Immigrating to the UK

Hamish McPanji said:
/reminds self to pack quill, ink and inkpad

I probably had a NI number when I was studying in the UK, but that's so long ago it's probably been zapped from the system
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It'll still be there, if you worked even part time you will already have an NI number.
 
Hamish McPanji said:
/reminds self to pack quill, ink and inkpad

I probably had a NI number when I was studying in the UK, but that's so long ago it's probably been zapped from the system
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No, it will still be there. Lived in the UK for a couple of years (2005 to 2006) and when I moved back here in 2015 I found that I was still registered and had the same number. I can even check my contributions from back then online. It’s effectively your ID number.
 
Sinbad said:
Yours is as easy as mine, and I DIY'ed mine.

If either of you is divorced you'll need a copy of the decree.
You may need an unabridged marriage certificate - I cannot remember tbh.
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Fortunately neither of us are.

I’ve checked the government site; I cannot see anything around unabridged certificate. They just say “Marriage certificate “ if married. If not married - need other supporting documentation to prove it’s a genuine relationship. I think having a child helps in that regard lol

I’ll DIY it then. Thanks.
 
The Voice said:
No, it will still be there. Lived in the UK for a couple of years (2005 to 2006) and when I moved back here in 2015 I found that I was still registered and had the same number. I can even check my contributions from back then online. It’s effectively your ID number.
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I was also surprised about this. I worked in the UK on a 2 year holiday/working visa back in 97/98 when everyone came over to the UK and worked on contracts earning tons of money. Returned to SA at the end of the visa and now back in the UK since 2013.

Those 2 years are showing as contributions so a win-win when I retire.
 
Remember flying to the US in 2004. We landed somewhere in Africa to refuel, and I remember the lights suddenly coming on at 04:00, and the air hostesses telling us all to stand. Next thing soldiers with AKs got on and walked up and down the plane. They were apparently satisfied, and just left.
 
Sinbad said:
You will need evidence of language ability.

So either an IELTS test, or a degree from a recognised university that was presented in english.
And a TB test

www.gov.uk

Family visas: apply, extend or switch

Get a family visa for the UK, live with your spouse or relative - eligibility, proof, renewing, financial and English language requirements.
www.gov.uk www.gov.uk
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The IELTS test was a waste of time. They just want to know that you can converse and read English. Cost me like $300-350 for the test, flights and accommodation near the test centre, just to have to have a chat with some other random candidate.

They record everything on video though, so I nixed any thought of messing around.

Same story for the TB test, had to travel for that also.
 
The IELTS was a joke. Then again there were some people that were doing the test that could hardly string a sentence together.

Did it back in SA for the visa, and then no one could tell me if it expired or not so to be safe I did it again for the ILR.

One of those things you just have to do for the paperwork. Just like the life in the UK test if you are going to citizenship.
 
gregmcc said:
The IELTS was a joke. Then again there were some people that did the test that could hardly string a sentence together.

Did it back in SA for the visa, and then no one could tell me if it expired or not so to be safe I did it again for the ILR.
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I would have to do this test in SA before I apply for the visa?
 
Priapus said:
I would have to do this test in SA before I apply for the visa?
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Yes. I think they ask about it in the application. Same as TB test. You upload certificate as supporting documentation.

Would recommend getting those 2 out of the way. They are valid for 6 months. My biometrics got delayed because I was waiting for IELTS certificate
 
prod said:
Yep, did mine at Pearsons for R4300. Valid for 2 years so definitely start thinking about getting it done
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gregmcc said:
Yip. There are loads of centers around SA. I think I did mine at UCT via BC.


R4800. Fek it has increased! Think I paid 800 or 1000

You get a unique REF number you need to add to your visa application.
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Hamish McPanji said:
Yes. I think they ask about it in the application. Same as TB test. You upload certificate as supporting documentation.

Would recommend getting those 2 out of the way. They are valid for 6 months. My biometrics got delayed because I was waiting for IELTS certificate
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Thanks all, I will get them done in Jan then - useful info!
 
Just looking at my docs I still have saved from all those years ago. I kept a total running cost of visa + tests + docs etc from spousa visa to getting citizenship. Total cost of R107k
Hate to think what it costs now (Granted I was working in the UK when I applied for 2nd half of spousal visa/citizenship etc so it didn't cost me rands but interesting to get a final cost)

I'm guessing it's a LOT more now!
 
gregmcc said:
Just looking at my docs I still have saved from all those years ago. I kept a total running cost of visa + tests + docs etc from spousa visa to getting citizenship. Total cost of R107k
Hate to think what it costs not (Granted I was working in the UK when I applied for 2nd half of spousal visa/citizenship etc so it didn't cost me rands but interesting to get a final cost)

I'm guessing it's a LOT more now!
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Looks like the 2nd half of spouse visa for us is going to cost £3500 - so R83k in today's money - if the new prices kick in before feb.
1st half was £3000 - so R71k.
No tests needed, though I think we did have to get her degree assessed as suitable for english literacy, which was cheaper than an ielts cert.
Then ILR is what, another £2404 (57k).
Citizenship: £1330 (32k)

For a total of R245k. Excluding tests/documentation.

**** me.
 
Holy crap! That's gone up a lot! (And oddly some costs still the same)
For comparison - from 2013 to 2018

Spousa Visa R16000
FLR(M) £1,200.00
ILR £2,297.00
Life in UK £50.00
Citizenship £1,330.00
English Test £150.00
Confirmation of non-acquisition of British citizenship £234
RETENTION OF SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENSHIP £25
Citizenship ceremony £80.00
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