Getting Started Checklist

Hi all, my wife has recently been issued a settlement visa as my spouse and is due to move to the UK in a couple of weeks. We're starting to think about what we will need to do to get her going once she moves. Is there a checklist elsewhere on the forum that we can have a look at?

If not, for now we have:

• Pick up BRP from Post Office
• Apply for NI number. Will she need this before she can work? Will she need anything else to be able to work?
• Register with GP
• Get a bank account
• Apply for a provisional drivers (as an alternative form of ID)

Can anyone think of anything else super important to add to this list that we may have missed?

Those are all the things I think to to tell people. You've got a good start!

She'll need her BRP card for opening or being added to a Bank account. She'll also have to send it off to get her Provisional driving license. So you'll need to plan how to do things.

Quite a few online job applications require you to enter in your NINo when you apply and it takes about a month to get the number back in the post after applying for it. She should be able to call and get the paperwork without having to do an in person appointment.

One thing that's good for her to know is without UK work experience it can take some time to find employment. If she's interested in volunteering for any specific organisations that always looks great on your CV.

She just needs to have her BRP card to be able to get a job, a lot of employers prefer you to already have your NINo as it makes it easier for them. My employers have always asked me for more information about my visa as I live in Derbyshire in a smaller town. They don't get as many non-eu immigrants here.

Hope this was helpful!

Yes, that's super helpful. Thanks very much

Glad to hear we're on the right lines.