Call us on +44 20 3384 3075

English
Chinese
Russian

28 Jan What are the criteria for the Frontier Worker permit?

Posted on January 28, 2021 in Investing in the UK by
0 Likes

If you are a national of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you might be able to apply for a Frontier Worker permit visa to enter the UK in order to work. In particular, a prospective applicant will need to meet the following requirements:

  • You live outside of the UK;
  • You have worked in the UK prior to 31 December 2020, either as an employed or self-employed person;
  • Your work in the UK must be ‘genuine and effective’;
  • You have kept working in the UK at least once every 12 months since you started working here.

Please note that individuals MUST reside ‘primarily’ outside of the UK, and they will be eligible if they have spent less than 180 days in the UK in any 12-month period.

What if you have spent more than 180 days in the UK within 12 months?

If a migrant spent more than 180 days in the UK in any 12-month period, he/she might still be eligible if they have returned to their own country and live there at least either once every 6 months or twice in the 12-month period.

What if you have not worked in the UK during a 12-month period?

Migrants might still be eligible to apply for a Frontier Worker permit if they haven’t worked in the UK during a 12-month period prior to 31 December 2020, for instance:

  • They have been temporarily unable to work because of an illness or accident;
  • They have been temporarily unable to work because of maternity/paternity leave;
  • They have been involuntarily unemployed, and either looking for work or doing vocational training;
  • They have been voluntarily unemployed and doing vocational training related to their last occupation;
  • They are unable to come to the UK and work because of COVID-19 pandemic.

This is also known as a ‘retained worker’ or ‘retained self-employed person’.

Applicants can apply for the permit by using either the ‘UK Immigration: ID check app’ or by sending a physical version of the permit (applying within the UK).

If the application is successful, the migrant will be granted leave to enter for 5 years or in the alternative for 2 years if they have claimed ‘retained’ status.

Contact Our Immigration Team

For expert advice regarding any aspect of the UK visa application, please contact our team on 0203 384 3075.

 

The content of this article is for general use and information only. Since each case should be prepared on its own merit and in light of the constant amendments to the Immigration Rules, it is important to note that the information provided must not be relied upon unless Migra & Co has either given written consent or has been officially engaged in relation to a specific immigration matter. As a result, Migra & Co will take no responsibility for any damage, cost or loss resulting from relying on the information contained in this article, blog and website.