Redwing Immigration’s Guide for Newcomers to the UK
Moving to another country can raise a lot of questions. We have put together a guide for newcomers to the UK based on frequently asked questions. Read on to find out more information and helpful links for the following topics:
- Healthcare
- Employment and National Insurance Numbers
- Share codes
- Education
- Student fees and finances
- Driving licences
- Opening a bank account
- Collecting your BRP
Healthcare
Most applicants will have paid the immigration health surcharge at the time of making an application which gives you access to NHS services in the same way that British citizens and those with permanent status have. There are some services that you will still need to pay for, such as prescriptions, dental treatment, assisted conception services, eye care, and wigs and fabric supports.
Helpful links:
- A comprehensive overview of your entitlements to healthcare
- Advice from the NHS for people moving to or visiting England
- A guide to registering with a GP
- Information about when you will need to pay for NHS care
- A guide to dental health entitlements
- A guide to dental costs
Employment and National Insurance Numbers
You will need to apply for a National Insurance Number if you have the right to work in the UK and you are working, looking for work, or have an offer to start work.
You can apply for a National Insurance Number online.
Helpful links:
- An introduction to National Insurance Numbers
- Information on who can apply for a National Insurance Number
- Information on how to apply for a National Insurance Number
Share Codes
A share code allows you to prove your immigration status to others. For example, they can be used to prove your right to work to an employer and your right to rent.
You can get a share code if you have been told you are able to view your immigration status online. You will need a UKVI account to be able to get a share code. You will also be able to check your right to work, rent, or claim benefits through this online system.
If you do not have a UKVI account, there are alternative ways to proving your right to work or right to rent.
Helpful links:
- View and prove your immigration status
- Prove your right to work with a share code
- Prove your right to rent with a share code
- Information about manual right to rent checks
Education
Foreign national children living in the UK have the right to attend state-funded and independent schools. State-funded schools are funded by the government and free to attend, whereas independent schools charge fees.
Primary schools are for children aged 4 to 11, whereas secondary schools are for children aged 11 to 16. Children older than 16 can choose to stay in education or combine work and study by completing things like internships, apprenticeships, and traineeships.
Helpful links:
- Guidance for applying for schools
- Apply for a primary school place
- Apply for a secondary school place
- Information on post-16 options
Student Fees and Finances
You can attend university or college, but it is likely that you would be assessed for fees as an international student. Your university or college will likely have their own student advice team who can help you with queries related to student finance. You can also refer to the UKCISA website or call their helpline for advice.
Helpful links:
Driving Licences
The place your driving licence was issued will determine what actions you need to take in order to be able to drive in the UK. You might be able to drive in the UK using your current licence, exchange your current licence for a UK licence, or have to take a UK driving test in order to get a valid licence. There are tools on the government website to help you check whether you can drive in the UK on your non-UK licence and if you are eligible to exchange your non-UK licence for a UK licence.
Helpful links:
- Check if you can drive in the UK on your non-UK licence
- Check if you are eligible to exchange your non-UK licence for a UK licence
Opening a Bank Account
As a resident of the UK, you are entitled to open a UK bank account if you wish to do so. Banks are required to carry out immigration status checks so you must have valid leave in the UK to be able to open an account.
There are many banks and types of accounts to choose from, so it would be best to do some research and decide what would be the best fit for you. A lot of banks offer their own incentives to encourage individuals to open an account with them.
Once you decide which type of account to open and with which bank, you will need to check what documents they require in order for you to open an account – this will vary slightly from bank to bank, but they usually require proof of identity and proof of address.
Helpful links:
Collecting Your BRP
If you made your application from outside the UK, you will need to collect your BRP once you arrive, usually either before the expiry date of your vignette sticker, or within 10 days of arriving.
Your decision letter will either tell you which named Post Office branch to collect your BRP from, or if you must collect it from your sponsor if this is the option you chose when making your application.
It is important to check you have all the documents you need with you when you go to collect your BRP. This will be outlined in your decision letter.
Helpful links:
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