Are you Moving to UK?

Before you pack up for a move to the UK, be sure that you know the ins and outs of the UK visa and immigration process so that your paperwork is in order before you travel.

The UK Border Agency is responsible for processing immigration requests, visa applications and asylum requests.

Citizens of European Union (EU) member states, European Economic Area countries (EEA) and Switzerland.

EU and EEA/ Swiss citizens are exempt from United Kingdom immigration requirements in general.

However, nationals from recently admitted EU states do need to register with the UK Border Agency or may need to obtain permission to work in the UK.

UK Entry Clearance – Before You Travel

Depending on the reason for your trip, or your nationality some expats need UK visa clearance and must apply for a visa from their home country in order to cross the UK border.

To determine if you need an entry visa the UK Border Agency has an online test available.

To control United Kingdom immigration, the UK operates a points-based system for issuing work permits.

Highly skilled workers (Tier 1) may come to the UK to work without first having a job offer. Skilled workers (Tier 2) must have an employment sponsor and pass the points-based test. As of 2010 unskilled workers are unlikely to obtain a work permit.

Students and those wishing to temporarily work in the UK are also subject to the points-based system.

If you are planning to move to the UK to marry a British partner, you need to apply for the right to do so. You will be granted a period of six months in which to finalise the marriage or civil partnership.

After this you must apply for a new resident status. If successful, the UK Borders Agency will grant permission for you to stay for up to 27 months when you are then able to apply for the right to stay permanently in the UK.

If you are already married to a British citizen and want to relocate to the UK you will need to prove your married status, your financial independence from the state and that you have a place to live. Under new rules you may also have to show you have English language skills by means of a test

If you have been legally living in the UK for between two and five years you may be eligible to apply for the right to stay permanently.

Your application needs to be made from the UK and you will need to display knowledge of life in the UK, as well as competent English language skills.

If you have been resident for five years (three if you are married to a British citizen) you may apply for British citizenship. To obtain British nationality you do not need to surrender your present nationality, as is the case in other countries. However, you should check any implications of dual nationality in your birth country.

A citizenship ceremony in the UK or in a diplomatic post overseas is an obligatory part of gaining British nationality.