The other day I read a post on one of my favourite sites—Animals Talking in all Caps—describing the author's pain and incredible stress at waiting to hear from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) on a visa request so he could join his wife.
Let's just say, I could feel his pain. I have definitely been there. And, this inspired me to write down a few things that would have made my life much easier had someone told me:
1) If there is an option to expedite, expedite. Always. Especially with the UKBA. Yes, it's far more expensive. But, it will cost you far more money, time, and stress in the long run if you don't.
Remember, you won't have any of your important documents (i.e. the ones you need to get a job, get a driving license, travel, etc.) until they're done with your application; which could take months.
2) If you're thinking of changing your name (i.e. marriage) and you already have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) consider the following:
a) You have to change your name on your passport first (no big deal). However, b) the names on your passport and BRP must match for you to be allowed to travel. There is no guarantee that you'll get back in the country if they don't. c) There is no option to expedite getting a replacement BRP, for name change or otherwise. d) You can not check on the status of this type of application unless it has been more than 6 months and they are clearly not given priority. Meaning, you will have no idea whether your application and documents are actively being processed, stuck on someone's desk, or simply lost.
When I did mine, the UKBA had my documents for 5 months. I couldn't get a job or a driving license (you need your passport and BRP for these) and since I couldn't travel, I missed my honeymoon, a funeral, and a wedding. We finally had to contact our MP to help speed the process.
3) Do not, under any circumstances, lose your BRP. Refer back to tips #2c and d.
4) If you have an American driving license, you can drive in the UK using only your passport for a limited time. Then, you have to get a British driving license. This means one day you will be considered an experienced and capable driver, and the next it will be like you're 16 again.
You have to start from scratch and take the written test, then the road test. That's right. I recommend doing this as early as possible, and taking a few lessons so you know what they expect to see. It's not hard, but it is a process.
5) If you are American, you must file a US tax return reporting your worldwide income every year, forever. You won't necessarily have to pay US taxes, but you will have to file and report. Got to love the IRS! I recommend getting some advice and assistance come tax time.
That's everything I can think of at the moment...
Life in the UK is amazing; I absolutely love it. But, I have learned that life in America can instill a certain—rather high—level of expectation when it comes to service, efficiency, and speed of delivery. Thus, the speed of British life can come at a bit of a shock.
Just remember: Brits don't mind calmly standing in queues, don't expect anything service-related to happen quickly, and really aren't all that worried about it. You know, keep calm, carry on, stiff upper lip, and so on.
Don't worry, you'll get used to it. Eventually, you might even come to appreciate it.
PS: These tips are based on my personal experiences and the requirements in place at the time. They are only meant to make you aware of possible issues. You'll need to do your own research.
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