Immigrating to the UK

[Tman*]

I’ve been considering paying loqbox from ZA (using a friends UK address + the fact I have a UK passport).

Would this be sufficient to build up credit from this end? (Also have Monzo and Wise accounts).

If you end up signing up to one of these services, please read the fine print, specially the section about fees & extra costs.

 

[Sinbad]

Wife's 2.5 year spouse visa extension approved yesterday. We applied on 6 Jan.

 

[x32]

Wife's 2.5 year spouse visa extension approved yesterday. We applied on 6 Jan.

Congrats! Did she have to pay the increased fees or was she able to avoid it?

 

[Sinbad]

Congrats! Did she have to pay the increased fees or was she able to avoid it?

Increased visa fee but the old ihs fee (600 odd per year)
But hopefully we'll get that back as she works for nhs

 

[The Voice]

May be worth a few quid:

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/reclaim-car-finance/

 

[Sinbad]

May be worth a few quid:

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/reclaim-car-finance/

The FCA hasn't released findings yet.
All this is doing is overloading our complaints staff right now. And preventing me cleaning out any old data.

 

[The Voice]

The FCA hasn't released findings yet.
All this is doing is overloading our complaints staff right now. And preventing me cleaning out any old data.

It’s important for the complaints to be logged before they reach a decision in September, though.

 

[Sinbad]

It’s important for the complaints to be logged before they reach a decision in September, though.

Tis true.

 

[Sinbad]

I put in my UK passport renewal on Saturday evening
Posted my old passport off on Monday - they want this before they start the process of renewal
Received by the passport office Tuesday morning
Wednesday morning, physical docs allocated to my application
Thursday morning, new passport approved and being printed.


And my wife is still waiting for her ZA passport renewal that we applied for together in August (I got mine in Jan).

 

[AstroTurf]

I put in my UK passport renewal on Saturday evening
Posted my old passport off on Monday - they want this before they start the process of renewal
Received by the passport office Tuesday morning
Wednesday morning, physical docs allocated to my application
Thursday morning, new passport approved and being printed.


And my wife is still waiting for her ZA passport renewal that we applied for together in August (I got mine in Jan).

From SA perspective.
Took me 4 days to get my SA passport.
Took my wife around 10 days after sending in her docs to hmpo.
Then she had to send all the kids stuff out, that was another 10 odd days till we got theirs.
So yes those people are on the ball.

 

[gregmcc]

Going to SA for a holiday and to see family next month. Wife's passport expires in 9 months so need to renew SA passport which we thought might be easier in SA (After my last experience doing it in London)

Register with ehome affairs and entered the UK mobile number. Guess what - OTP's don't work with a international number!! ****! So now can't logon to renew the passport and book a appointment. Also can't re-register as system says already registered.

DHA calls and emails go unanswered. What a cluster ****!

Guess it's going to be a case of going to DHA and standing in line for hours. Already not looking forward to going back

 

[Sinbad]

I put in my UK passport renewal on Saturday evening
Posted my old passport off on Monday - they want this before they start the process of renewal
Received by the passport office Tuesday morning
Wednesday morning, physical docs allocated to my application
Thursday morning, new passport approved and being printed.


And my wife is still waiting for her ZA passport renewal that we applied for together in August (I got mine in Jan).

And new passport arrived in the post this morning

 

[Priapus]

Figured I'd update; been a while and for posterity.

We're now at the point of now return, I believe.

House has been officially sold; OTP signed and buyers bond was approved last week. Fortunately, they're only ready to move at the end of July - and stated this in the OTP. So that gives us a bit of time to wrap things up.

Visa wise, I have TB and English tests this week. TB test was R3k and the English test a similar amount.

A previous employer got hold of me at the beginning of the month for a new opportunity they needed someone for. I explained that we were in the middle of emigration. They've since made an offer from their UK branch that is also sponsored.

They've applied for a Defined Certificate of Sponsor for me; I am told this could take time (Even though the government site says 1 day) - employer says two weeks!? - once that is through, I'll apply for a SWV.

Initially we were just going to do the spouse visa; however I am hesitant that my wife might not find a job in time. I hear the UK job market isn't great at the moment. Though a friend has offered to give my wife a job through her company, I am not sure the HO will have an issue with that? And it's a new-ish company that is registered and can employ.

We've worked out that should we go the spousal route (Unlikely at this point I think) and it's after the new regulations come we have enough cash savings to cover the deficit between her new salary (Above the required £29k) and her current salary. So that helps at least if we need to go that route - and we have held it for more than 6 months. I believe the money we'll get out the house isn't subjected to the 6 month rule; as long as we have owned the house for more than 6 months - so that also helps.

However; I think the safer bet is just to get a SWV and perhaps stay on It for awhile, I know the company well and I don't feel like I want to switch jobs again in the near future. Their offer was over £60k p/a - so that's a good start.

I'd have to make the decision soon and if I go the SWV and decide I want a a spouse visa; it's obviously more costly and the ILR time resets. I'll make the decision after a year of being with the company - if I am still happy, I will stay on the visa.

We've also started seriously looking for rentals. We're looking in the £2000 to £2500 range; and my wife will take lead on that as she's a citizen and has the right to rent. We have found a few properties that state pets are allowed and look big enough for our needs. I've put away 6 months rent, if they need that too. But I imagine it will be tough still.

Anyway, all aboard the emigration train now!

 

[Fuma]

A previous employer got hold of me at the beginning of the month for a new opportunity they needed someone for. I explained that we were in the middle of emigration. They've since made an offer from their UK branch that is also sponsored.

They've applied for a Defined Certificate of Sponsor for me; I am told this could take time (Even though the government site says 1 day) - employer says two weeks!? - once that is through, I'll apply for a SWV.

This just shows if you do good work and don't burn your bridges when you leave, they will always think of you when the need arises.

Congrats and good luck.

 

[Priapus]

This just shows if you do good work and don't burn your bridges when you leave, they will always think of you when the need arises.

Congrats and good luck.

Yeah absolutely!

Turns out I booked the wrong English test for a SWV.

School fees I guess…

 

[ghaye]

Yeah absolutely!

Turns out I booked the wrong English test for a SWV.

School fees I guess…

How so? Do you struggle to read English with comprehension?

 

[Priapus]

How so? Do you struggle to read English with comprehension?

The English test for a family visa does not have a writing competent. Which is a requirement for the skilled worker visa. I booked the family visa test.

 

[ghaye]

The English test for a family visa does not have a writing competent. Which is a requirement for the skilled worker visa. I booked the family visa test.

So are you confirming that you can't read English with comprehension?



/I'm joking in case you didn't notice.

 

[prod]

The English test for a family visa does not have a writing competent. Which is a requirement for the skilled worker visa. I booked the family visa test.

Easy mistake to make. I was so meticulous about the detail when I went through this process. Where are you doing the test btw? Pearsons?

 

[axsis]

Going to SA for a holiday and to see family next month. Wife's passport expires in 9 months so need to renew SA passport which we thought might be easier in SA (After my last experience doing it in London)

Register with ehome affairs and entered the UK mobile number. Guess what - OTP's don't work with a international number!! ****! So now can't logon to renew the passport and book a appointment. Also can't re-register as system says already registered.

DHA calls and emails go unanswered. What a cluster ****!

Guess it's going to be a case of going to DHA and standing in line for hours. Already not looking forward to going back

I think your best bet is to use the booking at a branch system and this time use an SA cell of a relative/friend.

ehomeaffairs is pretty rubbish to be honest.

Also fair warning (for your future) if you got your SA passport last in London, it has to be cancelled there before they can issue a new one here.