Immigrating to the UK

Process is now officially complete. Passport arrived this morning. Just waiting for my certificate to be returned on Monday. Now just need to figure out how this all works with my current residence permit in Ireland.

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As in, you don’t need a visa anymore? CTA info explains it.

 
As in, you don’t need a visa anymore? CTA info explains it.


Yeah I don't need a visa now, but I'm currently on one until 2026. Just wondering if I should be renewing it on SA passport or just stay under the CTA. Would like to apply for citizenship here down the line. Suppose I'll ask for clarification from immigration.
 
I switched from my Skilled Visa to a spouse (family) visa in March. My skilled visa was valid until late 2027. Had to escalate the refund with the Home Office -- and they've finally responded that they've now processed a refund of £2070.

Seems to be a common thing where you have to escalate it after waiting 6 weeks from date of decision on new visa.

At least it's sorted now.
 
Business partner wants to open a bank account in the UK for us. Any issues with Sterling? He is leaning towards that; my only issue is I won’t be able to access the accounts via mobile; only website since I am in SA.

Bonus points for other recommendations that are cheap and have a cash back offer :p
 
I switched from my Skilled Visa to a spouse (family) visa in March. My skilled visa was valid until late 2027. Had to escalate the refund with the Home Office -- and they've finally responded that they've now processed a refund of £2070.

Seems to be a common thing where you have to escalate it after waiting 6 weeks from date of decision on new visa.

At least it's sorted now.

I'm more surprised that you can even get a refund
 
Business partner wants to open a bank account in the UK for us. Any issues with Sterling? He is leaning towards that; my only issue is I won’t be able to access the accounts via mobile; only website since I am in SA.

Bonus points for other recommendations that are cheap and have a cash back offer :p

Are you referring to Starling Bank?

If so, iirc their website is very basic and not designed for running the account. It’s all based around the app.

I don’t think the app is geo locked, but you would need a UK address and ID proof to open it.

You’d be better off looking at an international/expat type account that some banks offer.

@Sinbad might have some advice.
 
I'm more surprised that you can even get a refund

Of course. If you pay twice for the same period on IHS; it’s only right you get a refund for the overlap. However they only do it in 6 month blocks.

So my visas overlapped 27 months. They refunded 24 months.
 
Are you referring to Starling Bank?

If so, iirc their website is very basic and not designed for running the account. It’s all based around the app.

I don’t think the app is geo locked, but you would need a UK address and ID proof to open it.

You’d be better off looking at an international/expat type account that some banks offer.

@Sinbad might have some advice.

You like with most challenger banks; we only do things on the app. The site is very basic.

Heh I say “we” I start with them next month. Can’t wait.
 
Of course. If you pay twice for the same period on IHS; it’s only right you get a refund for the overlap. However they only do it in 6 month blocks.

So my visas overlapped 27 months. They refunded 24 months.

Oh right, that makes sense yea
 
Are you referring to Starling Bank?

If so, iirc their website is very basic and not designed for running the account. It’s all based around the app.

I don’t think the app is geo locked, but you would need a UK address and ID proof to open it.

You’d be better off looking at an international/expat type account that some banks offer.

@Sinbad might have some advice.
I have a Starling account. You can't install the app unless your Google account is set to UK which means you can't do it from SA.
 
Are you referring to Starling Bank?

If so, iirc their website is very basic and not designed for running the account. It’s all based around the app.

I don’t think the app is geo locked, but you would need a UK address and ID proof to open it.

You’d be better off looking at an international/expat type account that some banks offer.

@Sinbad might have some advice.

Yep. Sorry auto correct. Starling. Barclays was also mentioned.

Starling doesn’t show up in the ZA App Store
 
I have a Starling account. You can't install the app unless your Google account is set to UK which means you can't do it from SA.

You can easily do that from outside UK. Same for iOS.

However they’d have other measures in place to stop registration of non-residents.
 
You like with most challenger banks; we only do things on the app. The site is very basic.

Heh I say “we” I start with them next month. Can’t wait.
Congrats, I take it all clearance checks have completed?
 
You can easily do that from outside UK. Same for iOS.

However they’d have other measures in place to stop registration of non-residents.
Registration would be done inside the UK. I am just going to be doing some payments from time to time. Maybe chat to your peeps since Barclays and the other banks seem to be available in the ZA App stores
 
Registration would be done inside the UK. I am just going to be doing some payments from time to time. Maybe chat to your peeps since Barclays and the other banks seem to be available in the ZA App stores

Those banks operate internationally and have international accounts. Hence why they’re available in various stores. Starling isn’t.
 
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