London. It’s an incredible city. From its unmatched theatre scene in the West End to its status as one of the greenest cities on the place, it is a place people love. In fact, it is so well-loved that the city is one of the most culturally diverse, with roughly one-third of the UK’s foreign-born population living in London.
So, if you’re planning an overseas move to this city, you aren’t the only one. You will be joining millions of other residents who have made the move at some point in their lives. There’re people from Bangladesh, India, Poland, and Romania.
Of course, such a move is not one to take lightly. Lifting your life and dropping it in a foreign country – never mind a busy city like London – is a significant change. You’ll be leaving behind everything that is familiar. And you might not be making this move solo, so you need to consider your partner’s and children’s lives, too.
But, if you are prepared to make the move, you need to know how to simplify the steps. Fortunately, that’s what this post aims to explain, so keep reading to learn more.
Organize Your Visa and Documentation
It’s certainly not the most exciting aspect, but visas are crucial if you are moving to the UK. This should probably be the first task on your itinerary for moving abroad. No one wants to arrive in the UK only to be denied entry, right? So, begin this at least six months before you intend to move.
The visa you will need to apply for will depend on your reasons for moving. There are numerous categories that might fit your situation, including:
– Family Visa: If you are joining a family member already settled in the UK.
– Skilled Worker Visa: You will need a job offer from a licensed UK employer and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
– Student Visa: You will need an unconditional offer from a licensed UK college or university and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
– Youth Mobility Scheme: This scheme is only available to citizens of specific countries (Australia, Canada, etc.) aged 18 to 30.
Only after selecting your visa type will you be able to proceed with the process. A variety of documents will be needed. Depending on the visa you require, you might need to provide a valid passport, proof finances, English language test results, and so on. You will also undergo a criminal record check if you need a Skilled Worker visa.
Prepare Financial and Moving Logistics
With your visa sorted, you can proceed with other aspects. Some of your finances will go towards your visa, of course – and you will need to pay the Immigrational Health Surcharge. After this, though, the rest of your financial preparations and responsibilities can be looked at.
The up-front moving costs are one such issue. As London’s rental market moves fast, you should aim to have enough money to pay a five-week security deposit as well as one month of rent upfront. There will also be tax considerations, which is why many expats choose to align their move with the start of the UK tax year.
It is a good idea to look at international health insurance, too. An expat health insurance plan will protect you if you require treatment during your stay. Such a decision is worth considering as the NHS – the publicly funded healthcare system in England – is under immense pressure. This means there could be delays in you receiving care at times.
Then you have the moving logistics to think about as well. Things like shipping household goods and booking temporary housing must be planned ahead of time. You’ll have the opportunity to research your best options for all of these issues if you begin preparations early, so avoid leaving this to the last few weeks.
Line Up Temporary Housing Before Your Arrival
As previously mentioned, temporary housing should be your go-to when you first move. No one wants to sign a long-term lease sight unseen. That’s begging for trouble. Instead, book temporary housing – ideally for two to four weeks – in areas that fit your budget. This will allow for in-person viewings.
There are several options available when looking for temporary housing. Your choice will typically depend on your needs. If you are moving solo, then a flat-share might be the best bet. On the other hand, if you are moving with your family, then a serviced apartment will provide enough space for everyone.
To conclude, moving to London from overseas is a big step. In fact, it might be considered a leap. That doesn’t mean it isn’t a possibility, though. You just need to be prepared ahead of time. If you use this post as the first stepping stone, then you are off to a strong start.
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
