Immigrating to the UK

I used Shyft, and the card too. My suggestion is to use Shyft to convert Rands to Pounds.
Get a llyods bank account (it's quite easy) ASAP.
Use the shyft card only when you HAVE too while you wait for the lloyds card/account.

Once you have a UK card and account, never use the shyft card again really...

Thats how I did it.
 
Priapus said:
I was surprised how easy it was. I’ve had good initial service from them so far.
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I’ve been with Halifax for over ten years now (same group, same apps just mine are blue while yours are green). Never had an issue with the service.
 
Dave said:
I’ve been with Halifax for over ten years now (same group, same apps just mine are blue while yours are green). Never had an issue with the service.
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My wife is with Halifax.

She went into the branch a couple weeks back to do a name change. Whoever helped her, completely messed up. We had to go back yesterday and the lady who assisted us referred to the person who helped us a few weeks ago as "he" when they were a "she" (We think trans) - and went on to say they were very new and did not follow the correct procedure and apologized.

Eitherway, hopefully it's resolved now.
 
Priapus said:
Yes of course. You also need to prove your address. They send you something in the post to do that.
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Earliest I can apply for Visa is Feb if nothing goes wrong.
So yea, till then just want to put what I can aside.
 
Both kids passports just expired. Over 16 so we have to pay a visit to the consulate(or dirco). Can’t see bookings online so we gave them a call. Get through to an absolute gorm of a tannie who basically said “just keep checking”.
This is going to be a fun exercise.
 
Priapus said:
I'd say the big move has officially started now.

The animals have just been collected. They have a long journey ahead of them.

They have gone to kennels today.
State vet visit tomorrow morning
Kennels over the weekend
Flight out to Dubai on Monday
8hr layover
Flight to Heathrow - landing Tuesday
2hr drive from airport to new house.

The people that collected the animal had another dog with them, who is also flying to the UK on Monday on the same flight(s).

Animals went into their crates perfectly fine almost zero issues. Gave them all calmeze so they were pretty relaxed and even the other dog they had was chilled.

House feels so empty without the little bastards around. Hoping they will be okay.

For anyone interested in what is takes to send 6 animals to the UK and costs:

4 dogs and 2 cats:

- All need rabis shots and microchips - ±5k
- Blood draws and tests - ±18k
- Door to door shipping from JHB to UK - R160k

Fortunately zero quarantine needed. We hope to take the dogs for walks on Tuesday along the seafront.

Total: R183k all in and three to four months of preparation needed.
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Old post I know but wanted to check how you guys handled booking of the animal flights and your own?

Did you wait for their flights to be booked first?
 
prod said:
Old post I know but wanted to check how you guys handled booking of the animal flights and your own?

Did you wait for their flights to be booked first?
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We booked our flights first and then arranged for the animals flights so that they'd arrive within 5 days of us landing. Otherwise if they arrived later, it's a whole different ball game and costs are higher due to it being a consignment shipping or some sorts.

Happy to report animals have all settled and enjoy their daily walks now.
 
Priapus said:
We booked our flights first and then arranged for the animals flights so that they'd arrive within 5 days of us landing. Otherwise if they arrived later, it's a whole different ball game and costs are higher due to it being a consignment shipping or some sorts.

Happy to report animals have all settled and enjoy their daily walks now.
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Cool thanks, yea we're aware of the 5 day rule. And your agents didn't have an issue finding flights for them?
 
prod said:
Cool thanks, yea we're aware of the 5 day rule. And your agents didn't have an issue finding flights for them?
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Not at all. They just did not want to fly them over a weekend - as that increases costs significantly.
 
Ever shifting goalposts.
You get the information you know that you need, 6 month MIR.
Wife gets a job that pays MIR even if it gets to top level. new application date set: Feb 2025.
Wife's new job is Sole trader category. New application date set: April 2025.
Find out that yes they only use the last 6 months income but it must be a full tax year.

April 2026.
 
I got my acceptance letter on the 10th of May and it was stated that I should expect to receive a Citizenship Ceremony invitation from the Embassy within the next 12 weeks, and if I didn't that I should email Citizenship support at the UK Home Office. I did so last week, and have not received any reply. I sent another email yesterday in case the first didn't go through.

Immigration lawyers said that they seem to be slow with the citizenship ceremony invitations, they have other clients in the same position and because there is no phone number to call the only thing to do is wait for the invitation. There's no other way of following up and I'm worried that I'm going to miss a deadline or the application will reach some kind of expiry through no fault of my own.

I'm stressing out a bit. Anyone got any advice, or anyone else going through the same thing?
 
Hatefulsandwich said:
I got my acceptance letter on the 10th of May and it was stated that I should expect to receive a Citizenship Ceremony invitation from the Embassy within the next 12 weeks, and if I didn't that I should email Citizenship support at the UK Home Office. I did so last week, and have not received any reply. I sent another email yesterday in case the first didn't go through.

Immigration lawyers said that they seem to be slow with the citizenship ceremony invitations, they have other clients in the same position and because there is no phone number to call the only thing to do is wait for the invitation. There's no other way of following up and I'm worried that I'm going to miss a deadline or the application will reach some kind of expiry through no fault of my own.

I'm stressing out a bit. Anyone got any advice, or anyone else going through the same thing?
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Have you tried this number? They might be able to help

Home Office Immigration Contact Number (General Enquiries)

You can contact the UK Home Office from inside the UK by calling +44 (0) 300 790 6268, or if you're outside the UK, call +44 (0) 20 30800010
 
AstroTurf said:
Ever shifting goalposts.
You get the information you know that you need, 6 month MIR.
Wife gets a job that pays MIR even if it gets to top level. new application date set: Feb 2025.
Wife's new job is Sole trader category. New application date set: April 2025.
Find out that yes they only use the last 6 months income but it must be a full tax year.

April 2026.
Click to expand...
That is gnarly! Good luck.
 
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