How Easy Is It To Move to the UK

Making the choice to uproot your life and relocate to an entirely new place is already tough in itself. However, this doesn’t mean that the process of moving should be as equally difficult. 

Immigrating to the United Kingdom is a dream-come-true for so many people, given its rich culture, historic infrastructure, and top-notch educational institutions. As one of the most influential countries in the world, the UK offers plenty of promise to those who want to get a boost in their career, or people who simply want to start anew in their lives. 

Hiring a Newcastle immigration lawyer will greatly help your case if you decide on moving to the UK. These professionals know the ins and outs of all the legalities involved in the process, making your entire experience hassle and stress-free. Besides this, immigration attorneys can also assist you in terms of paperwork and in making decisions that will be crucial to your application. 

When done right, moving to the UK can feel like a breeze. In fact, here is a step by step guide on moving to the UK, including some essential reminders to keep in mind as you go. 

Sort out your requirements 

Regardless where you’re from, you’ll need to figure out all the requirements needed to pursue your move to the UK. For this, you’ll usually need a valid passport to enter the country, while all the other documents for the immigration will vary depending on your nationality. 

Make sure to do thorough research about the things you need to prepare before your move, and accomplish these things as early as you can. This helps avoid further delays in your application and speeds up the process. 

Find employment

There are many ways you can enter the country, and this largely depends on your purpose for moving. Others immigrate as students seeking advanced education and having a student visa can be an advantage for those who want to apply for permanent residency in the UK. However, those who are interested in getting this type of visa should at least be 16 years old or older, have enough financial assistance, and possess an unconditional place offer on a particular course with a Tier 4 licensed sponsor. 

On the other hand, you can also seek employment in the country. For this, you need to have a work or job offer in the UK ahead of your move so you still have enough time to apply for a work visa. If you’re keen on getting a sponsored-based one, you need to make sure that your boss sponsors you for a permit. 

Get the Right Type of Visa 

Finding the correct type of visa for your immigration depends mainly on your line of work and the skills you possess. There are several choices for these, so it’s important that you read through all the visa options so that you can decide which one suits your profile or needs the best. 

Some of the most common visa types include a Skilled Worker visa, an International Sportsperson visa, and a Start-up or Innovator Visa. You can also consult this UK Spouse Visa Document Checklist if you require a visa for marriage purposes in the UK. You’d also want to ensure that the visa you are applying for consequently opens a route that helps you secure permanent residency in the country eventually. 

File Your Visa Application

Once you’ve already decided which visa type you want to apply for, make sure to get your documents in order and submit your application promptly. What usually happens is that you apply for the visa at a local representative office and then wait for a verdict. Also take note that the process for visa application can take as long as a few weeks up to several months, depending on the type of visa. 

Moving to the UK 

After your application has been approved, the visa office will notify you via letter or email of their decision and important information about what happens next. Besides this, you also get to receive a sticker on your passport, also known as a vignette, which showcases the details of your current immigration status such as your visa’s validity, visa type, and more. 

Upon entering the UK, you also need to get your BRP or biometric residence permit at the post office. This is only applicable to those who filed their applications outside the country. You can use this permit as your identification and tangible proof of your right to work and live in the UK. 

Obtain an Indefinite Leave to Remain

Once you’ve already resided in the UK for five years with your work visa, you can now take the chance to get your permanent residence, also considered an Indefinite Leave to Remain. This lets you live and work in the UK without limitations or restrictions, plus you can also apply for permanent citizenship should you qualify.