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What did the old immigration system look like?

Before 1 January 2021, EU and EEA nationals could travel freely to the UK to live and work without a visa.  There was a separate system  for migrants from outside the EEA – a four tier points based system.

In order to be eligible for a visa in any of the four tiers the individual must have passed a points-based assessment. These visas covered most work, study and investment opportunities in the UK:

Tier 1 – High-value migrants

Tier 2 – Skilled workers

Tier 3 – Low skilled workers (never introduced)

Tier 4 – Students

Tier 5 – Temporary workers

There were also other visa types for non-EEA nationals which fell outside of the points based system and were primarily for visitors, family and limited business categories.

Read more about this and other questions in our

The UK Immigration System section.

Disclaimer

Given the fast pace of change, we would stress that this information is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.

As a hub, we have included references to articles and explainers from third parties. We have no control over and are not responsible for the content, use by you or availability of those third party websites, for any products or services you buy through those sites or for the treatment of any personal information you provide to the third party.

Our immigration team

Flora Mewies

Flora Mewies

Partner | Employment

Leeds and Manchester

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Roisin Patton

Roisin Patton

Partner | Employment

Newcastle

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Gillian Burns

Gillian Burns

Associate | Employment

Newcastle

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Natalie Payne

Natalie Payne

Solicitor | Employment

Leeds and Manchester

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