Master prompt
First-week-in-UK checklist (NINO, bank, SIM, council tax, BRP / eVisa)
End-to-end Day 1 to Day 7 sequencing for new UK arrivals: NINO application via gov.uk, bank account opening, SIM activation, council tax registration, BRP collection and the BRP-to-eVisa transition.
UKSettlementNINOBRPeVisaBank accountCouncil taxFirst week
You are a senior OISC Level-1 / Level-2 adviser. Build a Day 1 to Day 7 settlement checklist for [CLIENT_NAME] arriving in [UK_CITY] on [UK_ARRIVAL_DATE] under a [VISA_CATEGORY] visa. This is the post-arrival operational playbook, not legal advice on the visa itself.
CLIENT SUMMARY
- Name: [CLIENT_NAME]
- Visa category: [VISA_CATEGORY]
- Arrival: [UK_ARRIVAL_DATE]
- City: [UK_CITY]
- Employer / sponsor: Not applicable
- Document type: BRP issued
- Family with client: No
GROUND RULES
- Output as a day-by-day checklist (Day 1, Day 2-3, Day 4-5, Day 6-7)
- For each item: WHY it matters, WHERE to do it, WHAT to bring, COST, TIMING
- Flag any item that is time-bound (BRP collection 10 days; Right to Work; council tax)
- Use ASCII only. No emojis.
§1 - DAY 1 (arrival day)
1.1 BRP collection (if BRP issued = "BRP issued")
- WHY: BRP is the physical proof of immigration status; required for employer Right to Work, GP registration, bank account, landlord Right to Rent
- WHERE: Designated Post Office branch named in the visa decision letter (typically nearest to client's stated UK address). Branch is FIXED - cannot swap.
- WHEN: MUST collect within 10 calendar days of arrival OR before visa vignette expiry, whichever is earlier
- WHAT TO BRING:
(a) Original passport with 90-day entry vignette
(b) Decision letter from UKVI / VFS (the "BRP collection letter")
(c) Proof of identity (passport sufficient)
- COST: Free (already paid in visa fee)
- PENALTY for missing 10-day window: GBP 125 fine; may invalidate visa
- For No: each dependant collects their own BRP at the same branch
1.2 eVisa account setup (if BRP issued = "eVisa only", OR if BRP-to-eVisa transition phase active 2025-2026)
- WHY: From 1 January 2025 (phased), BRPs are being replaced by eVisas linked to a UKVI online account. Holders use a "share code" from view-and-prove.gov.uk to evidence status.
- WHERE: https://www.gov.uk/get-access-to-your-immigration-status
- WHAT TO BRING (digital):
(a) BRP card details (if held)
(b) Passport (used to verify identity via UKVI ID Check app on iPhone/Android)
(c) Email + UK or Indian mobile number (for OTP)
- COST: Free
- OUTCUT: UKVI account with linked status; can generate share codes for landlords / employers / banks
1.3 Activate UK mobile SIM
- WHY: NINO application, bank verification, NHS GP registration ALL require a UK mobile number for OTP. UK-issued SIM also required for some app-based banks (Monzo, Revolut, Starling, Chase UK).
- WHERE (Pay-As-You-Go - instant, no contract, no credit check):
(a) GiffGaff (online order; SIM at home via Royal Mail in 3 days) - cheapest
(b) Lebara / Lyca - cheap international calls to India
(c) EE / Vodafone / O2 / Three - retail stores at most high streets; can buy SIM in 10 minutes
- WHERE (Monthly contract - cheaper data but requires UK address + sometimes credit check):
(a) EE / Vodafone / O2 / Three monthly SIM-only plans
(b) Most require 3-6 months at the UK address; new arrivals usually start PAYG
- WHAT TO BRING: Passport (some retailers ask for proof of address; PAYG SIMs do not)
- COST: GBP 10-15 starter pack with credit; GBP 8-30/month plans depending on data
- TIP: Use PAYG for first 2-3 months while building credit; switch to contract after
1.4 Confirm temporary accommodation address
- WHY: Many subsequent steps need a UK address that matches BRP, employer file, and bank records
- Acceptable temporary addresses: friend or family home (with their council tax bill + utility bill), short-let rental (AirBnB / SpareRoom), employer-provided housing, university halls
- Document the address: take a photo of the most recent council tax bill or utility bill at that address, with date visible
- CAUTION: A hotel address is NOT acceptable for most bank / GP / council tax purposes - move to a residential address as soon as possible
§2 - DAY 2-3 (immediate setup)
2.1 Apply for National Insurance Number (NINO)
- WHY: NINO is the unique tax identifier for the UK. Required by:
(a) Employer for PAYE payroll
(b) HMRC for tax filings
(c) Pension auto-enrolment under Pensions Act 2008
(d) Universal Credit (if eligible - most visa holders are "no recourse to public funds")
- LEGAL BASIS: Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992; administered jointly by DWP and HMRC
- WHERE: https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number
- PROCESS (current, online-only since June 2022 - verify):
(a) Open the online application (15-20 min)
(b) Provide passport / BRP / share code, visa details, UK address, employer details if known
(c) Identity verification: usually via UKVI ID Check app + photo of self
(d) DWP processes in 2-4 weeks; some applicants get NINO faster if their visa is in a fast-track category (Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker)
- COST: Free (any third-party "NINO assistance" service is a scam - flag to client)
- INTERIM: Client CAN start work before NINO arrives. Employer sets up payroll under a temporary code (NT or BR); NINO updates retroactively. Right to Work is evidenced by BRP / eVisa share code, NOT NINO.
- SCAM ALERT: NEVER pay anyone for a NINO. The official gov.uk service is free.
2.2 Open a UK bank account
- WHY: Salary credit, rent payment via Direct Debit, council tax, utilities, building UK credit history
- TWO PATHS:
(a) High-street bank (HSBC, Lloyds, Barclays, NatWest, Santander, Halifax) - established providers; may require multiple documents and an in-branch appointment; can take 5-10 working days
(b) App-based / digital bank (Monzo, Revolut, Starling, Chase UK) - opens in 10-15 minutes from the app; passport + UK mobile number sufficient; no proof of address often required at outset
- RECOMMENDED FIRST ACCOUNT: Monzo or Starling (instant, accepts new arrivals); upgrade to HSBC / Lloyds later for mortgage / large-purchase products
- DOCUMENTS for high-street account:
(a) Passport + BRP / eVisa share code
(b) Proof of UK address - utility bill in your name (rare for new arrivals), tenancy agreement signed, employer letter on letterhead confirming you work for them at the address, OR council tax bill at the address
(c) Visa decision letter or CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship) - useful for HSBC International / Lloyds International accounts
- HSBC INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNT: Can be opened from India BEFORE arrival via HSBC India Premier / Jade tier. Funds transferable in advance.
- SBI UK / ICICI UK: Some Indian arrivals open these as a familiar option; they offer NRI-friendly remittance to India.
- COST: Most accounts are free; some premium accounts charge GBP 10-25/month (avoid initially)
- FOR No: Spouse can open a joint account or a sole account with the same documents. Children under 18 cannot have a current account but can have a savings account (Junior ISA up to GBP 9,000/year contribution).
2.3 Save share code for employers, landlords, and banks
- WHY: From 2025, employer Right to Work checks (Immigration Act 1971 s.15-26 + Code of Practice 2022) and landlord Right to Rent checks (Immigration Act 2014 s.20-37) are conducted via share code, not physical BRP.
- WHERE: https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
- HOW: Log in with UKVI account credentials; generate a share code valid for 90 days; share with employer / landlord / bank
- WHAT TO STORE: Save the share code + expiry date in client's password manager
- EMPLOYER USES: A different share code path - "prove your right to work" (90-day code)
- LANDLORD USES: "prove your right to rent" (90-day code)
- BANK USES: Either share code or BRP scan
§3 - DAY 4-5 (registration and onboarding)
3.1 Council tax registration
- WHY: Council tax is a local-authority charge on dwellings (Local Government Finance Act 1992). Liability falls on the resident (Council Tax (Liability for Owners) Regulations 1992). Failure to register can result in court summons and bailiff action.
- WHERE: Local council's website for [UK_CITY]
(a) London boroughs: lambeth.gov.uk, hounslow.gov.uk, towerhamlets.gov.uk, etc.
(b) Manchester: manchester.gov.uk
(c) Birmingham: birmingham.gov.uk
(d) Leicester: leicester.gov.uk
- WHAT TO BRING: Tenancy agreement, move-in date, all adult residents' names + DOBs
- COST: Council tax varies by band and council (typically GBP 100-300/month for a 2-bed flat in band C/D)
- EXEMPTIONS:
(a) Full-time students - 100% exempt (if all residents are students; need student certificate from university)
(b) Single occupant - 25% discount (if living alone or with under-18s only)
(c) Severely mentally impaired (medical certificate)
- PAYMENT: Direct Debit over 10 or 12 months; e-bill via email
- TIMING: Register within 21 days of moving in; backdated charges otherwise
3.2 Register with a GP (general practitioner)
- WHY: GP is the gateway to NHS primary, secondary, and tertiary care. IHS has been pre-paid as part of visa fees, so NHS care is free at the point of use for [CLIENT_NAME].
- SEE SEPARATE PROMPT (uk-settlement-nhs-gp-registration) for full detail.
- QUICK-START: Find nearest GP via https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp; complete GMS1 form online or in-branch; bring passport + BRP + proof of UK address.
- TIMING: Register within first week; do not wait for illness.
3.3 Notify employer / sponsor of UK address and NINO progress
- WHY: For Skilled Worker / Health and Care Worker / Student visas, the sponsor has Sponsor Management System (SMS) reporting duties under Immigration Rules Appendix A to the Sponsor Guidance.
- WHAT TO TELL EMPLOYER:
(a) Confirmed UK address
(b) NINO once issued (employer adds to payroll)
(c) Bank account details (for salary credit)
(d) Emergency contact (UK address)
- WHAT EMPLOYER MUST DO:
(a) Conduct Right to Work check (share code) on or before first day
(b) Set up payroll (PAYE) under emergency tax code until P45 / P46 / starter checklist completed
(c) Auto-enrol in workplace pension (Pensions Act 2008) - opt-out window 1 month
(d) Report contractual changes to UKVI via SMS within 10 working days
§4 - DAY 6-7 (consolidation)
4.1 Set up direct debits for utilities
- WHY: Electricity, gas, water, broadband - all need setup; most accept direct debit
- PROVIDERS (energy): British Gas, EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy, Bulb (now Octopus), OVO
- PROVIDERS (broadband): Virgin Media, BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Vodafone Home; check coverage at your postcode via https://www.uswitch.com
- PROVIDERS (water): Single regional provider (Thames Water for London, Severn Trent for Birmingham, United Utilities for Manchester) - no choice
- TIMING: Energy / water often takes the previous tenant's reading and switches to your name on move-in date; broadband installation 7-14 days from order
- COST: Energy GBP 80-200/month per household (depends on usage and energy price cap); water GBP 30-50/month; broadband GBP 25-50/month
4.2 TV Licence
- WHY: Communications Act 2003 - if you watch live TV (BBC iPlayer, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, Netflix live streams, sports) you need a TV Licence. GBP 169.50/year (verify current).
- HOW: Buy at https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk; pay annually or monthly
- PENALTY: Up to GBP 1,000 fine + prosecution for watching without
- EXEMPTIONS: Households where no one watches live TV (only catch-up streaming services like Netflix on-demand or Disney+) do not need a licence
4.3 Open a separate "credit-building" path (see Slot 6 of this catalog for detail)
- WHY: India credit history does NOT transfer to UK credit bureaus (Experian UK, Equifax UK, TransUnion UK). New arrivals start at "thin file" and must build score from zero.
- QUICK-START: Apply for a credit-builder card (Capital One Classic, Aqua Classic, Vanquis) - low limit (GBP 150-1,000), high APR but designed for thin-file applicants
- SEE separate prompt uk-settlement-community-financial-integration for the full credit-building playbook.
4.4 Update digital records
- WHY: Many Indian services require an Indian address; UK services require UK address. Pick which to keep where.
- INDIAN RECORDS TO UPDATE (within 30 days of UK arrival if visa duration > 6 months):
(a) Indian bank accounts - convert to NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) per FEMA notification
(b) Income Tax India - update communication address (PAN profile)
(c) Aadhaar - mobile number can stay if Indian SIM still active
(d) Voter ID - notify Election Commission of overseas status (if visa > 6 months)
- UK RECORDS TO CREATE:
(a) NHS account
(b) HMRC personal tax account
(c) UKVI account (for eVisa)
(d) DVLA account (when applying for licence later)
(e) Local council account
§5 - END-OF-WEEK CHECKLIST (the consultant's sign-off)
Confirm with client they have completed:
[ ] BRP collected (or eVisa account set up)
[ ] UK SIM active
[ ] Bank account opened (digital OR high-street)
[ ] NINO application submitted
[ ] UK address confirmed and documented
[ ] Council tax registered
[ ] GP registration submitted
[ ] Employer / sponsor notified of address + NINO progress
[ ] Utilities set up
[ ] Share code generated and stored
§6 - RED-FLAG ESCALATIONS
Flag for OISC adviser follow-up if any of:
- BRP not collected within 10 days (penalty + visa risk)
- UKVI account login issues (rare but escalate to UKVI helpline)
- Bank refused account on AML / sanctions grounds (rare but flag)
- Employer NOT conducting Right to Work check on first day (employer compliance risk - the SPONSOR can lose licence)
- Council tax bill arrives back-dated > 6 months (challenge as no-fault registration delay)
- GP refuses registration citing "no proof of address" (illegal - cite GMS Contract Regulations 2015 Sch 6 Part 2)
- Family dependant denied access to schooling (LEA has statutory duty - Education Act 1996 s.14)
§7 - INDIAN-CONTEXT TIPS
- Friends and family in [UK_CITY] are often the fastest source of:
(a) Temporary accommodation (couch-surfing in joint-family households is common)
(b) Bank account walk-in advice (many Indian arrivals open at HSBC Premier with India Premier referral)
(c) GP recommendations (Indian-origin doctors common in NHS practices in [UK_CITY])
(d) Council tax band advice (many Indian-origin landlords in Southall / Belgrave / Handsworth)
- WhatsApp groups for Indian arrivals in major UK cities are extensive - search "[UK_CITY] Indians UK" on Facebook / WhatsApp
- SBI UK and ICICI UK branches in [UK_CITY] may offer NRI remittance corridors - useful for ongoing India support
End with: "DRAFT - for OISC-regulated adviser or solicitor review. Verify against current UKVI + HMRC + local council guidance before sharing with client. eVisa rollout timing and document requirements are evolving rapidly through 2025-2026; confirm BRP / eVisa status at gov.uk before instructing client. Not legal advice."Unlock the vault to see the full prompt