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How to Move to the UK

Hey guys.

I'm in the USA, and I'm seriously considering moving to the UK (London). Does anyone here have any advice on visas, citizenship, and becoming an Ex-Pat?

I think I qualify for dual-citizenship with a couple of different countries in the EU, so I'm going to work on that. If I can get EU citizenship, then I should be able to live and work in the UK without a visa. (And without having to get married any time soon.)

If anyone has any advice on dual-citizenship stuff, visas (back-up plan), finding flats in London, shipping boxes internationally, and the like, please let me know. I'd be grateful for any suggestions I can get, as this is a big undertaking and I have no idea where to start.

Thanks,

~A~

Tags: citizenship, help, international, kingdom, london, moving, united, visa

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lissa on September 21, 2010 at 5:20am
I'm Australian and I came to the UK to be with my partner, who's English, but as I'd just finished Uni and didn't have any money and can't afford to get married anytime soon, I'm here on the Youth Mobility Scheme visa. This is a scheme that allows people aged 18-30 mobility between various countries including Australia, Japan, and the UK. I'm not sure if the US is a part of it - you'll have to check that.
Permalink Reply by Angela on September 27, 2010 at 11:36am
Just checked it out. It doesn't appear to apply to the USA. But thanks for the thought!
Permalink Reply by Stereo on September 21, 2010 at 6:33am
I could write a whole bunch of stuff here but I don't know if I would explain it properly, so I will point you in this direction: http://www.workpermit.com/uk/relocation.htm

It explains the different types of visas and work permits that you can qualify for if you'd like to move to the UK. I don't blame you for wanting to move here; it's pretty awesome. I do know that the rules have become slightly stricter in terms of being given indefinite leave to remain and obtaining a British passport but even with the introduction of these rules, you shouldn't have too much trouble.

To start looking for a flat in London, your one-stop shop should be gumtree.com or even craigslist (and as a last resort, me: I'm a landlady :D ). There are pitfalls here as a lot of the properties advertised really do need to be seen before any type of money is handed over and people will try to take advantage once they know you're arranging a move from abroad. I will cast around for the most reliable international movers and should have more advice soon :)
Permalink Reply by Angela on September 27, 2010 at 11:37am
Thanks! I will definitely check those out. And I might be in touch on the housing stuff. :) It would be helpful to be able to talk with someone who has first hand knowledge on how leasing works.
Permalink Reply by Tiffani D. on September 21, 2010 at 6:45am
Ahh, you have come to the right place.

You should read my blog, all of it. I just left the states and am now in UK doing grad school. Seriously, peruse all my blogs, try to find the ones that say anything about the UK or visas. It's actually pretty helpful. Somethings to be aware of not listed in my blog:

1) London is HELLA expensive, more expensive than living in the heart of Manhattan, so be prepared for that.

2) The UK Border Agency (UKBA) started having severe restrictions on letting random people in the country. The only reason I got in is because I'm a student and that was really hard to do.

3) Dual citizenship can be acheived a multiple of ways, but even if you have the easiest (marrying someone) it doesn't automatically give you dual citizenship. For me, dual citizenship will take at least 5 years. It doesn't count as me living here when I'm a student.

4) UK visas are the DEVIL. Don't expect the British consulate to do anything to help you. You won't be able to write, email, see, text or talk to anyone about your visa. You are blind as to whether or not you got the visa until it shows up on your doorstep via UPS.

But seriously, read my blog, not shameless plugging, its just helpful. Also email me with anything you want to know.

http://acceptedgirl.blogspot.com/
Permalink Reply by Angela on September 27, 2010 at 11:38am
Heading to your blog now. I'm excited to read it! Thanks, love.
Permalink Reply by Tiffani D. on September 21, 2010 at 6:49am
Permalink Reply by Angela on September 27, 2010 at 11:38am
Adding them to my wish list. :)

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