Relocating to the UK: Guidance for international job applicants and colleagues

Settling into a new country can be both exciting and challenging. This guidance is designed to support international job applicants and colleagues relocating to the UK and joining the University of Westminster. It provides practical, up-to-date information on visas, accommodation, and settling into everyday life. 

Before your move to the UK

Once you have received a job offer from the University, you will need to check whether a visa is required to work in the UK before starting employment. You can find more information on the GOV.UK website.

You do not need a visa if you are:

  • A British Citizen or Irish National 
  • An EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with Settled or Pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme 
  • A Non-EEA national with Indefinite Leave to Remain/Settlement in the UK

A Skilled Worker visa and a Government Authorised Exchange visa allow the visa holder to undertake an eligible job in the UK with an approved employer. We have a sponsor license from the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) to sponsor eligible colleagues under these routes. 

Further information about the Skilled Worker visa and Government Authorised Exchange visa can be found on the UKVI website. 

If you have accepted your job offer and require sponsorship, please inform our Recruitment team. They will collate the required documentation, which will be assessed against the relevant visa requirements by the Resourcing and Reward team. They will then contact you to discuss the potential sponsorship process.

Please note that the visa sponsorship process can take time. The Resourcing and Reward team work with eligible sponsored colleagues to gather the required information and assist them with the application process. Processing times from UKVI vary depending on individual applications and may take several weeks. As a result, your start date, travel plans and accommodation may not be confirmed until closer to your arrival. The Resourcing and Reward team will support you through the sponsorship process and keep you updated. 

Arriving in the UK 

Please visit the GOV.UK website for guidance on entering the UK, including what documents you need and what you can bring.

Right to work check

We are required to conduct a right to work check to evidence your right to live and work in the UK. These checks must be completed on or before the first day of employment. For the University to carry out this check you will need to get a share code from the Home Office. To get a share code, please visit the GOV.UK website.

If you are a UK or Irish national, you do not need a share code. We will advise you on which documents to provide. 

Skilled Worker visa and Government Authorised Exchange visa holders entering the UK from overseas for the first time must show evidence of their UK arrival date as part of their right to work checks. We will inform you how to evidence your date of entry to the UK.

Getting settled 

Accommodation 

We understand that moving to a new country can feel challenging. One of the most important things is having somewhere to stay when you arrive, whether it's temporary or long-term accommodation. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide accommodation for colleagues, so we encourage you to explore housing options before you arrive. This will give you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with different property types, typical rental costs, and areas that may suit your needs. 

Websites such as Rightmove, Spareroom, and Zoopla, along with local letting agents, can help you find suitable properties.

Agents who specialise in renting are sometimes called letting agents. They deal with rent, contracts and property repairs. Letting agents and landlords must check that all tenants who occupy their properties have the legal right to live in the UK. This means that before you can rent a home, a letting agent or landlord must undertake a right to rent check. 

If you try to arrange a tenancy from abroad, landlords can agree to a tenancy in principle subject to a right to rent check on arrival. 

When choosing where to live you may want to consider: 

  • Commuting time to your main University site 
  • Rental costs in different areas 
  • Public transport links 
  • Local schools (if applicable)  
  • Community or cultural links

Opening a bank account

Make sure you have sufficient funds in your bank account. Guidance is available on the GOV.UK website.

You will need one document to prove identity and one to prove your address. Requirements vary by bank and the process may take time. Your home bank may be able to assist if it has a UK partner.

Internet, television, telephone 

There are many providers. Check whether your current mobile provider offers UK coverage temporarily when you first arrive in the country to avoid high roaming charges.

Healthcare

You will need to register with the National Health Service (NHS) to access a GP and other healthcare services.

Transport

London is a well-connected city with extensive bus, Tube and train networks. Most services are "cash-free”, so you will need to have a contactless debit or credit card, mobile payment (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay), or an Oyster card before travelling. For information on payment options, visit the Transport for London (TfL) website.

Resources and support

Government links