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Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by fatima04: 5:52pm On Nov 05, 2017
This thread is about Life in the UK for Immigrants

I discovered there is a gap in the research community of families living in the UK unlike other countries (Canada and Australia) though there are numerous thread on visa applications and survival tips for students .

It is an avenue for people that have emigrated to United Kingdom (with or without their families) to share their experiences to help future applicants.

Kindly share your personal experiences and comments on:

* Your visa application experience /adjustment status experience

* Picking up your BRP (disadvantage of not travelling within the 1month vignette and protocols to follow in picking it up)

* Travelling experience (airlines and airport to use)

* What are the immigration rules to follow?

* Visa renewals and what you are entitled to after 5yrs

* Can you open a bank account while still in Nigeria and what bank has the best customer service and plan)

* Which State/suburb did you settle in and why?

* Public Transportation Vs Driving in the UK

* Driving in UK? How long can you use your Naija driving license before you get a license?

* Where you live and why you like it or don't like it? Tips on choosing the right neighborhood.(Internet plans, electricity company to use, setting up a house)

*Renting Vs Mortgage (pitfalls to avoid when choosing mortgage)

* Using a credit card (things to avoid)

* Childcare for kids below 5 (cost and how do you go about choosing a minder)

* Business Tips you can do both over there and abroad

* How do you send money home (without much loss)

* What does the NHS fully cover?

* Tips on raising kids in a western environment as an African

* What culture shock have you experienced?

* Tips on how to cloth and cope with the cold weather

* Nigerian restaurants and market in your location

* How much does your family survive on in a month?

* Developing Nigeria from Abroad (How to go about it)

* Nigeria Community in Glasgow

* Fun things to do grin

* And any other ...



Cc justwise, DisGuy, lexusgs430 ekpotek, Brightingsus, claremont, UKmigrant, dupyshoo

62 Likes 7 Shares

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by ladensmith(m): 6:03pm On Nov 05, 2017
As a prospective immigrant...
lemme park my ferrari here and gain more experience.
The mod in_charge should pls move this to FP please...
#grabs captain jack and my precious weed.

19 Likes 3 Shares

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by fatima04: 6:27pm On Nov 05, 2017
My Visa experience was quite tough because I found out the whole application to be rigorous with repetition of information.

I applied for Tier 2 Main applicant, General partner and General child

Having to fill the form for a family of 3 no be small task, with the repetition of answers and all. Then now came paying for IHS surcharge, what was supposed to be for a yr payment turned to 3yrs for dependant £600 as against £200 for the main applicant.

Hurdle 2 booking appointment for 3 diff individual was tough for the same day ooo. To say I was frustrated was the least.

Then came the payment wahala. My access dorm card (visa) was not accepted I had to call UKVI and trust them to charge money for every call or mail for complaints and enquiries (UK makes too much from us immigrants oo)

Thanks to all that answered my question in d Visa thread.

Lesson learnt:
1. For families fill individual application with the same portal i.e apply for someone else tab
2. Use Gtbank Mastercard attached to your dorm acct
3. Book appt for same day from UK website but register as a group with TLS dt way you are being processed together
4. Fill all information as truthfully as you can and you won't have any problem
5. Pray and make sure there are no mistakes with your documents

The application is really easy once you follow the rules to the letter.


P.S :- NARIC services is good and I did not have to write ilets for UKVI

40 Likes 10 Shares

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by senatorizyking(m): 6:33pm On Nov 05, 2017
Let me Park here, this information is important.

1 Like 3 Shares

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by YourFatherLap: 7:03am On Nov 07, 2017
ladensmith:
As a prospective immigrant...
lemme park my ferrari here and gain more experience.
The mod in_charge should pls move this to FP please...
#grabs captain jack and my precious weed.
oboi give me small captain Jack make I sip small...

This thread Na for me.

Make I park my borris for one side

11 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by fatima04: 8:51pm On Nov 08, 2017
Na wa oo. Seems no one living in the UK has visited here or keeping it lowkey.

Come help us with our questions na.

Anyhow sha,I will be updating it small small from my little research.

4 Likes 3 Shares

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by fatima04: 9:04pm On Nov 08, 2017
Researching can be so overwhelming ehn! Anyways I havent been able to find d cost of transferring the 1month vignette given to pick BRP incase it expires, so it's safe to say one shouldn't bother.

Advise to intending families like me just try nd go before it expires to avoid stories dy touch.

I discovered zoopla.co.uk for house search and I kinda prefer d interface to others like Gumtree so I recommend it,nd some of the pictures r too fine not sure if to make contact and payment before getting dre to ease settling down.

Though I still need some clarification on d bills attached, its also compulsory to pay council tax and home insurance.

Still trying to research more on what d council tax is, all I know is dre is band A and band B.

More updates to come as I know more

14 Likes 3 Shares

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by fatima04: 9:22pm On Nov 08, 2017
On airlines, I think I still prefer medview both for the price and short distance.
Though no in flight entertainment and it's still d usual nigeria food.

But it will be over before one knows it.

4 Likes

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by veleta: 9:48pm On Nov 08, 2017
@Fatima,Rightmove app is better than Zoopla.You can download the app in your phone or tab.Council tax are usually for policing,refuse collection,lighting of streets, maintenance of parks,,fire servicing,subsidizing local transports and so on. Its from band A to F. Bands A are cheaper followed by B,C and the farther the more expensive.
I would advise you physically inspect a house before moving in.Also check energy rating too its very important, it ranges from A to F,the higher the energy rating that's A,B or C the better cos it means the house is well insulated hence,won't require much heating except in winter.
Also when signing tenancy agreement, its better to sign for 6 months so that you won't be stuck in the property if along the line you are not comfortable and want to move out.
If I remember anything I would chip it in.

44 Likes 14 Shares

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by dupyshoo: 10:25pm On Nov 08, 2017
I have answered some of the questions based on my experience. If there are any other specific questions, feel free to ask. I will answer if I have the answer.
* Your visa application experience /adjustment status experience - It was easy for me to adjust as I came in as a student. Had lots of Nigerians around me then

* Picking up your BRP (disadvantage of not travelling within the 1month vignette and protocols to follow in picking it up) - Different process when I came in

* Travelling experience (airlines and airport to use) - Came through Manchester Airport first time in the UK. It is usually less busy than Heathrow Airport and faster to get through immigration

* What are the immigration rules to follow? The common one on almost all visas is "No recourse to public funds" - This means you can't claim benefits. Other rules depend on your kind of visa.

* Visa renewals and what you are entitled to after 5yrs - If you are on Tier 2 and you meet the requirements, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (Permanent Residence) after 5 years.

* Can you open a bank account while still in Nigeria and what bank has the best customer service and plan - Doubt you will be able to open an account while in Nigeria. Services in most banks are relatively the same. My advice is that you go for the one that will readily accept you as it can be difficult to open account for the first time in the UK

* Which State/suburb did you settle in and why? Greater Manchester, work location

* Public Transportation Vs Driving in the UK - Public transport can be a lot cheaper than driving. The public transport is relatively very good as bus stops are many. I will advise you take public transport initially as it can cost over £1k to pass your driving test.

* Driving in UK? How long can you use your Naija driving license before you get a license? I am not sure of this

* Where you live and why you like it or don't like it? Tips on choosing the right neighborhood.(Internet plans, electricity company to use, setting up a house) I live in a small town (not too busy and affordable accommodation but expensive naija food)

*Renting Vs Mortgage (pitfalls to avoid when choosing mortgage) - I will advise you wait until you are stable before considering mortgage. Not even sure any bank will offer you mortgage if you are new as your credit rating will be very poor. You will need time to build up your credit rating and also save for deposit before taking up mortgage

* Using a credit card (things to avoid) - My advice is this - Always pay up your credit card balance every month

* Childcare for kids below 5 (cost and how do you go about choosing a minder) - I have never used minders as I always have family members around. Childcare cost depends on location. You will be given 15-30 hrs free childcare once your child is 3 year old. Then, the child can start school on the next September after clocking 4.

* Business Tips you can do both over there and abroad - I am not involved in any business but a lot of people are

* How do you send money home (without much loss) - Several people do the business and will give you good rates

* What does the NHS fully cover? - Almost everything except your medications, dental care, eye glasses (these are the few I can remember)

* Tips on raising kids in a western environment as an African - Hmm, it is not easy. No specific way to go about this. Try to teach the child while the child is still young.

* What culture shock have you experienced? I did not know that English people have accents too. It was really a shock to me

* Tips on how to cloth and cope with the cold weather - Wear thermal wear and layers of clothes before wearing your wool jacket

* Nigerian restaurants and market in your location - No Nigeria restaurant, only 1 Naija shop. If you live in London, you will find loads of Naija restaurants.

* How much does your family survive on in a month? - This depends on the family size, where you live and way of life. If you live in London, it can be close to triple of someone that lives in Manchester.

* Developing Nigeria from Abroad (How to go about it) - No idea

* Nigeria Community in Glasgow - Don't live in Glasgow but I have visited and I know there are a lot of Nigerians there.

* Fun things to do grin This depends on your interest.



fatima04:
This thread is about Life in the UK for Immigrants

I discovered there is a gap in the research community of families living in the UK unlike other countries (Canada and Australia) though there are numerous thread on visa applications and survival tips for students .


Cc justwise, DisGuy, lexusgs430 ekpotek, Brightingsus, claremont, UKmigrant, dupyshoo

77 Likes 8 Shares

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by YourFatherLap: 7:36am On Nov 09, 2017
fatima04:
On airlines, I think I still prefer medview both for the price and short distance.
Though no in flight entertainment and it's still d usual nigeria food.

But it will be over before one knows it.
medview run international flights?
Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by Lamakinde(m): 10:36am On Nov 09, 2017
YourFatherLap:
medview run international flights?
Medview run international but always bite more than they can chew. It's relatively cheap but in flight services is not it at all. Flight delays and time change is common. It's a direct flight.
The planes are old and not a smooth one.
Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by Lamakinde(m): 10:38am On Nov 09, 2017
fatima04:
Researching can be so overwhelming ehn! Anyways I havent been able to find d cost of transferring the 1month vignette given to pick BRP incase it expires, so it's safe to say one shouldn't bother.

Advise to intending families like me just try nd go before it expires to avoid stories dy touch.

I discovered zoopla.co.uk for house search and I kinda prefer d interface to others like Gumtree so I recommend it,nd some of the pictures r too fine not sure if to make contact and payment before getting dre to ease settling down.

Though I still need some clarification on d bills attached, its also compulsory to pay council tax and home insurance.

Still trying to research more on what d council tax is, all I know is dre is band A and band B.

More updates to come as I know more

Vignette transfer is $231. It's on their site
https://www.google.com.ng/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://visa-fees.homeoffice.gov.uk/y/usa/usd/other/other-fees/all&ved=0ahUKEwiYuYbImbHXAhXQPFAKHcDdDRUQFggyMAI&usg=AOvVaw2Ln8bFoaUsJYo9XJD0geh-
Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by YourFatherLap: 10:39am On Nov 09, 2017
Lamakinde:

Medview run international but always bite more than they can chew. It's relatively cheap but in flight services is not it at all. Flight delays and time change is common. It's a direct flight.
The planes are old and not a smooth one.
that's risky

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by Lamakinde(m): 10:44am On Nov 09, 2017
YourFatherLap:
that's risky
I used them in May, and that was my experience. Had to stay in Lagos for three days from Abuja en route Gatwick .

3 Likes

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by dustydee: 11:41am On Nov 09, 2017
Interesting thread.

3 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by veleta: 12:19pm On Nov 09, 2017
You can drive with international driving licence 1 year from the date you entered Uk,after that,you can't drive with it again except with Uk full driving licence or provisional licence but with provisional licence,you must be accompanied by a person from 18years and above and he or she must have been driving for the past 3years on Uk full licence.

10 Likes 4 Shares

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by fatima04: 11:04pm On Nov 09, 2017
Oh wow thanks @velvets will download d app.
It now makes sensemble when I see some 1 bedroom council tax is more expensive Dan 3bed.

Thanks for the tip on energy rating. Never knew dt but we'll what did I know before sef.

God bless for this further questions coming up grin
Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by fatima04: 11:15pm On Nov 09, 2017
Wow, such an exhaustive response. Thank you for the details. Will ask more as d process continues. God bless.
[quote author=dupyshoo post=62200666]I have answered some of the questions based on
Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by Sunmisire: 11:27pm On Nov 09, 2017
fatima04:
My Visa experience was quite tough because I found out the whole application to be rigorous with repetition of information.

I applied for Tier 2 Main applicant, General partner and General child

Having to fill the form for a family of 3 no be small task, with the repetition of answers and all. Then now came paying for IHS surcharge, what was supposed to be for a yr payment turned to 3yrs for dependant £600 as against £200 for the main applicant.

Hurdle 2 booking appointment for 3 diff individual was tough for the same day ooo. To say I was frustrated was the least.

Then came the payment wahala. My access dorm card (visa) was not accepted I had to call UKVI and trust them to charge money for every call or mail for complaints and enquiries (UK makes too much from us immigrants oo)

Thanks to all that answered my question in d Visa thread.

Lesson learnt:
1. For families fill individual application with the same portal i.e apply for someone else tab
2. Use Gtbank Mastercard attached to your dorm acct
3. Book appt for same day from UK website but register as a group with TLS dt way you are being processed together
4. Fill all information as truthfully as you can and you won't have any problem
5. Pray and make sure there are no mistakes with your documents

The application is really easy once you follow the rules to the letter.


P.S :- NARIC services is good and I did not have to write ilets for UKVI

Pls did you apply through exceptional talent.... Cos someone told me about it today but I need someone to guide me through please.
Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by fatima04: 11:29pm On Nov 09, 2017
I agree just d cost nd direct flight is dre major advantage

Lamakinde:

Medview run international but always bite more than they can chew. It's relatively cheap but in flight services is not it at all. Flight delays and time change
The planes are old and not a smooth one.
Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by fatima04: 12:46am On Nov 10, 2017
Ohh. Funny enough I checked but felt I was checking d wrong link with all d drop down list and from d explanation I don't think it will apply to an expired vignette but anyways better not to complicate issues and go once and for all.

Lamakinde:
RUQFggyMAI&usg=AOvVaw2Ln8bFoaUsJYo9XJD0geh-
Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by fatima04: 12:48am On Nov 10, 2017
Can be more interesting with ur input grin

dustydee:
Interesting thread.
Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by fatima04: 12:56am On Nov 10, 2017
Nope I did not. Don't know about that. I would like think dt word "exceptional" is key. Will see what I can found out

Sunmisire:


Pls did you apply through exceptional talent.... Cos someone told me about it today but I need someone to guide me through please.

1 Like

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by fatima04: 8:00pm On Nov 14, 2017
Sunmisire:


.
think it's pretty straightforward once you follow all the steps in the link below.

https://www.gov.uk/tier-1-exceptional-talent/switch-to-this-visa

Update us as it goes. Goodluck and Be exceptional

2 Likes

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by dupyshoo: 11:13am On Nov 21, 2017
Just saw that you are on Tier 2 visa. I was on Tier 2 visa too. I will be glad to answer questions on Tier 2 (General) visa.

fatima04:
My Visa experience was quite tough because I found out the whole application to be rigorous with repetition of information.

I applied for Tier 2 Main applicant, General partner and General child

Having to fill the form for a family of 3 no be small task, with the repetition of answers and all. Then now came paying for IHS surcharge, what was supposed to be for a yr payment turned to 3yrs for dependant £600 as against £200 for the main applicant.

Hurdle 2 booking appointment for 3 diff individual was tough for the same day ooo. To say I was frustrated was the least.

Then came the payment wahala. My access dorm card (visa) was not accepted I had to call UKVI and trust them to charge money for every call or mail for complaints and enquiries (UK makes too much from us immigrants oo)

Thanks to all that answered my question in d Visa thread.

Lesson learnt:
1. For families fill individual application with the same portal i.e apply for someone else tab
2. Use Gtbank Mastercard attached to your dorm acct
3. Book appt for same day from UK website but register as a group with TLS dt way you are being processed together
4. Fill all information as truthfully as you can and you won't have any problem
5. Pray and make sure there are no mistakes with your documents

The application is really easy once you follow the rules to the letter.


P.S :- NARIC services is good and I did not have to write ilets for UKVI

3 Likes

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by uzuz(f): 9:59pm On Nov 21, 2017
fatima04:
Researching can be so overwhelming ehn! Anyways I havent been able to find d cost of transferring the 1month vignette given to pick BRP incase it expires, so it's safe to say one shouldn't bother.

Advise to intending families like me just try nd go before it expires to avoid stories dy touch.

I discovered zoopla.co.uk for house search and I kinda prefer d interface to others like Gumtree so I recommend it,nd some of the pictures r too fine not sure if to make contact and payment before getting dre to ease settling down.

Though I still need some clarification on d bills attached, its also compulsory to pay council tax and home insurance.

Still trying to research more on what d council tax is, all I know is dre is band A and band B.

More updates to come as I know more

it is not compulsory to pay home insurance, it is optional.. However, you must pay council tax and yes, there are different bands.. it depends on where you live..
Council tax is the funds used by the council to maintain their localities as well as policing.

7 Likes 1 Share

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by fatima04: 5:32pm On Nov 27, 2017
.... whats happening here now

Dress tips on surviving this cold weather. For now I am shopping for some winter jackets in Nigeria before we land, make we no come freeze.

Any suggestion?

Lets keep the thread alive oo
Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by Lexusgs430: 5:53pm On Nov 27, 2017
uzuz:


it is not compulsory to pay home insurance, it is optional.. However, you must pay council tax and yes, there are different bands.. it depends on where you live..
Council tax is the funds used by the council to maintain their localities as well as policing.

Contrary to your perception about home insurance.....

If your property is mortgaged, it is at your own interest to have home insurance......

If heavy wind blows your roof off, who foots the heavy bill?

If you have valuables, and the house gets burgled. Who bears the loss?

Home insurance, is an important policy to have.......

13 Likes 1 Share

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by uzuz(f): 6:19pm On Nov 27, 2017
Lexusgs430:


Contrary to your perception about home insurance.....

If your property is mortgaged, it is for your own interest to have home insurance......

If heavy wind blows your roof off, who foots the heavy bill?

If you have valuables, and ones house gets burgled. Who bears the loss?

Home insurance, is an important policy to have.......

If you read what l did and understood it, then you will see that l opposed the op's point of home insurance being compulsory, l did add that it is optional.

Home insurance as you said is an important policy if you own your house but not a necessity. There is a chance that you will be bitten by a lion than wind blowing your roof off in the UK (Given that lion attack kills perhaps 9 "careless" people in a year)because of the kind of roof cladding that is used on houses here.

In terms of valuables, there is something called contents insurance which is mostly offered by banks when you have a certain type of account and can be cheap if you do not have this type of account, this covers certain contents of your house especially for those renting as opposed to owning the property.

4 Likes

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by Lexusgs430: 6:48pm On Nov 27, 2017
uzuz:


If you read what l did and understood it, then you will see that l opposed the op's point of home insurance being compulsory, l did add that it is optional.

Home insurance as you said is an important policy if you own your house but not a necessity. There is a chance that you will be bitten by a lion than wind blowing your roof off in the UK (Given that lion attack kills perhaps 9 "careless" people in a year)because of the kind of roof cladding that is used on houses here.

In terms of valuables, there is something called contents insurance which is mostly offered by banks when you have a certain type of account and can be cheap if you do not have this type of account, this covers certain contents of your house especially for those renting as opposed to owning the property.

What about when the bathroom tap is faulty and floods the house, destroying the lower decking coverings, what the occupier be happier to pay the repair bill or a small excess fee?

I assume you have never had a section of your roof blow off before? A quick Google check confirms a high insurance claim off roof related issues.......

What about the certain items the current bank account bolt on limited insurance cover, does not cover?

1 Like 1 Share

Re: Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant by uzuz(f): 7:33pm On Nov 27, 2017
Lexusgs430:


What about when the bathroom tap is faulty and floods the house, destroying the lower decking coverings, what the occupier be happier to pay the repair bill or a small excess fee?

I assume you have never had a section of your roof blow off before? A quick Google check confirms a high insurance claim off roof related issues.......

What about the certain items the current bank account bolt on limited insurance cover, does not cover?


Again, like l said, as a home owner; insurance is important but not compulsory. You are unlikely to cover a home that you do not own, if you rent a house, you can do contents cover which covers majority of your home appliances. l am not sure what you mean by "limited insurance cover" Also, do not forget that home insurance can at times be very difficult to claim; against other types of insurance. If the insurance company find it that you have been careless and negligent, i.e in terms of the broken tap (which have been for over a period of time which you chose to ignore), they will not pay out.

It is possible that windy storm can blow roofs off buildings; l have never heard such about the UK. USA and certain countries perhaps but not the UK. Unlike the USA, UK use moulded slabs for their roof tops and the way the slabs are laid, its there 20 years, come rain, storm or whatever, it's there. Sometimes, this slabs breaks down and have to be replaced.

Damages perpetrated by insurance scammers is different from genuine claims; that is perhaps where you should focus. Having said that, as a tenant; you cannot insure someone's house - you can only insure the contents of the house.

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