If Britain leaves the EU without agreeing a deal, the government will seek to end free movement and has introduced an Immigration Bill to achieve this. For a transitional period only, EU citizens will still be able to enter the UK to visit, work or study after the 29 March 2019. However, for stays longer than 3 months, European Temporary Leave to Remain will be required, which is valid for a further 3 years.
EU citizens who choose to apply for European Temporary Leave to Remain will be subject to identity, criminality and security checks before being granted to stay for a further 3 years. Non-EU family members who wish to accompany an EU citizen under these arrangements will need to apply in advance for a family permit.
The initial 3 months’ leave to enter for EU citizens will be free of charge but applications for European Temporary Leave to Remain will need to be paid for. Fees will be set out at a later date.
EU citizens wishing to stay for longer than 3 years will need to make a further application under the new skills-based future immigration system, which will begin from 2021.