Since I’ve been writing this blog for a few months, I figure it’s time to review the steps you need to take to move to the United Kingdom from Canada or America.
Step One: Legalities
Can you legally make the move to the UK? It’s not enough to have a Canadian or American passport!
Check out this blog post:
Step Two: Bank Accounts, Accommodations and Flights
Once you know you can legally move to the UK, you’ll want to start getting everything in order to make the actual move.
- How to Set Up a UK Bank Account From Abroad
- How to Get a Cheap Flight to the UK from Canada or America
- How to Find a Flat in the UK - watch this space for more details about my arrangement with London Relocation Services. They help you get a flat within 24 hours, and I’m working with them to get you a great deal on their services. Watch this space!
Step Three: The Job Hunt
Depending on your profession, this might actually be step 1 or 2. In any case, here are my two cents:
Step 4: Network with other Canadians and Americans in the UK
Make new friends! You are not the first American or Canadian to move to the United Kingdom, so why not make some new friends with others in the same boat as you across the pond?
Step 5: The Nitty Gritty – Health Care, Packing, Electricals, Shopping, Flights, Send Money “Home”…
- How to Get Health Care When you Move to the UK
- How to Move to the UK and Bring Your Electricals With You
- How to Send Money to Your UK Account from Canada or America and Vice Versa
- How to Book Flights Within Europe For Cheap
- 10 Books to Help You Make the Move to the UK
- How to Buy A UK Mobile Phone
- How to Shop in the United Kingdom
Wow! That’s a whole lotta information that I wish I had when I moved to the United Kingdom from Canada. I hope it helps you.
I am currently looking for more ideas for this blog. Please help! What would you like to see on here? Any ideas? Please share your thoughts below.
Victoria Westcott
kikimoo
I am a Canadian who has been living in London for a year and a half. Unfortunately just came across the blog now, so a little late for me. But some good advice.
I’m currently in the process of exchanging my Canadian drivers license for a UK one. Like all things UK government related, it is never as straightforward as you might hope. Any advice or information on that topic would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Greg
Hi Greg
Good question! I know how to purchase a bicycle and ride around London, but sadly, I never went through the process you’re about to go through for driving a vehicle. Please keep me updated on your progress and then I can write a report here for others in the same boat, or even better – maybe, you’ll want to be a guest blogger and teach us all?
Thanks for the comment!
Victoria
Hi Victoria. I would be happy to guest blog once I have finished the entire process. I’m collecting all my information right now in an entry on my own blog. I’d be happy to create a blog for Canadians exchanging their licenses once I get it all compiled.
Greg
Hi Greg – sounds great. Just keep me posted.
Happy driving,
Victoria
Hi Victoria,
Just found this list, it is very helpful. I’m planning to move to London this summer and am just starting the Youth Mobility Scheme vis process. I noticed the link you have for the step by step guide no longer works, any ideas of another link?
Alexandra
Hi Alexandra
Thanks for your message. Unfortunately, that does happen quite a bit with blogs and the like. I think the best advice I can give here is to follow the YMS guidelines very closely, double check your paperwork and don’t worry too much about it. Worldbridge Services (the ones who do your fingerprints for the visa) are quite helpful and should assist you if you make any mistakes. Good luck! If you’d ever like to do a guest blog post about your process please just contact me again. I’d love to feature a post on here about the current process.