Is it Difficult to Immigrate to The UK?
Moving to any new country is fraught with challenges and not something to do on your own. Even though the UK offers many opportunities to overseas citizens, there are still a number of practical factors to take into consideration when planning a move. Working with a UK immigration lawyer will make the entire process go smoother and faster.
Relocating to the UK
Congratulations, you’re making a bold move! Whether for career opportunities, education, or because living in the UK has always been a dream, it takes courage and planning to relocate internationally. Post-Brexit developments have made it more challenging to move to the UK, however with a UK immigration lawyer to help you with each step, the process won’t be quite as daunting. Furthermore, if you're located in North America then you should work with a UK immigration lawyer in USA - we are experienced in this area and here to help!
Even if you’re a seasoned international traveler, you may not have experience with the particular obstacles involved in moving to the UK. To start, since the UK is an island, there are stricter border rules and regulations than you may have encountered in other countries. Just the logistics of moving your belongings to an island can be challenging.
The UK immigration lawyers at Eversage Associates understand that different families, different situations, and different goals require different approaches - international relocation isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Working with a responsive team that supports your goals can make all the difference.
Essential Relocation Steps
Any big job is easier when you break it down into small steps and achievable goals. The same is true with relocation.
Securing a Visa
Unless you are British or Irish, you will need immigration permission (usually a visa) in order to move to the UK. Post-Brexit regulations have changed visa guidelines for European citizens moving to the UK, making it far more challenging. The best way to navigate these changes is with the assistance of a UK immigration lawyer - this avoids unnecessary delays and (in the worst case) visa refusals. An experienced UK visa lawyer can also confirm whether you are eligible up-front and also which visa category is best for you, before you invest time and energy in making an application.
Visa costs are another consideration - these vary depending on the type of visa, and sometimes the length of the visa. We can provide a full quote for the costs associated with your particular UK visa application.
Housing
Where will you live once you enter the country? There are many different housing options in the UK. Renting is often the easier choice, but you need to be aware of extra costs such as utilities which can be higher in the UK than in other European countries. Maybe owning a charming little English cottage is part of your British dream. It’s possible to invest in property in the UK, but not always easy. Eversage Associates is happy to connect you with a UK-based team at one of our trusted relocation providers, who will help find your home.
Work
If your move to the UK is work-related, then you have likely secured employment ahead of time. But that’s not the case for everyone, for example international students. Our team of UK immigration lawyers can guide you through the work-related restrictions on your particular visa so you can begin an appropriate job-search (this can be online even before you move).
Putting it All Together
Is moving to the UK hard? Well, parts of it can be complex. In addition to obtaining a visa, finding a place to live and securing a job, you must also consider:
Education - will you or your children need to find schools?
Day to day living - where will you buy food, go out for lunch, find a dry cleaner?
Paying taxes - moving to a new country doesn’t excuse you from paying taxes, and you should take specialist advice in your home country as well as in the UK (we are happy to make introductions to trusted tax experts).
Healthcare - the UK healthcare system is very different from that in the USA and other countries. We can advise on whether your particular visa allows you to access the UK's National Health Service, otherwise you may want to purchase private health insurance.
As you can see, there are many factors to weigh when considering an international relocation. Though there are challenges with moving to the UK, there are also many potential rewards related to living somewhere new. Don’t get overwhelmed before you’ve even begun! Connecting with the right resources makes all the difference.
Working with a UK Immigration Lawyer
Eversage Associates has helped countless people (and companies) relocate to the UK successfully. We work with clients based globally as well as within the UK, and we have a particular specialty within the North American market - so if you need a UK immigration lawyer in USA, we are here to help! With our holistic approach and wide network of contacts, we introduce our clients to the tax experts, realtors, and other relocation companies they need to make a smooth transition. We can help you too.
If you need advice on any stage of the immigration process—even if you’re just getting started—please get in touch. Don’t hesitate to contact one of our friendly representatives to ask a question or schedule a consultation.