The thought of moving abroad can often bedaunting. After weeks and months of dedication and hard work, when you arefinally offered the opportunity to immigrate for a once-in-a-lifetime adventureit may seem like you don’t know where to start. But don’t let the initialfright put you off. Here are some steps to get you ready for the big move;
Money
It may seem obvious, but it is crucial that you save as much money as you can prior to your move. Initial costs that you should give thought to are as follows: visa application, plane tickets, housing/rent, emergencies and international shipments. Having six months’ worth of savings is realistic when moving abroad although you will still have to live on a tight budget before you find your feet. It is a good idea to research exchange rates and cost of living in your new home and coming up with a sensible budget plan making sure that you stick to it.
Transferring money from the UK to your new home abroad can be expensive, particularly if you use a high streets bank. To get the best rate and the lowest fees, consider updating your service after conducting some research as this will save you some money.
Passport
Before you can apply for a visa, you must have a valid passport. The rule in some countries is that it must be valid for at least six months before your travel date. Be sure to have this arranged months in advance to avoid any last minute stress or implications that could hinder your move.
Healthcare
Once you move from the UK permanently, you will no longer have access to NHS healthcare in the UK. You will need to deregister from the NHS scheme. Healthcare differentiates depending on what country you will be in so it is important to find out as much information you can about requirements and entitlements.
Establishing a mailing address
Depending on what country you are moving to, it is often a difficult task getting mail. It is a wise idea to ask a trusted friend or family member to be your official mailbox while you are gone. You can use the post office however having someone check your parcels and envelopes can be helpful if you require an immediate response. If you are moving to the UK, you must apply for a British citizenship leave to remain. This will ensure that you are able to work and stay in the UK freely with no implications. You can do this by consulting with immigration solicitors which will provide all the expertise and help that you need. If you have any trouble, then it is a good idea to contact immigration lawyers to represent you. One of the most important benefits of hiring an immigration lawyers is that they have lots invaluable experience and understanding of the sector.