Moving to England?
May 7th, 2004, 08:38 AM
#1
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Moving to England?
I know this is asking a lot, but can someone tell me where to even BEGIN how to plan moving to England? I'm in Chicago, IL. right now and I'd like to move by summer 2005, but I don't know what I need to know/plan, how to find a place to live, how to figure out what costs to expect, what kinds of visas I need or how long I can get them for - absolutely anything! Can some of you help me out? 
Thanks -
Jackie
Thanks -
Jackie
May 7th, 2004, 09:00 AM
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My sister relocated from NYC to London in 2001. She didn't have work visa issues since her husband is a Danish citizen and they can work anywhere in the EU, so I can't really help you there. What I can tell you is that it is very expensive, and I live in Manhattan. My sister 1st apartment there was a one bedroom in a nice, but kind of alternative area (Clerkenwell) and was about $2300 a month. It wasn't huge or luxurious, just OK. Coming from Chicago, I think that will be your biggest concern, cause I would bet you pay less than half of that for a nicer space. They are very happy living in London and have purchased a flat in an area called Crouch End in the North East outside of Central London. Prices for food, restaurants, etc... I find to be a little more expensive then NYC on average. My sister told me it is now 10 pounds for a movie ticket in central London. That blew my mind -- I'm annoyed enough that it's $10 in NYC.
Do you plan to live in central London and rely on the tube or would you need a car? You would be fine in central London without a car. After you figure out your work situation, I would definitely check out neighborhoods you might like to live in and how much flats go for. Best of luck, it is a great place to live, but know that it is pricey. According to a study I saw, I believe it is the most expensive city to live in in the U.S. or Europe.
Do you plan to live in central London and rely on the tube or would you need a car? You would be fine in central London without a car. After you figure out your work situation, I would definitely check out neighborhoods you might like to live in and how much flats go for. Best of luck, it is a great place to live, but know that it is pricey. According to a study I saw, I believe it is the most expensive city to live in in the U.S. or Europe.
May 7th, 2004, 09:46 AM
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Basically - you simply can't move to England (at least not legally) w/o meeting strict immigration rules. You really can't just because you want to - The link Kate gave you is a good place to start.
May 7th, 2004, 09:53 AM
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Strict immigration rules??
Trust me, as a citizen of the United Kingdom (might be worth getting the name of the country right before moving to it) , l do not see strict immigration rules. People are in and out of this country like a yo-yo. There are few controls to enter the country, however if you want to work here then obviously you'll need to get a work visa.
Visit www.ukonline.gov.uk (the UK's Government website) to find out more information on how to move to the country. I'm sure there's some practical guidance on what to do aswell.
Best of luck when it does go ahead, but again it is a very big decision,and not something which should be taken lightly.
Trust me, as a citizen of the United Kingdom (might be worth getting the name of the country right before moving to it) , l do not see strict immigration rules. People are in and out of this country like a yo-yo. There are few controls to enter the country, however if you want to work here then obviously you'll need to get a work visa.
Visit www.ukonline.gov.uk (the UK's Government website) to find out more information on how to move to the country. I'm sure there's some practical guidance on what to do aswell.
Best of luck when it does go ahead, but again it is a very big decision,and not something which should be taken lightly.
May 7th, 2004, 10:58 AM
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jackie,
Do google searches for
expatriate europe
expatriate england
expatriate united kingdom
etc.
There are tens of thousands of Americans living in Europe, so why not you? Don't let the naysayers get you down. Your google search will turn up dozens if not hundreds of sites with firsthand information on making your move and living in your chosen country.
It will be an adventure. Go for it.
May 7th, 2004, 11:12 AM
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Do understand that immigration, for all sorts of reasons,is a highly emotional issue througout the UK - though it's easily understandable why anyone sensible would be interested in moving only to England.
Assuming you want to work here, EU citizens (from all 25 countries) can work more or less without documentation, and young Commonwealth citizens can mostly get working holiday visas for a couple of years.
But assuming you have only a US passport, life's a lot tougher. Unless you swim in, or smuggle yourself onto a truck, immigration controls are tough, and people with the wrong paperwork get deported instantly. Glynn Williams, I'm afraid, is plain wrong on this.
There are three main ways of working here legally if you're not one of the 2 billion people with preferential access. You can get your company to transfer you. You can invest in a business. Or you might qualify under the Highly Skilled Migrants Programme, dtails of which are at http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/wor...all_forms.html
There's a myth about that this programme is just for people with skills in short supply. It's not: most university graduates, in any discipliine, with a reasonable record of success for their age in almost any career, qualify for example. But the rules are complicated, and there's a backlog in processing applications. HMSP visas aren't linked to a specific job.
Don't necessarily assume Britain will retain its position as the G7 country with the lowest unemployment. And if you're not intending working, getting a visa will be close to impossible
For general background about how many Americans find coping with a country that seems expensive and cramped look at www.americanexpats.co.uk.
Good luck. 60 million of us - and what sometimes feels like the other 60 million who are trying to move here - can't be wrong. But start thinking about your culture shock now.
Assuming you want to work here, EU citizens (from all 25 countries) can work more or less without documentation, and young Commonwealth citizens can mostly get working holiday visas for a couple of years.
But assuming you have only a US passport, life's a lot tougher. Unless you swim in, or smuggle yourself onto a truck, immigration controls are tough, and people with the wrong paperwork get deported instantly. Glynn Williams, I'm afraid, is plain wrong on this.
There are three main ways of working here legally if you're not one of the 2 billion people with preferential access. You can get your company to transfer you. You can invest in a business. Or you might qualify under the Highly Skilled Migrants Programme, dtails of which are at http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/wor...all_forms.html
There's a myth about that this programme is just for people with skills in short supply. It's not: most university graduates, in any discipliine, with a reasonable record of success for their age in almost any career, qualify for example. But the rules are complicated, and there's a backlog in processing applications. HMSP visas aren't linked to a specific job.
Don't necessarily assume Britain will retain its position as the G7 country with the lowest unemployment. And if you're not intending working, getting a visa will be close to impossible
For general background about how many Americans find coping with a country that seems expensive and cramped look at www.americanexpats.co.uk.
Good luck. 60 million of us - and what sometimes feels like the other 60 million who are trying to move here - can't be wrong. But start thinking about your culture shock now.
May 7th, 2004, 11:41 AM
#10
>Trust me, as a citizen of the United Kingdom (might be worth getting the name of the country right before moving to it)..<
When did it become incorrect to call England "England?" Did I not get that memo?
When did it become incorrect to call England "England?" Did I not get that memo?
May 7th, 2004, 12:29 PM
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without knowing much about you in terms of skills and age, you're best bet probably is either work for a company that would transfer you there or try to get hired by a u.k. company that will sort out the visas for you. with the right planning and persistence it can be done. if you are just out of college there are work programs in bars and restaurants and stuff like that. best of luck.
May 8th, 2004, 01:56 AM
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Use www.americanexpats.co.uk
with a largish pinch of salt. I just had a brief look at it and found a few errors e.g. the information about telephones and television is years out of date. There may be other errors.
with a largish pinch of salt. I just had a brief look at it and found a few errors e.g. the information about telephones and television is years out of date. There may be other errors.
May 8th, 2004, 02:04 AM
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As a citizen of Newmachar, Aberdeenshire (NOT part of England, but subject to the same immigration laws, more's the pity) I suggest you find a Brit (or other European) to marry. Unless you're rich.
May 8th, 2004, 02:29 AM
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I think Glyn might be refering to the fact that this is the United Kingdom. There are some other stakeholders here. Remember Scotland ? Wales ? Northern Ireland? It's not only England you know.
Just one thing to consider- thinkpinkpop the grass is always greener...until you get there.
The UK is a greatly overpopulated country 60 million and rising, compare this with Australia- 16 Million and you should get my drift. However our houses are probably smaller and more expensive than in the US, our cost of living is quite high and we waste so much money on European buerocracy and hanging on to GW Bush's shirt tail that our health service and education all suffer.
Consider it seriously. I know many many brits who want to get out and many who have. Maybe you could swop.
Good Luck
Just one thing to consider- thinkpinkpop the grass is always greener...until you get there.
The UK is a greatly overpopulated country 60 million and rising, compare this with Australia- 16 Million and you should get my drift. However our houses are probably smaller and more expensive than in the US, our cost of living is quite high and we waste so much money on European buerocracy and hanging on to GW Bush's shirt tail that our health service and education all suffer.
Consider it seriously. I know many many brits who want to get out and many who have. Maybe you could swop.
Good Luck
May 8th, 2004, 04:43 AM
#16
Mucky, I'm well aware of which nations comprise the UK. Half of my family is from ENGLAND. Is it OK to phrase it that way without pi$$ing off the other stakeholders?
The OP seems a bit naive and lots, including yourself, have offered helpful info. G_W's comment about learning to spell a country's name before moving there is kinda snotty and not the least bit elucidating.
The OP seems a bit naive and lots, including yourself, have offered helpful info. G_W's comment about learning to spell a country's name before moving there is kinda snotty and not the least bit elucidating.
May 8th, 2004, 08:42 AM
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Besides - thinkpinkpop may actually MEAN he wants to move to England -- Not Scotland or Wales or N Ireland.
If someone wanted to move to California we wouldn't jump on him because he didn't say "United States" - well maybe some would!
If someone wanted to move to California we wouldn't jump on him because he didn't say "United States" - well maybe some would!
May 8th, 2004, 09:01 AM
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What are your reasons for choosing England or I should say, the United Kingdom? Do you have friends there or a course of study that you want to pursue? Or do you just want an adventure and want to start out somewhere where they speak English? I moved to England 20 years ago to study but mostly because my best friend is British and we talked about having our own flat in London togeher since we were 13 years old. It was a terrific adventure...she set up the flat in Highgate (really more like Archway..yuck) before I got there. In retrospect there was so much ground work laid before I got there. It helps to have a friend waiting for you for sure. The biggest problem was the work permit issue. I had to do private assistant jobs for a group of fashion models and was paid in cash when my savings started to run out. I had to move four times in one year and then ended up moving to Italy. It was all an adventure of a life time which changed my life in a wonderful way. There were challenges and heartbreak too, but it was all worth it. Times have admittedly changed, but how about you set out as a tourist and see where it all leads you. It was different back then, but some of the greatest people I have ever known, I met on a train or at a cafe. Have fun!
May 8th, 2004, 10:26 AM
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Oh please. I cannot believe how defensive the majority of people are on this forum. I was simply pointing out a basic fact about the UK - which is almost always forgotten by all Americans.
It's a simple fact - you'll find that when people are referring to the country of America, they say America. They do not say Texas or Florida or Washington.
Just accept it and take it on board. That is if your mature enough to do so.
It's a simple fact - you'll find that when people are referring to the country of America, they say America. They do not say Texas or Florida or Washington.
Just accept it and take it on board. That is if your mature enough to do so.
