Selecting a UK visa start date: Factors to consider
🗓 Selecting the right start date for your UK visa is essential to ensuring a smooth application.
Choosing the right start date for your UK visa might not seem like a big decision, but is an important step on your journey to life in London. Unfortunately, it isn't a completely straightforward process for selecting a UK visa start date, there are a bunch of factors that need to be considered.
UK visa start dates are not flexible, you need to arrive in the UK for the start of your visa. If you pick a visa start date that you can no longer make, you will likely need to pay additional fees and complete a new visa application. By correctly understanding the factors to consider when selecting a start date your London adventure will start smoothly.
Why it's important to be careful when selecting a UK visa start date
There are two main reasons why it's important to be careful and select a UK visa start date that you know works. If you miss the start date or need to reapply for your UK visa, which is a real headache.
UK visa 30-day arrival window
To get your UK visa activated, you need to pass through the UK immigration e-gates within a 30-day arrival window. The specific dates for this window are based on the arrival dates you selected when applying for your visa. Remember, you can add a visa start date that is up to 6 months in the future.
Once your UK visa gets the approved and your passport is returned, you'll find a visa vignette (little paper sticker) pasted inside. This visa vignette will show you the exact dates of the 30-day window when you need to arrive through UK immigration.
It's expensive and time consuming to change dates
There's not much wiggle room when it comes to these 30-day arrival dates. You need to be in the UK on the precise dates the visa vignette states. The only exceptions to this rule are those rare circumstances, like the COVID-19 pandemic, when they've been a bit more flexible with the arrival dates.
If, for any reason, you need to re-apply or change the start dates of your UK visa, you will need to apply for a visa transfer. This process can be time-consuming and costly so avoid if possible.
Key factors to help you select the right UK start date
There are 5 main factors that everyone should consider when choosing a UK visa start date. They shouldn't necessarily dictate your start date, you may choose to plan or ignore some of them, but all should at least be considered.
Visa application processes 🛂
Once you've selected the a suitable visa to cover your move to London, your visa will have specific application processes that need to be followed. Anyone moving to the UK on a British passport or Irish passport doesn't need to worry about this.
In general, the application process for UK visas involves:
- Completing the visa application on GOV.UK
- Pay the application fees
- Attend a biometrics appointment
- Receive complication and returned visa vignette
Pro tip: Sign up to Migrate, we will tailor visa recommendations to your details and provide full step-by-step guidance.
Most visas will allow you to apply apply up to 6 months before your chosen visa start date. If your plans have been disrupted, you can delay your visa by a maximum of 180 days from when you submitted your visa online. For example, if you completed your visa application on the 5th of December 2024 then your visa start date can be pushed to the 5th of February 2024. You must then arrive in the UK within 30 days of this date.
Once you've submitted your application, the decision and visa processing times vary depending on the visa type and volume of applications that are in progress. Application processing times are usually the same as those listed per visa as expected application times on GOV.UK, however world events can have a significant impact. For example, during Russia's initial invasion of Ukraine, the UK Home Office was processing a large number of Ukrainian immigration applications and other visas were put on hold.
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Seasons and time of the year 🌦️
One of the most popular topics of conversation in the UK is the weather and for good reason, the weather is famously inconsistent. London experiences all four seasons (sometimes in one day), so considering the weather in both London and your home destination can help smooth your arrival.
- Spring (March to May): It's all good with pleasant temperatures, parks in full bloom, and longer daylight hours. Perfect time to explore the city.
- Summer (June to August): Warm weather and sunshine. Outdoor festivals, and cultural events are everywhere. Summer is a wonderful time to be in London.
- Autumn (September to November): London's landscape goes through a transformation during autumn. The temperatures are mild, but make sure you have some warm clothing for those brisk evenings.
- Winter (December to February): Winter is cold, dark and rainy. Daylight hours are short (3-4pm sunsets) so be prepared to hibernate.
Travelling in Europe 🇪🇺
If you plan to explore Europe before settling in London, be mindful of your travel plans. New Londoners often factor in a months long big trip as part of their move.
One of the perks of living in London is the proximity to Europe and stunning Mediterranean beaches. Imagine spending your weekends basking in the sun, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoying the vibrant beachside culture. With a well-planned visa start date, you can ensure that you have enough time to visit these breathtaking locations during the summer and soak up the sun before you arrive.
If you are planning on travelling around Europe (or elsewhere) before you start your new life in London but land in the UK first, this does not count towards your visa. Your visa only starts within the specific 30-day window so even if you land in the UK beforehand, you will still have to stick to the arrival dates listed on your visa vignette.
Important life events 🥳
Remember, the goal is to make your transition to London as smooth and enjoyable as possible so any upcoming life events or special occasions at home should factor into your plans.
Events worth considering might include things like weddings, graduations, or birthdays. These events don't come around that often and missing them can have a real impact on your ability to settle into your new life in London if you're missing home.
Make a list of all the important events you've got going on or expect to happen in the next year. Think weddings of close friends or family, your own graduation ceremony, or any big birthdays. It's important to have a clear picture of these events so you can make sure your visa start date works with your schedule and lets you fully enjoy these special moments.
Once you've got your list, it's time to chat with the people involved. Talk to your loved ones about your plans and potential visa start dates, so everyone's on the same page. This way, you can avoid any misunderstandings or letdowns later on.
Employer hiring cycles 🤝
When selecting a visa start date for your move to London, it's important to consider the employer hiring cycles. You want to align your start date with the peak hiring periods to maximise your chances of securing a job quickly.
Keep in mind that hiring may slow over the summer months, especially in August. Many Londoners take summer holidays during this time, which can result in a temporary decrease in job openings or a delay in hiring cycles. Another factor to consider when selecting a visa start date is the holiday season in December. Hiring tends to slow down during this time due to Christmas festivities. Employers may be focused on holiday preparations and may have limited resources for recruitment.
It's also important to note that some work in London can be seasonal. Certain industries, such as tourism or retail, may experience fluctuations in hiring demands based on the time of year. For example, there may be more job opportunities during peak tourist seasons or holiday shopping periods.
Whenever you are looking for work and starting your job search in London, our partners Next Stop London will help you connect with the best recruiters in town making your job search a whole lot easier. When you secure a job through Next Stop, they even send you a £50 commission to help get you set up in London.
