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Archive for the ‘Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logistical Issues’ Category

UK Relocation – Essential Needs for a Successful Move

Friday July 6th, 2012

Making a UK relocation is an exciting yet daunting undertaking as you endeavor to transition an entire life (or lives, if you’re making a UK relocation with a family) from one country to another. Aside from the job-searching, packing, and unpacking, there’s a laundry list of necessities to consider to truly integrate into the UK system and culture.

UK Relocation – Before You Move

As I’ve blogged about time and again, no UK relocation is possible without first acquiring a UK visa. Moving abroad to study requires a student visa, but most professionals need corporate sponsorship for a Tier 2 visa. Whether you must obtain this through a job search or existing job transfer, you’ll have to get your visa application and work permit sorted, not only on your behalf but your dependents as well if making the UK relocation with a spouse/partner/children. London Relocation can assist with this as well as procuring your National Insurance card and getting you registered with local authorities as necessary.

Next up once you have your visa and employment/studies established, you’ll need to coordinate moving and freight services to ship your belongings overseas. London Relocation likewise assists with this from start to finish, from helping you pack up your old home to unpacking in your new one. Until you can move into that new home, however, you’ll also require short-term accommodation, be it a hotel or short-let apartment, depending on your length of stay and budget. It won’t be too long if you’re flat-searching through London Relocation’s efficient service, but could also be contingent on whether that search is prior to or after your official UK relocation or whether an advance visit is also a holiday for pleasure or to get other matters situated.

UK Relocation – Once You Arrive

In addition to conducting your home search, London Relocation can provide you with a London neighborhood orientation to acclimate you with London more quickly. You might also consider a visit prior to your UK relocation so you can have a better, advance idea of where to look for your London apartment. Finding a home and moving into it is a major item to tick off that UK relocation list, but even after moving in you need to settle in. Once again, London Relocation to the rescue in helping you get sorted with UK utilities, a UK bank account, renting or purchasing furniture and other home decor, and simply being on-hand as a friendly listening ear and helping hand with whatever other needs and concerns arise.

Oh, but there’s more fun to be had once on UK soil [insert sarcastic tone here]. A UK relocation also means taking on UK taxes, and depending on what country you’re moving from, they could impact you differently. If you’re intimidated by the bureaucratic hairiness of tackling the UK tax system (as well as the US one if you’re moving to London from the States), London Relocation can assist you in understanding the various UK tax forms, rates, treaties with different countries, customs duties on the goods you ship into the UK, and so forth.

UK Relocation – Support for Your Loved Ones

We understand, of course, that a UK relocation could be bigger than just you and your individual needs. If you’re moving with children of school-age, your London apartment search could largely depend on where your kids will be attending school. A school search, then, is something you’ll want to research and coordinate in advance of your UK relocation, and this can be accomplished through London Relocation, too. We’ll help you understand the various different types of UK schools as well as aid your child’s transition to this new environment.

Also not to be neglected is your accompanying spouse or partner. They may need assistance with job-searching if their own career is interrupted by your UK relocation, and it’s always advantageous to establish a new support network as soon as possible, which can be achieved by joining local social clubs, volunteer organizations, and so forth. At the very least, London Relocation can personally escort your spouse/partner around your new neighborhood to introduce all the great places to shop, dine, and otherwise get the most out of London!

And we haven’t forgotten those other special members of your family if your UK relocation also entails a pet relocation. London Relocation advises on the intricacies of the UK’s Pet Travel Scheme as well as what areas are the most pet-friendly and where to obtain pet services, insurance, and passports.

It’s a lot to think about, but don’t be overwhelmed. You have London Relocation on your side to provide you with the most personable service suited to each and every one of your needs. We’re one-stop-shopping at its most comprehensive to ensure your UK relocation is successful.

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Selecting High-Quality UK Relocation Companies

Wednesday June 20th, 2012

Whether you’re an HR representative organizing an employee’s UK relocation to London or an individual researching your own move, deciding whether you should utilize the services of UK relocation companies should be the easiest choice you make: yes, yes you should! And when it comes to selecting good UK relocation companies, don’t settle for “good enough.” While it’s tempting to think when you’ve seen one, you’ve seen ’em all, UK relocation companies like London Relocation add variety, that vital spice of life.

Why UK Relocation Companies are Necessary

In a perfect London, lettings agents and landlords would all have your best interests in mind. This is not always the reality, unfortunately, and those making a UK relocation are the easiest targets to take advantage of. Think about it: even if you toured here on vacation before, you’re still less familiar with neighborhoods, prices, and properties than the locals and particularly vulnerable when it comes to the different ways the property market works around here—particularly vulnerable when you have nowhere else to go but an expensive London hotel or serviced accommodation. Don’t worry, I was in your situation, too, and I can promise you’ll get through it, but it’s admittedly tough on your own…

To be brutally honest, landlords here are rather spoiled owning property in a city with unlimited demand. There’s a continuous influx of expats making UK relocations here in addition to all the residents flocking in from the country and smaller UK cities. This demand allows landlords to keep their asking prices high on rent, and a too-large number of them are evidently comfortable with pulling out of previously agreed on terms to go with a higher bidder elsewhere (a nasty little activity called “gazumping”). Then there’s the lettings agency, which the landlord pays to find tenants for properties, not the tenant (with the exception of admin fees). So, in the end, whose interests will a lettings agency likely serve? Correct: the landlord’s, not the tenant’s.

Who’s got your (or your employee’s) back then? Right again (you’re good at this!): the UK relocation companies. At least they ought to.  London Relocation certainly does, at any rate, and I’ll tell you why…

What Distinguishes London Relocation From Other UK Relocation Companies

London Relocation is unlike all other UK relocation companies in a variety of ways. The agency’s process, for one, is the only one in London that will show you 18 to 25 properties in a single day. We operate on a quick-turnaround time frame, no messing around, as we’re not compensated for each day out like many other UK relocation companies, which tempts them to drag out their searches. For those moving, saving that money is not only ideal, but so is saving all that time that otherwise takes you away from that job you need to start here or family that needs help settling in.

The “settling in” is also where UK relocation companies figure into the equation. A roof and four walls can make for a house, but a home is made when you successfully start your life in that space and in this country. Having a UK bank account and phone, cable, internet, and water utilities set up is another layer of logistics to tackle prior to or upon moving in. Knowing where to buy your groceries, toiletries, furnishings, and other household needs or where to find a doctor and good schools are also key, and a relocation agent can advise on all that and beyond (follow all the links in this paragraph as well, which reference previous blog posts I’ve written that provide more specifics on utilities and such).

It’s very much in your Relocation agent’s interest to see clients safe, sound, and settled into their new apartments as soon as possible after arriving in the UK, and should the dreaded gazumping occur, rest easy that LR will accommodate you in any way needed until your agent finds a new flat. The Relocation agency is also quite unique in its genuine compassion for its clients. Being expats themselves, LR staff empathizes with your UK relocation, and our tight-knit sense of community within the company extends to anyone we contact.

A Final Word on UK Relocation Companies

If you (or a company employee you’re responsible for) is moving abroad, it’s vital to have an expert on your side. A UK relocation agent like us will conduct a thorough needs assessment that targets prioritized criteria in terms of property and neighborhood. Peace of mind is having someone on your side, answering the tough questions for you, and making you feel secure that everything will turn out all right.

And I can’t speak for the other UK relocation companies, but your Relocation agent will make finding a flat a heck of a lot of fun, too, right down to the moment the lease is signed and the keys are in your hand.

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Relocation To London From The USA

Tuesday May 22nd, 2012

What’s the very first step when you’re planning your relocation to London from the USA? Finding out whether or not you can live and work in London is going to be the first challenge of relocation or immigration. Of course, if you’re planning your relocation from the USA as part of a work/jobs program then you’re employer will sort out the details of your visas, but it’s always wise to understand the process in case you have to apply for a spouse or extended family member to join you.

Relocation To London from The USA – Visa Types

Most visas will allow you to live and work in England for a period of between 2 – 3 years. Depending on what type of visa you are eligible for you may be able to apply for an extension at the end of the period. To apply for permanent residency in the United Kingdom after your relocation to London from the USA you have to have been living there for 5 years at least.

Relocation To London From the USA Visa Facts

Sponsored Workers Visa: This is the easiest way to have a successful relocation from the USA If you are transferred to a subsidiary of your company then they will handle the visa application for you and there will be no problems with immigration. Be sure to check that they sponsor your partner’s visa and any family members who are coming with you.

Student Visa: If you intend on studying for a degree in the United Kingdom you can apply for a Student Visa that will last the length of your course and give you another four months after your course ends. The United Kingdom works on a ‘points system’ for entry. To qualify for a student visa you need to have at least 40 points on the scoring system. To get the required points you will need a letter of acceptance from the educational institution as well as a letter from the bank stating that you have enough funds to cover the first year of your studies and your living costs.

Apply for Visas Before Your Relocation To London From the USA

Always apply for your visas in the USA. Trying to get a visa when you’re already here can be difficult and time consuming. Try and do as much as possible to smooth the path of your relocation from the USA before you start packing. It’ll save you time and money when you arrive in the UK.

 

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Visa Realities for a UK Relocation – Part 2

Tuesday May 15th, 2012

So, when I told my husband last night what I blogged about yesterday regarding getting (and keeping) a visa for a UK relocation, his response was, “Geez! Don’t ruin London Relocation’s business by discouraging people to move here!” Yikes! SO not my intention, people, so I genuinely hope it isn’t coming across that way. :) What I do intend, though, is to just talk straight with you so that you aren’t thrown any curve-balls that could make your UK relocation any less feasible or pleasant than it ought to be. So that being said, today I’ll continue my straight-talk for you spouses and partners of professionals moving to London for work on a Tier 2 visa.

UK Relocation – UK Visas for Spouses and Partners

If you’re the spouse or partner of a Tier 2 visa holder, the good news is that you’ll also automatically have a visa and right to work in the UK by virtue of your dependent status. When my husband and I made our UK relocation in 2008 (yes, I moved here for his job and therefore fall into this spousal visa bucket), our visas were issued for a five-year term. These days, however, it seems the norm is three before you can then apply for indefinite leave to remain.

UK Relocation – Visa Terms and Your Employment

And now for the bad news…Well, feeling out how your employment back home might translate over here isn’t the easiest of tasks—many spouses will attest that making a lateral career move is an especial challenge, and sometimes you have to take steps back in your profession (or try something else entirely) when it comes down to basically taking what you can get. This can make for an exciting new opportunity or royally frustrating setback depending on your perspective.

If you want to find a full-time (i.e., permanent vs. contract) position in the UK, you’ll have to hit the ground running. I know I, for one, wanted to reserve the first couple months following my UK relocation for getting settled in and adjusted. You definitely need that time. But then the job search will require more, and you don’t want to wait too long because once your visa has less than two years left until expiration, UK employment law renders you ineligible for permanent employment. For example, I still have an entire year and a half left on my Tier 2 spousal visa—an arguably longer term than a local might stay in a permanent job—but even after living and working in the UK for going-on four years, I couldn’t apply for anything but temporary, contract-basis work at this point. That’s pretty jarring. So, for your own planning purposes, if you want to find a permanent work role after your UK relocation, initiate your search well in advance of two years prior to visa expiration and hold on to the job you get—unless, perhaps, you find a company to sponsor you in your own right and apply for a new visa based on that.

If, on the other hand, you don’t want/have to work here, then good on you!

UK Relocation – Keep the Faith

Again, the challenge of finding a London job after a UK relocation relates to what I spoke of yesterday: the tendency for locals to win jobs over expats because it’s sometimes a path of least resistance for employers. This isn’t to say, though, that the UK doesn’t recognize foreign talent; companies very much do and welcome it, so you just have to keep morale high and never give up asserting your qualifications to help contribute to this fine society. It’s not you; it’s just a tough market in the current global climate, and everyone is scrambling for their piece of the pie. Like I said before, your perspective dictates your experience. None of us move here just to replicate exactly what we had at home; it’s for taking on new experiences. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, as they say, and I can sure tell you that the road bumps we expats (and accompanying spouses at that) can hit are incredibly character-defining. So don’t lose heart. Just embrace your UK relocation for what it is and has yet to become!

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Visa Realities for a UK Relocation – Part 1

Tuesday May 15th, 2012

I’m going to speak frankly this week, expat to expat, in case you’re making a UK relocation and could face similar issues. As the title “Visa Realities for a UK Relocation” would imply, my topic relates to visas, which has every bit as much to do with working in the UK as it does moving there to begin with. Whether you’re relocating for your own work or with a spouse or partner, however, impacts the nature of the issues you could face. Today, let’s look at the profile of the Tier 2 visa holder…

UK Relocation – UK Visas for Professionals

Student visas are one matter, work-permit ones another. With the now effectively nonexistent Tier 1 visa, the reality for making a UK relocation happen for most expats pretty much hinges on finding a job here that will sponsor you. Easier said than done. If you’re being asked to transfer or want to and can possibly negotiate it with your employer, great—pursue that, and your company will sponsor your Tier 2 visa. There are no limitations to such. There is a finite amount, however, allocated to corporate-sponsored visas not related to employee transfers; that is, if you are hired for a new job in the UK.

UK Relocation – Setting Yourself Apart from the Rest

In the case of finding new work in the UK, to start, be aware that you’re effectively being hired as a local so likely won’t benefit from much of an expat package—the art of negotiation will determine what perqs you could get, but you might have a bit less leverage (see my earlier post “Relocating to London: Negotiating an Expat Package with Your Employer” for some considerations—though, mind you, there could be some benefits to not getting that support! See link here).

Beyond that, it’s also critical to understand that UK employers face the burden of proving to the UK government that the position was also open to UK and EU candidates and that such candidates were legitimately deemed less qualified for the position than you. You can understand, then, why employers might be reluctant to hire outside of UK and EU citizens when there’s a talented pool of professionals locally and it’s the path of least resistance. There’s no fast and easy answer to this. My best advice is to network like mad and register with recruiters in your field, if not approach relevant companies directly. Take some time to visit the UK to arrange meetings as well; good face-to-face impressions could ultimately lead to interviews that could ultimately lead to a UK relocation.

UK Relocation – Once on UK Soil

When you’ve proven to that UK employer that you are indeed that rare and unique snowflake deserving of the role, first of all, congrats! You can now initiate your UK relocation. If you’re hoping to be in for the long haul, note that you must live in the UK five years in order to apply for permanent residency, and then another year for citizenship (which requires passing an examination as well that isn’t for the faint of heart). Regardless of your goals, the short-term stretch of a UK relocation for all non-EU expats is all about the visa. So if you want to stay on at least a couple years or so, hold on to that job and hope the position (or company itself) will remain stable, or else ensure you can find another employer willing to sponsor you, as your Tier 2 visa is contingent on that sponsorship.

Take nothing for granted in those first five years, folks. A UK relocation is a beautiful thing, but there are a lot of variables involved that could make it less than a sure thing, especially now that the safety net of the Tier 1 visa is a thing of the past. Stay tuned tomorrow when I speak from the perspective of those involved in a UK relocation as a spouse or partner.

 

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London Relocation Consultancy To Help With Documentation

Friday April 20th, 2012

A London relocation consultancy firm will offer many services in the fee they charge. This includes things such as property placement, neighbourhood advice, tips on transportation, job openings, schools for your children and much more. One of the most helpful ways that a relocation agent can help you will be with documentation. There will be a lot of documentation to arrange as soon as you relocate and to save you time and effort, you can guarantee that a relocation company can do the hard work on your behalf.

Country Entrance

You can rely on a London relocation consultancy company to help you understand what documents are necessary for entrance to a particular country. If you are traveling overseas to get into the United Kingdom, you will need a visa. It is important that you acquire this before you move, so if you are unaware of how to do so, you should contact the relocation company before you get on a plane. A visa can differ so if you are planning on working when you get to the UK, you need to get a working visa so that you are legal to earn an income in the city.

Driving Licence

When moving from somewhere like America to London, you will likely not have much knowledge on the rules associated with getting a driving licence in the UK. A London relocation consultancy can help with this. If you do not want to commute to work via the London Underground, bus or taxi, then driving may be worthwhile for you. You can worry about getting a vehicle, whether you buy or rent, after you arrive on British grounds. However, the driving licence should be sorted out as soon as possible. It is possible that you can use an International Driving Permit, but this may not be so. Specific driving licences and information on requirements can be supplied by the relocation agent.

Forms For Living Arrangements

After you first arrive in the United Kingdom, you will need London relocation consultancy workers to arrange accommodation for you. It might not be achievable to get a permanent place to stay at the beginning, but forms can be filled out to get you temporary lodging while the house hunt takes place. Once the relocation agent finds a property to meet your requirements, they will negotiate deals and you need not worry about filling in any documents. This is because the London relocation consultancy will prepare forms and speak with the landlord about any possible discounts for the new property that you invest in.

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London Flats – Tips For Getting A UK Visa

Saturday April 7th, 2012

When you relocate to London flatsyou need to sort out your UK visa. Without a visa, it will be difficult for you to reside, study or work in this city, proving just how essential it is to getting the visa application process out of the way before your relocation. Many people fall into traps while applying for a UK visa, because they are unsure of what details they need on hand, which could eventually result in a rejected application. To ensure that all of the legal details are organized prior to moving into London flats, take into account the following valuable pieces of advice.

Have Proof Of Income Or Benefits

Those people who assign UK visas to people moving to London flats will require a proof of income or benefits. If you lack this information, it is highly likely that your application will be rejected. The person handling your application needs to see that you have a way to make money while living in the city, whether this is through a new career, a current income or benefits. It is important to remember though that the income needs to be sufficient, because if you are not earning enough to rent your London flats and live comfortably in the city with a partner or friend, your visa will be rejected.

Keep Bank Statements Handy

Many documents will be shown to the people sorting out a UK visa for you and something you need to keep handy in your London flats will be bank statements. Bank statements or salary slips are evidence that you earn money or that you have enough funds to get by while in the city. So long as you are not relying on benefits, then you will be a desirable candidate to receive a UK visa. It is worth having 3-6 months’ worth of your statements from the bank when you move into London flats.

Build A Good Resume

It may seem irrelevant to an application for a UK visa when moving into a flat but the resume you build will help you to get a job. It is no good living off the state and this is why the application process is so thorough, because those people who work in the visa application offices will need to choose international people who are of some use to the city. With a career path in mind and a steady amount of background experience, the UK visa service can see that you are willing to get a job when moving into London flats, which will go in your favour.

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London Apartments For Rent – Things To Think About Before Applying For A Visa

Wednesday March 28th, 2012

If you are studying in the city and looking into getting London apartments for rent, you will probably need a Visa. A Visa is essential if you are going to be staying in a different country for a few months, whether it is for studying, business or pleasure. Depending on your circumstances you should plan things in advance, so that all documents can be filed and your Visa sent to you before you travel. Here are some tips relating to things you must bear in mind when applying for a Visa to move into London apartments for rent.

Find A Local Visa Centre

Visa centres are everywhere and if you are already living here, you should use the Internet or speak with someone in this industry to find a nearby centre. Alternatively, find a centre in your current country of residence. No matter where you will be traveling from, a trip to speak with someone about a Visa can be of great help. Not only can you get your questions answered this way, but you can also organize payment for the Visa, gain assistance to fill in forms and discuss your options. Based on how long you will live here, your Visa may run out and will need renewing, so it is imperative that you discuss the situation in-depth.

Learn How Long The Process Takes

The time it takes to view your details and process a new Visa can vary, depending on how many people are applying for a Visa at the time that you relocate to London apartments for rent. You can speak with an advisor about this when you venture to your local Visa centre, but this may not clear things up completely. Therefore you should spare some time for delivery of the Visa, before you move. If you land in the United Kingdom with no Visa, you could have trouble studying at all, so avoid inconvenience by sorting this out prior to moving into London apartments for rent.

Apply Online Or On Paper?

Many people who move into apartments for rent debate between whether or not they want to apply for a Visa using the Internet or by filling out a form and posting it. To be honest, neither process will be any quicker so if you are faster at typing than you are at filling out forms by hand, you should use the Internet. Another benefit of the Internet is that you can view articles and information on moving at the same time, so that you are aware of everything before relocating to London apartments for rent.

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Organize A Bank Account To Afford London Apartments For Rent

Tuesday March 6th, 2012

When you look for London apartments for rentas part of your relocation from America, you will need to consider your bank account. Moving from a different country will mean that your current account may not be suitable for use on everything in this new city. The organization of your bank account should be done in advance, so that when you arrive at your new London apartments for rent, you are able to afford everything with no financial obligations weighing you down.

Do Some Homework

It is imperative that you do your homework when opening a bank account to pay monthly for London apartments for rent. This homework means researching a number of different banks. Popular banks that British residents opt for collaborations with include HSBC, Natwest and Barclays.  There are various other banks so it is advisable to compare and contrast the pros and cons of each one. Take into account your current situation, employment circumstances, etc. A good deal could not only save you money, but it could make you money as a result of incurring interest on your savings. Visit some advisors in the city, or alternatively, if you have not yet moved into London apartments for rent, it may be useful to use a telephone and contact some British banks before your relocation.

Consider Extras

Lots of Americans who are starting a new life in the metropolitan city of London will ignore the extras that can be obtained when getting a bank account, as a way of making payments for an apartment for rent. Examples of some extras include travel insurance, phone insurance, etc. While these extras could incur you some additional charges, they should not be ignored, because that investment will pay off greatly in the up and coming years of living in the big city. Many banks will enable you to supply details, so that an account can be set up relating to your specific needs, so bear this in mind when moving into London apartments for rent.

Seek Advice From A Professional

After a thorough hunt for the perfect bank to do business with, you will probably be a bit skeptical as to which one would assist you the most in paying for bills at your apartments for rent. This is where a professional can help. Although advisors in a bank could be of assistance, they will not always cater their help to ensure you get the best deal. To avoid falling into a financial trap, invest in the help of a relocation service. These people have thorough knowledge on what to do and what not to do when getting London apartments for rent, so their advice will be more than valuable.

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Obtaining A Visa Before Choosing London Apartments For Rent

Wednesday February 29th, 2012

There are some things that you need to take into consideration before you get London apartments for rent, mainly, your visa. A visa is essential when relocating to most countries, whether it is on a temporary or permanent basis. Learn the basics of why you need a visa and how to obtain one in order to find London apartments for rent, without any stress or fuss along the way.

Purpose Of A Visa

You must be approved to transfer to the United Kingdom from another country if you want to get anapartment for rent. With the United Kingdom, and London in particular, being a popular place for people of different backgrounds to venture to, there is a very strict process relating to moving here. A visa enables you to live in a different location and even work there, if you so wish. An application will need to be filled out in order to be considered as a citizen of the UK and invest in apartments for rent.

Types Of Visa

There is more than just one type of visa, and what one depends on how long you want to get your London apartments for rent. It may be beneficial to get a six-month visa, before you opt for a permanent visa. This is because you can get accustomed to the British way of living and spare some time to find a job, before you are granted full access to a permanent visa. Remember to take into account the fact that you must show proof of your funds, to display you have the ability to survive in London for that particular period of time. You may then apply for a full visa online, or with the help of a relocation agent. Alternatively, people wanting to get London apartments for rent could benefit from acquiring a student visa, a temporary worker visa, a company transfer visa or a visa for complete British citizenship.

Where To Get A Visa

There are many places where you can get a visa for when you look into spending money on apartments for rent. The first place many people venture to will be the Internet, because there are a number of online outlets where a quick form can be filled out. This offers convenience and the ability to learn more about what visa suits you. Other ways to apply for a visa could be with the help of a relocation agent for apartments for rent, or conversely, from the nearest visa application center in your current area of residence.

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Relocation to London – How to Bring a Pet from the US to London

Friday December 30th, 2011

Almost every pet owner experiencing the process of relocation to London assumes their pet will come with them.  While healthy dogs, cats and ferrets are very welcome in the UK there are several steps to ensure their arrival will coincide with the family’s.  Thankfully, quarantine is not needed, but six months or more are.  For Americans moving to London planning the move well in advance is the key to a successful and smooth move – especially when it comes to the furry family members.

The requirements for dogs, cats and ferrets moving to London are relatively simple and strait forward.  It would be in a family’s best interest to ask London relocation agents about the current requirements immediately upon deciding on the international move to make sure all requirements are known and met.  Relying on the internet is helpful, but not always a reliable source.

Currently, the requirements of which families experiencing international relocation should be aware are:

1)    Each pet should be microchipped with the microchip able to be read.  Inspectors will not rely on the ID number but will physically check the chip. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.  All animal identification is done solely through the microchip.

2)    All pets must have had a rabies vaccination within 12 months of moving to London, provide an original rabies certificate including the microchip number, date of the vaccination and length of the vaccination period (some are good for one year,  others for two years).

3)    All pets must have a Rabies Fluorescent Antibody Viral Neutralization (FAVN) blood test to be accepted into the UK.  There is only one facility in the US that performs this test.  After the blood sample is received the pet must wait six months before the results are ready.  Since this test takes so long, it is highly recommended that the pet owner research all necessary procedures before the blood is delivered.

4)    A letter from the veterinarian is needed stating when the microchip was implanted, when the rabies vaccination was given and when the blood was drawn for the FAVN test.

5)    No more than four months before moving to London a EU vet form must be completed by a veterinarian.

6)    A USDA endorsement must be completed.  A veterinarian will have to provide documentation of all required vaccinations and tests so that the US can allow the pet to leave the country.

7)    One to two days before the family’s international relocation the pet must see the veterinarian so that an International Health Certificate can be issued.

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London Relocation’s 12 Days of Christmas – Day the Fourth

Saturday December 17th, 2011

Continuing on with our London Relocation version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” to make your international relocation festive, the next line in the original is: “On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me four calling birds.”

Please join me in now singing our Christmas carol:

“On the fourth day of Christmas, London gave to me…

MORE CALLING PLANS…”

When you settle into your new apartment rental, your Relocation agent will refer you to various service providers for setting up your utilities. As a preview for phone services, here’s a smattering of calling options. Internet calling services like Skype, for one, are very inexpensive for calling home long-distance. Mobile phones in the UK are also a lot more flexible in their offerings than cell phone plans in the States that lock you in for eternity—service contracts can be at least six months shorter than their U.S. counterparts, and phones aren’t locked to one provider, so interchangeable SIM cards allow you to switch services without paying for a new phone, too. Four major mobile phone operators in the UK are Vodafone, T-Mobile, O2, and Orange, and Carphone Warehouse is a good place to make comparisons and purchase phones and services (online and in-store). Finally, though many expats only temporarily relocating to London might bypass a landline phone, if you prefer one, five major landline phone operators in the UK are Virgin, BT, TalkTalk, Vonage, and Primus. The major UK TV subscription services like Sky, Virgin Media, and British Telecom (BT) offer cable, internet, and phone bundles for savings, and online resources like HomePhoneChoices and uSwitch are available for making comparisons. It’s one more thing to think about for a relocation, but something your Relocation agent can certainly assist with!

And now, to continue caroling:

“…pretty fresh hens,
sea turtle tanks,
and a cartridge to hunt in country.”

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Relocation to London – Is Bringing Furniture Worth It?

Tuesday December 13th, 2011

Many Americans moving to London wonder if they should pack up all their belongings just as if they were moving across the country.  There are, after all, international moving companies that make the process relatively easy, right? Yes, there are international moving companies, most reputable and are more than capable of packing one’s possessions in the states and guaranteeing their arrival safe and sound in the UK.

The downside is the cost.  Moving an entire home’s worth of furniture oversees is expensive to say the least.  Adding to that depressing fact is that London has one of the highest costs of living in the world.  Add on top of the price the fact that if shipping one’s belongings by water (the cheapest way, by far) it will be four weeks minimum before the household furniture and other items arrive in London.  So, the question arises, is it even worth moving all that stuff?

In most cases it is not worth it.  For families of international relocation planning on returning to the states within a few years, storing their belongings is a much more affordable option.  In fact, most London relocation agents will recommend that families sell, pitch, or give away all items they can before moving.  After narrowing down a home’s worth of belongings to the absolute must-haves some soul-searching is required.  How badly does the family really need those items?

Furniture should stay in America.  Not only is it expensive to transport there will probably not be room for it in the new home.  British furniture and homes are not nearly as large and spacious as their American counterparts making it highly likely that there will be a space issue.  London relocation agents can either help a family find a furnished home or point families in the direction of an affordable furniture auction house or retailer.

Other household items’ worth must be determined by the family on a case-by-case basis.  Families moving to London should truly assess whether they need Grandma’s quilt or the brand new waffle iron in the kitchen cabinet.  Once again, qualified London relocation agents can help families whittle down what they absolutely will need.

Part of the fun of international relocation, and especially moving here, is fitting one’s home in the traditions of the new culture.  While change is hard for many families shopping to furnish a new home might just be the ice breaker needed after an international relocation.

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Relocation UK – Companies That Can Help You Obtain Your UK Visa

Monday December 12th, 2011

If you’re seeking to make an international relocation to London, the first thing you’ll need to make it happen is your UK visa. Easier said than done, right? Yet the effort is not only worth it but imperative. Without your visa, you will not be permitted to live, work, or study in the United Kingdom, dashing any dreams of moving to London. And while our London Relocation agents can do a lot of the work for you in finding where to rent London apartments, negotiating rent and lease terms, referring you to utility service providers, and assisting with other aspects of settling in, the London Relocation company itself unfortunately can’t assist with your visa process—other than to answer general questions on which visa you likely need (Tier 2 is most common for professionals, Tier 4 for students), how to contact the UK Border Agency, etc.

So, do your research and keep patient with the time it may take. It’s also in your interest to inquire with service providers specializing in UK visa applications. If you simply Google the phrase “UK visa solicitors,” a number come up that you may be able to initially inquire with online and ask them to call or email you back. A few of such are listed below:

www.rlegal.com
m.legalcentre.org
www.globalvisas.com/countries/uk_immigration.html
www.ukmigrationlawyers.co.uk
www.sunrisesolicitors.co.uk
www.pklaw.co.uk
www.mulberryfinch.com

Contact a few solicitors and gauge which ones seem most responsive and helpful. Ask around for recommendations from friends or colleagues who have already made the move. If you’re relocating for a job transfer, your employer’s HR will likely automatically assist you in the process or designate a third party to do so. Otherwise, if you aren’t transferring but your employer does bring over employees from outside the UK, it’s worth asking HR what services they use to get UK visas for those expatriates’ jobs. It never hurts to ask, right? Especially when what’s on the line is your relocation to London—make it happen!

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Americans Moving to London – The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Thursday December 8th, 2011

If you’re making a relocation to London, you’ve already got enough to think about, surely, but safety should be a #1 priority at all times. When it comes to searching for apartments to rent, your London Relocation agent will only show you properties in safe neighborhoods so that your every day can feel secure. When it comes to all those fabulous international trips you’ll be taking after your move, you should likewise take care via travel registration.

I was just having lunch yesterday with a fellow expat who moved to London from the US, and she educated me on the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a service provided by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs. If you’re an American citizen, by registering online, you can submit the details of your upcoming international trips so that, in case of emergency, the US government can provide you with assistance. The service also provides routine information from the London US Embassy for Americans moving here. You can enroll and submit your travel details at the following site: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/

More often than not, your trip should go smoothly. But the fact that there are any chances of illness, accidents, crime, terrorism, natural disaster, financial difficulties, or civil unrest while you’re traveling abroad (or perhaps occurring at home and loved ones need to contact you) warrants travel registration so the US Department of State can find you and assist. At the time of applying for help if in need, you will need to have evidence of your US citizenship via your passport or birth certificate—online registration through STEP alone does not prove your citizenship to the government.

If you’re an American relocating to live here for a while, you will register as a “Long-Term Traveler.” This then allows you to provide the address of your apartment rental and receive local embassy/consulate information in addition to your foreign travels. Use this address as your “Personal Information Address” if, following your relocation, you will no longer have a US address. If, on the other hand, you will be maintaining a permanent US address as many American expats moving to London only temporarily often do, you would instead register that US address as your Personal Information Address and list your London apartment address as “Long-Term Trip Address.”

If, on the other hand, you only want travel information for any given trip, you don’t have to register—relevant information (like travel advisories, announcements, and consular information sheets) can be found at http://travel.state.gov.

Sorry to add another item to your lengthy international relocation checklist, but it’s worthwhile for your safety’s sake if you’re an American moving and want peace of mind while living and traveling abroad.

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