The United Kingdom has consistently been a favorite destination among immigrants and expatriates from different parts of the world. Whether one wants to work, attend school, reunite with their family, or simply immerse themselves in a new culture, the UK attracts people from all walks of life annually. The country’s blend of rich history, global significance, and diverse opportunities offers an appealing entire lifestyle. However, moving to the UK can be a complex and rigorous system, and having a clear understanding of the processes is essential.
This guide is tailored explicitly for individuals willing to migrate to the UK as well as expatriates already residing in the UK by providing critical details about immigration policies, uk living conditions, and the integration process into the UK culture.
- Immigration Routes to the UK
Just like any other country, the UK has immigration routes that enable individuals to enter the country. There are certain baseline standard rules that govern eligibility. Some core immigration routes include:
Skilled Workers Visa
This route remains one of the highly sought after for professionals as it gives access to work in the UK under a qualifying employer. Applicants are expected to meet the following criteria under the Skilled Workers Visa:
Possess an offer letter from a licensed sponsor. Each sponsor must have the job on the list of accepted professions.
Correspond to a necessary salary threshold which typically stands at £26,200 a year or above based on the designated position.
Fulfill the necessary requirement for English proficiency.
This visa is best suited to self employed individuals who possess certain skills in burgeoning sectors such as healthcare, technology, engineering, and finance.
Student Visa
The Student visa is for overseas students who wish to take courses in the United Kingdom. Their eligibility is dependent on:
Obtaining an offer from a trusted UK education provider with a license issued by the Home Office.
Showing proof of having adequate funds for paying tuition and living costs.
Satisfying the requirement of known level of English (commonly demonstrated in IELTS or TOEFL tests).
Students who complete their program of study may be eligible for a graduate visa which permits them to work in Britain for a period of two years, or three years for students completing their PhD, after which they can apply for employment.
Family Visa
This category of visa is meant for those who wish to live with a spouse, partner, child, or parent who is already a UK resident. To qualify, you must:
Have established a credible relationship with the resident of the UK.
Be prepared to meet other criteria such as income level which depends on the category of the family visa.
Visas for Investors, Business Persons, and Entrepreneurs
For those interested in investing or engaging in business activities in the UK, there are various visa options available:
Tier 1 (Investor Visa): Issued to persons investing £2 million or more in the UK.
Start-up Visa: This visa is for applicants who want to establish their business for the first time in the UK.
Innovator Visa: This visa is granted to seasoned entrepreneurs who wish to set up an innovative business in the UK.
These categories seek to improve the UK economy while enabling entrepreneurs and investors to live in the UK.
EU Settlement Scheme
In relation to Brexit, citizens from the European Union, EEA countries, and Switzerland residing in the UK before December 31, 2020, were allowed to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. This scheme allows them to ordinarily reside and be employed in the UK with settled or pre-settled status. The last date for applications was June 30, 2021, but the deadline is subject to flexible conditions based on exceptional circumstances.
Global Talent Visa
This particular visa targets top talent in the fields of sciences, technology, engineering, art and research. To be eligible, candidates are required to:
Demonstrate that they are recognized as leaders or emerging leaders in their area of specialization.
Possess an endorsement from specific UK-based institutions.
- Moving to the UK: Important Tips for Immigrants and Expatriates
There are several important aspects with regard to settling in the UK once you have acquired the correct visa for entry and subsequently arrived in the UK:
Housing
The housing choices available in the UK is very wide ranging with respect to cities such as London and Manchester alongside rural regions. Real estate prices are highly dependent on the area. In the majority of cases, rent within large cities are expensive, however options like shared accommodation or outlying regions of low cost housing outside city centers can offer affordable alternatives.
Renting: They are highly preferred by over a certain population threshold of expatriates and immigrants. The high rental market is also regulated with a guaranteed right to eviction protection from unjust removal alongside reasonable rent.
Buying Property: Property purchase within the United Kingdom is not restricted to only British citizens however first purchasers may have certain benefits under schemes like Help to Buy or Shared Ownership.
Healthcare
Healthcare within the United Kingdom is provided to the public through taxation and is performed free of charge by public establishments in the form of the National Health Service (NHS) which looks after the health of residents. Expatriates and immigrants in the UK are also entitled to most NHS services once they are settled and have contributed enough taxes or National Insurance to the health services.
Private Healthcare: Some expatriates choose to pay for private health insurance to aid quicker service access or receive treatment that is otherwise not included in scope of NHS services.
Banking and Finances
Opening a bank account is one of the primary things to do in the UK and is critical towards managing your money. Most banks will ask for verification documents like an identification card or a utility bill. The UK’s banking landscape comprises a variety of institutions, from traditional local banks to mobile-only ones.
Currency: The British use the Pound (£) as their main currency.
Taxation: UK has an elaborate tax system and as such, expatriates and immigrants are mostly affected by the same tax policies as citizens of the UK. Taxes that an average citizen pay include income tax, National Insurance contributions, and Value Added Tax (VAT).
Driving
People from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland can use their current driver’s license to drive in the UK for one year. Thereafter, they must convert the license into a UK driving license. People from outside the EU must usually get a UK driving license after six months.
- Integration into UK Society
While the UK is a country comprised of many cultures, foreigners looking to integrate may find it challenging. Here are a few strategies to consider for integration:
Learn the Language
English is the main language spoken in the UK, but it has many regional variations such as accents and dialects. As for non-native speakers of English, being proficient in the language is vital for social and professional integration. There are various English language classes that aid learners with speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Cultural Etiquette
Integration becomes easy when you practice understanding and respecting British culture. People in the UK are known for gentle manners and politeness. Furthermore, people are quite reserved; thus, it is important to respect personal space. Being on time is also very important; arriving late to meetings and social gatherings is typically frowned upon.
Community and Social Life
Social clubs, organizations, and meet-up groups host different events where immigrants and expatriates meet and socialize. To socialize and feel at home, try participating in local activities, which can include sports, volunteering, or attending networking events.
- Issues Relating to Immigrants and Expatriates in the UK
Despite the benefits, living in the UK has its own set of challenges for expatriates and immigrants. A few of them are listed below:
Expensive Living: Metropolitan regions such as London have a significantly high cost of living which includes accommodation, travel, food, and leisure activities.
Restriction of Visa Access: Immigration policies are often modified, and visas are costly to renew, both in terms of time and money.
Differences in Culture: The social norms, environmental settings, and day-to-day activities of a new region often leads to culture shock which can be difficult to manage.
In Summary
Although the UK is fairly generous in accommodating new expats and immigrants, the processes of immigration, settling in, and integration is multifaceted, and each step needs to be undertaken with a good degree of thought. It is possible to optimize the approach and enjoy the benefits of living in one of the most powerful countries in the world.
A person’s motive for moving to the UK can either be academic, professional, family related, or he or she is a already residing in the UK as an expat. Regardless of the situation, it is imperative to familiarize oneself with visa, housing, healthcare, culture, and other mechanisms for proper integration in order to maximize the chances for success in the UK.