How to Immigrate to the UK: Comprehensive Guide

Many people dream of moving to the UK for several different reasons. The UK’s position as one of the world’s prime destinations for work, study, and incredible quality of living has made it record a remarkable influx of immigrants over the last few decades. 

Migrating to the UK has gotten more difficult due to Brexit and its implications. The appearance of COVID-19 in early 2020 has also made immigration worldwide a bit more complicated – but it is still a relatively straightforward process if you are well-informed on how it works. 

In this guide, you will find all the necessary information you may need to help you easily and completely navigate your entire immigration process and answer any additional questions you might have about moving to the UK.

Why Immigrate to the UK in 2022?

Apart from being one of the best countries in the world in terms of economic strength and established industries, there are many other great reasons to immigrate to the UK in 2022, some of which include:

A Great Standard of Living and Great Quality of Life: 

The standard of living and quality of life of people living in the UK ranks above average amongst 195 countries globally. A strong economy, highly functional education systems, jobs and earnings, social connections, income and wealth, and subjective well-being make the UK a great place to live and flourish. 

A recent study ranked the UK as fifth out of all European nations regarding the quality of life.

Excellent Healthcare through the NHS:

The National Health Service (NHS) is the UK’s public health service. The service performs competitively compared to other public health services in the world. 

According to the 2017 Commonwealth fund report, the NHS ranked first in relation to other countries.

The vast majority of the NHS services are free at the point of use. Everyone who is lawfully entitled to be in the UK is entitled to free NHS treatment.

Vibrant Multicultural Environment: 

The multicultural diversity across the UK is astounding. The country is home to people with diverse cultures and orientations, peacefully integrated into society and free to celebrate their cultures and hold whatever beliefs they may have. 

Migrants usually find sub-communities to which they belong soon upon their arrival into the UK, so it is easy to have a sense of belonging within the country.

High Employment Rate: 

The UK’s unemployment rate is relatively low. As of March 2018, the rate was only 4.2%. 

Interestingly, the average employment rate for non-UK-born adults as recorded by a study in 2021 stood at 77.2%, 1.7% higher than the UK-born adults average of 75.5%. This shows that the UK is very welcoming to employing immigrants.

Home to World-renowned Universities: 

The UK is home to some of the world’s best and most renowned universities. The country’s emphasis on quality education has shone through for many decades, and it is a firm favorite with international students all over the world. 

The UK is currently ranked second for science and research and producing world-leading output.

Internationally Recognized Passport:

The UK passport is one of the world’s most recognized and influential passports. Those who hold a British passport can travel to several countries worldwide, visa-free, with an e-visa or visa on arrival. 

The UK Needs Immigrants: 

A global country like the UK relies heavily on immigration. Immigrants support the growth of the British economy by gaining employment, utilizing their skills in the country, and paying taxes. 

The NHS and other sectors are also heavily reliant on the influx of foreign adult workers, both skilled and unskilled, to meet the labor burden that the country faces.

Additionally, immigrants are needed to replace skilled UK workers moving abroad.

Top 5 Ways to Immigrate to the UK

There are five major ways interested potential immigrants may make their way into the UK. 

These ways are in the form of visa classes or tiers, and each one serves a different purpose depending on your reason for moving to the country. 

1. Tier 1 Visa

Immigrating to the UK through a Tier 1 visa is restricted to those the UK Home Office refers to as “high-value migrants” from outside the EEA (European Economic Area). This category covers the Global Talent visa, Exceptional Promise visa, and UK Investor visa schemes.

2. Skilled Worker Visa

Skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area with a job offer in the UK from a Skilled Worker Sponsor may apply for immigration through this visa category. Skilled workers transferred to the UK by an international company through the Intra-Company Transfer visa route are included in this category. 

The visa scheme also covers skilled workers who meet the point’s requirements (based on a newly-implemented visa points-based system which we will discuss a bit later), ministers of religion, and sportspeople.

3. Tier 3 Visa:

This visa category was designed for low-skilled workers who will be filling some specific temporary labor shortages.

However, it should be noted that the UK government has allocated no visa under this scheme, and this means that you cannot apply for the Tier 3 visa scheme.

4. Student Visa

The student visa category was formerly known as the Tier 4 visa, and it is for international students who wish to study in the UK.

Interested applicants must have had a registered place at or accepted an admission offer from a registered UK educational establishment before applying for the student visa.

5. Temporary Work Visa

For those interested in moving to the UK for temporary work in areas including charity, creative and sporting activities, religious work, the Temporary Work Visa, formerly called the Tier 5 visa, is the category under which they may apply. 

This category contains six sub-tiers of temporary workers and the youth mobility scheme, which allows up to 55,000 young people every year to work in the UK during working holidays.

What Other Immigration Programs Can You Apply for?

The UK points-based system covers most immigration visa routes that involve work, study, and investments. However, it does not cover visitors, family, and some business visas, which all fall outside the points-based system.

1. UK Ancestry

The UK Ancestry visa route allows migrants who are Commonwealth citizens with UK-born grandparents to come and live and work in the UK. 

Interested migrants that tick all the eligibility boxes will be allowed to enter and stay in the UK for five years to live and do any kind of work at any skill level. 

After these five years of continuous residence, the immigrants may apply to settle permanently in the country.

2. UK Family Visas

This section generally covers the visa options for families. Those who want to bring their family to the UK or join a family already living in the country will apply through this route.

Eligibility and Requirements:

The UK Family visa scheme has various eligibility requirements depending on your situation. If you are:

Graduate Route:

The Graduate route visa was launched in the summer of 2021 to provide international students the chance to continue to stay in the UK for work after they graduate.

The graduate route visa may switch to the Skilled Worker visa.

What is the General Process and Requirements to Migrate to the UK?

The general process for immigrating to the UK is a fairly straightforward one. Following these steps, meeting the requirements and possessing the correct documents almost always guarantees smooth immigration into the UK. 

While the route through which you may take to move to the UK may depend on what you’re going to the country to do, the general process and requirements to migrate to the UK are as follows:

1. Legal Requirements

Find out what type of visa you legally need according to your travel purpose. The UK Home Office website has a check if you need a visa test that helps determine if you need a visa and what kind.

After finding out what type of visa you need, the next step involves completing the online visa application form.

The information provided in this online form must comply with the other required documents, or your application will be rejected.

2. Documentation

Gather the required documents. The UK visa authority requires several documents during the visa application process.

3. Visa Application Process

Find a Visa Application Centre based on your country of residence. Choose the one that is close to where you live and book an appointment. Leaving early for your appointment helps your chances greatly. 

Your appointment letter, a valid passport, and other documents mentioned above should be gathered and made ready to be presented. You will need to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photographs) at this center. An adult must accompany applicants under 18 years.

Your visa application will be processed, and it usually takes about three weeks to get a decision. After the application is processed, your documents may be delivered back to you through the post, or you may be instructed to come to collect them.

4. Pay for the Visa

You will also need to apply for a UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This is necessary for immigrants staying in the country for longer than six months. Applications for a BRP from outside the UK will need to be done at the Visa Application Centre. It currently costs GBP 19.20 to get a BRP.

Choose a location to collect your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) immigration document within ten days of arrival to the UK. This document contains your full visa. 

5. Registration Upon Arriving in the UK

8. Upon arrival in the UK, you may also need to register with the police. You should do this within seven days of your arrival.

Other things that need to be sorted out in your first few weeks of landing in the UK include:

• Getting a UK SIM card;
• Opening a UK bank account;
• Registering for healthcare in the UK;
• Getting a National Insurance Number so that you can work.

What English Exams are Required for the UK?

Communicating effectively in English is necessary if you are to live, work or study in the UK successfully. You can prove your proficiency in the language by taking one of the Secure English Language Tests (SELT) from an approved provider, such as the International English Language Testing System IELTS and the Test of English as a Foreign Language TOEFL.

The IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, and IELTS Life Skills are recognized and accepted by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as proof of English proficiency for potential immigrants who wish to live, work, and study in the country.

There are some exceptions regarding who will need to present an English language proficiency test for immigration purposes. But there are no exceptions when applying to become a British citizen.

How Does the New UK points-based Immigration System Work?

The points-based immigration system was introduced in the UK on January 1, 2021, after the country officially exited the European Union. The points-based system put an end to free movement and implemented a new Immigration Bill that is intended to attract high-skilled workers from all over the world. 

The bill aims to foster fair and equal treatment of EU and non-EU citizens. Under this system, except for Irish citizens, anyone coming to the UK must meet a specific set of requirements for which they will score points. Visas are then granted to those who gain enough points. 

To qualify for a visa, immigrants coming to the UK will have to score a total of up to 70 points.

1. Skilled Worker Route

For those coming to work in the UK, speaking English (having proof of English language proficiency) and having a job offer from an approved employer for a skilled job will earn you 50 points. The remaining 20 points required to be granted a visa can be achieved if the immigrant workers are due to be paid at least GBP 25,600 a year. 

If the pay is not up to GBP 25,600 in some cases, you can still be awarded 20 points if you are employed in certain sectors with job shortages such as health or education – but the salary must be no less than the minimum of GBP 20,480 a year. To know if your job is eligible for this visa, you can look up your job’s occupation code and search for it on the UK Home Office ONS occupation coding tool.

2. Student Route

The new student visa application system allows international students from outside the UK to apply for visas six months before starting their course. This gives immigrant students a longer time (more than the previous three months that they had to apply and secure a visa under the previous system) to become familiar with the new system and help smoothen out the entire process.

The points-based system will also allow international students who have completed a degree in an approved institution in the UK to remain in the country for a further two years for work or three years for Ph.D. graduates. 

This can be done through a graduate or post-study work visa, which makes the transition into skilled work and potential long-term immigration possible.

International students may switch to a skilled work visa after completing their studies, but the 70-point minimum score still applies.

Can You Immigrate to the UK Without a Job Offer?

It is possible to immigrate to the UK without a job offer. As discussed earlier, the student visa route and the graduate visa route allow international students to move to the UK to study and remain and work if many conditions are met – including having an admission offer from a UK-approved institution, not a job offer. There are other ways immigration routes to the UK that do not require a job offer.

1. Investor Visa

The investor visa is an avenue through which you can immigrate to the UK without a job offer. To utilize this visa route, you must have at least GBP 2,000,000 (2 million GBP) to invest in any venture within the UK. 

To apply, you must be over 18, be able to prove that the investment funds belong to you or a married or unmarried partner and that you have opened an account with a UK-regulated bank to use for your funds.

 The visa allows holders to reside in the UK for up to 3 years and four months, but it can be extended for a further two years.

2. Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is open to citizens from Australia, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Iceland, Japan, Taiwan, San Marino, and South Korea. 

Applicants need to be aged between 18 and 30 to qualify. You must also have enough money to support yourself (at least GBP 2,530) with proof.

3. UK Ancestry Visa

If you’re a Commonwealth citizen or have one of your grandparents born in the UK, you can apply for the UK Ancestry visa, which is another way of immigrating to the UK without a job offer. 

The UK Ancestry visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to five years, after which you can choose to apply to extend the visa for a further five years or apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Having British parents may also make you eligible for a Right of Abode, which essentially gives you the right to live or work in the UK without restrictions.

 All British citizens are entitled to a Right of Abode, while some Commonwealth citizens also possess this right. Where there is no available proof of your eligibility for a Right of Abode, you can apply for a certificate of entitlement. 

4. Spousal Visa

The UK Spousal visa falls under the UK Family visas category. You may apply for this visa if you or your partner are British citizens or settled in the UK ( have an indefinite leave to remain or proof of permanent residence). 

To be eligible for this visa, the couple would have to be above the age of 18 and prove that they are married or have lived together for up to two years.

 You will also need to prove that you can communicate effectively in English and support yourself and your dependents financially.

With this visa, you can stay in the UK for six months to 2 years and nine months, but an extension or switch to another visa type is possible.

5. Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent visa is a visa scheme open to outstanding individuals or leaders and potential leaders in academia or research, arts and culture, and digital technology. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. 

To qualify for this visa, you must have applied and been granted an endorsement to prove that you are a leader or potential leader in the fields mentioned above.

This visa gives you the right to stay in the UK for up to five years, and it can be extended upon application for a further one to five years.

Citizenship and Permanent Residence: What to Know?

What is a Citizen?

Per The Cambridge dictionary, a citizen is a person who is a member of a particular country and who has rights because of being born there or because of being given rights, or a person who lives in a particular town or city. Simply put, a citizen is a legally recognized subject of a state, nation, or commonwealth, and they could either be native (by birth in that state) or naturalized (granted citizenship by that state). 

Each state determines the conditions under which it will recognize a person as to its citizen, or otherwise, under which the citizenship status may be withdrawn. In the UK, the British Nationality Law stipulates the conditions under which a person is recognized as a national of the United Kingdom.

The primary class of British Nationality his British citizenship, but foreign nationals may naturalize as British citizens meeting a couple of requirements, including a minimum number of years of residence in the UK (at least five years).

British citizenship allows you to live and work in the UK free of any immigration controls. You can also get a UK passport. Your status of being a British citizen depends on where and when you were born and the nationality of your parents.

Does the UK Offer Permanent Residence?

Permanent Residence in the UK is how you settle in the country. It is also called ‘settlement’ or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Permanent Residence grants you the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as you like and apply for the benefits you’re eligible for. It is also an avenue to apply for British citizenship.

There are different ways to apply for permanent residence or an Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, depending on your situation. 

How Much Does it Cost to Immigrate to the UK in 2022?

There are several things to consider when calculating the cost of immigrating to the UK. The financial demands of moving to the UK can be a bit challenging but not so daunting enough to deter anyone interested in migrating to the country. 

We will assess the cost of immigrating to the UK, starting from the fees you pay in the earlier processes, such as your visa application, to the cost of actually arriving and living in the UK.

Cost of Visa Application and Travelling

The cost of your visa depends on the specific type of visa you are applying for. Visa application fees usually cost between GBP 200 and GBP 1700. You may need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee as part of your visa application process. 

The cost ranges from GBP 470 to GBP 624 per year. Additionally, it is possible to pay for a fast-tracked premium visa processing service during your application. If you wish to collect one, the Biometric Residence Permit costs GBP 56.

You can use this tool to work out the total cost of your visa application

The cost of your flight ticket to the UK depends on where you are traveling from, but you can check your local airline websites for the price so you can plan. 

Cost of Indefinite Leave to Remain (Permanent Residence), British Naturalisation Application and Right of Abode Certification

The ILR application fee currently costs GBP 2,389, while the British naturalization fee is GBP 1,330 for adults and GBP 1,012 for children. The fee for the application for a certificate of entitlement to the Right of Abode is GBP 372

Cost of Living

Living in the UK is generally expensive, but it is costlier to live in bigger cities such as London, Oxford, Manchester, and Brighton & Hove, while the cheapest are Cardiff, Dundee, and Liverpool. A single person may need to spend around GBP 2,000 per month on living expenses, and the estimated monthly rent ranges from GBP 1,115 to GBP 2,330.

You can check the approximate living costs in the UK and prepare ahead accordingly.

Overall, you will need at least GBP 4,000 to cover the visa, flight, and health costs before you move to the UK, and then when you arrive there, you will need at least GBP 2,000 to cover your rent and other bills, up until you begin working and earning more income. 

You need to prove that you have access to these funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK before your visa application is even granted.

How to Appeal your Immigration Decision? 

As a UK immigrant/potential immigrant, if the UK Home Office or UKVI has rejected your application for a UK visa or an extension, you have the right to an Administrative Review. 

Your appeal rights for an Administrative Review are only valid if you applied for Points-based visas such as the Tier 1 visa, Skilled worker visa, UK Student visa, and the Temporary work visa.

The current rejection rate for UK visas is around 15%. But getting your visa application rejected is not the end of the world. 

The Guardian reports that 75% of the visa application appeals made against the UK Home Office are successful – which means you have a fair chance of getting your decision overturned.

However, it is advised that you proceed with a qualified immigration lawyer for professional consultation.

Procedure to Appeal if you’re in the UK:

If your application was refused or your application was granted, but you’re displeased with the conditions of your renewal, then you may request an administrative review through the following procedure:

• After receiving a receipt of refusal with an option for an administrative review, you have to thoroughly examine the reasons for the refusal to understand why your application was unsuccessful and how it can be challenging. You have only 14 days from when you get your rejection decision to apply for an administrative review.  

• Your refusal letter will provide you with the information you need to apply. You must apply online, and it costs GBP 80 to do so. 

• It currently takes about six months or more to receive the result of the administrative review. But if you haven’t gotten a decision within three months, the Home Office will contact you with an update. During this period, your visa application decision will be checked for the errors you pointed out in your review application. If your visa expires during this process, you will usually not be removed from the UK until your review has been completed.

Procedure to Appeal if you’re outside the UK:

• After receiving a receipt of refusal with an option for an administrative review, you have to thoroughly examine the reasons for the refusal to understand why your application was unsuccessful and how it can be challenging. You have a minimum of 28 days to apply for an administrative review upon receipt of your rejection decision.  

• You can apply online, and it costs GBP 80. 

• The rejection decision will be checked for the errors you point out. The same procedure and duration for a review decision regarding when you’re applying from within the UK also apply here.

Another option for when your visa application is rejected and applied from outside the UK is to assess the refusal and reapply after correcting the errors that led to the refusal. This option often yields a much faster outcome than an administrative review process.

How to Prepare for Life in the UK?

Living in the UK after a successful immigration process requires a lot of planning and preparation. First, you will have to get used to the change in culture, etiquette, and possibly weather, depending on where you’re immigrating from. We have compiled some helpful tips on adjusting to life in the UK, from settling smoothly in the country to getting a job.

Settling in the UK

To settle seamlessly in the UK, you may need to use resources that reveal what the UK culture and society feel like. Great Britain Magazine put together a valuable guide to British etiquette, which is worth giving a look at. 

Another important aspect of settling in the UK is finding familiar food as a drastic change in diet may be too difficult for some. The UK’s multicultural nature allows you to surround yourself with familiar things and people, and you should do so. It is good to learn from the experiences of those who have been in the country before you. 

It is also important to keep in touch with your family and friends while making new friends in your new environment. Striking a balance is crucial to avoid feeling isolated.

Finding Work in the UK

According to the new points-based system, having a job offer before immigrating to the UK is the best way to enter the country. It is also possible to enter the UK through another type of visa and then find work once you get there. Finding work in the UK is no mean task, and it requires persistence and research. 

The best place to start is the UK government official website which releases a list of the occupations where there are currently job shortages (meaning they are actively looking for workers in these sectors). There are jobs for professionals in healthcare, education, engineering, IT, and many more. 

If you’re looking for jobs from outside the UK, you may also check out the list of skilled work available to top professionals from numerous fields, and you can apply accordingly.

There are many only resources where you can find job postings in the UK, such as:

• Jobs.ac.UK;
• Indeed;
• LinkedIn;
• Reed;
• Gov.UK.

To apply, you need to submit a UK-style CV and cover letter and follow any given instructions and feedback. Good command of the English language is invaluable in finding work in the UK.

Another option for finding work in the UK is self-employment. To embark on this path, you need to verify if your visa allows you to be self-employed (that is, run your own business) in the UK. You will need to know how running a business works and the legal steps you need to take. 

The UK has government-backed schemes that provide financial advice and funding for those interested in being self-employed.

Top Occupations and Salaries in the UK

How to Avoid Common Problems and Pitfalls While Immigrating to the UK? 

The application process for a UK visa and immigration to the UK can be straightforward and seamless. HowRecent developments in the UK have made immigration stricter, so extra care should be taken during the entire process to avoid getting your application for a visa or an extension rejected.

Potential immigrants encounter several pitfalls over the course of their application and eventual immigration. Here are some solutions and methods of avoiding them.

Dealing with Fraudulent Agencies

Everything you need to know about moving to the UK can usually be found on the internet. The UK Home Office provides all the relevant information you will need, including what type of visa you need and where and how to apply for your visa. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid contacting agencies that you’re not entirely sure of. It is best to work under the supervision of an adult or someone who has some experience with the process.

Filling Forms Correctly

Ensure that you fill out all your information correctly and clearly. Check to see if you’re filling out the right form, and confirm the information you will be inputting to avoid uploading the wrong information.  

The information provided on any online application forms must match those in your documents. Any discrepancies may lead to a refusal.

Finally, if you can pay a well-recognized third party with expertise in the area to assist with the application process, it is advisable. 

Financial Capacity

Ensure that you are capable of paying for your application process, study fees (in the case of students), and living expenses.

To reduce costs, you may check for scholarship opportunities available to you at the school you’re applying to.

The bank statement you are using to provide proof of funds must not indicate any fraudulent activity to that effect, as this will automatically guarantee your rejection and possible ban from further applications. 

Interview Tips

Applicants are advised to answer questions honestly and briefly during interviews. Additionally, being calm and composed helps you to gain your interviewer’s confidence.  

It is important to state that under no circumstance should you voice any intention to stay in the UK after completing your degree (if you are applying for a student visa). Therefore, you must clearly state that you have full intention of returning to your home country to work.

Avoid using Fraudulent or Forged Documents

Using fraudulent or forged documents may be detrimental to your stay in the UK. If you are not immediately found out, the eventual discovery of such acts may lead to deportation from the UK.

Therefore, ensure that all the required documents stated above are available and genuine before going through the application process.

Timely Application

You can start applying for a UK visa as early as six months before your intended travel date, and you should do just that. You should also endeavor to be prompt at all VAC appointments and interviews.

Additional FAQs — UK Immigration