New to the UK
A practical starting point for international students and tech professionals moving to the UK — the visa routes you're likely to use, and the admin to sort in your first month. Every item links to the official source.
Your first 30 days — the essential admin
Before you arrive
- Set up your eVisa (UKVI account)
Most people now have a digital immigration status instead of a physical card. Create your account and check the details are correct.
Official guidance ↗ - Save a 'share code' to prove your status
Employers, landlords and banks will ask you to prove your right to work or rent — you generate a share code online.
Official guidance ↗ - Line up your first month of accommodation
Book temporary or student housing before you land. UK lettings usually need references and a deposit, which take time to arrange.
Official guidance ↗
Your first week
- Get a UK SIM / phone number
You'll need a UK number for bank verification, job applications and two-factor logins. Pay-as-you-go SIMs are cheap and instant.
- Register with a GP (family doctor)
Free NHS care starts once you register at a local GP surgery — do it early, before you actually need a doctor.
Official guidance ↗ - Know your NHS surcharge is already paid
The Immigration Health Surcharge you paid with your visa gives you access to the NHS — you don't pay again at the point of care.
Official guidance ↗
Essential admin
- Apply for a National Insurance (NI) number
You need one to be paid and taxed correctly. You can start work before it arrives, but apply as soon as you're in the UK.
Official guidance ↗ - Sort out Council Tax
Households pay Council Tax to the local council. Full-time students are usually exempt — tell the council to claim it.
Official guidance ↗ - Get a TV Licence if you need one
You legally need one to watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer, even online. It's separate from your broadband.
Official guidance ↗
Money & credit
- Open a UK bank account
App-based banks (Monzo, Starling) open in minutes with your passport and eVisa; high-street banks may ask for proof of address.
Official guidance ↗ - Start building a UK credit history
Your credit score starts from zero in the UK. Register on the electoral roll if eligible, and pay bills on time to build it up.
Official guidance ↗ - Understand your payslip and tax
UK employers deduct Income Tax and NI automatically (PAYE). Check your tax code so you're not over- or under-taxed.
Official guidance ↗
Getting around
- Get a local transport pass
Most cities have contactless or app-based travel. A weekly/monthly pass is usually far cheaper than single fares.
- Consider a Railcard
If you're 16–30 or a student, a Railcard saves a third on most train travel across Britain — it pays for itself quickly.
Official guidance ↗ - Check if you can use your driving licence
You can drive on many foreign licences for up to 12 months; after that you may need to exchange it or take a UK test.
Official guidance ↗
Visa routes for students & tech workers
6 routesSkilled Worker visa
Job offer neededTech professionals with a job offer from a UK employer that holds a sponsor licence.
- You need a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer
- General salary threshold is £38,700 a year (lower for new entrants and some occupations)
- You can bring dependants (partner and children)
Global Talent visa
No job offerLeaders or potential leaders in digital technology — no job offer required.
- Needs an endorsement for the digital technology field (or a qualifying prize)
- No employer sponsorship and no minimum salary — work for anyone or yourself
- Two tracks: 'exceptional talent' (proven) or 'exceptional promise' (early-career)
High Potential Individual (HPI) visa
No job offerRecent graduates of a top-ranked global university — no job offer required.
- You must have graduated in the last 5 years from a university on the Global Universities List
- No sponsor needed — work, look for work, or be self-employed
- You can switch into the Skilled Worker route later
Graduate visa
No job offerInternational students who have completed an eligible UK degree.
- Apply from inside the UK before your Student visa expires
- Work at any skill level, for any employer, or be self-employed — no sponsor needed
- Cannot be extended, but you can switch into a work route
Student visa
No job offerPeople aged 16+ coming to study at a licensed UK institution.
- You need an offer (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor and proof of funds
- Usually allowed to work up to 20 hours a week in term time
- Can bring dependants only for some postgraduate research courses
Innovator Founder visa
No job offerFounders building an innovative, viable and scalable UK business.
- Your business idea must be endorsed by an approved endorsing body
- No minimum investment funds required
- You can also take on skilled employment alongside running your business