IMPACT – HIGH

EU/EEA and Swiss citizens in the United Kingdom have until June 30 to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. The scheme allows EU citizens and their family members who were living in the U.K. before Jan. 1, 2021, the chance to safeguard their residence status.

Eligibility:

  • EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who were living in the U.K. before Jan. 1, 2021, must apply for settled or pre-settled status within the scheme by June 30. Individuals who arrived in the U.K. on or after Jan. 1 are not eligible for the settlement scheme.
    • Settled status. Applicants will be considered for this track if they have lived in the U.K. for a continuous five year period and have not left the U.K. for more than five years in a row since arrival.
    • Pre-settled status. Applicants will be considered for this track if they have not lived in the U.K. for five years in a row. Once individuals receive this status, they will be able to stay in the U.K. for an additional five years from the date it is issued. They can apply for settled status once they have five years of continuous residence.

Requirements:

  • Applicants will need a valid passport or valid national identity card as well as a digital headshot photo.
  • Applicants must show proof that they were living in the U.K. by Dec. 31, 2020, to be eligible to apply for the settlement scheme. Individuals should provide their National Insurance number during the application process to easily confirm U.K. residence. If applicants do not have a National Insurance number or do not wish to provide it, other verification methods are available.
  • Document can either be scanned and uploaded into the “EU Exit: ID Document Check” app or mailed to appropriate authorities.

Benefits:

  • Persons who are given settled or pre-settled status will be able to:
    • Work in the U.K.
    • Use the NHS without charge.
    • Enroll in education in the U.K.
    • Access public funds, benefits or pensions.
    • Travel in and out of the country.

BAL Analysis: Citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland living in the U.K. should apply for the EU Settlement Scheme if they have not done so already and wish to continue living in the U.K. Additional information on the step-by-step process is available here.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the Home Office put in place temporary measures in March of last year to allow “adjusted” right to work checks to be carried out over a video call using copies of original documents.

The Home Office announced this week that it would extend these temporary measures until June 21, 2021, after which employers are expected to return to the usual “pre-pandemic” right to work check processes. The temporary measures had previously been set to end on May 17.

Key Points:

  • The temporary measures will now remain in effect until June 21. Until then:
    • Checks on original documents (such as passports) can be carried out over video calls.
    • Job applicants and existing employees can send scanned documents or a photo of documents for checks using email or a mobile app, rather than sending originals.
    • Employers should use the Employer Checking Service if a prospective or existing employee cannot provide any of the accepted documents.
    • Employers can continue to carry out online right to work checks where it is possible to do so, e.g., if an applicant has an online status under the EU Settlement Scheme or holds a Biometrics Residence Permit and is able to provide a share code.
  • From June 21, employers must either:
    • Check the applicant’s original documents; or
    • Check the applicant’s right to work online, if they have provided a share code.
  • Employers do not need to carry out retrospective checks on those who had a COVID-19 adjusted check between March 30, 2020, and June 20, 2021 (inclusive).

Analysis & Comments: The extension of the temporary measures is positive news to employers who have been undertaking the adjusted right to work checks since March 30, 2020, and do not yet expect employees to return to the office from May 17, 2021. Employers are reminded, however, to consider the logistics around carrying out checks again under the normal requirements as return to office plans are finalized from June 21.

Employers must ensure they take note of the June 21 date for when the temporary adjustments for right to work checks are ending and put measures in place for applicants who are not able to generate a share code for an online right to work check.

For instance, for a British national with an original passport, the applicant would need to report to the office with the original passport in their possession from June 21. Alternatively, employers may be permitted to do a right to work check over a video call but only providing the employer is in possession of the original documents, as confirmed in the employer right to work guidance.

The guidance further confirms employers will maintain a defense against a civil penalty on any adjusted checks undertaken during this period, providing they were done as set out in the COVID-19 adjusted checks guidance.

The response to COVID-19 continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as 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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

The United Kingdom and India recently signed a new migration partnership, which plans to introduce a new visa scheme for British and Indian young professionals.

Key Points:

  • The new Young Professionals scheme will permit professionals from Indian and the U.K. between the ages of 18 and 30 to live and work in each other’s countries for two years. This is the first such scheme agreed between the U.K. and India.
  • The scheme will be limited to 3,000 young professionals from each country.
  • Individuals will be able to apply for the U.K. Young Professionals Scheme visa or Indian equivalent if they:
    • Are a U.K. or Indian citizen between the ages of 18-30.
    • Hold a diploma or degree validating at least three years of higher education corresponding to the qualifications required by the employment on offer or have comparable professional experience.
    • Demonstrate they have sufficient financial resources to meet needs during the two-year period.

Additional Information: The Migration and Mobility Partnership aims to ease the ability of young British and Indian nationals to live and work in each other’s countries.

The implementation date for the Young Professionals scheme has yet to be announced, but it will be modelled on the existing Youth Mobility Scheme applicable to individuals aged 18-30 from countries including Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The full text of the Migration and Mobility Partnership is available here

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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

The United Kingdom has confirmed that it will implement its “traffic light” ranking system for resuming international travel and will lift current restrictions on 12 “green list” countries, including Australia, Israel, New Zealand, Portugal and Singapore. The changes will take effect May 17.

Key Points:

  • Currently, travel outside the Common Travel Area is only permitted in cases where individuals have a reasonable excuse to leave the U.K., such as essential work or business reasons where it is not reasonably possible to complete that work within the U.K.
  • At 4:00 a.m. May 17, officials will lift the “Stay in the UK” regulation for those traveling to England from the following “green list” countries/territories:
    • Australia.
    • Brunei.
    • Falkland Islands.
    • Faroe Islands.
    • Gibraltar.
    • Iceland.
    • Israel and Jerusalem.
    • New Zealand.
    • Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira).
    • Singapore.
    • South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands.
    • St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.
  • Individuals returning to England from “green list” countries still must take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours before departing and a PCR test on or before their second day in England. This can be booked in the same way as now though private test providers. They will not need to quarantine unless they receive a positive test result.
  • Leisure and non-essential business travel to and from “amber” and “red” countries will still be barred. A mandatory 10-day hotel quarantine will remain in place for those permitted to enter England from “red” countries. Mandatory home quarantine and strict testing requirements will remain in place for those entering England from “amber” countries.
  • The Maldives, Nepal and Turkey will be added to the “red list” at 4:00 a.m. on May 17, meaning a hotel quarantine will be required. Travel will only be permitted for British, Irish nationals and those holding residence status in the U.K. (for instance, a Skilled Worker permit). The full list of “red” countries is available here.
  • U.K. officials plan to introduce a “green watchlist” of countries that are at risk of moving from “green” to “amber.” This will give passengers more predictability about which protocol they will be subject to upon returning.
  • The “traffic light” lists will be reviewed and updated every three weeks.
  • Travelers are reminded that many countries, including some on the U.K.’s “green list,” have restrictions on travel from the U.K., including entry restrictions and testing and quarantine requirements. It is the travelers’ responsibility to be aware of such policies and travelers are advised to review the .gov website as a source of information on COVID-19 restrictions and entry requirements for overseas locations from the U.K.
  • Some countries may implement eased restrictions for travelers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Fully vaccinated individuals in England will be able to demonstrate their vaccination status via the NHS app from May 17.
  • Officials have warned travelers to expect additional checks and longer queues at the border upon arrival in the U.K.

Analysis & Comments: The implementation of the “traffic light” system is welcome news that will ease travel procedures for travelers to and from 12 countries/territories. Travelers should treat the news with caution, however, as the countries on the “green list” are subject to change and may have their own restrictions for outbound travelers from the U.K.

Leisure and non-essential business travel still remains suspended for travel to most countries, and even those traveling to and from “green list” countries will need to follow testing protocol before departing and following arrival in England. Travelers are also reminded that different rules apply for inbound travel to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which have yet to update their guidance on any changes from May 17.

The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in the U.K. and other countries.

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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 30, 2020, the Home Office put in place temporary measures allowing “adjusted” right to work checks to be carried out over a video call using copies of original documents.

The Home Office has now announced that the temporary COVID-19 adjusted right to work check measures will end on May 16, 2021, after which employers are expected to return to the usual “pre-pandemic” right to work check processes. Retrospective checks will not need to be carried out on employees who had a COVID-19 adjusted right to work check from March 30, 2020 through May 16, 2021.

Key Points:

  • The following temporary changes to the right to work check process made on March 30, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic remain in place until May 16, 2021:
    • Checks on original documents (such as passports) can currently be carried out over video calls.
    • Job applicants and existing employees can send scanned documents or a photo of documents for checks using email or a mobile app, rather than sending originals.
    • Employers should use the Employer Checking Service if a prospective or existing employee cannot provide any of the accepted documents.
    • Employers can continue to carry out online right to work checks where it is possible to do so, e.g., if an applicant has an online status under the EU Settlement Scheme or holds a Biometrics Residence Permit and is able to provide a share code.
  • From May 17, 2021, employers must either:
  • Employers do not need to carry out retrospective checks on those who had a COVID-19 adjusted check between March 30, 2020, and May 16, 2021 (inclusive).

Analysis & Comments: Previous Home Office guidance confirmed repeat retrospective checks on original documents would be required on the adjusted right to work checks within eight weeks of COVID-19 restrictions being lifted. Therefore, the updated guidance should come as positive news to employers who have been undertaking the adjusted right to work checks since March 30, 2020; however, logistics around carrying out checks again under the normal requirements may be a challenge as return to office plans are finalized.

Employers should take note of the May 16, 2021, date for when the temporary adjustments for right to work checks are ending and put measures in place for applicants who are not able to generate a share code for an online right to work check.

For instance, for a British national with an original passport, the applicant would need to report to the office in person with the original passport in their possession from May 17, 2021. This is so the validity of the original passport is checked by the employer in the presence of the holder.

Employers may be permitted to do a right to work check over a video call but only provided the employer is in possession of the original documents, as confirmed in the employer right to work guidance. In this instance, the applicant would need to physically post their passport to the employer to enable the check to be conducted via a video call. This would allow the employer to check the likeness of the applicant on the video call against the original document in their possession. Employers can no longer rely on the inspection of a document via a video call, or by checking a scanned copy of the document.

The guidance further confirms employers will maintain a defense against a civil penalty on any adjusted checks undertaken during this period, provided they were done as set out in the COVID-19 adjusted checks guidance.

The response to COVID-19 continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World 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 includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States, which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or 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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

The U.K. government has announced that it will add India to its COVID-19 “red list.” Most foreign nationals traveling from India will be barred entry to the U.K. beginning this Friday, April 23.

Key Points:

  • The entry ban will take effect at 4 a.m. on Friday and will apply to anyone who has been in India in the previous 10 days. India joins 39 countries currently on the U.K.’s “red list.”
  • U.K. nationals, Irish nationals and third-country nationals with residence rights (for instance Skilled Worker visa holders) are exempt from the ban. Other exemptions may be available for individuals traveling to the U.K. to undertake work in certain essential jobs. More information is available here.
  • Anyone who is eligible to enter the U.K. from India will be required to complete a 10-day hotel quarantine, which must be booked in advance of traveling to the U.K. Travelers from “red countries” are not eligible for the Test to Release scheme, meaning they must complete the full 10-day hotel quarantine regardless of any negative COVID-19 tests.

Analysis & Comments: The new requirement is essential to note for travelers from India or those who have been in India in the last 10 days. Eligible travelers will need to factor in additional costs of the mandatory hotel stay. Travelers to the U.K. are also reminded that the existing requirements remain in place for COVID-19 testing 72 hours before travel and on day two and day eight after arrival. Employers who intend to send employees to the U.K. may wish to consult with BAL about their travel plans.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

The United Kingdom’s Global Travel Taskforce has set out plans to safely resume international travel, including plans for a new traffic light ranking system, a “green watch list” and the introduction of a new travel certification system.

The Global Travel Taskforce’s report on the safe return of international travel suggests travel could resume as soon as May 17, 2021. While testing and quarantine measures would remain in place, passengers would no longer need to prove they have a valid reason to leave the country. Currently, international travel is only permitted where you have a reasonable excuse to leave the U.K., such as essential work or business reasons where it is not reasonably possible to complete that work within the U.K.

The permission to travel form would be eliminated, but other measures would be taken to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Traffic Light System.

The traffic light system would categorize countries as “green,” “amber” or “red” based on their risk for spreading COVID-19. Officials would consider factors such as (1) the percentage of the country’s population that has been vaccinated, (2) the country’s rate of infection, (3) the prevalence of variants of concern in the country and (4) the country’s access to reliable scientific data and genomic sequencing.

Quarantine and testing measures would remain in place for all travelers entering the United Kingdom, but would apply differently as follows:

  • Green. Arrivals from green countries would need to take a COVID-19 test before departing for the U.K. and a PCR test on or before their second day in the U.K. They would not need to quarantine unless they receive a positive test result.
  • Amber. Arrivals from amber countries would need to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. They would also be required to take a pre-departure test and PCR tests on their second and eighth days in the U.K. They would be eligible for the Test to Release program and could cut their quarantine period short by testing negative on their fifth day in the U.K.
  • Red. Arrivals from red countries would have to follow restrictions currently in place for “red list” countries, including a 10-day hotel quarantine, pre-departure testing and PCR testing on the second and eighth day in the U.K.

“Green Watchlist.” U.K. officials plan to introduce a “green watchlist” of countries that are at risk of moving from “green” to “amber.” This would give passengers more predictability about which protocol they would be subject to upon returning to the U.K. Officials stress, however, that while the watchlist would help warn travelers of potential changes, they would not hesitate to move countries into different categories immediately if necessary. The watchlist nonetheless aims to provide “greater assurance” for those wishing to travel abroad.

Travel Certification. Officials said the U.K. would play a leading role in developing international standards for a digital travel certification program. Such a program could facilitate both inbound travel and outbound travel to countries that have their own travel certification programs in place.

Analysis & Comments: The resumption of international travel and the elimination of the requirement that people provide a valid reason to leave the U.K. are certainly welcome developments, not just for business travelers but also for those wishing to travel internationally for leisure purposes. Travelers should note, however, that May 17 remains an ambitious target date, and officials stress that this is the earliest possible date for international travel to resume. Restrictions will also be formally reviewed on June 28, taking into account the international COVID-19 health picture at that point in time. Measures may be relaxed or tightened at that point in time. Further formal reviews will also take place over the course of the next six months. Additional information is expected in the coming weeks and Deloitte will provide further updates in due course.

Rest of World 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 includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States, which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or 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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

Italian authorities have eased restrictions on travel from Austria, Israel and the United Kingdom and implemented new quarantine procedures for travel from within the European Union.

Key Points:

  • Authorities have moved Austria, Israel and the United Kingdom to “List C,” meaning travel is permitted for non-essential reasons, but travelers must satisfy testing and quarantine requirements.
  • Under procedures implemented last week, travelers from List C countries must take a COVID-19 molecular or antigenic test within the 48 hours before arriving in Italy and must quarantine in Italy for five days upon arrival in Italy, regardless of the test result. A second molecular or antigenic test must be taken at the end of the five-day quarantine.
  • Travelers from the Tyrol region of Austria must quarantine for 14 days rather than five.
  • The quarantine measures were first implemented as a way to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 over the Easter holiday period; however, authorities extended them this week until at least April 30.
  • The current restrictions on travel from Brazil will also remain in place until at least April 30.

Analysis & Comments: While authorities have eased restrictions on travel from Austria, Israel and the United Kingdom, testing and quarantine requirements from these and other “List C” countries will remain in place at least until the end of the month. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World 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 includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States, which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or 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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

The U.K. government has announced that beginning at 4 a.m. on Friday, April 9, Bangladesh, Kenya, Pakistan and the Philippines will be added to England’s COVID-19 “red list.”

Key Points:

  • Travel bans remain in place for visitors to England from the existing “red list” countries. Beginning April 9, the list will also include Bangladesh, Kenya, Pakistan and the Philippines.
  • The travel ban applies to travelers who are either traveling from the “red list” countries or have been in those countries (including in transit) in the previous 10 days.
  • U.K. nationals, Irish nationals and U.K. residents (including Skilled Worker visa holders) are allowed to enter England from the red list countries. However, they will be required to enter a government-approved hotel quarantine facility for 10 days upon arrival.

Additional Information: The new measures mark a tightening of restrictions in light of reported new variants of COVID-19.

Analysis & Comments: The new requirement is essential to note for travelers from Bangladesh, Kenya, Pakistan and the Philippines. Eligible travelers from these countries will need to factor in additional costs of the hotel stay.

Travelers to England are reminded that the existing requirements remain in place for COVID-19 testing 72 hours before travel and on day two and day eight after arrival. The existing requirement to self-isolate for 10 days after arrival (either in the traveler’s accommodation or a hotel if arriving from a red list country) also remains in place. Employers who intend to send employees to the U.K. may wish to consult with Deloitte about their travel plans.

The response to COVID-19 continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World 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 includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States, which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche To.hmatsu 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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

The United Kingdom has resumed priority processing in most U.K. immigration categories for applications submitted from within the U.K.

Key Points:

  • For an additional fee, applicants can apply for faster decisions on certain U.K. visa or settlement applications, including Skilled Worker and ICT applications. Depending on the visa or immigration category, processing may be possible within five working days or by the end of the next working day.
  • The U.K. suspended priority processing for most applications early in the COVID-19 pandemic; however, priority services are now available for most categories. The full list is available here.

Analysis & Comments: The resumption of the priority service routes is certainly good news for visa applicants applying from within the U.K. However, applicants need to be mindful there is currently a lead time of around four weeks to secure an appointment, and that the issuance of the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) could take up to a further seven to 10 working days following the approval of the application. Applicants for U.K. visas or settlement are welcome to discuss possible expedited processing options with Deloitte.

Rest of World 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 includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States, which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or 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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.