Posted by Migrating to the UK can be complicated, but that doesn’t mean you have to hire an agent to help you with the process! While many people choose to go this route, the truth is that you don’t need to pay someone else to do your job when there are plenty of resources available on the web.
The following 10 ways to migrate to the UK without an agent will help you navigate through all of the UK immigration procedures while also helping you learn about what’s required and how you can stay on top of your application from start to finish!
Follow the Right Steps
The process of migrating to any country can be a difficult and frustrating process, especially when you’re a young person looking for a fresh start. If you want your new life in another country to go as smoothly as possible, you’ll need to put in some legwork upfront.
For example, if you don’t have family already living in your chosen destination, your first task will be finding someone who does. And even though most people think that getting professional help is necessary, it isn’t always; by following these 10 tips for migrating to the UK without an agent, you could soon find yourself on terra firma with a job and a new home.
Have no Criminal Record
Demonstrating that you are a law-abiding citizen will give your case more credibility and might make it easier for you to be accepted by your chosen country. If you do have a criminal record, however, there is still hope.
That depends largely on what type of offense you were convicted of and how long ago it was. The best way to find out whether your particular situation is acceptable is to contact a migration consultant in the U.K. who can evaluate your eligibility before you apply for any visas.
You may also be able to apply for a visa if you have committed minor offenses in your home country but haven’t been convicted.
Your eligibility will depend on how serious your crime was and whether you were charged with anything else at that time, as well as what you did after committing your offense.
In addition, any penalties received for violating local laws or ordinances must have been paid in full.
Get Prepared Physically and Mentally
In addition to getting your documents in order, you’ll want to mentally prepare yourself for a life abroad. Often, it can be easy to think about what you want for your life instead of thinking about how your new country will impact it.
Be sure that you research everything from laws and customs, education and job prospects, health care, moving expenses, and travel visas—so when it comes time for the move itself, you’re as ready as possible.
It may also help to have a friend or family member with ties in your new country who can help assist with information beforehand if you have questions or concerns.
Planning ahead also ensures that you won’t rush into anything after living in another country just because there are no more reasons not to do so.
Solve your Employment Problems Before you Leave
There are several ways that you can obtain a work visa for Britain: First, if you have a spouse from an EU country, you and your partner could obtain joint residence permits after moving to Britain.
The only other option is through one of these non-EU categories, which requires special skills or knowledge needed by British businesses; they’re limited by quotas, so it’s important that you get your paperwork in order before arriving in Britain.
If not, and if your application is rejected after arrival, finding employment legally could be difficult—and it could mean deportation. You don’t want either of those things in your new life in Britain.
Learn English at Least at B1 Level
Having a good command of English is important for any international resident, but it’s absolutely essential if you plan on immigrating.
Once you arrive in your host country, communicating with your future employer and making new friends will be easier—and likely more enjoyable—if you can talk at least on a basic level. Of course, studying abroad for a couple of months before moving is one way to do it.
It’s not as useful as actually living in that country, but it’ll go a long way toward helping you improve your ability to communicate in English.
Get a Decent Amount of Money for your Move
The United Kingdom has plenty of opportunities for those who have a desire to work and live there. But, as most people know, immigrating is not easy.
Your first step is to find a job and get some money saved up so you can prove you can provide for yourself—it’s easier if you’re not on welfare or having to rely on others for help once you land. Plus, having your own cash will make it much easier when dealing with British red tape, i.e., paperwork.
It may sound obvious, but another key thing you’ll need is a job offer in hand. That’s because U.K. officials want to ensure you’ll be employed upon arrival, so they won’t let you in unless you can prove that’s how it will work out.
Besides having a solid employment contract or letter of intent, it helps if your employer sends your passport and visa application directly to British authorities. It speeds up your approval process, too.
Familiarize Yourself with Life in England
It’s one thing to find a job, but quite another if you aren’t sure what life in England is like. There are plenty of reasons why you might want to move to England.
Maybe you love all things British: their history, culture, and traditions. Or maybe there’s a particular city or town that has caught your eye.
To successfully immigrate to England and be happy there, though, it can be helpful for you (and your loved ones) if you take some time first just getting used to life in general in England as well as what it will be like living there.
Aim high When Searching for a Job in England
It is important that you don’t settle for a job you don’t really want when you move to England, but many people do. Perhaps they think a bad job is better than no job at all, or perhaps they just don’t know what else is out there.
Don’t let yourself get stuck in one of these positions; use some of your free time during your stay in England by searching for jobs outside of your normal field and see if anything exciting comes up.
It doesn’t matter how different from your current career it may be—you may find a true passion waiting for you on another path! Also, don’t stop looking once you have a part-time position; keep applying until something full-time comes along.
Learn About Working Laws in England
Regardless of what your plans are for living in England, you’ll have a much easier time if you understand how their immigration and working laws work.
The system can be complicated—particularly since each country has its own unique way of approaching work visas and taxes—but some sites are better than others for providing simplified explanations: if you don’t want to spend money, check out these blogs (here and here) or head over to our forum for a quick primer.
If you do decide that hiring an immigration lawyer or other type of professional is in your best interest, check out our guide to finding one.
Try not to Panic
I know it sounds silly, but if you’re serious about immigrating to the UK and you have a full-time job in another country, then it’s very likely that your employer is going to panic.
Having a visa rejection on your record is pretty much an instant career-ender for most employers. This means that if you’re planning on immigrating, you’ll want to take steps early on to ensure that doesn’t happen.
Before deciding which migration route you’d like to pursue, it would be smart—and kind—to talk with your employer first. Explain how important moving permanently is for you and ask what they can do to help make sure things go smoothly.
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