Moving to the UK as an American
Why I am Moving
The short answer? Because I have always wanted to but the longer answer is not quite as straight forward. As a PhD Candidate, I am now required to write a dissertation based on original research. As a historian, however, that original research requires archival work meaning that I must visit libraries and archives with materials relevant to my dissertation. All the materials I need are, therefore, based in or around London. So while I wanted to move to London for many reasons (to expand my businesses, to be near my partner, to live in a big city, and to live outside of the US again), the main one is that I am moving for work.
Where am I Moving?
For the first few months living in the UK I will be living with my partner in SE London in order to wait for my visa to get approved. In around August I should hear back about my visa and gain “right to rent” so that I am legally allowed to sign a lease on a flat. My plan is to be in and around West or North-West London and to live with a roommate.
Cost Breakdown
Cost to travel to the uk
Flights to and from the UK and the US are not cheap but they become even more expensive if you are booking a one way ticket. For my flight to Paris (in order to travel with my dog - more on this later in the post) I paid $1,089.20 plus an additional $125 for an in-cabin pet.
COST to move Using Sendmybag
In order to move to move to the UK, I opted to sell almost all of my belongings besides the essentials/valuables which I didn’t not want to repurchase (clothing, sporting equipment, books for my research, tech). I was, however, left with three suitcases, a duffle, and three boxes which I had to have sent to the UK. To do so I used SendMyBag and the total amounted to around $1700. The service picked up and delivered my belongings within a week!
The High potential individual visa
The HPI or High Potential Individual Visa is the one I opted for, rather than applying for a visiting student visa via a host University. This visa is available to graduates from a select group of schools outside the UK, of which my undergrad university was included. This visa allows for 2-3 years of unsponsored settlement in the UK. The reason this was appealing is my ability to make an income in the UK during my settlement if I choose to.
What is the cost of the HPI Visa?
ECCTIS Verification: £252 or $312.65
Application Fee: £715 or $887.08
Healthcare Surcharge (£624/year) x 2 years = £1248 or $1548.35
Proof of Financial Support ($ in your bank at the time you apply): £1270 or $1575.64
COST to move with a dog
Moving to the UK with a dog from the States is a bit complicated (to say the least). It requires a very strict health certificate and border control process. I will work on developing a complete post to cover all of the logistics but here is a breakdown of the costs:
UK & US Health Certificate: $620
Tapeworm Treatment: $24
Fedex to USDA Overnight: $70
Traveling with Dog in-cabin via United Airlines: $125
Taxi from Paris Charles du Gaulle to Paris du Nord: $100-200
Train from Paris to Calais: $50
Pet Transport Across the English Channel: $205
Train from Ashford to London: $30-75