Tips for a Smooth Immigration to the UK

This guide is filled with practical tips for citizens planning to immigrate to the UK. It's all about making your journey easier and it starts with getting your documents ready.So, let's get those visas sorted and look forward to life in the UK!

• A list of documents needed for UK immigration

• Understanding healthcare in the UK

• Assistance with settling down in the UK

Detailed list of documents needed for UK immigration

Getting your documents ready for UK immigration:

• To start, check your passport. It needs to be valid for six months more than your planned stay. EU citizens and non-EU citizens both need to show a birth certificate and proof of living address, like a utility bill.

• Financial statements are also important. They show you can look after yourself in the UK.

• Don't forget your visa approval letter too! It’s needed whether you’re applying for work visas or student visas. The visa application centre may ask for more papers depending on your visa type. Make copies of all your documents. Keep them separate from the original ones. It's always good to be ready and understand the immigration system.

Here are some examples of moving from different countries to the UK:

From United States:

• Passport: Ensure your American passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the UK.

• Visa Application: Americans planning to stay in the UK for longer than six months for purposes such as work, study, or joining family members will need to apply for a visa. Shorter stays may not require a visa for tourists or business visitors.

• Supporting Documents for Visa Application: This includes a job offer for work visas, a place at a university for study visas, and proof of financial means to support your stay in the UK.

• Biometric Information: You will likely need to provide biometric information as part of your application. This involves visiting a visa application center in the US to have your fingerprints and photograph taken.

• Healthcare Surcharge: Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of your application to access the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

From the Netherlands: 

• Passport: Ensure your Dutch passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the UK.

• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): Depending on the purpose and length of your stay, you may need to apply for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) after arriving in the UK. You’ll usually get a BRP if you: apply to come to the UK for longer than 6 months, extend your visa to longer than 6 months  or apply to settle in the UK.

• English Proficiency (for certain visas): For study or work visas, you may need to demonstrate English proficiency through recognized tests like IELTS.

From India:

• Passport

• English Language Proficiency (if required): For certain visa categories, such as work or study visas, you may need to demonstrate English language proficiency through recognized tests like IELTS.

• Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate (if required)

• Work Experience and Employment Documents (if applicable):

• For work visas, include documents related to your work experience, employment contract, and a letter from your employer.

• Visa

This will help ensure your immigration status is clear for both the EU citizens from non-EU countries and the British government.

Understanding healthcare in the UK

The United Kingdom is renowned for its National Health Service (NHS), a publicly funded healthcare system that provides comprehensive health services, the vast majority of which are free at the point of use for residents. This includes:

• doctor's consultations,

• treatments,

• surgeries,

• emergency care.

However, charges apply for certain services such as:

• prescription medications,

• dental care,

• eye tests.

Although there are many exemptions. If you're moving to the UK, it's advisable to apply for a National Insurance Number, which will give you access to the NHS. Private healthcare is also available, providing a wider choice of treatments and shorter waiting times, but at a cost. It's important to arrange appropriate healthcare cover to ensure you can access care when you need it.

Assistance with settling down in the UK

Relocately offers a range of services that can assist you with settling down in the UK. For example, we will help you with the currency exchange, so that you will have the best rate for your money. Also, if you have kids, we will assist in searching for a school. All our services are at the bottom of this article. Don't be afraid to ask for help – we are here to assist you in every way possible.

Check all our services here:

• Immigration services to the United Kingdom

• Tax filing services in the United Kingdom

• Currency exchange for the United Kingdom

• Opening a bank account in the United Kingdom

• Housing search in the United Kingdom

• School search in the United Kingdom

• Utility management in the United Kingdom

• Expense management in the United Kingdom

• Removal services to the United Kingdom