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Moving to the UK from Anywhere in the World

If you’re thinking of moving to the UK, IAS have a number of country-specific guides on visas and immigration pathways to help you do so.

Moving to a foreign country is a daunting task that is made easier if you have the benefit of professional help and advice on your side. For more information about what IAS can do for you, and the services we offer, reach out to us on (+44) 333 4149244, or contact us online.

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    Overview of Moving to the UK

    The UK consistently rates as one of the most popular destinations for people around the world to move to.

    There are various reasons as to why this is, although many people cite its world-famous landmarks, stunning scenery, low crime rates and vibrant business, arts and culture scenes as significant draws.

    In particular, London is a global epicentre of trade and commerce, and is one of the most multicultural capital cities in the entire world. Millions of immigrants have made the city and the UK their home over the past century, and this rising swell of immigration is increasing year on year.

    The UK has a number of routes and provisions to help facilitate the travel of immigrants to its shores. These include a wide variety of visas for people who wish to work, study and settle in the UK, whether for long or short periods of time.

    To help guide you through these, we have created several pages aimed at readers from different countries around the globe who may wish to move to the UK. These pages go into further detail about the different immigration routes and visas available in the UK, as well as covering some country-specific guidance for foreign nationals thinking about making the UK their home.

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    Immigration to the UK from Asia

    Asian immigrants make up a large portion of the UK’s ethnic minority populations, with Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities in the UK being particularly significant in their size.

    So far, we have created specific how-to guides on moving to the UK for the following Asian countries:

    Immigration to the UK from Europe

    Since the UK’s departure from the EU, European citizens are now subject to the same immigration controls and restrictions as the rest of the globe.

    However, some EU citizens can still take advantage of the EU Settlement Scheme to join the significant European community already resident in the UK.

    So far, we have created specific how-to guides on moving to the UK for the following European countries:

    Get in touch with our immigration experts for help with your move to the UK. Contact Us

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      Immigration to the UK from the Americas

      Although less significant in number than continents such as Asia and Europe, there are still notable amounts of people from North America and South America coming to the UK each year, particularly from the US and Canada.

      So far, we have created specific how-to guides on moving to the UK for the following countries in the Americas:

      Immigration to the UK from Africa

      A large proportion of immigrants from the UK come from Africa each year, and the UK remains a popular destination for many African immigrants up and down the continent.

      So far, we have created specific how-to guides on moving to the UK for the following African countries:

      Immigration to the UK from Oceania

      Australia and New Zealand form the bulk of immigration traffic from Oceania coming to the UK, partly due to the similarities in language and culture that the countries share with the UK.

      So far, we have created specific how-to guides on moving to the UK for the following African and Oceanian countries:

      How Can IAS Help?

      The process of moving to a foreign country can often be a significant and overwhelmingly daunting undertaking. In addition to sorting the logistics of moving your life from one location to another, you must also ensure that your immigration permissions and documents are all valid and correct to ensure that you’re able to enter your new home country.

      In the case of moving to the UK, this will often mean having the right visa to be given leave to remain.

      If you’re thinking about moving to the UK and are interested in learning more about the process, or if you require assistance with any part of the relocation process, IAS are here to help.

      We are experienced and affordable immigration lawyers working in both UK and international immigration. We can ensure that your move to the UK goes as smoothly as possible by assisting you with both the legal and logistical sides of your move to the UK.

      Whether you need help with applying for the right kind of visa for the UK, need concierge services to help make the relocation process simple, or need some bespoke help and advice for your specific immigration situation, we can help.

      For more information about the services we offer, and what we could do for you, get in touch with us on (+44) 333 4149244, or contact us online today.

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      With our Advice Package, you can book a one-to-one session with one of our legal team and receive bespoke advice tailored for your situation. We will review your case and give you expert advice on how best to proceed with your immigration matter. Reach out to a member of our team and book your session today.

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        The Application Package

        Our Application Package is designed to help relieve the stress of immigration applications. One of our legal caseworkers will help you throughout the entire process, including establishing your eligibility for your chosen route, completing your application form to the highest standards and organising your documents. We will then submit it and monitor its status on your behalf.

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          The Fast Track Package

          Our premium Fast Track Package is ideal if you need to submit an application quickly, such as if you need to meet a tight deadline. Our lawyers will work closely with you to see that your application is completed to the highest standards and ensure you get your application in on time, helping to take the stress and pressure off you.

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            The Appeal Package

            Visa appeals can be a stressful process, especially if you’re relying on a specific visa to be approved. Our legal team can help you navigate the whole process and maximise your chances of a successful appeal, working alongside you to reach a favourable result. We can also represent you in immigration-related hearings and tribunals.

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                Related pages for your continued reading.

                Frequently Asked Questions

                How easy it is to move to the UK will depend heavily on your own personal circumstances and what you want to do while in the UK.

                The eligibility criteria for UK visas varies greatly. While some will require you to have a job offer from an approved UK sponsor, others may require you to have certain existing family or ancestral ties, or . Many visas will also require you to meet certain financial and English language requirements, also.

                Naturally, not all visa types will be a good fit for all applicants. How easy you’ll find it to immigrate to the UK will depend on how well you can fit the eligibility criteria for applying for a certain visa.

                Ensuring that you also have a clean criminal record (especially when it comes to prior immigration cases) will also make it easier to immigrate to the UK.

                Talk to an immigration lawyer today if you’re concerned about the visa application process and moving to the UK. Call us on (+44) 333 4149244, or contact us online.

                In almost all cases, you must apply for a visa online from the Gov.uk website.

                The application process for different visas may vary slightly. However, most will involve filling out an online application form with your personal details and uploading your supporting documents.

                Some applicants may be asked to attend an appointment to give their biometrics information, or to attend an interview with a Home Office official.

                Applying for a visa to come to the UK may take upwards of several months, or even over a year. It’s important to ensure that you’re fully aware of the requirements and process of applying for a visa before starting your application.

                How long you’ll be able to stay in the UK will depend on the following:

                • The period of validity of the visa you apply for
                • Whether the visa can be extended or not
                • Whether the visa will allow you to apply for indefinite leave to remain

                Indefinite leave to remain is the UK’s term for permanent settlement. Much like how only some visas can be extended beyond their initial validity, only some visas will allow you to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

                Two of the most popular visas that allow for indefinite leave to remain in the UK include the Spouse visa and Skilled Worker visa.

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