Moving to a new country can be a trying experience, whether you’re doing it for work, play, study, or family. If you’re immigrating to the United Kingdom, you’ll face a number of options for obtaining the right to remain permanently. With the right legal representation, you’ll often be able to find a job, and start a new life with your loved ones.
Visa and Residency Requirements
So, exactly how does one become a British citizen? It might be that you already qualify. If you were born in the UK or a British overseas territory (or a British colony prior to 1983), or have a British parent, then it might be that you’re already a British citizen. You can check via the government’s website.
Of course, you can still live and work in the UK, even if you aren’t a citizen. This might involve having ‘settled status’ from the EU’s settlement scheme, or being a commonwealth citizen with ‘right of abode’, among other things.
Employment Law Basics
Part of the reason that the UK is such a compelling destination for would-be migrants is that workers here enjoy a number of rights and protections. On the other hand, employers are forbidden from hiring people who don’t have the right to work in the UK. If they do, they risk suffering heavy fines.
A good solicitor specialising in international law and migration might be able to help you navigate the intricacies of your move. While the cost of such a service might be considerable, the benefits will justify it, particularly if good legal advice is what ultimately allows you to become a citizen in the UK.
Housing and Tenancy Contracts
Landlords are also obliged to check whether a prospective tenant has the right to live in the UK, before handing over the keys to a property. If you can present a valid passport, your immigration documents, or a share code generated via the government’s website, then a landlord might allow you to rent.
Cultural and Legal Integration
While you’re settling in to life in the UK, you’ll not only need to worry about the legal process of becoming a resident. You’ll also want to think about how you’ll adapt to what might be an unfamiliar culture and language, and whether you’ll actually enjoy life in the UK. For best results, it’s often a good idea to spend some time in the country before you move here.
