Immigration status
Before Moving to the UK: Your Arrival Checklist
Prepare your immigration checks, eVisa travel details, moving budget and first accommodation before travelling to the UK.
Plain-English summary
Start with the official visa checker, then organise travel, accommodation and arrival costs. Life in the UK preparation is a later settlement or citizenship step where your route requires it; passing the test does not give permission to move to the UK.
Best for: People planning to move to the UK and accompanying family members
What this guide covers
Check the route for your plans
Your nationality, purpose of travel and circumstances affect what permission you need. Follow the official checker and the guidance for your selected route.
- Use GOV.UK to check whether you need a visa or another travel permission.
- Read the official route requirements before committing to travel or application costs.
- Find a regulated immigration adviser if your circumstances need individual advice.
Prepare your passport and eVisa
Where you use an eVisa, keep the passport and personal details in your UKVI account up to date. Your carrier needs matching passenger and immigration information to check your status.
- Check that you can access your UKVI account before travelling.
- Confirm passport details match the document you will travel with.
- Follow official guidance if the carrier cannot verify your status, or you cannot access your account.
Plan costs and accommodation
Use your own estimates to build a moving budget. Costs vary by household and location; a planning budget does not predict immigration fees or prove affordability.
- List travel, temporary accommodation, deposit, rent, utilities and an emergency buffer.
- Verify the accommodation and who is requesting payment before sending money.
- Read housing guidance for your UK nation and keep written terms and payment records.
Line up your first-week tasks
Once you arrive, return to your saved checklist and choose the tasks relevant to your household.
- Find healthcare guidance for England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
- Prepare banking and employment documents without uploading them to this site.
- Check local school information if you have children and find your council services.
Checklist
Use this as a practical planning list, then confirm official rules for your status and local area.
- 1Check your route using the official visa service.
- 2Check passport and immigration travel information.
- 3Prepare a moving budget and verify accommodation.
- 4Choose your first-month tasks in the saved dashboard.
Trusted starting points
Use official and established advice sources before relying on social media, forums, or paid services.
Check if you need a UK visa
GOV.UK
The official service for checking travel and visa requirements.
Confirm your immigration status before travelling
GOV.UK
Official guidance about carrier checks and matching passport and immigration details.
Prepare your rental checks
UKCitizenshipExam
Find housing resources and check the rules for your nation.
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