My Todo List for Arriving in the UK

Hey folks, I am an Oklahoman that will be arriving in the UK this Friday as the start of a move for my family and I to the UK. See this thread for more details there.

Anyhow, I was hoping some of you all might be able to advise me as to my "todo" list once I arrive in the UK. And by this I am talking about the IMPORTANT things that every UK immigrant needs to get taken care of pretty much first thing, or at least eventually.

So far on that list I have:

1. Open Bank Account
2. Get National Insurance Number
3. Get National Health System Number
4. Get a UK Driver's License (in the first year)

I would welcome any advice pertaining to other "getting started" tasks. Thanks!!!

Well, I'm assuming "Get a place to live" has already been taken care of or is implicit in those lists, hehe.

You're coming over on a work permit, right?  Your employer may be able to help you with getting a National Insurance number- there's a special scheme for work permit holders that bypasses the need for a NIN interview if I recall correctly.

Is there a difference between #'s 2 and 3?

that's the start of a good list...

but you don't really apply for a NHS number.  you register at the nearest GP Surgery, and you will get a card from the NHS area trust in the near future.

what else- if you're looking at long term living in the UK-
5- Apply for store cards to start gaining credit here in the UK
6- introduce yourself to your bank manager/vicar so that you can then use them on your naturalization form later on.
7- all the household things- gas/electric, water, phone, internet, cable (sky), tv licence,

#2 is the number that the inland revenue/her majesty's revenue & custom uses to track your working, tax paid, etc.
#3 is the number the health system uses to track you.

(andrea- i always wondered how i got a NIN w/o having an interview)

You're coming over on a work permit, right?  Your employer may be able to help you with getting a National Insurance number- there's a special scheme for work permit holders that bypasses the need for a NIN interview if I recall correctly.

That's true, but if your wife chooses to work she will need to interview.  Also, your employer may be able to help you get a bank account.  Someone from HR actually accompanied my husband and I to the bank to open our account because they have found that it's the most successful way of getting accounts open for newly hired foreigners.  The bank (HSBC) even opened a credit card account at the same time for us (on our first day in the UK!).

That brings up another question I have been wondering about.

And yes, I am a work permit holder (woohoo, finally!). Now, as a work permit holder, is my wife allowed to work as well? Or does she have to apply for a work permit as well or something?

Also, do I really need to concern myself with getting my employer's HR people started on my non-interview NIN process right away today, or can I wait until next Monday when I have my first day on the job?

Thanks again, all. You guys are awesome!

The chances are that your employers will already have the NI issue sorted.  They will probably just give you a form to fill out on your first day and they will sort the rest.  You may be on emergency tax for a few weeks but you'll get this back.

Your wife can work straight away, she won't need to get any other permits.  When she interviews or goes to recruitment agencies she must take her passport with her so that they can see she has the right to work.

Vicky

And yes, I am a work permit holder (woohoo, finally!). Now, as a work permit holder, is my wife allowed to work as well? Or does she have to apply for a work permit as well or something?

Yes, your wife can work as well, with no additional paperwork necessary.  Her entry clearance visa should say "work permit dependent"...at least that's what mine says (my husband is the work permit holder).

Also, do I really need to concern myself with getting my employer's HR people started on my non-interview NIN process right away today, or can I wait until next Monday when I have my first day on the job?

My husband did his NIN paperwork when meeting with HR during his first week of employment.  On a related note, he got taxed at the higher rate for two months until we received his NIN number.  Then we got a massive tax refund on his third paycheck.  So it can take some time to get your take-home pay sorted.  

Awesome on my wife's ability to work without any additional complication.

Concerning NIN, I've been talking to my HR person over there who seems to think that I need to "make an appointment with the Job Centre" once I am in town. I don't think she really knows how to do this the easiest way for me.

Anyone have any more specific advice on what my employer SHOULD be doing to get my NIN sans-interview?

Thanks again!

From the DWP site- http://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/ni_number.asp

National Insurance number allocation fast path process for employers

Employers who are applying for a work permit under the Business and Commercial Scheme (Tier 1 or Tier 2) should be aware of a new application fast path for employees who need a National Insurance number.

This new process now means that a postal National Insurance number application form can be completed by the employer and employee instead of visiting a Jobcentre Plus, Jobcentre or social security office for an interview.

A similar scheme is available for:

    * NHS professionals who are recruited from overseas and
    * certain EU nationals working in the UK for an employer using the work permit process and who are employed in categories compatible with work permit holders in the Business and Commercial Sector Tier 1 or Tier 2.

For more information on the fast path schemes contact:

Fast Path Internet Enquiries
CCU Admin Team
5th Floor
Portcullis House
21 India Street
Glasgow
G2 4PH
Telephone: 0845 641 5047 / 5048 / 5049
Fax: 0845 641 5037
Email: glasgow.ccufastpathadmin@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk

NB: These contact details are for use by employers only for fastpath applications.

Excellent - that is exactly what I needed! Rocking awesome! Thanks again!!!!!