Introduction
If you’re planning to immigrate from Brazil to the UK, you probably have many questions in your head. How will you get there? What kind of work will be available for you? What are the process and documents needed?
However, one thing that isn’t often discussed is the immigration law of the country you are moving to – and why would it be? After all, most people aren’t thinking about their immigration status when they move or make plans for future trips abroad anyway.
However, if you’re an ex-pat and want to move permanently or temporarily from Brazil to the UK, then you’ll need to learn some essential things about how to immigrate from Brazil to the UK before deciding whether or not it’s right for you.
The United Kindom is always the first choice for every person seeking the best opportunities abroad. The UK’s economic, administrative, and geographical conditions are the best of all and attract the elite of talents to work in that country.
Following international law, immigrants are allowed to enter any country provided that specific criteria hold true, such as their immigration purpose.
UK and Brazil have long shared good ties; they are active partners in business, travel, trade, and tourism, making it easy for people to immigrate from Brazil to the UK.
Brazil and the UK are part of the EU, and citizens of Brazil are permitted to enter the UK for six months freely.
This article is a comprehensive and exhaustive guide on the best ways to immigrate from Brazil to the UK. It will explain to you all the possible ways and types of immigration methods to migrate from Brazil to the UK.
Types of Visa
There are two types of visa that foreign nationals can obtain depending on their purpose for visiting a foreign country.
Tourist visa
This type of visa allows people who are visiting another country temporarily. It’s valid for up to 6 months and will enable travelers to stay in the UK without needing any other type of permit or approval.
Citizenship visa
This type of visa entitles an individual not eligible for citizenship rights within their own country to permanent resident status in another country (e.g., Brazil).
Once granted this status, applicants may continue living outside their native land indefinitely while enjoying all its benefits, including medical care or education, under certain conditions outlined by law enforcement agencies.
Best Ways to Immigrate from Brazil to the UK
You can apply for a visa to immigrate from Brazil to the United Kingdom. There are different types of visas that allow you to visit or work in the UK:
ETA UK Visa Waiver for Brazilians
In an effort to enhance travel efficiency, the British government is introducing the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for citizens of Brazil. The phased rollout of this online system will soon include Brazilians, eliminating the need for physical visits to a UK embassy or consulate. Expected to be fully implemented in 2024, the ETA replaces existing visa waiver programs, impacting Brazilian citizens who enjoy visa-free entry to the United Kingdom. Once in effect, Brazilians will need to apply for an ETA online, with the process covering various purposes such as tourism, business trips, short-term study programs, family visits, and medical treatment.
Advantages of UK ETA for Brazilian Citizens
The introduction of the UK ETA brings several benefits for Brazilian travellers. The online application process is swift and straightforward, with short processing times allowing for last-minute travel arrangements. Possessing a valid UK ETA facilitates expedited border controls, streamlining entry procedures as travellers only need to scan their passports. Additionally, the ETA enhances overall border security, as pre-screening measures will be applied to all foreign visitors, not just those requiring a visa. For a seamless and secure travel experience, Brazilians can leverage the advantages offered by the forthcoming UK ETA system.
UK ETA Requirements for Brazilian Citizens
While the UK ETA system for Brazilian citizens has yet to be implemented, preliminary details have been disclosed to give travellers insight into the upcoming program. It’s important to note that these details are subject to change before the program’s commencement. Unlike a visa, the UK ETA functions similarly to the United States ESTA or Canadian eTA, facilitating pre-screening for visa-exempt visitors to enhance safety, security, and border management.
To obtain UK ETA approval, Brazilian travellers must adhere to the following requirements:
- Valid Passport: Ensure the passport meets validity requirements.
- Visa-Free Entry Conditions: Fulfill the visa-free entry conditions for foreigners.
- Online Processing Fee: Pay the ETA processing fee online.
Additionally, Brazilians must have internet access and a valid email address, as ETA status updates are communicated via email.
How to Obtain a UK ETA as a Brazilian Citizen?
- Fill in the Online Application Form:
- Provide personal details, including full name, date of birth, and nationality.
- Submit passport details, including document number, issuing country, date of issue, and expiration.
- Furnish contact details, including home address, email address, and telephone number.
- Outline the travel itinerary.
- Pay the Processing Fee: Complete the online payment for the processing fee.
- Submit for Review: Send the completed application for review.
It is crucial to submit error-free applications to avoid processing delays or potential denial of the UK ETA for Brazilians. The passport used for the ETA application must match the one intended for entry into the UK. With a processing time of approximately 72 hours, this streamlined process ensures efficient travel arrangements for Brazilian citizens.
Traveling Under the UK ETA for Brazilian Citizens
Brazilian travellers holding a UK ETA can explore the United Kingdom for a duration of up to six months, enjoying unrestricted movement across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Notably, there are no internal border controls within these regions. However, it’s important to note that the UK ETA is not valid for travel to the Republic of Ireland, which maintains its independence.
As the UK is neither a member of the European Union nor the Schengen zone, the ETA does not confer permission to enter other European countries. For Brazilian travellers eager to extend their journey to additional destinations, it is essential to research and adhere to the entry requirements of those specific countries.
For Brazilian citizens holding dual European nationality through descent from countries such as Italy, Portugal, Spain, or Germany, the process remains the same. Despite their European nationality, these travellers must undergo the ETA application process, mirroring the requirements for Brazilian passport holders.
Tier 1 visa
It is a general term for any visa based on your skills and education rather than your family ties.
Applying for this type of visa can be complicated if you don’t know how it works or what documents are required. You better consult your travel agent or law firm who will help you to immigrate from Brazil to the UK.
Different skills need different certifications. If you want to travel from Brazil to the UK on a skilled visa, you must provide documentation of your skill set. Following are the categories and documents required:
- A valid certificate of sponsorship from your employer.
- English test qualification.
- Jobs on the list of occupations.
UK visas are complicated, so be sure to do your research before deciding on one to apply for.
Skilled worker visa
The Tier 2 visa, as it was earlier known, is for skilled workers, so if you’re not a doctor or nurse and don’t have any qualifications in medicine or nursing, it might not be right for your needs.
You’ll also need to ensure that your job offer comes from an employer who can sponsor your residency application. If this isn’t possible, we recommend speaking with an immigration lawyer before proceeding further with your plan to move abroad.
Tier 5 visa
The Tier 5 visa is a temporary work visa designed for students who have completed their studies and are looking for jobs in the UK. If you qualify, this will allow you to stay in the country for up to 6 months without restrictions on your employment or residency status.
You can apply for a Tier 5 visa if:
- You have a degree or equivalent qualification from an accredited university or college.
- You are a graduate with a job offer.
Family Visa
If you’re considering immigrating from Brazil to the UK, consider your family before making a decision. You can’t just pack up and move without them!
A family visa allows people already living in Brazil or another country with which the UK has a bilateral agreement to stay with their families while they look for work.
It allows them to live in the UK legally and work here too. The main requirements for getting this type of visa are that:
- Your partner must be able to support themselves financially.
- You must show evidence that your partner has enough money saved up.
- Your children under 18 need permission from both parents (if applicable).
Spouse Visa
The Spouse Visa is designed for British citizens or settled individuals who have tied the knot with their Brazilian partners. This visa allows the Brazilian spouse to reside, work, and study in the UK initially for 2 years and 9 months, with the option for an extension. After five years, eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) arises, paving the way for potential British Citizenship. For expert advice on the Spouse Visa process, consult Legamart Lawyers. To qualify for the Spouse Visa, both the applicant and their sponsor must meet specific criteria:
- Sponsor’s Status: One partner must hold British citizenship, permanent leave to remain in the UK, settled status, permanent UK resident, or possess refugee or protected status in the UK.
- Relationship Status: The partners must be lawfully married, having lived together for at least 2 years. Evidence of their marriage or civil partnership, such as certificates, is required, and they must intend to reside permanently together in the UK.
- Age Requirement: Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
- Financial Requirement: Financial criteria are subject to change, with the threshold increasing to £29,000 in Spring 2024 and further rising to £38,700 by early 2025.
- Language Requirement: Proficiency in English, demonstrated through an approved language test or a degree taught in English, is mandatory.
Student Visa
To immigrate from Brazil to the UK on a student visa, you must:
- Be 18 years old or older.
- Have an accepted place at your chosen institution and pass the admission test that will be held in London.
Once you have met these requirements, you can apply for a student visa by going to the British consulate nearest your home country and filling out their paperwork. The process takes about three weeks from start to finish.
Ancestry Visa
If you wish to bring your family over, the best way is with an ancestry visa.
It allows people from Brazil with a close family relationship with a British citizen or permanent resident to apply for their own visas.
You need to prove that your family has been living in Britain since at least December 19th, 1948, and that they have been eligible for British citizenship or permanent residency since then.
You will also need proof of financial support from someone who has already moved there or lives there permanently, such as an employer or relative who can provide accommodation. At the same time, you look for work and accommodation once you arrive!
If you’re contemplating the prospect of immigrating to the UK for an enriching international experience, it’s worth exploring Norway as an alternative. With a range of immigration pathways to Norway, including skilled worker visas and family reunification programs, Norway provides a unique blend of career opportunities and a welcoming environment.
Conclusion
People have been immigrating from one place to another from time immemorial. Migrations have been taking place for a better life, good survival, and a peaceful time. When a person gets the opportunity to travel to some great country, he would not want to lose it. Immigrating to the UK opens up a world of opportunities, technology development, the growing mergers and acquisitions happening in the UK. Having such a diverse market is an advantage, giving immigrants access to a growing economy and currency arbitrage opportunities.
The UK immigration system is complicated, and you should always do your research before you decide on a visa option. There are many options for different situations, so it’s good to go through each one carefully to see what best fits your needs.
For more information on immigrating from Brazil to the UK, processing your visa, and which visa applies to your immigration process, consult an immigration expert. At LegaMart, our expert team selected the best lawyers from around the world and onboarded them in our LegaMart directory, which will assist you in navigating the process of immigration from Brazil to the UK and provide the best possible solution.
