How to Meet the Requirements for Moving to Bourne as an Expat
Moving to a market town like Bourne, Lincolnshire, offers a taste of traditional English life as you get away from the bustling cities of London and Manchester that are often seen as too busy and unpleasant. While the town is small, the primary requirements for moving there as an expat are determined by the UK-wide immigration system. While this can sometimes be a long process, it can definitely be worth it to move to Bourne due to its historical charm, picturesque natural surroundings and low crime rate.
This guide will give insight into how you can become a Bourne resident if you currently live outside of the UK and why it’s one of the best moves you can make. Continue reading to find out more.
Why Move to Bourne as an Expat?
Bourne offers a balance of affordability, access to green spaces and lower crime rates than other locations in the UK. It also has good educational opportunities with there being some great local schools that have great tutors and teachers. It's also close to cities like Peterborough, so you can also get excellent job opportunities there with it only being a 30 minute drive away.
Immigration and Visa Requirements
Moving to Bourne as an expat requires you to secure the appropriate UK visa. Your eligibility depends on your nationality, reason for moving and the intended length of your stay in the country. The Skilled Worker Visa requires a sponsored job offer from a licensed UK employer, so you'd need to have a job secured in Bourne before moving there with a visa. You can also get a spouse visa UK to live with your partner in Bourne, as long as they're a British citizen.
The visa process requires applicants to determine their eligibility on GOV.UK, gather essential documents, pay the visa fees and submit data at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Once you're approved, your status will be confirmed, which officially grants your right to reside in Bourne.
Settling in Bourne
Expats should budget for average monthly rents ranging from approximately £550 to £650 for a flat in Bourne, with houses usually costing a couple hundred pounds more. The best way to secure a property in Bourne is by using websites like Rightmove and Zoopla, which will show you a good selection of properties from the area. New arrivals will also need to provide references, proof of employment and their visa documentation to local letting agents or private landlords.
Many residents choose to commute to larger commercial hubs such as Peterborough or Stamford. Open a UK bank account using your passport and proof of UK address, register with a local General Practitioner (GP) surgery to access NHS services and contact South Kesteven District Council to register for and pay Council Tax for local Bourne services.
General Cost of Living
When living in Bourne, expect household expenditure like food, transport and utilities to be roughly in line with the national average, though generally lower than the large metropolitan centres like London. Bourne is a smaller town with limited public transport options compared to cities, so a car is often essential for ease of travel and will save you money over time. Think about the cost of car insurance, fuel and road tax too.
Bourne is seen as a very cost-effective town to live in and it's very much worth going through the visa application process to get your move sorted quickly. It can be a very smooth transition, as you settle into life in this small market town that offers more than what meets the eye.