Making the move from America to Manchester is a mighty big leap. In fact, it’s over 4,600 miles. But if you are up for the challenge, then it can be one of the most joyful moves you will ever make. After all, Manchester has become known for its architecture, culture, history, and, of course, sport. It’s thriving, and you will thrive there, too.
But there are numerous aspects to consider before you hop on a plane to begin your new life in the UK. Moving country makes the process slightly more complicated than just heading to a new state, but thankfully, this post has three of the best tips to get you started.
Secure Your UK Visa
Moving from the US to the UK permanently, or if you aim to stay for more than six months, will require a visa. As there are numerous types of visa routes available, it is essential that you work out which one best that suits your situation. This will take time, so you must begin this process well in advance to avoid issues arising. Your choice will mainly be determined by the purpose of your move, whether it was related to family or business. If you do not select the correct visa route, your application could be denied.
Applying for a visa will require the correct documentation. This will include your passport, any proof of funds you have, details of your accommodation, and relevant letters if you are moving because of education or work. Similarly, you will also need to prove that you have undergone the require health screenings and supply biometric information. These supporting documents will be used to ensure all information submitted is correct; again, any errors here could see your application rejected.
Before you hit the “submit” button, you must take the time to review the application thoroughly. You want to check for any errors or types, missing supporting documents, and ensure the information is consistent across all forms. As you will have to pay an application fee, this step will not only save you the hassle of reapplying, it will also save you money. However, if you do feel like this is a challenging aspect of moving to Manchester from the US, you can seek professional advice from an immigration consultant or attorney before completing the application.
Consider the Healthcare System
Healthcare in the UK is provided by the National Health Service (NHS), which offers a range of services from general practitioners to specialized medical treatments. Of course, there is also private healthcare that can be accessed by private health insurance or payments at the time. It is important to think about this factor when planning your move as you are likely to need some sort of medical care in Manchester eventually.
After your move, it is essential that you register with a local GP practice in Manchester. For the most part, this will be your first point of contact if you require healthcare. You will receive an NHS number, which will be used to access medical services, after registering. Through the NHS, you will be provided with comprehensive coverage because of the healthcare surcharge paid during the visa application process.
If you wish to obtain quicker healthcare or require treatments that are not covered through the NHS after moving to Manchester, then you might opt for private insurance. Insurance for expatriates will offer much more than just comprehensive coverage; it also protects against risks that you might face in an unfamiliar country, such as accidents, emergencies, and sudden illness. It will also keep you from overwhelming medical costs if you do require expensive and/or specialized treatments at some point.
Be Aware of the Cost of Living
A key aspect to look into when moving anywhere is the cost of living in that area. The cost of living in Manchester, which is a rapidly growing location for several industries, is relatively similar to the rest of the UK. For someone moving from the US, this might be generally lower, although this will depend on your lifestyle and housing situation.
Some of the key factors to look into when researching the cost of living in Manchester to compare with your current costs include accommodation, household bills, and shopping. These are the critical aspects that will affect your day-to-day life, but you should also expand this research incorporate other monthly expenses, such as clothes, mobile phone plans, and transport. Thinking of what you currently spend in the US is essential to understand if you will be better off in Manchester.
You can find out estimates of what you might spend with comprehensive explorations online. An individual might expect to spend roughly £170 on food shopping per month, £80 on broadband, energy, and water, and so on. These costs will vary depending on your lifestyle and circumstances, especially if you are making the move with the rest of your family.
Although these three tips might seem obvious, they are essential. Not completing them could see your application rejected or you could end up facing unpleasant problems upon arriving in Manchester. With this in mind, you should ensure you complete the visa application correctly, look into healthcare, and research the cost of living when moving from the US to Manchester.
