public funds.
Can I Bring My Parents to the UK After Brexit?
Yes, you can bring your parents to the UK after Brexit. However, the process is not straightforward. You must apply for an Adult Dependent Relative Visa on their behalf. To be eligible, you must prove that:
- Your parents require long-term personal care to perform everyday tasks.
- The care they need is not available or affordable in their home country.
- You, as their sponsor, can adequately support, accommodate, and care for them without recourse to public funds for at least five years.
How Many EU Citizens in the UK?
According to the Office for National Statistics, an estimated 3.6 million EU citizens were living in the UK as of 2020. This figure includes those who have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, which allows EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who were living in the UK before December 31, 2020, to continue living in the UK after June 30, 2021.
Conclusion
While the UK’s new immigration rules post-Brexit may seem complex, understanding the basics can help non-EU citizens navigate the process of joining a family member in the UK. Whether you’re joining a partner, a child, or a parent, it’s essential to understand the type of Family Visa you need, the eligibility criteria, and the application process. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can successfully join your family member in the UK post-Brexit.
