The landscape of UK immigration has significantly changed following Brexit, affecting thousands of EU nationals living and working in the country. Liverpool, as one of the UK's largest and most culturally diverse cities, has been home to a vibrant European community. However, the end of freedom of movement between the UK and EU nations has introduced new challenges for EU nationals seeking to secure their rights to remain, work, and live in the UK. This article explores how an immigration lawyer Liverpool can provide invaluable assistance to EU nationals navigating these post-Brexit immigration changes.

The End of Freedom of Movement

Before Brexit, citizens of EU member states enjoyed the freedom to live, work, and travel between EU countries, including the UK, without the need for visas or additional paperwork. However, when the UK officially left the EU on January 31, 2020, freedom of movement ended. This change has had a profound impact on the status of EU nationals living in the UK, and the process of securing their legal right to remain has become more complex.

For those EU nationals who were living in the UK before the Brexit transition period ended, the government introduced the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). This scheme provides two types of status: Settled Status and Pre-Settled Status. Settled Status is granted to individuals who have lived in the UK for five continuous years, while Pre-Settled Status applies to those who have lived in the UK for a shorter period. However, the deadline to apply for the scheme has passed, leaving some individuals in precarious positions. This is where an immigration lawyer in Liverpool can play a vital role in assisting those who may have missed the deadline or who are facing difficulties with their applications.

The Role of Immigration solicitors4me Securing Settled Status

For EU nationals who have been in the UK long-term, obtaining Settled Status is crucial to ensure their continued rights to live, work, and access services such as healthcare and education. While the majority of applicants have been successful, many have faced complications due to missing documentation, errors in their application, or difficulties proving their residence history. An immigration lawyer in Liverpool can assist EU nationals by reviewing their cases, helping gather the necessary evidence, and ensuring their applications are accurate and complete.

For those who applied for Pre-Settled Status, there is also the issue of upgrading to Settled Status once they have reached the five-year residency mark. The process of upgrading requires proof of continuous residence, which can be a challenging and paperwork-intensive process. An immigration lawyer can help ensure that individuals transitioning from Pre-Settled to Settled Status meet all the requirements, reducing the risk of rejection.

Late Applications and Exceptional Circumstances

Although the official deadline to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme has passed, there are still many EU nationals who either missed the deadline or were unaware of it. The UK government has allowed for late applications under "reasonable grounds" in exceptional circumstances. However, proving these grounds can be difficult, and late applicants are at risk of losing their rights while their cases are processed.

In such cases, seeking the assistance of an immigration lawyer Liverpool becomes crucial. Lawyers can assess an individual’s circumstances and present compelling evidence to support a late application, ensuring that their rights are not unjustly removed. An immigration lawyer can also advise individuals on their eligibility for other visa options in cases where they may not qualify under the Settlement Scheme.

Post-Brexit Work Visas for EU Nationals

Another significant change following Brexit is the new points-based immigration system, which requires EU nationals (as well as non-EU nationals) to meet certain criteria to work in the UK. This system is based on factors such as skill level, job offers, and salary thresholds. For many EU nationals who were previously able to work freely in the UK, the points-based system presents a new set of challenges.

An immigration lawyer Liverpool can assist those EU nationals who are unsure of their eligibility for work visas under the new system. Lawyers can provide guidance on the specific requirements and help individuals gather the necessary documentation to secure a visa. Additionally, for businesses in Liverpool that rely on hiring EU workers, an immigration lawyer can help ensure compliance with the new regulations and assist with sponsor licence applications if needed.

Family Members of EU Nationals

Another important aspect of post-Brexit immigration is the status of family members of EU nationals. Many EU nationals living in Liverpool have non-EU family members who also need to secure their immigration status. Under the EUSS, certain family members of EU citizens are eligible to apply for status, even if they were not living in the UK before the transition period ended.

However, the process of securing status for family members can be complex, particularly for extended family members or those joining the EU national after the transition period. In such cases, seeking help from an immigration lawyer Liverpool can simplify the process, ensuring that the correct paperwork is submitted and the individual’s rights are protected.

Conclusion

Post-Brexit immigration changes have created a new reality for EU nationals living in the UK, particularly in cities like Liverpool, where European communities have long been an integral part of the social fabric. Whether dealing with Settled Status, Pre-Settled Status, work visas, or the rights of family members, the new immigration rules present numerous challenges. An experienced immigration lawyer Liverpool can provide essential support, guiding EU nationals through the complex legal processes, helping them secure their rights, and ensuring that they can continue their lives in the UK without disruption. For those facing uncertainties in their immigration status, professional legal guidance is not just a resource—it’s a necessity.