Spouse Visa - Getting started after arrival

[csimmons9]

Hi,

My partner is imminently moving from the US on the family of a settled person visa.

Obviously the visa grants her the right to work in the UK.

My question is, what do we need to do when she arrives to get her up and running with a job? (besides the obvious finding of a job!!)

1. She will need a bank account, what are the pre-requisites to opening a UK bank account?

2. Does she need a National Insurance Number? And is this something we need to manually go about getting, or will it be provided to her?

3. Besides the above, is there anything else before she can start applying for work?

Thanks guys

[FXR_1340]

Good questions. Something we hadnt thought too much about.

Found this link.

weblink to third party 'blog' removed by moderator

Regarding the NI Number we just assumed (probably wrongly) that the BRP Card would go some way to addressing that issue?

Eager to learn more on this.

[CR001]

1. She will need a bank account, what are the pre-requisites to opening a UK bank account?

Speak to the banks. She needs evidence of identity (passport), immigration status (BRP visa card) and proof of address.

2. Does she need a National Insurance Number? And is this something we need to manually go about getting, or will it be provided to her?

If she wants to work then yes she needs an NI number. It is NOT automatically provided. She has to apply for it through DWP or Job Centre.

[FXR_1340]

"......If you’re moving to the UK
You may have a National Insurance (NI) number printed on the back of your biometric residence permit (BRP). You don’t need to apply for a National Insurance number if you already have one, or one is printed on your BRP.

If you don’t have a National Insurance number, you must apply. You can only apply for it once you’re in the UK. You must have the right to work or study in the UK to get a National Insurance number."

Maybe the BRP Card will answer the question.

Have a look at the link for more info. Very informative it is too.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number

[FXR_1340]

".....Working without a National Insurance number

You can start work before your National Insurance number arrives if you can prove you can work in the UK. You should tell your employer that you’ve applied for one, and give it to them when you have it."

Good to know.