Akorkor:


Looking for another house already. If possible na to buy house but I heard that if you have not stayed up to 3 month in the UK the deposit is usually high like 30%. That’s what my bank told me sha. Anyways, the process is ON

Good advise from everyone but don't trust the police to do anything much about it. Best thing is to start house search as early as possible and move cos like someone said, knife and gang crimes on the High now.

Please stay safe. Buying house involves lots of things, good credit history, stable income for a certain period, finding a property, getting mortgage etc. All of this isn't easily achievable in a few months or when just starting a life in the UK. All the best

justwise:


To me Geordie and Scouse accents followed by Scottish are no where near posh

You listen to Steven gerrard or Cherry Cole speak you wondering if it’s the same English language

honestly puts me off when watching some UK movies.The drag and all

dupyshoo:
Check the last subheading https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/visiting-or-moving-to-england/moving-to-england-from-outside-the-european-economic-area-eea/

I did dependant visa for my UK born kid because I had to take him out of UK. I did not have to do ILR for him. I just registered him as British immediately after I got ILR.

Thank you sis. Never knew that could skip the ILR. What if one isn't planning to take the kids out? Will there be any issue

ameryzzy:


Okay thanks alot. Lastly please, I saw a post where someone said you must apply for visa with your spouse to the UK when coming with your child, for my case Oga isn't joining us immediately, maybe after 6 months. What do I do pls?

Both parents needs to apply together when coming with a minor and sign the consent letter. Your oga can come afterwards.

Only caveat to the above is widowed, divorced or single parent and you need to demonstrate sole responsibility for the child with court orders etc

LagosismyHome:


I have some friends who did this. One was even on 10 years path , and they didn't do at all for their 3 kids..... can you blame them . The home office fee is too much and when they got to ILR , it was absolutely fine to get the children citizenship... as long as the child is born in the UK

Any child born in the UK potentially have legal status worse case when the child is 7yrs for ilr or 10yrs for citizenship so on that basis home office is fine with it.. They might not have an official visa per say but they are allowed legally .... It just that if there a wedding in naija or a holiday trip. You can't take them out of the country ...

Exactly the fees are too much especially for kids born in and out of the UK. The amount we have paid on my 5yr old son to date ehn and another potential £4k loading for ILR and citizenship.

Meanwhile heard with good immigration lawyers people use the 7yr old route to switch from unsettled status as well

dupyshoo:
You are required to pay for IHS for UK born after 3 months as they are not covered after 3 months. I am however not sure if it will be enforced. I will advise to apply rather than break the rule.

Also adding the child to your visa would only mean skilled worker dependant application and IHS fees. Children born in the UK don't require ILR. They can be registered as British citizens once one of the parents get ILR. Being on dependant visa does not change this aspect.

Surprised at the bolded for UK born kids cos I know quite some people who have done that and got ILR. Will have to research more not to break rules and enter one chance I actually thought once a kid is on a visa they will need ILR, £2389 no be small money oo. UKVI and money.

Stevepop:
Hi all- I'm on Tier 2 visa, we just had our baby recently and we have been getting conflicting information regarding adding the baby as our dependant and getting a Nigerian passport.
Aside from not paying IHS, are there any benefit of not adding the baby as a dependant? Will it influence ILR or citizenship later down the line? I read the baby won't be able to access secondary care after 3 months, if we don't get her BRP. Just wanted to know if there are any benefits of not getting a naija passport or BRP for the baby. Thank you.

It doesn't influence ILR ir citizenship especially for Tier 2 visa holders
. The major advantage to not adding her to your visa is saving Tier 2 visa fees, biometric fees, ILR and reduced citizenship cost. Adding this up for the child could be almost £4000 or more depending on how long you have got before you are due for ILR.

If you don't intend travelling out of the UK with her anytime soon. You can chill and if you see a need then simply apply.

The baby would not be denied care or schooling for any reason as she was born here.

Stevepop:
For car owners, please is it absolutely necessary to have a dash cam fitted to your car? I know it comes in handy during accident especially when you are not at fault .. Just confused if I need one or not...Can you please recommend a good one that is pocket friendly, reviews on Amazon are so conflicting? Thanks

No it's not absolutely necessary. Only if you want it0

Ticha:


Ah boarding in 9ja ke? No my sis. It'll be better to spend all summer holidays back home. It might feel like just 6 weeks but it is a good length of time. Especially if you have close family members you can send them to.

Gaskiya we no plenty abroad at all. I know 2 in the UK both from Niger State. Something funny happened to me a few months after we came to New Zealand. The driving here is bonkers. A 9ja level bonkers. People drive like serious agberos. One afternoon, I was heading out and someone drove very dangerously (by my standards of course ) almost crashing into me. I swerved, shouted ubanka and did waka at him. Na so, the guy swerved and started tail gating me. In my head, I said, 'I don buy market o. Person go beat me today!'

I found parking, got my phone out and had 11 open ready to dial. The guy parked behind me and this black guy jumped out, left his door open and shouted, 'Yarwa!' He gave me the biggest hug. Na so we blow Hausa for ages! He's from Kano and said he'd not met another Northerner since being in NZ. He's been here 17 years now! Married to a Kiwi woman with 5 children and we've become quite close.

Lol just imagine across several seas and thousands of miles . Loved your post (especially point 2 and 6) onthe things you plan for the kids. Very intentional. Welldone sis

kaylov12:



Parents need to be more involved in the education of their wards. If your children attend free school, you have to go the extra mile to support them. What is being learnt in school alone won't cut it and that's a fact.
We have to work extra for a desired result for those who care.

Agreed with all you said. Back in Nigeria as well, for people that went private schools, parents still had to go extra mile with coaching lesson etc. If you want your children to excel one has to be ready to commit and help them at home.

Not everytime double shifts

kaylov12:


What is written isn't exactly as it happens behind closed doors believe me.
When it's OFSTED INSPECTION TIME, the whole school run kitikiti and katakata. 100% of the times its not the case.

Agreed. That's why I use this website to check performance. It's more accurate than OFSTED. You can analyse performances in the Key study areas, for secondary schools you can check student that got certain grades and also proceeded to Uni etc.

https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/compare-schools?for=primary&basedon=Overall%20performance&show=All%20pupils%20over%20time%20-%20reading

mizGene:


Until one person smokes weed...

Best set up a direct debit to your own account that you cat easily access.

Lol that's why it's serious like minded people. It does help to build funds quickly for mortgages and heavy investment. Saving alone can take average of 3yrs to build a meaningful deposit suitable for mortgage depending know the location

Even got some Nigerians doing it with solicitors/legal document in place already for the sole purpose of mortgage and nothing else.
Step ladder is also a similar platform for such

[quote author=Ralphlauren post=110885731]

As lexusgs430 has suggested, travel to the US and do all your shopping. Its cheaper than you think. If you travel off peak, you can get return BA flights from London to New York for around £350-£400.

Prior to the pandemic, I would travel to the US at least twice a year for vacation and stock up on casual/office wear. Talk about using one bird to kill two stones. My username says it all. You get the best RL outfits for the best prices in the US.

If you do not hold a foreign passport, getting a US visa is very easy. You just need to understand the "common" strategy that applies for UK resident applicants. [/quote]

Designer boss, pls share the common strategy oo, want to step out of UK soon. Can someone qualify for Dropbox in the UK as well

Lilipo:


Interesting!

I disagree with your bolded statement. Its always best to compare like for like instead of making sweeping statements. In my opinion, state schools in UK are way better than public schools in Nigeria. Some state schools in UK may be comparable to some private schools in Nigeria (but not the top private ones).

Note the definitions below
British definition of State school - A school that is funded and controlled by the state and no fees are charged
British definition of Public school - A school, in England and Wales (not Scotland) that is fee charging and is paid for by parents.

What we term 'public' in Nigeria is called 'state' in United Kingdom and what we term 'private' in Nigeria is termed 'public' in England and Wales (not sure of what it is called in Scotland). Context here is SCHOOLS.

Not all state schools in UK are as bad as you have described. There is a reason for OFSTED ratings but I agree that some schools may be below the expected standard. These are due to many reasons eg if you live in an economically deprived area or perhaps where most parents are on benefits among many other reasons.

My advise would be, if you are immigrating with children, consider areas that have good state schools. If you can afford public school, it is well worth the fees.

Agreed at all you said. One needs to do research and all properly when choosing schools. It may not be easy for new migrants moving in with older kids and just accepting what the council allocates. But ensure you don't restrict yourself.

When I was applying for my son reception alone, I read all the ofsted reports, performances in key subject, visited the school to get a sense before applying. I did not restrict myself to 2/5mins drive because I wanted a very good school with good performance reports.

All my 5 options were schools I liked so when I got the 4th one, I was pleased.

A lot of people ask me why the school is far away (10 to 20mins drive) but I am happy with my choice and the changes/improvement in my child.

Another thing to add is, people should also start preparing their kids early for secondary grammar schools if you have in your area. I know people who started training and coaching as early as Year 4, though not easy but worth it.

Chai, came late to the party oo. Thanks for setting this up mamatukwas. So much to learn

gistbite:


It’s an application for 15hrs. She turned 3 in February and we are hoping to get a spot for April term.

There is no need to make a council claim then, just take them to a nursery or school and they get it automatically.

I always advise nursery instead of schools though because of flexibility. School will be 3hrs session for the week and no holiday period. This can be stressful when combined with work.
But with nurseries, you can always blend/use it how you want and add additional hrs, they open holiday period etc.

sweetoma:
Hello all, Mamatukwas, Justwise and other gurus. I really appreciate all the advise on this thread. My son is about to start school this week, anyone with advice, lunch pack ideas, after school care advise etc. I wish we had a thread for parenting immigrant kids in the UK. I’m a bit nervous LOL

It's a normal feeling I guess, but you will be fine. For lunch, I don't stress he takes whatever is on the menu asides Pork, ham etc. After school clubs also a way of getting the kids busy and a good idea.

All in all, just pay attention to the kids, talk to them often, stay on top of their homework and try to listen and not react as normal naija parents. If it doesn't feel right it probably isn't, so always be ready to ask the teachers questions as well. Most times they explain a lot to you when you ask

gistbite:


National insurance payment
Tax payment.

Now, my partner is a student and is tax exempt; so on his pay slips, they only remove nin fees.
I’ve been working temporarily before this full time work and my pay slip too, only nin money was removed.
The application is asking for both.

Is it an application for 30hrs ? Because that will count as public funds. If you need a space for your the usual 15hrs, just look for nurseries around you and apply for a space and its automatically applied for by the nursery. No need to make a council application.

Meanwhile when does your child turn 4? Cos school application is closed for Sept 2022 and you may need to apply for a primary place asap

LagosismyHome:


That the start of self denial...... its just for fun . Hopefully yours isn't self denial

If its really for fun then it can be avoided. This UK its very easy to spiral down a dark path and here no helper. Everyone carries their cross jejely.

So what you can avoid, habits that can cause trouble or had to stop , best to run/avoid

Exactly and they enable it so much from all those radio programmes etc. You just think the money is not a lot till you start paying 3pounds everyday. Funds that can be saved or diverted, not in this age of rising living costs

bemagnify:



You don't need to worry, I am not addicted, just for fun

Hmmn, so does most gamblers or addict say oo. Doubt there is any restrictions for students though as long as you are not spending loans etc.

umarwy:


Ah pele.
Big cities are trying to go green so they charge you daily for driving in low emission zones.

To avoid this you need to buy a ulez compliant vehicle or avoid driving in those zones.

Easiest way to avoid any stories is to get a Tesla, or recent hybrid/electric cars.

Welcome to the future.

Me I am still looking for 6.2/6.3 litre C63 w204, the engine itself is a beauty to look at.

Beauty ke, that one can't be used for everyday driving oo with the rising cost of petrol and diesel

harwe:
Buying a car in UK can we talk about what one should look out for?

A friend got a Diesel car yesterday unknowing to him that there is something called Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ).

Can we advice ourselves on what to look out for, where to buy a car and things to check on the car.

I feel others should not make such mistakes.

For new comers, target either old age petrol cars or diesel cars from 2015 to fit into ULEZ zones. Also from the road tax banding, you will have an idea of emission values.

Always check MOT history and the advisories, Insurance cost on 2 more websites like confused.com and money supermarket
Tax cost
Test drive and see if it feels right
Also, don't get attached to a car by their name or naija knowledge. There are loads of cars here and you will always find yours.

dustydee:
Are you guys observing the double standard in this Russia v Ukraine saga?
Not home office is saying Ukraninans with families here can come but the same home office denied Syrians and Afghans refuge saying they should claim assylum in thier first safe country of arrival. Then FIFA and UEFA has suspended Russia yet when The UK, France and US invaded Iraq, Libya and Syria, they were not suspended. Also the media organisations here are often fond of accusing the Russian media of bias but are yet to analyse the situation from a Russian perspective or from a Black man's perspective. So much hypocrysy. I pray that peace will reign and both parties will resolve their issues. Putin took a wrong step and the west also.

Same double standard with Israel and Palestine. Everyone supports what's convenient and beneficial to them

Akorkor:


Amazon fire stick has everything. The funniest thing is I used this in Nigeria.

I can see different versions on Amazon and the reviews are confusing, can you recommend any of the versions

Lexusgs430:


Slide into my DM ......

Come and share with us now so we too can save money abeg. This one everything is getting expensive from April.

How does the IPTv works

omopapa:
Use this site to check and compare broadbands in ur area https://www.uswitch.com/broadband/ the strength of the broadband in your area will help make informed decision

If you are good with paper work and administrative duties then you can open ur own limited company to gather paper works for tax purpose. While umbrella company will take care of those.

Also, if you open your own company, it can be used for other contracts or side gigs.

Thanks, compared and haggled but seems to still be a lot sha. Will see how it goes.

dupyshoo:
Tell them you are leaving and book with another provider even at the same price, you should start getting calls with cheaper price.

I did the same for Virgin Media, agreed a new deal with Sky. While we waiting for installation day, Virgin Media called to offer better deal. Got M100 Fibre, basic TV and landline for £29.

Tried this and it reduced by £20. Think the problem is we dey find too much in the package . Na wa

wonlasewonimi:


Fatima get sapa plenty o

Hahha sapa no dey oo, I want to port but the fact that getting broadband only and all those other individual subscriptions for netflix, prime video etc may turn out more expensive is my fear.

Oya Elders advise on the bestand cheapest alternative, we like sports, regular ITV programs, box set etc, does firestick have all these? Also in HD?

@ justapasserby I second dupyshoo comment, this is storm Eunice fault, go forth and make a claim but don't state not engaging handbrake or anything. Resist that shalaye

Good day gbogbo ile oo, please i need advise on alternatives for TV bundle from the usual Sky, BT etc. The renewal price I am seeing is quite high for an existing customer.

Also, is it advisable to use umbrella company or open your own Ltd company if working on a Locum basis?

JanegirlN:
Hello everyone.

Please has anyone processed visitors visa recently. How long did it take? That of my mom's is over 3 weeks and when I called UKVI I was told it now takes 3 - 6 weeks. I had no idea and we already booked her flight.

Send the paid email to UKVI to know the status, they will either confirm if a decision is made or not. If they say decision is made, then ask for an escalation if you want but usually this email request triggers TLS/BHC to do the needful. Hope this helps. This method has helped with getting visas out recently.

Akorkor:


Okay. Thank you for your advice. Gradually settling down. Difficult though without Bank account.

Have you tried the online banks such monzo, starling, revolut etc