Hi there

I am a wannbe ex-pat, looking to transfer my current job working in health care management (from home) to the UK. Hoping to find others who have done the same or can give me some advice on the internet situation (speed, reliability) in either Scotland or Ireland. Thanks in advance

Well, the first thing is the big one -- you need a work visa to work in the UK, even if you are working remotely for a US company. You need a UK company to sponsor you. Without that, Internet speeds become rather irrelevant!

The visa situation has been confusing. I have been trying to read other message boards and even the government websites. If I have a US employer, why would I need a UK sponsor?

Because you cannot work in the UK without one. You cannot take any employment in the UK, even for a US employer, unless you have the appropriate visa -- you cannot come here on a tourist visa and work. You have to have a work visa, and that requires a UK company and a UK sponsor.

You can check the Visas and Citizenship board here, people will be happy to explain it and point out the relevant bits of the UKBA website to you.

thank you for your help. Trying to frame the right questions to ask so I don't waste anyone's time! Heading to the other board....