Can I Move to The UK Without a Job?
The UK is one of the best places on the earth to live, and many people want to move to this place. The place is not only financially abundant but also a peaceful place to live with a higher standard of living. But one question that often comes up is whether it’s possible to do so without a job lined up already. The good news is yes, it’s totally doable!
In this article, we’re going to look at the common ways to move to the UK without a job and discuss which one is best for you.
- Working Holiday Visa
A working holiday visa is an excellent option for those who want to work in the UK, but not necessarily as their primary source of income. This type of visa will allow you to stay as long as one year, but that year is for working holidays only. It means you’re free to do whatever you like outside of work, like taking time off to see the sights.
It’s important to note that this will not be a source of income on its own, so if you have plans for other sources of money while you are here, you’ll need to set that up before you leave.
- Applying for Jobs in the UK
It is probably the best option for those looking to move abroad without money beforehand. It’s not always easy, but there are some ways that might work. First of all, if you know anyone in the area where you want to move, reach out to relatives or friends living there and see if they know of any openings.
Second of all, there are a lot of job search engines that allow you to search for jobs in specific countries. It can be a great way to find positions that may not advertise elsewhere.
- Try Other Visas
If you’re not eligible for a working holiday visa or you’re looking for something more long-term, there are other visas that you may be able to apply for. The most common one is called a Tier 2 General Visa. This visa will allow you to work in the UK for up to five years, and it’s a great option if you’re looking to get more permanent in the area, rather than just visiting for a short time.
One of the most common ways to obtain this visa is through an employer, although working independently or as a freelancer is another excellent option. If you are unsure which visa will be the best option, consider getting assistance from immigration solicitors. Apart from suggesting the correct visa, they can also help you throughout the visa application procedure.
- Student Visa
Last but not least, some students want to go abroad temporarily to continue a degree. It is a less common option, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for other ways to move abroad without money beforehand.
Keep in mind that the UK has strict requirements for students who want to study here, so make sure you meet all of them before applying. Typically this means coming from an accredited school and having a good reason to want to study in the UK.
These are just a few of the options available to those looking to move abroad without money or a job lined up. No matter your situation, there’s likely a visa that will fit you. So start exploring your options and see what’s the best fit for you!
Procedure to Apply for a UK Visa
An application for any of these visas will start with completing an online form. The applicant has to pay the charge of the visa, which can do simultaneously. The next step is submitting supporting documents, after which the VAC will schedule an appointment for biometric data collection (fingerprints and photos). Once the VAC has checked the documents and your particulars, they will email you. If you are successful, this is also when you will receive your visa.
Documents Required
When applying for any of these visas, applicants must submit supporting documents with their application form. These can vary based on the variation of visa you are applying for. There is also a small list of mandatory documents, which include:
- Passport or documents of travel (with a validity of 6 months or more) (Original + 1 copy)
- Birth Certificate (Applicable for the applicants under 18 years old)
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Photocopies of all supporting documents must be certified by a notary or solicitor. In addition, documents in a foreign language have to be translated by a certified English translation.
If you cannot provide some of the required documents, you can still apply for a visa. In this case, you will need to give a convincing explanation as to why you cannot submit these documents.
For more information on what documents are required for each type of visa, you can check out this page on UK Council’s website.
The UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) will also let you know if they require additional documents. If your situation is complex, be sure to submit all your documents as early as possible, so the VAC has enough time to ascertain your eligibility.
The Bottom Line
Moving to a new country is always a daunting task, but it’s definitely doable without a job or money. There are a variety of visas available depending on your situation, and the application process can be relatively straightforward. Just make sure you have all the required documents and submit them early to avoid delays.
