How to move to UK and start working within a month

Learn everything you need to know about moving to the UK, including visas, career options, expat communities, and more.

So you’re going to start a new chapter in the UK? Whether you’re relocating to the UK for a job, study, or simply a change of scenery, the journey can be thrilling. However, it is critical to be prepared and understand the specific measures to take to guarantee a smooth transition.

This comprehensive guide will take you through the process of migrating to the UK in 11 simple steps, including important information for moving after Brexit.

Step 1: Understand the legal requirements to move to the UK

Before you do anything else, be sure you understand the legal requirements for moving to the UK. Depending on your nationality, the process may differ. Non-EU citizens must obtain a visa, whether it is for a job, study, or family reasons.

If you are an EU citizen relocating to the UK following Brexit, the situation has altered. You must apply for a visa under the UK’s new points-based immigration system unless you already have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Step 2: Find a Place to Live

Finding a place to live is the top priority on your moving to the UK checklist. The UK housing market is diversified, ranging from flats in London to country cottages. If you’re relocating for work, consider the closeness to your workplace and transit options.

Here are some tips for locating a place in the UK.

• If you already know which city you’re moving to, look into the neighborhoods there.
• If possible, consider visiting the neighborhood first to get a sense of the region.
• If you’re relocating to London or another major city, expect increased rents.
• Examine the region for amenities, schools (if any), and public transportation.

Step 3: Get a job or enroll in a study program.

“I want to move to the UK, but where do I start?” Getting a job or enrolling in a study program is an important step. Most UK visas require a work offer or acceptance into a reputable educational institution.

You need to.

• Update your CV to meet UK standards.
• Search for employment on platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor.
• Consider using agencies for specific industries.

Students

• Make sure you have your CAS number before applying for a student visa.
• Plan your accommodations ahead of time, especially if you are living in university housing.

Step 4: Open a UK bank account.

Opening a bank account in the United Kingdom is vital for managing your daily life, from grocery shopping to paying rent and receiving payments. Some banks allow you to open an account online, but you may still need to visit a location in person.

Some online-only banks, such as Monzo and Revolut, provide simple signups for newcomers to the UK.

Step 5: Arrange health insurance.

The National Health Service (NHS) is the UK’s public healthcare system. If you’re on a visa for more than six months, you’ll need to pay the immigration health surcharge (IHS) to use the NHS. If you want private healthcare, get private health insurance.

Step 6: Sort out your taxes

Navigating the UK tax system is an important aspect of your migration to the UK. If you work, you’ll need to understand your tax responsibilities. The Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system in the UK requires your employer to withhold taxes from your salary.

How to Do Your Taxes in the UK:

• Obtain a national insurance number (NIN) for taxation and employment purposes.
• If you are self-employed, register with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
• Understand your tax code to ensure that you are taxed correctly.

Step 7: Register with a GP.

Once you’ve established it, contact your local general practitioner (GP). This is necessary for receiving medical services and medicines. The NHS website can help you locate a GP in your area.

Tip: Even if you’re not currently ill, you should register with a GP as soon as possible.

Step 8: Set up utilities and internet.

When moving into a new home, you will need to connect utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and internet. Some rental houses may include these in the rent, so check your tenancy agreement.

How to Set Up Your Utilities in the UK

• To open an account, contact your utility supplier.
• Compare broadband providers to get the greatest value.
• If you watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer, you must first obtain a TV license.

Step 9: Get a UK driver’s license.

If you intend to drive in the UK, you may need to exchange your foreign driver’s license for a UK one. The process differs depending on your present license and country. Your current license can also be valid in the UK. If not, you must apply to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for a UK license.

Step 10: Join the local community.

Integrating into your new neighborhood is a vital component of settling in. Building a social network, whether through membership in local clubs, attendance at events, or simply getting to know your neighbors, will make your relocation more enjoyable.

• For ideas, consider exploring local activities and interests.
• Attend community activities and festivals.
• Join expat groups or networks to meet others in a similar circumstance.

Work Permit and Employment Visa Overview

A UK work visa takes two to three months to be obtained and allows you to work in a certain location and job. Your new employer must submit the work permit on your behalf. However, you will not be able to enter the country or work until you have received the required visa and entry clearance for yourself and any dependents. You’ll also have to pay a healthcare premium.

Typically, entry clearance takes one to two weeks after the work permit is obtained. Security clearances for individuals from Russia, North Korea, Libya, Iraq, and China (PRC) take significantly longer. The visa will be inside your passport. If you want to change jobs after arriving in the UK, your new employer must apply for a new work permit on your behalf.

Who does not need a work permit?

Anyone who falls under one of the following categories does not need one:

• Citizens from the 25 EEA nations.
• EEA nationals’ spouses and partners (not legally married but living together for at least two years).
• Permanent residents*.
• Spouses of people with work permits, training permits, sole representatives, investors, students, and ancestry visas*.
• Asylum seekers with pending applications.
• Commonwealth citizens on Ancestry visas (with a grandparent born in the UK).

Application should be made at the British High Commission in their home country. They last four years, after which the candidate becomes eligible for permanent residency.

Family visas

For visa applications by wives, partners, and families of work visa holders, see the Tier 2 family member visa. To live in the UK with a family member for more than six months, you must obtain a family visa.

Once you’ve obtained your work permit, you can apply for your visa. There are various tiers of points-based UK skilled workers and their related work permits (Tier 2 and 5), as well as business visas (Tier 1).

Work Visas in the UK and Requirements: Tier 2 (general) visas are for skilled workers earning at least 25,000 GBP (32,000 USD). Sponsorship from a licensed organization in the field is required and valid for up to six years.

Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) visas are for those who work for a UK employer but are based overseas and are offered a job in the UK. It is valid from six months to nine years.

Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visas are for individuals who work for a sponsoring faith community. It is valid for three years and can be extended.

Tier 2 (sportsperson) visas are available to elite athletes and coaches who have been endorsed by their sport’s national governing organization. It is valid for three years and can be extended by another three years.

Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) visas are for sponsored temporary workers (charity volunteers, athletes, artists, and religious workers) traveling on official business or as part of an international agreement. It is valid for 1 to 2 years.

Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visas are available to those aged 18 to 30 from Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Hong Kong, South Korea, or Taiwan who have saved about 2,000 GBP (2,500 USD). It’s valid for up to two years.

Domestic Workers in Private Household visa is for private domestic workers who have been with their employer for at least a year. It is good for a maximum of six months.

The Permitted Paid Engagement visa allows for short-term paid work in the UK without sponsorship. It’s valid for one month.

Types of Business Visas in the UK and their Requirements

• Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa: 1,000 of these visas are given annually. It is valid for up to five years, with the option of extending for another five years. This visa is granted to experts in science, humanities, engineering, medicine, digital technology, and the arts.
• Tier 1 (Investor) visa: for those willing to invest at least 2 million GBP (2.6 million USD) in the UK. It is valid for three years and can be extended for an additional two.
• establish-up visa: for citizens of countries other than the EEA/Switzerland who intend to establish a business and have enough money to support themselves during the process. It’s valid for two years.
• Specific UK work visas: They are available to Turkish nationals and Commonwealth citizens having a grandparent born in the UK.

Basic Documents Required for Work Visas

• Valid passport or travel ID.
• Proof of adequate financial resources to support you during your stay (bank statements or sponsor confirmation).
• Proof of English language fluency.
• Proof of payment for the healthcare surcharge.
• TB test if you will remain longer than six months and are a citizen of a listed country.

UK Work Visa Costs

The fees for UK visas vary depending on the kind of visa and the duration of stay. There is a great tool for calculating the specific cost of your UK visa application.

Self-employment Visas

If you want to work independently in the UK, you must obtain a self-employment or business visa. There are several varieties. The UK self-employment visa criteria are based on the tier category, which is a point-based system.

FAQS

What is the fastest way to move to the UK?

1. Health and Care Worker Visa.

2. Youth Mobility Scheme Visa.

3. UK Ancestry Visa.

4. Skilled Worker Visa.

Do I need a visa to work in the UK for 1 month?

All foreign nationals are now required to obtain a visa to work in the United Kingdom. Several nations, notably the EU/EFTA, Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States, allow their people to enter the UK and remain for up to six months without a visa. All foreign nationals are now required to obtain a visa to work in the United Kingdom. Several nations, notably the EU/EFTA, Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States, allow their people to enter the UK and remain for up to six months without a visa.

Can I relocate to UK without a job?

Yes, it is possible to migrate to the UK without a work offer using a variety of pathways, including Tier 1 visas for high-value migrants, the Youth Mobility Scheme for young people, Student Visas, and Ancestry Visas. Each pathway has unique criteria and conditions.

Is it hard to get a job in the UK as a foreigner?

While competition for employment is high, those with the necessary qualifications, skills, and experience can excel. As globalization continues to impact the corporate landscape, language skills are in high demand. Foreign nationals are highly valued in the UK’s multicultural workforce.

Conclusion

Moving to the UK is a huge life transition, but with proper planning, it can be a pleasant and rewarding experience. This checklist for migrating to the UK covers all of the crucial tasks, from understanding the regulations to integrating into your new community. Whether you’re coming from within the EU or farther afield, these 11 stages will help you navigate the procedure and ensure that your move to the UK goes as smoothly as possible.