The authorization to work in the UK is a major success. However, going through the visa process is just an initial step. There are a lot of things you need to know and be ready for when you come and settle down in the UK.
Let’s discuss your rights, cost estimation, visa extension, and challenges, along with some tips once you get a work visa UK.
Work Visa UK: What to Expect After Getting a Visa
- Starting Work & Your Rights
Your work visa, first and foremost, gives you the right to legally work in the UK, but under certain conditions. These conditions will be mentioned on your visa as:
- The position(s) you are going to fill
- Your employer (if the visa is employer-sponsored)
- Visa validation
- Other requirements include working hours, change of employer, etc
Your employer will ask you to confirm your right to work in the UK before you start working. This is mandatory as per the law. In most cases, you are not allowed to switch jobs without restrictions—you might need to go through the whole process again to get a new sponsorship if you change employer or role.
If you are on a work visa, you will likely receive nothing out of the UK government’s public welfare system, which is what the UK refers to as “public funds.”
- Living in the UK: Accommodation, Cost & Integration
Housing & Accommodation
One of the first things that you have to do is to find a house or an apartment. Most people prefer to rent from the private market; thus, flats, shared houses, or studio apartments are the most common housing types. Here are some highlighted expenses when renting a house;
- Security deposit
- One or two months’ rent in advance
- A guarantor (someone who agrees to pay if you can’t)
- Landlords usually ask you to show your proof of identity, visa status proof, and income or employment proof.
Healthcare & National Health Service (NHS)
As a worker, you have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) with your visa application. This also allows you to use the NHS (public health system). In most cases, this means that you can avail of general practitioner, hospital treatment, and various other services.
However, some expenses (medications, dental care, eye care) may still arise in particular situations.
- Progression, Extensions & Settlement
Visa Extensions
Your work visa will have a date on which it expires, usually up to 5 years or less. You are required to apply for the extension (if you are eligible) or to switch to a different visa category, if your situation changes (job, employer, role), before it expires.
In the past, almost all work visas allowed ILR after five years of continued stay. But, with new proposals and reform moves coming into play in 2025, it is possible that the period for settlement will be increased to ten years for the majority of the visa categories.
Challenges You May Face
- Changes in Immigration Laws
UK immigration rules are a work in progress. Visa rules, language requirements, salary thresholds, and settlement rules changes can all have implications for you. Be in the loop.
- Cultural & Weather Changes
UK weather can be rainy, cold, or just dark in some areas. Usually, houses are insulated, but still, they may not feel like yours. You will gradually get used to the food, transport, social styles, and cultural norms of the new place.
- Communication
It might be difficult for you to understand the UK accent even when you are excellent in English.
Key Tips
- Be aware of the updated visa changes.
- Think about visa extensions and settlement ahead of time; do not delay it till the last moment.
- Be careful in terms of your budget, especially for the first few months.
- Keep your documents, i.e, contracts, payslips, visa letters, tax statements save in a hard and soft copy.
Final Words
A UK work visa is a ticket to professional development and cultural experiences. Pay attention to the changes in the rules regarding your visa, and include costs for renting and daily living in your financial plan. Networking, mastering a new language, and connecting with local people will all be of great assistance in your migration process.
If you are open-minded and flexible, then the UK will not only be a professional but also a personal experience full of rich cultural diversity as one of the most lively nations in the world.