Got my Visa, Got my Ticket - what do I do when I get there?

I was approved for my Unmarried Partners visa yesterday, and I have a few questions.

1. On the Immigration and Nationality website, it says that Unmarried Partners visas will say:

TO ACCOMPANY PARTNER (partner's name)

Mine does not include my partner's name. Is this something that has changed on the visa and is no longer needed, or is there an error?

Also, it says nothing about employement on the visa. I assume that because it specifically doesn't say "Employment Prohibited" that I am for sure allowed to work? I mean, we knew when we were applying that this visa will allow me to work, but again, I just want to make sure it isn't an error that I have to schlep all the way back to the embassy to have cleared up?

2. What do I do next?!?! When I arrive, do I need to register somewhere? Do I have to apply for a National Insurance Number? The embassy gave me ZERO information about any of that stuff and I can't find it online anywhere. As my partner says, he's never sponsored anyone into the UK before, so how on earth would HE know?

3. Is there anything else that I should know before I go? I was surprised to read the threads about difficulty in setting up a bank account, so I am prepared for that one, but what else on the logistics end do I need to be aware of?

Thanks, and I'm sure I will be a new regular here!

Hello! Yes, you will need to apply for a National Insurance number once you get there. Yes, you are allowed to work, and my Unmarried Partner visa didn't specifically say so on the visa itself. For the National Insurance number you'll have to go to the Employment Centre Plus (or something like that - the name escapes me at the moment). There are plenty around so find the nearest one and head in to find out what you need for the application.

As for all the other logistical things, I can't think of anything off the top of my head that is really urgent. I'd say sign up for something as soon as possible (British Gas, BT, whatever) so you can start getting some post at your address. You'd be surprised how many people ask for some evidence of your home address.

Hope your landing goes well! How exciting. I've been back home (settled for good back in Vancouver), and there's lots of things I'm already missing about England. Oh, what I would give for a stroll around Manchester city centre and a stop in to a cozy pub for a drink in the afternoon (minus the social stigma of drinking before dinnertime!)

Yes, you'll have to get a National Insurance number. You just have to call a phone number, and go to an interview a few months later. You don't absolutely require an NI number to start working.

Setting up a bank account shouldn't be a problem.

You should probably register with a doctor and the police within the first few months. Personally, I haven't done this yet, but I should!

Other than that, I don't think there's anything else.

You'll be fine, especially since your partner is already settled here.

Congratulations! And I hope you have a great time in London! I've been in London for 3 weeks and I love it so far, except for the heat, and the lack of air conditioning.