Is It Possible to Move to England Currently

 

Is It Possible to Move to England Currently? A 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

If you have taken the time to read this article, then it is quite likely that you are planning on making one of the biggest changes in your life, which will involve moving to England. The short answer to your question is yes, it is definitely possible for you to move to England right now. But things have changed dramatically in the past year when it comes to immigration into the country. With the new policy changes set out by the UK government since 2026, there are several things that you need to know about moving to England.

Before going into detail about the legal aspects, one should take a moment to consider his/her initial hours after arriving in the country. An international move is tiring enough on its own, but one does not wish for additional stress at the airport. In case you have been routed to a smaller airport such as Luton Airport prior to traveling to your ultimate destination, booking a Chauffeur Service Watford will help make your transfer more hassle-free. Chauffeurs will keep track of your flights, help you with baggage, and charge you only a flat rate.

The Current Immigration Landscape (2026 Update)

Immigration into England normally requires a visa, except if you are a citizen of Ireland or Britain. The UK has a points-based immigration policy; however, 2025 and 2026 represent the most significant changes in recent years. The authorities have tightened regulations for economic immigrants, preferring skilled individuals who earn more money. The following is an overview of major changes implemented since this year:

• English Language Requirement: New applicants for Skilled Worker visas (since January 8, 2026) must have B2 level proficiency in English (instead of B1 level before).

• Minimum Salary Requirements: There is now a minimum salary requirement for Skilled Worker visas at £41,700 annually.

• Skill Requirement: Occupations require workers to meet RQF Level 6 skill threshold (Bachelor degree equivalent); thus, 100+ occupations have been disqualified.

• Higher Fees: Immigration Skills Charge for large sponsors rose by 32% (to £1,320 per annum).

What Is the Best Way to Move to England?

It all comes down to your work experience, age, and personal circumstances. But in general, for the majority of people, the Skilled Worker visa is still the surest bet, even with the added obstacles.

1. The Skilled Worker Route (Most Recommended)

In order to apply for a Skilled Worker visa in 2026, one needs to have a job offer from a sponsor approved by the Home Office. One’s employer will have to agree to give him/her a minimum salary of £41,700 (or “going rate” for his/her specific job – whatever is higher) and allocate him/her a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). One will be required to demonstrate one’s language ability via an approved SELT test at level B2. At present, one can apply for ILR after five years of using this route, however, one should bear in mind that there are some changes under discussion: as of April 2026, one could be required to go through a 10-year path to settlement, unless he/she is high-earner (£125,140 and more).

2. The Health and Care Worker Visa

If you are a doctor, nurse or allied health professional, this route allows you to pay lower fees and be exempted from the Immigration Health Charge. Note: The 'Care Worker' route for more unskilled social care occupations closed to new applicants on 22 July 2025.

3. The Student Visa & Graduate Route

Those who are below 30 years old can start their education journey from the UK universities. This way, one can get employed while studying and eventually change their visa type after completing the course. The Graduate Visa (which lets you stay for two years after graduation) is still available, but keep in mind that since 1 January 2027, the term would be reduced to 18 months.

4. Family Visa

If you have a British partner or spouse, you can apply for a Family Visa. The financial requirement stands at £29,000 per year (rising from the previous £18,600) .

Essential Documentation and Pre-Arrival Checklist

Before applying for your visa, ensure that you have the following to prevent any delays:

Passport containing at least one blank page.

Reference number of Certificate of Sponsorship (in case of visa through employment route).

Certificate of TB test result (applicable for nationals of countries listed in TB list).

Result of UKVI approved English test (preferably IELTS for UKVI or equivalent).

Police clearance certificate(s) (as required by your type of visa).

Evidence of funds (bank statement proving your financial capacity to support yourself).

After obtaining your visa (processing period takes around 3-8 weeks, though expedited service options are available), you will get your eVisa.

Planning Your Arrival and Transportation

Now that your visa has been obtained, it is time to embark on the journey to relocate physically. One of the least thought about elements when relocating is transport from the airport for the "last mile."

Should you decide to land at London Luton (commonly used airport for cheap flights from Wizz Air and easyJet), then you have to make it to your destination either via train to another station if you plan to continue traveling or directly to the place where you will stay. Though there are train services, the hassle of lugging bags and climbing aboard trains straight after flying across the Atlantic Ocean is exhausting. To avoid this kind of stress, book a Taxi to Luton Airport from Watford or vice versa, enabling you to sit back and relax while passing through the scenic English landscape, without fear of train strikes and lost baggage.

Financial and Tax Considerations for New Arrivals

Immigrating to the UK requires more than securing the visa itself because there is a need to organize one’s finances.

• Banking: UK bank accounts can only be opened from within the country. Start using such tools as Monzo or Wise as soon as possible once the UK address has been received. Take passport and proof of residence (tenancy agreement) with you.

• Tax Status: The UK uses the Statutory Residence Test to establish residency. Being present for 183 or more days during the tax year makes you a tax resident of the UK. If the person has not been living in the UK for the last 10 years, then he/she can qualify for the new FIG Regime, which provides for tax relief on the foreign income for the next 4 years.

• National Insurance Number: Having a NI number is compulsory when working.

What About Permanent Settlement (ILR)?

Many people wish to find out how they can remain forever. At present, one is eligible to apply for ILR if he has stayed in the UK for 5 years under a Skilled Worker visa. Nevertheless, the introduction of the new “Earned Settlement” model that is expected by April 2026 will mean changes for the newcomer:

For most workers, it will take about 10 years to settle here.

However, those who earn over £125,000 per annum can make it in 3-5 years.

Moreover, the Long Residence route that takes 10 years is going to be abandoned.

Conclusion: If you have lived in the UK for 5 years, get ILR now before it will be too late.

Also read: UK Travel from Sri Lanka: A Complete 2-Month Prep Guide for First-Timers

Healthcare and the NHS

This fee will be part of your visa application; it costs £1,035 per annum for adults. It gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS). You have to be registered with the GP (General Practitioner) of the area where you stay in terms of postcodes. Although the NHS does not cost money, expect there to be waiting lists for any procedure that is not an emergency.

Conclusion: Your Path Forward

Is it possible to move to England today? It is; however, a certain strategy is required. Times when one could come to a new country simply relying on luck are over. Currently, the UK prefers highly skilled migrants who are earning good money.

The procedure of moving is as follows:

Find a job as a sponsored migrant with a salary over £41,700.

Get the B2 English level certificate (IELTS for UKVI).

Fill out the application for the Skilled Worker visa (Health & Care Visa if necessary).

Arrange everything from the very beginning up until the taxi ride from the airport.

Turn to the immigration lawyer if your case is complicated or you will apply around the time of deadlines.

Moving to a new country can take a lot of time; however, with current migration laws set out clearly, there is no reason why it should be difficult.