Moving to a new country can be both exciting and daunting. As an international nurse or a newcomer to the United Kingdom, there are certain essential things that you need to have within 10 days of your arrival. These items will make your transition into the country smoother and ensure that you have everything you need to settle in comfortably. Here are six things you should have within the first 10 days of arriving in the UK.
Biometric Residence Permit Card
The
first item you should think about having with you is a Biometric Residence
Permit (BRP) card. It is a secure identity document that contains your details,
biometric information (such as fingerprints and a facial image), and
immigration status, permitting you to stay in the UK for a period of time.
The
plastic card stores biometric information and can be used as proof of the
individual's identity, their right to work or study in the UK, and their
entitlements to public services. Once you arrive in the UK, you’ll have to visit
the nearest post office (the address you provided during the biometric
appointment in your home country) to collect your BRP card.
You'll
need this card to transact numerous activities upon arrival in the UK,
including creating bank accounts, registering with the electoral commission,
etc. It is important to keep the BRP card safe and secure as it contains
sensitive personal information. If the card is lost or stolen, it should be
reported to the UKVI immediately.
When traveling outside the UK, the BRP card must be presented alongside the passport as evidence of the right to enter the UK upon returning.
UK SIM Card
One of the first things you should do upon arrival in the UK is to get a UK SIM card for your mobile phone. This will enable you to stay connected with your family and friends back home, as well as to make local calls and access the internet. You can buy a pay-as-you-go SIM card from a local mobile phone shop or an online provider. This will allow you to top-up your phone as you go along without being locked into a contract.
UK Bank Account
Having
a UK bank account will make it easier for you to manage your finances while in
the UK. It will allow you to receive your salary, pay your bills, and withdraw
cash. To open a bank account, you will need to provide proof of identification,
proof of address, and proof of income (if you have one). It's best to research
different banks and compare their services and fees before choosing one that
suits your needs. Some banks may have specific eligibility criteria, such as
requiring proof of address and identification documents.
Most
banks offer online account applications, which can be completed in just a few
minutes. Alternatively, you can also visit a branch and apply in person. The
bank will review your application and may conduct a credit check before
approving your account.
After
your account is approved, you will usually get your debit card and PIN through
the mail. You will need to activate your card before you can start using your
account.
Once your account is activated, you can start depositing and withdrawing money, setting up direct debits and standing orders, and managing your finances online or through the bank's mobile app.
NHS App
Having
the NHS App on your smartphone is a good idea for new arrivals. The NHS App is
a digital tool created by the National Health Service (NHS) in the United
Kingdom that allows you to access a range of health services and information
from your smartphones or tablets. The app is free to download and use and is
available for both iOS and Android devices.
You can access a range
of health services through the app, such as booking and managing appointments
at your GP surgery, ordering repeat prescriptions, and viewing your medical
records.
The app also allows you
to access a range of health information and advice, including articles on
common health conditions, self-care advice, and details of local NHS services.
In addition, the NHS
App features a symptom checker tool that helps you to identify common health
conditions and find relevant advice or treatment options.
To use the NHS App, users need to register for an NHS login account. This involves providing some personal details and completing a verification process to confirm your identity.
Register with a GP
Registering
with a General Practitioner (GP) is an important step in taking care of your
health in the UK. A GP is a first-line medical professional who gives
generalized medical attention for non-acute illnesses and wounds.
To
register with a GP, you will need to find a practice that is accepting new
patients in your local area. You can usually find information about GP
practices in your area by searching online or contacting your local health
authority.
Once
you have found a GP practice, you will need to fill out a registration form.
This form will ask for personal details, such as your name, address, and
contact information. You may also be asked to provide information about your
medical history, current medications, and any allergies you have.
After
you have completed the registration form, you will usually need to schedule an
appointment with your new GP. This appointment is often called a "new
patient check-up," and it is an opportunity for you to discuss your health
concerns with your GP and for your GP to review your medical history.
It is important to register with a GP as soon as possible, even if you are not currently experiencing any health problems. Regular check-ups with your GP can help identify any health issues early on and prevent more serious health problems from developing in the future.
Registering with the Electoral Commission (EC)
Registering with an
electoral commission in the UK is an important step in exercising your right to
vote. To register to vote, you must be a British, Irish, or qualifying
Commonwealth citizen who is over 18 years of age and a resident of the UK.
The electoral
commission in the UK is responsible for maintaining the electoral register,
which is a list of all eligible voters in the country. To register, you can
either fill out an online registration form on the electoral commission's
website or complete a paper form and send it to your local electoral
registration office.
Voting may not be the only reason to register
with the EC. It will add some points to your credit score.
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