Now That You're Here...

At last! After all of the stress, worry, and serious pain in the bum... you've made it to the UK with a pretty visa sticker in your passport. After taking a moment for a quick happy dance followed by a week of trying to unpack and fit into your tiny tiny flat it's time to start *living*.

Only... what all is involved with that process? What are the important required (legal) things that must get done, and what are the other advisable tasks that need to happen as you make the adjustment to being an Expat?

Please share your experiences and advice here on what should be on your To-Do list in those first crucial weeks...

You may want to read this thread: Advice for those who have just arrived on a spousal visa

Here is what I've got so far...

-set up a bank account (haven't done this yet, but I've heard it can be tricky)
-acquire a phone (probably a mobile)
-find and set up with a local doctor and dentist
-send out CVs in the hope of finding a job (if you're a spouse visa like me)

Things I'm not quite sure how to go about doing, or if they are necessary...

-acquire national insurance number
-register with the American embassy
-register with local council (for council tax... I think)
-driver's license? (how long do we have to do this?)

any advice would be super helpful! thanks

Thanks Cali Girl. That thread has some good information about preparing for the ILR well in advance

-acquire national insurance number
-register with the American embassy
-register with local council (for council tax... I think)
-driver's license? (how long do we have to do this?)

If you plan to work- Register for a National Insurance Number: http://www.uk-yankee.com/links/uk-government/national-insurance-numbers-directgovuk

Registering as an overseas resident: https://step.state.gov/step/

Registering to vote in US as an overseas resident: http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs/scs/voting.html

Council tax- Might be sent to you when you take up residence (rent/buy a property) but you should contact the local council when you move for instructions on how to set up a payment: http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=57&LGIL=8&ServiceName=Find%20out%20more%20about%20%20council%20tax

Your US DL is valid for 1 year after the date of your arrival in the UK. If you wish to continue driving, you must obtain a provisional license and pass a driving exam before the year is up. Otherwise you will have to stop driving after 12 months and go through the entire process of obtaining a UK drivers permit as any new driver. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicence/DG_4022561 Applying for a provisional license (USC must apply by post): http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/NeedANewOrUpdatedLicence/DG_10012514

Good luck on your transition!