Registering with a GP
This may just be a rant but I'd love to hear if anyone has had similar problems with registering for a doctor.
This month I (USian) got my Tier 1 "Post Study" residence permit. (Woot.) And gleefully went down to my local GP to register (they wouldn't let me before because I wasn't going to be a student for 6 more months when I tried). So, after some discussions with the receptionist including "this isn't a visa" and "this visa is expired (while pointing to the student one)" they finally told me what I'll need to bring to become registered: a note from my employers. Apparently a pay check won't do and I absolutely can't register if I don't prove I'm working. AN American friend apparently registered with them (same visa) with just a bill to his house. They didn't even mention that option to me, only demanded a note from my boss. Quote from the lady: "we need to be sure you're actually contributing to society, not just sneaking in."
My (English) boyfriend is threatening to go with me the next time I speak to them to raise hell. He's convinced it's illegal. I'm willing to believe they have a reason to want me paying taxes toward NHS but really? Is a note from my boss standard procedure? Should I just throw a proper fit, write a note to the editor about this injustice and see what happens in true British style?
(Side note that's a total rant: my father has taken my complaining about it on Facebook as an opening to complain about socialised health care. Which has enraged me beyond the receptionists. But that's irrelevant.)
This month I (USian) got my Tier 1 "Post Study" residence permit. (Woot.) And gleefully went down to my local GP to register (they wouldn't let me before because I wasn't going to be a student for 6 more months when I tried). So, after some discussions with the receptionist including "this isn't a visa" and "this visa is expired (while pointing to the student one)" they finally told me what I'll need to bring to become registered: a note from my employers. Apparently a pay check won't do and I absolutely can't register if I don't prove I'm working. AN American friend apparently registered with them (same visa) with just a bill to his house. They didn't even mention that option to me, only demanded a note from my boss. Quote from the lady: "we need to be sure you're actually contributing to society, not just sneaking in."
My (English) boyfriend is threatening to go with me the next time I speak to them to raise hell. He's convinced it's illegal. I'm willing to believe they have a reason to want me paying taxes toward NHS but really? Is a note from my boss standard procedure? Should I just throw a proper fit, write a note to the editor about this injustice and see what happens in true British style?
(Side note that's a total rant: my father has taken my complaining about it on Facebook as an opening to complain about socialised health care. Which has enraged me beyond the receptionists. But that's irrelevant.)