Maybe this is the dream of your life, or you just found out you love this country; in any case, you want to move to England. Unless you are a citizen of a European country, the requirements for entering the UK can be quite restrictive. The information in this article will help you obtain a visa, search for an apartment, and more.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Finding an Entry Way
Step 1. Find out about the available visas
The UK government site provides an online form with information on the type of visa you need. Check here. Generally, most immigrants need a visa that allows them to live and possibly work in the UK for a certain period of time. Once you have identified the type you need, visit the visa4uk.fco.gov.uk website. It will take a few months for the visa to be approved.
- If you need more information, please read the remainder of this section - immigration and travel requirements will be detailed. Otherwise, continue to the next section.
- The United Kingdom consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. You don't need a specific visa for England.
Step 2. Learn about the rights of European citizens
If you are a citizen of a country included in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have the right to live and work in the UK. The aforementioned area includes all the countries of the European Union, in addition to Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway. Swiss citizens also enjoy the same right.
- All you need is a passport that proves your citizenship. Although not mandatory, it is advisable to request a residence certificate. It may help you enforce your rights if you request special benefits.
- Members of a family of European citizens who are not themselves citizens of the Union can also apply for a visa. They can apply for permanent residence after working in the UK for a period of five years.
Step 3. Look for work in the UK
Visit monster.co.uk, fish4.co.uk, reed.co.uk or indeed.co.uk. If a UK company intends to hire you, you can apply for a visa. The period of stay will depend on the work you are going to do.
- Tier 2 visas are reserved for high demand sectors, detailed here. You may have another chance if you find work in a multinational company or if your employer can prove that your job cannot be done by a local employee. This type of visa generally allows a stay of three years, which can be extended to six.
- Tier 5 visas are provisional work permits valid for six months to two years. If you are not qualified for a Tier 2 position, look for work in a charitable organization or find employment as an athlete, performer, or religious worker.
- Tier 1 visas are only available to professionals who are starting a business, operating in the millionaire investment sphere or who are recognized as industry leaders. They are usually valid for five years and can be extended up to ten.
Step 4. Enroll as a student in a UK institution
You must know English and be able to support yourself. After completing your studies, you are allowed to stay in England for an extra couple of months. You will be able to serve only in occupations required by the activities of your course.
Step 5. Apply for other types of visas
There are other ways to enter the UK and stay there for a longer period than the classic sightseeing tour. However, there are special circumstances that most commonly include the following:
- Family (working status and length of stay varying): You are allowed to enter and remain in the UK if you intend to join your child or wife, girlfriend or partner with whom you have been linked for a minimum of two years. The possibility is also granted if you need to be assisted by a member of your family in England.
- UK Ancestry Visa (valid for five years, allows you to seek employment): you must be a Commonwealth citizen with a grandfather or grandmother born in the UK.
- Tier 5 Youth Mobility (youth mobility; it is valid for two years and allows you to look for a job): you must be a citizen of certain countries and be between 18 and 30 years old.
- Visitor visa (usually valid for six months, not allowed to find work): it is a last resort. If you can support yourself during your stay, you can enter the UK on a visitor visa, try to get hired and then apply for a work permit. Chances are slim, but if this project doesn't go through you will still have enjoyed a great vacation.
Part 2 of 3: Before You Go
Step 1. Find a place to live
Look for a hostel or hotel to stay in temporarily after your arrival and keep an eye out for situations that might allow you to find a house or apartment. It may be necessary to arrive in the UK before signing a contract, but start looking for rental accommodation a couple of weeks in advance or a couple of months in the event of a purchase. Search on sites like Gumtree, RightMove, Zoopla or RoomMatesUK. Make sure you know the differences between the English search parameters and those of your home country:
- London prices are very high and are around £ 1,900 for a two bedroom apartment. Consider other cities, or country towns that are no more than an hour's drive from a major city.
- Read carefully: the rental price referred to could be weekly or monthly. Feel free to negotiate on the price.
- If you intend to buy a house, first hire a British real estate lawyer.
Step 2. Check your housing expenses
Before signing a rental agreement, find out about any additional expenses you may have to incur. The cost varies greatly based on the region or type of property; Here are some estimates:
- Household Utilities: The average amount to pay is around £ 120 per month for water and electricity, plus £ 70 for gas and heating (this is the average cost). The costs of gas and heating are higher in the winter and lower in the summer.
- Estate tax: at least £ 100 per month, probably a little more.
- TV Fee: To watch BBC live channels (including online), you have to pay £ 145.50 per year.
- Plans for television, mobile and Internet service vary widely and are in addition to the TV fee.
Step 3. Practice using the English language
If you are not a native English speaker, start studying it before arriving in England. Life will be much easier if you can speak, read and write in English. It could also be a requirement in some jobs or if you want to obtain permanent residency.
Step 4. Plan to relocate your pet
First, check here to find out if your country is included in the list of included countries and if there are any special requirements based on the country and specified animal species. For cats, dogs and ferrets from most regions you will need the following:
- Microchip.
- Rabies vaccine (given more than 21 days in advance).
- EU pet passport or a third country veterinary certificate (ask a veterinarian for help).
- For dogs: tapeworm treatment.
- Countries not listed: blood tests (more than 3 months in advance and more than 30 days after the rabies vaccine).
- Approved travel itinerary and transportation agency; you can find a list here. If you are traveling from a warm climate country, you may have to wait for cooler weather to arrive.
Step 5. Plan your budget
The cost of living varies based on where you stay. Visit expatistan.com to compare your current location with your new home.
If you are staying in the UK for more than 183 days, you will need to pay income tax
Part 3 of 3: After Arrival
Step 1. Get organized with transportation
In London and in most other major cities, public transport is quite reliable and affordable, unlike parking and fuel which are more expensive. If you decide to use a car, check here to find out if you can use your current driving license.
- Traveling by train is common for longer journeys, fares can be more or less expensive depending on the speed of the trains and the distance you have to travel. If you decide to travel and are over 60 or under 25, consider purchasing a card that allows for discounts and reductions.
- Get an Oyster Card at a London Underground station - it allows you to buy discounted tickets for the tube, bus and city rail.
Step 2. Open a checking account in an English bank
Opening a bank account with an associated credit / debit card is generally free. Some of the leading UK banks are Lloyds, HSBC, Barclay's and NatWest.
- Ask your lender if they have an affiliate bank associate program that you can use while in the UK.
- You can try to open a bank account from abroad, but an English address may be required.
Step 3. Apply for the release of documents
There are some useful documents that every visitor should get:
- Insurance number (similar to the Tax Code). Necessary for tax purposes and required for employment. To apply, contact Jobcentre on 0345 600 0643.
- Passport photo (with UK specification). You can get the necessary photos at photo booths in grocery stores for around £ 6.
Step 4. Learn about the UK health system
Emergency medical care and hospital visits are free of charge for all visitors, including those who pay a one-time supplement for health care upon request. The costs related to other types of health care will possibly depend on the doctor on duty. Before choosing your doctor, ask for information from the licensed doctors in your area.
Step 5. To avoid confusion, it would also be good to know the cultural differences between the UK and your home country
While it may seem obvious that you can get used to the English culture, it's always good to know the meaning of some English terms or you might end up saying the wrong phrase and getting into trouble! For example: in England, the term "fanny" has a different and more vulgar meaning than that used in the United States.
Advice
- During your time in England you may work for a foreign company based in the UK. In this case you will still need a work permit and you will have to pay UK income tax.
- If you have lived in the UK for 5 years and know English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic, you can apply for citizenship or permanent residence.
- If your official documents are not in English, entrust them to a certified translation agency. This could be a transcript for an English school, an identity document or a driving license required for issuing a visa.
- If you wish to work as a freelancer or freelancer, you will need a Tier 2 permit.
- If you're lucky, you can enjoy five hours of sunlight during the English winters. If you already know that you will be homesick for the sun, occupy a room with a south-facing window.
- Do not make a sign with two fingers raised. In England and Scotland it is equivalent to raising what in other parts of the world is the middle finger.
Warnings
- As in other countries, the British may be offended by stereotypes, assumptions or basically harmless words and gestures in your home country. If you offend someone, apologize and explain that English culture is unfamiliar to you.
- Marrying a European citizen with the sole aim of obtaining citizenship is illegal. The government may fine or arrest you if it discovers the preconditions for a false marriage.
