@Janjal - thanks for the information. By the way, the process is different for most nationalities and seems to be much easier for americans. Getting a health check in the UK is very difficult and expensive for example. Also, the offices for each step are far apart and many of the steps must be done in person or throuh an agent (no post/e.mail/online options). On the bright side, the FOI laws have made it much easier and cheaper to obtain a police background check via ACRO.