Hidden Moving Costs 2026

You are researching hidden moving costs. This page sits in SetTern's layer 2 (Cost + financial reality) and maps to the "cost" stage of a real relocation search — eligibility, process, cost, survival, outcome, or recovery.

The figures below come from SetTern's immigration fact registry (sourced from official portals). Confirm current rules before you apply — thresholds and fees change.

UK Home Office (2026-05-19):

• General salary threshold: £38,700/year (or going rate, whichever is higher)
• Processing (outside UK): Usually 3 weeks if applying outside the UK; longer in peak periods
• English: B1 on CEFR scale (reading, writing, speaking, listening)
• Sponsor: Licensed UK employer with valid Certificate of Sponsorship
• Initial permission: Up to 5 years (extendable)
• Settlement (ILR): Typically eligible after 5 years continuous residence on eligible route

UK Home Office (2026-05-19):

• CAS: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from licensed student sponsor
• Funds (London): £1,483/month for up to 9 months (living costs) + tuition prepayment rules
• Work during term: Up to 20 hours/week during term for degree-level courses at licensed sponsors
• Graduate route: Graduate visa: typically 2 years (3 years for PhD) — separate application
• English: CEFR B2 for degree level (or SELT equivalent)
• Processing: Usually 3 weeks outside UK if standard service

Rules change frequently in united kingdom, canada. Use the official sources listed below before paying agents, accepting job offers, or booking flights. SetTern city pages add rent, visa friction, and neighbourhood context; they do not replace government guidance.

Follow entity pages for london, toronto and the related hubs in the link graph (/tools/relocation-budget). The automated intent pipeline refreshes this guide with cited facts and internal links on a rotating schedule.