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18 months to go |
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Plan a visit to the UK to investigate. If this is not an option, start researching the web, and contact other migrants. |
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| Take a look at the different regions and cities, and investigate house prices. |
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| Decide when you will tell friends and family. Older children sometimes need a bit of time to get used to the idea. |
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| Attend Working In expos to find out more about the UK and potential employment. |
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| Take a look at your finances and plan how you can best repay debt/ save for the move. |
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| Select a migration agent. Find out what you need to prepare for entry. |
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| Investigate what type of visa you would be most suitable for. |
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| Begin to get your house ready for sale or renting out. |
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12 months to go |
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Check your passports. They need to be valid for at least two years before they expire. |
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| Collect all your personal papers, including driver’s licence, birth, marriage and adoption, references for employment and qualifications. |
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| Look into quarantine restrictions for the UK if you have a pet. |
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| Start the visa application process |
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| Put your house on the market. |
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| Start job hunting and contact companies that match your skills and qualifications. |
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6 months to go |
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Inform schools that your child will be moving to give them time and help them adjust. |
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| Book your flights to the UK. |
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| Ask several freight companies for quotes for moving personal effects and furniture. |
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| Research schools in the UK and read their websites. |
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| Find out what you need to do to ship your pets successfully, or find a new home for them. |
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| Go for your medicals and apply for police checks for visas. |
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| Sell any unwanted furniture and belongings. |
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| Give your employer formal notice. |
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| Open a UK bank account. |
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| Request credit references from your bank/lending institute. |
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| Find temporary UK accommodation to bridge the gap between selling your house and leaving. |
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2 months to go |
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Book temporary accommodation in the UK. |
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Research cost of living in the UK. |
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Research taxes in the UK. |
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Register your children at their new schools in the UK. |
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Book your pet’s kennel accommodation in the UK. |
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Begin goodbye functions and social occasions. |
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Give notice to your landlord if necessary. |
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Start packing any non-essential items. |
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Book hotels and car hire for your first few weeks in the UK. |
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1 month to go |
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Give a forwarding address to all official contacts including your bank, passport office and accountants. |
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| Cancel accounts for TV, Internet, phone and insurance. |
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| Bring all your utilities and council tax up-to-date. |
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| Give away or sell any remaining personal effects. |
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| Pay off any outstanding debts. |
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| Arrange for your post to be redirected. |
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| Transfer funds to your UK bank account. |
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| Confirm bookings with travel agents and freight companies. |
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| Cancel direct debits coming from your account. |
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| Ask for a copy of your no claims bonus form from your insurance agency. |
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Arrange a web-based email address to make it easy to stay in touch with your family and friends. |
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1 week to go
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| Sell your car. |
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| Cancel car insurance. |
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| Wind down the goodbye parties, leaving you with a bit of breathing space. |
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| Finalise packing and ensure your possessions are ready to be sent. |
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| Arrange any thank you gifts for friends and family who have helped. |
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| Organise transport to the airport, leaving yourself plenty of time. |
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| Change money into dollars for spending when you first arrive |
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| Purchase little treats for children to keep them entertained on the flight. | |
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1 day to go |
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Confirm transport to airport. |
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| Double check your hand luggage has everything you need. |
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| Try to have an early night! |
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