You may think that gaining a visa and making the move means you’ve made it. However, the hardest part of moving to the UK is the uncertainty that comes from years of temporary residence permission.
Moving to the UK has a lot of benefits, particularly for Americans looking for a home that is more progressive but still feels familiar. It isn’t easy to move to the UK permanently, and many Americans are put off by the limited visa options. So it’s easy to understand why getting that visa can make you feel like all the hard parts are over.
Why Is Moving to the UK Uncertain?
The uncertainty you live with after moving to the UK comes down to limits on your long-term permission to stay. Those able to move here typically do so in one of these categories:
- Skilled worker sponsored by a company to live here
- Fiance or spouse tied to a UK citizen
- Students in higher education
This is not an exhaustive list, but these are the basic categories of American immigrants who are best positioned to receive a visa. The uncertainty comes in when you receive a visa and your circumstances change. For example:
- You hate your skilled worker job
- Your company goes through layoffs
- You and your partner split up
- You graduate and have no idea what to do next
It takes years of visa-based living in the UK before you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILDR). That’s the point where you’re officially allowed to stay long-term and your circumstances can become more flexible.
Tips For Moving to the UK that Minimize Uncertainty
Ok, now that I’ve got you worried, let’s look at what you can do to minimize your uncertainty.
Understand your visa permission
Knowing what you’re working with is always a good idea. That way if the worst does happen, you know what your options are. For instance,
- Skilled workers who leave or lose their sponsored job will have 60 days to find a new sponsored position
- Spouse visa holders that divorce may be able to shift to a work visa, or apply for other permission depending on their circumstances
- Students can apply for a graduate visa that provides 2 years residency permission after graduating from their degree program
Always be networking
My husband and I have both worked to build relationships with people here. If we were faced with losing our visa status, we want to be prepared to find a replacement route fast.
Build your professional network to ensure that you have support securing a sponsored role if or when you need it. It also just helps to have people in your corner when you find yourself facing an uncertain future.
When in doubt, talk to a professional
If you find yourself unsure of your options and in a panic, it’s time to reach out to an immigration attorney. There is no guarantee that they can help, but they will make sure you know all the routes available for your circumstances.
Recognize that some things are out of your control
Moving abroad comes with risks, just like any other big life decision. Don’t let fear of uncertainty be the reason you turn down an opportunity to move here if it’s what you want. No one else can decide for you what risk is worthwhile.
I know I’m happy here, even without yet having ILDR. Getting to raise my daughter here, travel around the UK and Europe, and a happy daily life make it all worthwhile. The reason I moved here twice is because we didn’t have visa permission to stay after our first move here. I don’t regret going back to the US, but I’m also glad we found our way back.
