Frontier Worker Permit

What is the Frontier Worker Permit?

The Frontier Worker Permit is a UK visa for individuals who began working in the UK on December 31, 2020, and primarily live outside the UK in the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein but are employed and want to work within the UK.

It also applies to Irish citizens, although applying for the Frontier Worker permit is optional.

This permit was introduced after Brexit to enable eligible cross-border workers to continue their UK employment without needing to relocate permanently. The UK created the Frontier Worker Permit to maintain economic ties with its European neighbours following the end of the free movement. This permit allows cross-border workers to contribute to the UK economy without relocating.

Dependents

Under the Frontier Worker permit route, family members or dependents cannot apply. However, there may be options for a family member available under the EU Settlement Scheme, where dependents could apply for pre-settled status or settled status. This route is subject to its own eligibility criteria.

Visa Pathway

There is no pathway to settlement in the UK via this visa route. Therefore, any time spent on the Frontier Worker Permit will not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain or British Citizenship.

Eligibility Criteria

Living outside the UK

One of the key requirements is primarily living outside of the UK. Eligibility for meeting this requirement depends on the amount of time spent in the UK since 1 January 2020.

• You are eligible if you’ve spent less than 180 days in the UK within any 12-month period.
• If you’ve spent 180 days or more in the UK within 12 months, You may still be eligible if, during that period, you returned to your country of residence at least:
  • once every 6 months, or
  • twice within 12 months.

You may still apply if exceptional circumstances, such as illness or an accident, prevent you from travelling back to your country of residence. However, these are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Working in the UK

You must have started working in the UK by 31 December 2020 while living abroad as an employee or self-employed. You must also have done eligible work in the UK at least once every 12 months since you began working here.

Eligible work is defined as "genuine and effective" and should not involve only small, one-off tasks such as attending interviews, signing contracts, or participating in competitions.

There is no minimum hours requirement for applicants to qualify as a worker, but work in the UK must be "genuine and effective work" rather than marginal or secondary to their overall situation in the UK.

Retained Worker

Retained Frontier Worker Status is a provision that allows individuals who are temporarily unable to work to maintain their eligibility for the permit. If you were unemployed or unable to work in the UK due to illness, pregnancy, or undertaking vocational training, or involuntary unemployment, you may retain your "worker" status. To qualify, you must register as a jobseeker and actively look for work if you were previously employed in the UK. This is known as having ‘retained worker’ or ‘retained self-employed person’ status.

Applicants claiming retained status must provide evidence such as medical letters or proof of job search efforts. Jobseekers must register with local employment services and consistently provide evidence of seeking work to extend their retained status. Retaining status can last for up to six months if they have been unemployed for less than a year. Those who worked in the UK for a year or more before unemployment can maintain their retained status as long as they are actively looking for work.

Documentation Requirements

The documentation you will require to apply for the Frontier Worker Permit includes:

• A valid passport or national identity card.
• Employment-related documents (e.g., contracts, payslips, or invoices of work carried out in the UK) if employed or self-employed.
• Evidence for "retained" status, such as a doctor’s letter for illness or job applications if unemployed.

Application Fees

Applying for the permit is free; however, submitting your biometric information, such as a photo or fingerprint, might incur a fee.

Immigration Health Surcharge

You will not need to pay the immigration health surcharge as part of this application.

How to Apply for a Frontier Worker Permit

Before you start, you need a passport with a biometric chip. You must also upload a photo of yourself via the government ID Check app. If you cannot use the app to confirm your identity, you must visit a visa application centre to apply.

You'll be informed of the documents you must provide when you apply. These may vary depending on whether you're employed or self-employed. For example:

• If employed: employment contract or work contracts in the UK, and payslips
• If self-employed: copies of invoices for work done in the UK

Steps to Apply

• Prepare all necessary supporting documents.
• Choose the correct form based on whether you apply from inside or outside the UK.
• Fill out the application and upload your documents.
• Review and complete the declaration section.
• Apply and await further instructions.

Successful Application

If your application is successful, you will receive a decision notice confirming approval. If you use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check app, you will get a digital version of your permit; otherwise, you will receive a physical permit.

Your permit is valid for 5 or 2 years if you apply for "retained" status.

While you hold the permit, you can access benefits, services, and the NHS without paying the immigration health surcharge.

Additional Conditions

You will generally need to pay tax on your UK income, and you should check whether you are required to pay social security contributions in the UK or your home country.

You are free to change jobs or switch from employment to self-employment without notifying the Home Office.

If you stop working and don’t qualify for retained status, you must notify the Home Office.

Refused Frontier Worker Permit

If your application is refused, you will receive a decision notice explaining the reasons for the refusal. The letter from the Home Office will indicate whether you have the right to request an administrative review or to file an appeal.

Renewing a Frontier Worker Permit

You can renew your permit if you demonstrate that you've consistently met the eligibility requirements since your last application.

If you're currently unemployed, self-employed, or temporarily unable to work, you can still apply for a 2-year permit under "retained" status, provided you meet the necessary conditions.

Alternatives to Frontier Worker Permit

Time spent in the UK on a Frontier Worker Permit doesn’t count toward permanent settlement (ILR). To settle in the UK, consider switching to a visa that does the following:

• Skilled Worker Visa: For those with a job offer from a UK-approved sponsor, meeting skill, English, and salary thresholds.
• Global Talent Visa: For exceptional individuals who have demonstrated outstanding skills, talent, and leadership in their fields.
• Innovator Founder Visa: For entrepreneurs and innovators looking to establish or expand their businesses in the United Kingdom.
• Scale-up Visa: For individuals with a highly skilled job offer and a qualifying salary to join a qualifying fast-growing UK company that holds a sponsor license.
• Graduate Visa: For international students who have completed a UK degree. It allows up to 2-3 years without requiring a job offer or employer sponsorship.

EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals can visit the UK for up to six months visa-free but must apply for entry clearance if they plan to work or study.

Get Support With Frontier Worker Permit Application

QC Immigration is an expert in all aspects of UK visas and offers comprehensive support for all aspects of your Frontier Worker Permit application—whether you are a cross-border worker applying for the first time, seeking an administrative review, or appealing a decision. If your goal is to settle and work in the UK, you may also need to explore alternative visa options that count toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, eventually, British citizenship.

Please contact QC Immigration to discuss your case with one of our immigration lawyers or book an immigration consultation. We will provide expert assistance with preparing and submitting applications, and liaise with the Home Office on your behalf.