Quick answers to your UK questions
Plain-English, practical answers for newcomers and residents — grounded in official GOV.UK sources, free, no sign-up.
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The questions newcomers and UKRoute readers ask most.
How do I open a UK bank account?
Most UK banks let you open a current account online in minutes. You need a form of photo ID (usually a passport or driving licence) and proo...
Read the answer New to the UKWhat should I do before moving to the UK?
Get the admin that's easier from home done early: your visa and its conditions, somewhere to live, evidence you'll need for a bank account,...
Read the answer New to the UKI've just moved to the UK. What should I do first?
In your first week focus on three things: a roof (or at least a contact address), a way to receive money (bank account), and access to care...
Read the answer MoneyHow does council tax work?
Council tax is a local property tax paid to your council each month, based on which valuation band your home falls into (A–H in England). A...
Read the answer Health & NHSHow do I register with a GP (doctor)?
GP registration is free on the NHS and you can register without a fixed address or photo ID. You don't need to wait until you're ill — regis...
Read the answer New to the UKWhat is an eVisa and do I need one?
An eVisa is your digital immigration status. Since 31 December 2026, physical BRPs are no longer valid. You access your eVisa through a UKVI...
Read the answer New to the UKWhat do I need a National Insurance number for?
You need a National Insurance number (NINO) to work legally in the UK. It is used by HMRC to track your tax and pension contributions. You a...
Read the answer Settlement & citizenshipHow does the Life in the UK Test work?
The Life in the UK Test is 24 multiple-choice questions from the official handbook, you get 45 minutes and need 75% (18 of 24) to pass. It c...
Read the answer Settlement & citizenshipWhat are the routes to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
There are 5 main routes to ILR: Skilled Worker visa (5 years), Family visa (5 years, or 3 years if married to a British citizen), Student vi...
Read the answer Settlement & citizenshipHow do I apply for British citizenship?
You apply online on GOV.UK after holding ILR for at least 12 months (unless married to a British citizen, then no waiting period). The fee i...
Read the answerAnswers by topic
Choose a topic or search above. Every answer cites official GOV.UK sources and links to the UKRoute guides step by step.
Settlement & citizenship
15 answers
- How does the Life in the UK Test work?
- How do I apply for settlement or British citizenship?
- What are the routes to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
- What is the continuous residence requirement for ILR?
- How many days can I be outside the UK and still get ILR?
- Do I need an English test for ILR?
- Which English test do I need for ILR and citizenship?
- What documents do I need for an ILR application?
- What documents do I need for a British citizenship application?
- What is the good character requirement for citizenship?
- Can a criminal record affect my citizenship application?
- How do I apply for British citizenship?
- Who can be a referee for my British citizenship application?
- What happens at the citizenship ceremony?
- What should I do after becoming a British citizen?
Life in the UK Test
7 answers
- What is the format of the Life in the UK Test and how is it marked?
- What is the pass mark for the Life in the UK Test?
- How do I book the Life in the UK Test and what ID do I need?
- What topics does the Life in the UK Test cover?
- What are the most common mistakes in the Life in the UK Test?
- How should I prepare on the day of the Life in the UK Test?
- What happens after I pass the Life in the UK Test?
Banking & money
2 answers
Money
2 answers
Housing & renting
1 answer
Work
1 answer
Health & NHS
2 answers
Driving
1 answer
Family
1 answer
New to the UK
7 answers
- What should I do before moving to the UK?
- I've just moved to the UK. What should I do first?
- What is an eVisa and do I need one?
- How do I prove my immigration status to an employer or landlord?
- What do I need a National Insurance number for?
- What are my rights as a tenant in the UK?
- Who has to pay council tax?
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No. These are plain-English guides to everyday life in the UK. They do not replace professional or immigration advice — always follow the official GOV.UK guidance for your situation.
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We update answers as rules change (for example fees and thresholds) and every answer lists the official GOV.UK pages where you can check the latest position.