United Kingdom Archives

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The United Kingdom will increase the immigration health surcharge (IHS) from £400 to £624 per year.

What does the change mean? Starting in October, applicants applying for visas for longer than six months must pay the increased surcharge. Children will be subject to a new discounted rate of £470. The IHS for students and Youth Mobility Scheme applicants will also increase from £300 to £470.

Implementation time frame: October 2020.
Visas/permits affected: All visas for stays longer than six months in the U.K.
Business impact: Companies that pay the surcharge for employees and their family members should plan for significant increased costs. Employers are not reimbursed if the employment relationship ends before the full term.

Background: The U.K. introduced the immigration health surcharge in April 2015 to help cover costs of non-EEA expatriates’ use of the National Health Service. In January of last year, the surcharge was doubled from £200 to £400. The upcoming increase represents a 56% hike.

Analysis & Comments: The fee increase will mean a single applicant could be paying £3,120 for the IHS. Companies that cover the IHS on behalf of employees and their dependents should budget for the increases, which must be paid up front for each individual for the full duration of the visa at the time of application. This will also apply to EEA nationals upon the introduction of the new immigration system in January 2021.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The U.K. Home Office has issued guidance for foreign nationals currently in the U.K. who cannot return to China because of the coronavirus outbreak. The guidance covers extensions for expiring visas, status letters, government helplines, as well as absences for sponsored students/employees and British nationals in China.

Key Points:

Chinese nationals whose visa has an expiration date of between Jan. 24, 2020 and March 30, 2020 will receive an automatic visa extension until March 31, 2020 that will be added to the UK Visas and Immigration system. There is no requirement for the Chinese national to do anything to get this extension. The extended visa will be subject to the same conditions as the previous visa. If a status letter or Biometric Residence Permit with an updated expiration date is required, visa holders should contact the coronavirus immigration helpline. For Chinese nationals who have already applied to extend their visa there is no requirement for them to take any additional steps, and if they intend to apply to extend leave in the U.K. before March 31 they should continue to do so.
The following individuals should contact the coronavirus immigration helpline to discuss their situation and request a visa extension if necessary: non-Chinese/non-EEA nationals who normally reside in China, Chinese nationals whose visa was granted by Irish authorities in accordance with the British Irish Visa Scheme, and Chinese nationals whose visa was granted by a Crown Dependency, and who are in the U.K. with a visa with an expiration date between Jan. 24 and March 30, 2020. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will be able to extend visas to March 31, 2020 for individuals who demonstrate that they are normally resident in China.
Chinese nationals currently in the U.K. on a Tier 2 ICT visa who wish to switch to a Tier 2 General visa (provided they meet the usual criteria) can apply for the switch in the U.K. (normally they would have to return to China), if their visa has an expiration date between Jan. 24, 2020 and March 30, 2020.
British nationals whose passport is at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in China can apply for an emergency travel document if they need to travel urgently.
Chinese or third-country nationals whose passport is at a VAC in China should contact Chinese authorities or their consulate to obtain an alternative travel document if they need to travel urgently.
Sponsors do not have to report absences they have authorized because of quarantine, etc., for Tier 4 students or Tier 2 or 5 employees, nor do they have to withdraw sponsorship for extended absences resulting from coronavirus-related circumstances. Decisions on whether to withdraw a student from their studies or terminate an employment are for sponsors to make. The Home Office recognizes the current situation is exceptional and will not take any compliance action against students or employees who are unable to attend to their studies/work due to the coronavirus outbreak, or against sponsors which authorize absences and continue to sponsor students or employees despite absences for this reason.

Analysis & Comments: The guidance indicates the U.K. government’s flexibility regarding Chinese and other foreign nationals whose ability to return to China is affected by coronavirus-related delays and restrictions. Employers and sponsors are urged to review guidance updates from Public Health England and must be prepared to be flexible with employee schedules and start dates for employees who are affected by travel restrictions and quarantines. Please contact your Deloitte professional if you would like to discuss any specific cases that may be impacted by coronavirus.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The Home Office has unveiled its plans for a new points-based immigration system that will take effect Jan. 1, 2021. This will coincide with the end of free movement from the European Union.

What does the change mean? The single system will apply to non-EU and EU nationals (with the exception of Irish passport holders who may continue to live, study and work in the U.K. without the requirement of obtaining a visa) and require that those coming to work in the U.K. have a job offer and meet income thresholds as well as a points threshold under the points system. There will no longer be a route for low-skilled foreign workers.

Key features:

Single system. Non-EU and EU citizens will be treated the same under a single points-based system.
Removal of the Resident Labour Market test. Employers will no longer be required to advertise positions to the resident labor market.
No quota. There will be no numerical cap on the number of work visas issued per year.
Job offer and salary threshold. Applicants must have a job offer with a U.K. employer and earn a minimum salary of £25,600 per year (a decrease from the current £30,000 threshold). The minimum salary requirement is reduced to £20,480 – £23,040, dependent on whether applicants can demonstrate that they have a job offer in a specific shortage occupation, as designated by the Migration Advisory Committee, or that they have a Ph.D. relevant to the job.
Points system. Candidates will earn points based on their qualification, salary level, English language proficiency, and other factors. The scheme will include positions at RQF Level 3 (skill level requiring A levels), which is an expansion of the current system that is restricted to positions at RQF Level 6 (skill level requiring a degree). A minimum of 70 points is required to be eligible for a work visa. The mandatory requirements of a job offer from an approved sponsor, a job at an appropriate skill level and English proficiency will earn 50 points. To reach 70 points, candidates will earn points for their salary level, having a Ph.D. in a relevant field or working in a shortage occupation.
Lower skilled workers. In addition to free movement ending, the government has confirmed that it will not be implementing any new immigration routes for lower-skilled workers.
Regional salary thresholds. The policy paper confirms that the government will not introduce regional salary thresholds or different arrangements for different parts of the U.K.
Students. Non-EU and EU students will be subject to a points system and must have an offer to attend an approved educational institution, be able to speak English, and be able to support themselves financially.
Global Talent Scheme. This route, which allows select professionals with skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to apply for fast-track visas even if they do not have a job offer, will extend to European citizens beginning January 2021.

Analysis & Comments: The plan adopts many of the Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendations and provides a blueprint for U.K. companies to begin planning for recruitment and talent acquisition and retention when free movement ends on Dec. 31. Employers are reminded that under the transition period, EU citizens who are living in the U.K. as of the end of 2020 may apply under the EU Settlement Scheme until June 30, 2021.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The United Kingdom has declared coronavirus a “serious and imminent threat to public health,” giving officials in England authority to detain, screen and isolate individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. Currently, passengers from flights that returned from Wuhan, China are under quarantine for a 14-day period.

Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
Who is affected: Anyone traveling to England from the city of Wuhan or elsewhere in China’s Hubei Province.
Business impact: The spread of coronavirus, travel restrictions and the cancellation of flights because of the virus have slowed business travel to and from China.

Background: The U.K. designated coronavirus a “serious and imminent threat” on Monday. So far, the measures the government has taken will only apply in England, not Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. The Secretary of State has designated two locations, Arrowe Park Hospital and Kents Hill Park, as “isolation” facilities; the secretary has also declared Wuhan and Hubei Province as “an infected area,” meaning travelers from this area may be subject to screening or quarantine. The U.K. has temporarily closed visa application centers in China.

Analysis & Comments: While the action the U.K. has taken is not as drastic as what some other countries have implemented, it nevertheless represents a significant escalation of the country’s response to the coronavirus. Travelers who have been to Wuhan or other parts of Hubei Province should expect delays and the possibility of quarantine. The response to coronavirus continues to evolve rapidly. Deloitte will alert clients to any important developments as additional information becomes available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The U.K. is launching the new fast-track visa scheme for top international scientists, researchers and mathematicians.

What does the change mean? Those who qualify will be eligible for faster visa processing and an accelerated path to settlement.

Implementation time frame: The visa route will open Feb. 20.
Visas/permits affected: Global Talent route visas for scientists, researchers and mathematicians.
Who is affected: Scientists, researchers and mathematicians interested in conducting research or working in the U.K.
Impact on processing: Individuals who qualify will be eligible for faster visa processing.

Additional information: The Global Talent route will replace the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent on Feb. 20. U.K. Research and Innovation (UKRI) will manage the fast-track scheme. Under the program:

Recognized U.K. research projects will be able to sponsor top international scientists, researchers and mathematicians, who will then be eligible to have their visa applications fast-tracked.
Officials will double the number of fellowships that provide for fast-track visa processing.
Dependents will continue to have full access to the U.K. labor market.
Eligible scientists, researchers and mathematicians will not be required to hold an offer of employment before coming to the U.K.
Scientists, researchers and mathematicians endorsed on the route will be eligible for an accelerated path to settlement. They will also be provided an exemption from U.K. absence rules when applying for settlement if they had to be overseas for their work.

While the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent route was capped at 2,000 applicants per year, there will be no cap on the Global Talent route.

Analysis & Comments: The new visa program aims to help companies recruit foreign labor in the science and research sectors and is part of a broader effort to bring top foreign talent in scientific fields to the U.K. Additional information may become available closer to the Feb. 20 launch date, and Deloitte will update clients as needed.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the news? The Migration Advisory Committee released its report containing recommendations for the U.K.’s immigration system following its exit from the European Union and the conclusion of the transitional period on Dec. 31, 2020. The report covers the points-based system and salary thresholds.

Key Recommendations:

Points-Based System

The MAC recommends retaining the Tier 2 (General) route for skilled workers with a job offer, introducing a route for skilled workers without a job, and a review of the settlement criteria before raising settlement salary thresholds. Each of the three recommendations are summarized below.

Skilled workers with a job offer

The Tier 2 (General) route should be retained for skilled workers who are sponsored by a U.K. employer, and eligible roles should include both medium-skilled workers and high-skilled workers.
The salary threshold for this route would be reduced to approximately £25,600 (from the current £30,000).

Skilled workers without a job offer

A route for skilled workers without a job offer should modify or replace the Tier 1 (Exceptional) route.
This route would use an expression-of-interest system in which individuals may register their interest in working in the U.K. and be awarded points based on characteristics such as qualifications, age and study in the U.K. The number of points awarded for various characteristics would be consistent with the types of skills the government wants to attract such as qualifications in STEM or other innovative fields.
The government would conduct monthly drawings of the highest point earners from the pool of candidates and invite selected candidates to apply for a visa.
The government should place an annual cap on this route.

Settlement

The government should pause the proposed increase to the settlement income threshold.
Occupations that are on the Shortage Occupation List should continue to be exempt from the general threshold for settlement.
The current U.K. settlement system has inflexible requirements (income threshold and five years of residency) and may need to be reformed following a review of settlement criteria.

Salary Thresholds

The salary threshold should be set at approximately £25,600.
For new entrants, a simplified salary threshold should be used, which would be approximately £17,920.
Salary thresholds should be based on regular salary allowances; equity and employer pension contributions should not be included.
A national threshold should be used, rather than geographical thresholds.

Background: The MAC published its report in response to the U.K. government’s request for its recommendations on salary thresholds and examination of points-based systems. It is hoped that the recommendations will assist in the creation of the U.K.’s national immigration system, which is scheduled to come into force on Jan. 1, 2021.

Analysis & Comments: The MAC’s recommendations provide some predictability in retaining the Tier 2 (General) route and the existing framework for salary thresholds. While the government is not legally bound by the MAC report, it will take the recommendations into consideration, which will likely influence its policymaking.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The U.K. has made its priority service available for Tier 2 (General)-based applicants applying for permanent residence (“indefinite leave to remain”).

What does the change mean? For an additional fee of 500 pounds, applicants who are already in the U.K. applying for permanent residence based on the Tier 2 (General) route may request the priority service which provides for a decision within five business days. The Priority service was not previously available to Tier 2 (General)-based applicants applying for permanent residence.

Implementation time frame: Immediate and on-going
Visas/permits affected: Indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Business impact: ILR applicants applying from within the U.K. through the Tier 2 (General) route have an additional option for expedited service.

Analysis & Comments: The priority service is an additional option for companies sponsoring Tier 2 (General) employees for permanent residence. The priority service fee is in addition to the standard government fees required to file the permanent residence application.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

What is the change? The U.K. government has updated guidance for EEA and Swiss nationals traveling to the U.K. for business or visits without a visa in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

What does the change mean? The guidance confirms that under a no-deal Brexit, EEA and Swiss nationals may continue to travel without a visa to the U.K. for short-term visits and business trips, and clarifies the types of identification documents required. Irish nationals are not affected because the Common Travel Area provisions will remain in effect after Brexit.

Implementation time frame: The guidance would take effect if the U.K. leaves the EU without a withdrawal agreement.
Visas/permits affected: Short-term visit visas; visa-free travel to the U.K. post-Brexit.
Business impact: The rules affect EEA and Swiss nationals traveling on business to the U.K. after Brexit.

Background: The guidance, updated Oct. 25, confirms the following rules for EEA and Swiss nationals traveling to the U.K. after a no-deal Brexit:

EEA and Swiss nationals may travel to the U.K. without a visa, but only a valid passport or a national ID card will be accepted.
EEA national ID cards will be phased out sometime in 2020 and thereafter passports will be the only acceptable documents.
EEA and Swiss nationals may continue to use the expedited eGates if their passport contains a microchip.
Non-EEA family members must show both a valid passport and either a U.K.-issued residence permit or a U.K.-issued EEA family permit. An expired EEA family permit or residence permit or a passport stamp showing previous admission to the U.K. will no longer be accepted.
Under the Common Travel Area arrangements, Irish nationals will continue to be able to travel to the U.K. without needing additional permission.

Analysis & Comments: The risk of a no-deal Brexit has been temporarily averted, with the Brexit deadline pushed back to Jan. 31, 2020 and the British Parliament’s vote to hold a General Election on Dec. 12. Companies with European employees traveling to the U.K. should understand the travel rules and restrictions if a no-deal Brexit occurs.

Source: Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the Brexit news? The U.K. and the EU have agreed to postpone Brexit until Jan. 31, avoiding a “no-deal” Brexit on Oct. 31. The U.K. will also hold a general election Dec. 12.

Key points:

New Brexit date. The new Brexit deadline is Jan. 31, 2020. U.K. nationals living in the EU and EU nationals living in the U.K. will retain their rights to live and work in their host countries until then.
Flexible withdrawal date. If the U.K. and EU parliaments ratify a withdrawal agreement before Jan. 31, the U.K. will be able to leave the EU on the first day of the month following ratification. A withdrawal agreement, if approved by the U.K. Parliament, would provide the certainty of a transition period that would retain free movement rights for U.K. and EU nationals until the end of 2020.
No-deal Brexit. While a no-deal Brexit later this week has been avoided, it is still a possibility that the U.K. will leave the EU without a deal on Feb. 1.
General election. The U.K. will hold a general election on Dec. 12 in an attempt to break the deadlock over Brexit.

Analysis & Comments: While a no-deal Brexit has been temporarily avoided, the status of Brexit remains in flux, and it is unclear whether the U.K. will approve a withdrawal agreement before Jan. 31. If a withdrawal agreement is ratified before January, the U.K. will leave before then. If a withdrawal agreement is not approved, the U.K. will leave the EU without a deal on Feb. 1. To prepare for a potential no-deal Brexit, employees should register under the EU Settlement Scheme, and employers should familiarize themselves with no-deal Brexit contingency plans of European countries.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Home Office has released an iPhone app designed to make it easier for individuals to verify their identity when applying for the EU Settlement Scheme.

What does the change mean? Applicants with an iPhone 8 (or above) will be able to use the EU Exit ID Document Check APP to verify their identity. They must have a biometric passport or biometric residence permit (BRP) in order to use the app. Applicants who are unable to use the app can verify their identity by mailing their passport or by bringing it to any of more than 80 locations in the U.K. The app continues to be available to people who have an Android 6.0 (or above) as well; it is expected to be available for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus following an upcoming software update.

Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
Processes affected: EU Settlement Scheme.
Who is affected: EU/EEA or Swiss nationals living in the U.K. and applying for the EU Settlement Scheme.
Impact on processing times: The change will save time in the application process for those who are able to use the app to verify their identity. Completed applications usually take around five business days to process, though they can take as long as a month.
Next steps: The app can be used for the identity verification portion of the application only. The rest of the application can be filled out on www.gov.uk/apply-eu-settled-status.

Background: The app is part of an extensive effort by the Home Office to encourage EU/EEA or Swiss nationals to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme as the Oct. 31 Brexit deadline approaches. Currently, EU/EEA and Swiss nationals have until at least December 2020 to apply.

Analysis & Comments: The app could make it easier for some applicants to complete a key part of EU Settlement applications. EU/EEA and Swiss nationals who want to remain in the U.K. are encouraged to work closely with their immigration provider to determine whether they are eligible for the settlement scheme and, if so, how to go about completing their applications.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.