Moving To London For Permanent Residence

Many people around the world have been looking for information on how to move to London and become a permanent resident. However, the UK immigration regulations can be complex and sometimes confusing when it comes to moving to London and becoming a permanent Londoner. Additionally, these rules keep on changing, and therefore, the information can quickly become outdated and inapplicable. It is therefore important to constantly seek the current UK immigration information from credible sources such as the official UK government website and others like us. Here, you are sure to get the latest and most credible tips on how to move to London and permanently live in the city of London. Contact us to learn more about london flat rental

Expats From the European Economic Area

For ex-pats from the European Economic Area (EEA), you can move to London and become a resident permanently after staying in the UK for five years. Expats from outside the EEA can apply for Indefinite Leave to Enter or Remain (ILE or ILR) in the UK. This means that you can enter or leave the country without being subject to immigration controls governing entry and exit. Being granted ILR means that you have been given the “settled status” in the country, and you can live in London without worrying about immigration issues. The time needed to elapse before you can apply for permanent residency depends on the type of visa held and the residency status. This ranges from two to six years. For example, a person on a tier 1 or 2 visa will need to have been resident in the UK for five years before applying for permanent residency.

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Although it is good and important to be in a foreign country legally, Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights allows an illegal migrant to apply for permanent residency status on the grounds of his/her right to private life. However, for you to apply for this, having been in the UK illegally, you need to have stayed in the country for between 17 and 30 years, depending on your age and years spent in the country.

In order to become a permanent resident in London or the UK, you need to take and pass the “Life in the UK” test. This is for all those relocating to London with the exception of those who were in the Highly Skilled Migrant Program.

Application Process to Become Permanent Resident in London UK

Once your time of residence in the UK has elapsed and you are qualified to apply for ILE status, you can start the process by making an application to the Home Office Public Enquiry Office. The forms for this can be downloaded from the official government website using a step-by-step guide. The most downloaded forms are those for ex-pats on work visas and those for dependents.

The climax of moving to and becoming a permanent resident in London is by becoming a fully-fledged citizen in the UK (becoming a British Citizen by naturalization). After 12 months of ILE status, you can apply for British citizenship.

Moving to London for Permanent Residency

Although a typical Tier 2 visa these days is usually for 3 before you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR); it may vary depending on your company’s sponsorship. In the case of a spouse or partner of a UK citizen or permanent resident, the visa term is only two years before you can apply for ILR. Applying for this status basically gives you permanent residency; you aren’t a British citizen, but you can reside in the UK for as long as you want if, after moving to London and living here a few years, you’ve realized you quite fancy it and want to settle in a while!

Eligibility for ILR does vary by visa classification, so check out the link:  https://www.visabureau.com/united-kingdom/visas-and-immigration/indefinite-leave-to-remain to determine your particular requirements. If you do qualify, apply, and earn ILR status, be mindful that residing outside of the UK for two or more years afterward could lead to it being revoked (unless you attain citizenship by then).

The Life in the UK Test

Applying for ILR requires that you be knowledgeable about life in the UK, so you will need to take the aptly named “Life in the UK” test. This is a 24-question, computer-based exam that only takes 45 minutes to complete at one of the 100 test centers available in the country. To study, you’ll need to fork over £10 for the 2nd edition of the Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship textbook. The test itself presently costs £34 and is also a requirement of (but does not need to be taken again for) British citizenship.

British Citizenship

Once you’ve been approved for ILR status, you’re possibly only a year away from citizenship if you so desire. This, of course, doesn’t mean renouncing your current citizenship (although some Americans will do just that to avoid paying U.S. taxes in addition to those in the UK). If you were born to a British mother between 1961 and 1983, you might be able to apply for citizenship right away. Otherwise, you need to have lived in the UK for at least 5 years (3 if married to a citizen), the last year of which you would have had ILR. You can’t have been outside the UK more than 450 days in those 5 years (270 in the 3 years if married to a citizen) nor more than 90 days in the 12 months prior to applying.

I realize this may be a ways away for those of you researching your initial international relocation to the UK, but, as I said, this is a common subject of conversation among ex-pats over here, particularly those raising children here and needing to decide whether to stay until children are school-age and educate them here or return home. At least you have the facts before you as you make your short and long-term plans—regardless of whether you stay or leave the UK, first moving to London is a grand adventure that will make you a citizen of the world!

How to Move to London and Get Settled in Five Easy Steps

In order to prevent a meltdown occurring in your new home follow these easy ‘how to move to London’ steps to make the transition from the US to England as smooth as possible.

Step 1

Before moving to London, families should have completed a detailed list of everything coming with them from the States.  If that has been done, great, if not do it! Pronto!  After that list is created, another list of what the family needs for everyday living can be created.  Go through your new home room by room to make sure nothing is overlooked.

Step 2

At this point, the family is ready to get some shopping done.  Rather than go crazy at a market or department store try looking for pre-owned merchandise before buying new.  Much of the expense of an international relocation is in settling into a house.  Buying furniture alone can cost as much as an entire month’s salary!

Step 3

Now that all the necessities are in your new home, take the time to organize them.  It is very tempting to live out of a suitcase or box for far longer than necessary.  Spending a Saturday or Sunday thoroughly unpacking everything and creating permanent homes for each item will go a long way in making you feel settled.

Step 4

As soon as possible, upon arriving in London, everyone in your family should register with a General practitioner as this is the rule for healthcare in London.  A London relocation agent can help with finding a list of open doctors in your neighborhood.

Step 5

Once your new home is in some sort of order and a doctor has been chosen it is time to get out and explore your new city.  Regardless of what time of year you are moving to London, there is plenty to do.  Try and avoid spending all your time alone in your home.  That only makes the transition that much harder.

Advice for Young People Heading to London for an Extended Stay

If you are one of those young people thinking about taking the leap and traveling to the UK’s capital city for an extended period of time and staying in a London apartment for rent, you should do a bit of research and plan beforehand, or you could find yourself in a mess instead of having fun. Here is some advice to help you to avoid problems and more thoroughly enjoy your trip.

Financial Considerations

The truth is that London apartments for rent, transportation, and other necessary items are expensive. If you don’t have a sufficient financial cushion to draw off of until you generate your own income and get settled into affordable London apartments for rent, you could quickly find yourself in a mess.

Although London has an excellent public transportation system, it can be expensive, especially if you are traveling often or over long distances. Therefore, try to locate work and London apartments for rent near each other. Also, ensure both are located close to transportation hubs. Obtaining an Oyster card upon arrival will help you to significantly cut transportation expenses.

If you are relocating to an existing job, then you are set to go. However, if you are planning on finding work when you arrive in the city, you may find it could take a while, and you will need money to live on until then. If your financial cushion is small, you may need to stay with flatmates, in hostels, or find other cheaper accommodation options before searching for more expensive London apartments for rent until you find a job and start receiving paychecks.

Safety Considerations

Young people have a tendency to throw caution to the wind and feel as if every place is an exciting and welcoming destination. However, the reality of life is that bad people exist everywhere who look to take advantage of such naïve and unwary types.

Upon arriving in the city, it is advisable to stay in and around tourist areas where security is tighter and criminals are less apt to take advantage of you. When hailing taxis, be sure they are well marked and never enter Minis unless you have called to request one. Minis are forbidden by law to pick up hailing passengers from the streets like a regular taxi. Crimes often occur to those not knowing or heeding this advice.

It shouldn’t take long for you to meet a group of good London friends who will be more than happy to show you around other parts of the city as well as help educate you on customs and bad sections to avoid when searching for London apartments for rent.

Adjusting to Culture Shock While Living in London

One of the most surprising elements of moving to London to American ex-pats is adjusting to culture shock while living in London.  Since the UK is our next of kin and we speak the same language, many assume the transition will be easy, similar to a move across the country.  In reality, England (and London) is a different country with different cultures and traditions.  Americans often have difficulty adjusting to the subtle differences between the US and the UK.  Knowing that there will be an adjustment period one can take preemptive steps to combat the frustration and homesickness that will undoubtedly creep up when confronting culture shock.

Make Friends

This time-honored advice could not be more true for American ex-pats.  Rather than staying holed up in London flats, Americans should take every opportunity to meet new people.  One can begin by getting to know their co-workers, flatmates, and neighbors.  If that doesn’t do the trick joining a team or taking a community class will introduce one to people with similar interests.  All Americans should try and connect with other ex-pats for they will be a great resource for dealing with cultural issues.  There are many both real groups and online groups available.

Ask Questions

It may be embarrassing to constantly be asking questions of those around you, but if one hopes to eventually blend in with the natives, the questions are necessary.  Instead of constantly pestering a co-worker or neighbor, Americans can turn to the internet or American ex-pat forums for advice or cultural explanations.  If that doesn’t get the problem solved, then turning to a real person is in order.  Most British are happy to explain customs and traditions to Americans.  Rather than appear standoffish or rude, those just recently relocated to London should ask for clarifications when in doubt.

Phone Home

No matter how well-traveled one maybe they will suffer some type of homesickness.  This is natural and to be expected.  Even though making new friends in one’s new country is recommended keeping connections to home is also important.  Thanks to email, social media, and Skype, friends and family back home are just a click away.  Although one doesn’t want to spend too much time chatting with those in America, they do want to maintain the relationships to make the transition to English culture smoother.

Understanding that moving to England is a huge transition for even the most seasoned traveler allows Americans to prepare for down-and-out days when they long for comfort food and family.  Adjusting to culture shock while living in London is par for the course and is easily handled if one is willing to be open-minded and forthcoming.

How Not To Let London Get The Best Of You

London is a fascinating town. It has its own charm, a magical attraction even. Sadly, there still are times when the magic fades. Especially for those who have just arrived to stay in the capital.

When you first come to London, you are a tourist. You are astonished by the size, the scale, the age-old architecture, and the availability of colors. When you stay here for a while, you get carried away into the routine. And with a town as big and busy as London, this routine can become your entire life.

Commuting, work, communing, dinner, sleep. Rinse and repeat tomorrow. And the day after tomorrow. And the day after, that until the weekend finally comes.

What would you do on your weekend? Have fun?

Nope, the odds are you will be managing the chores that have piled up during your busy work week.

This, my friends, is how London gets to you. Don’t worry, though, as this sad period of time is nothing but a stage. A test, if you will. London is making sure that you are made of Londoner material.

Luckily, if it is a test we are discussing, there is also a way to pass it. Thus I introduce to you my list of neat tips and tricks on how not to let London get the best of you!

20 Tips For Enjoying Your Stay in London

What do Londoners do when the city becomes too lonely or depressing? That’s obviously simple, they get back to the things that helped them fall in love with the place.

Tip 1

There are a lot of free museums and galleries in London. I know how much you wanted to visit those, and I also know about the lack of time you’ve experienced: relocation, settling in, getting your job done, and whatnot – all of those are important and time-consuming things. I also know that you won’t get any less busy any time soon. It’s London, for Lord’s sake, so please, be sure to take the time for yourself and visit all of those places even if you’ll have to sacrifice a few important meetings.

Tip 2

Find a park you like and go for a hike. There are plenty of places to choose from and here’s the thing: you will have a park close to your flat, but the question is whether you like it or not. If your option is the latter – please invest some time to find a green place that fits your taste. This is especially important to those who work in Central London. You guys have probably forgotten what the grass looks like. No wonder you are a bit depressed. Go to the park. NOW!

Tip 3

You’ve never experienced London if you didn’t take the night bus home at 4 AM. Forget your beauty sleep for at least one night, go out, have fun, crawl through as many pubs as possible, and get back home via the bus. This will be a memory of a lifetime for you. I promise.

Tip 4

Suck it up. No, I mean it. Things will get better.

Tip 5

Don’t forget your voice. It is very easy to lose it in the “silence of the crowd”. The fact that everyone else is minding their own business shouldn’t stop you from doing the same. If you have something to say or an important call to make – speak up!

Tip 6

Cough when in the tube. As loudly as possible. Why? Just give it a shot and thank me later.

Tip 7

People in London aren’t that different. Both Londoners and newcomers experience the same feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Hang out with them more often to help each other out.

Tip 8

Three words: Primrose Hill, sunset.

Tip 9

Cancel your Netflix subscription even for a month. You’ll see the wonders of show-free Sundays like a newborn. You’ll even think that you finally have all the time in the world, if even for a little while.

Tip 10

Invest in good headphones.

Tip 11

How much can you say about the weather? I’d bet that a sentence or two is your maxima if you are still new to London. Master the art of small talk by learning from the natives. This is one of the best ways to make new friends. Especially at work.

Tip 12

Have a walk across the Waterloo Bridge. The sights are breathtaking.

Tip 13

Manage your finances better. London is expensive, and the constant rat chase for a paycheck makes it all the more depressing.

Tip 14

Did I tell you that you shouldn’t give up? Just in case – don’t give up=)

Tip 15

You are in the capital of exquisite cuisine, even on the street level. If I were you, I’d never dine in the same place twice.

Tip 16

Try staying away from your phone and especially social media for a weekend or so. I know it’s hard but you should really make this effort.  Better yet turn your phone off all at once.

Tip 17

The Tube is an endless battle of sweat and cheeks; your personal space is the prize. Fight for it with all you’ve got.

Tip 18

Read a book.

Tip 19

Watch that movie you’ve wanted to see for a while but never had the time to.

Tip 20

Keep on fighting.

That’s it. Staying happy in London is really that easy. Just follow the tips from above or at least some of them, and you’ll see the difference. Feel free to thank me later!

About London Relocation

 

Welcome to London Relocation, the award-winning service that gets your most precious assets and your staff relocated efficiently and cost-effectively.

At London Relocation, our team of ex-pats and experts have over 40 years of combined experience. This enables us to find the perfect flat house or apartment for your workforce. Saving you time, hassle, and most importantly, money. Our record speaks for itself we place one hundred percent of our clients ninety-eight percent in just a single day.  Optimize our time together, showcasing 18 to 25 properties in a single day to minimize disruptions to your work schedule, while fully concentrating on meeting the unique needs of you and your staff.

Starting the process with a personalized needs assessment for each individual

We then find a range of suitable properties all the while educating on London’s areas and housing markets to help you and your employees pick the perfect properties.

LondonRelocation.com have developed a network of trusted agencies across London. But we work solely for you and your workforce to protect your interests and ensure you are shown the very best option. We are, in fact, the only Multiple Listing system in London. Therefore, the only way to truly exhaust the market. Our service is all-inclusive, so that means we handle the contract negotiations and signings for you to allow you to concentrate on what you do best. We know how to manage your expectations.

Just check out our client testimonial, and our service is guaranteed! Speak to one of our team and see what we can do for you and your business. London Relocation is a property search company. Call London Relocation now to get started. Our service is 100% guaranteed to find your ideal flat in one day!