$^*#@!

hi everyone...i'm new and i posted in the "welcome wagon" a few days ago.  i'm from NC and bf is from Kent.  i've been looking into getting a work permit, for nursing positions in SE England.  well, nurses have to register with the NMC(nurse and midwifery council), which i found out today takes about six months on average, although each application is considered on an individual basis.  and THEN, it takes three months from a job offer to having everything all together, ready to hop a plane to the uk.  and that's assuming the job offer is put on the table once i'm registered.  nine months?  i guess it could be worse..just seems like such a p.i.a. to me. 
but, he's worth it..sometimes 
has anyone else had an experience with things taking this long to iron out? any input?  *sigh*
it's so funny...seems like it's condoned for people to marry..i mean, theoretically you could marry a perfect stranger and have a much shorter process of getting over than taking things slow.  nuts. 

Actually you cant marry a stranger. You have to prove that you know each other with a lot of documents ( photos, phone bills, plane tickets, etc.) Plus, it costs a small fortune.  It is a long process no matter what way you go. If its really what you want then go for it. It will feel like forever, but worth it in the end. 
Good Luck

kelli..wow..i had no idea you had to submit documents like that...i think it must be a bit easier here (us) to marry someone for visas.  i mean, you hear about it all the time...people getting paid so their spouses can live, work, etc. here. 
i was exagerating with the perfect stranger thing...my main point is that it seems easier to go this route then another.  but, i could be wrong.

my main point is that it's a bit silly and exhausting, really, no matter how you cross the pond.

but then again, bf was saying something about (he read in his musician's union publication or something) that when he visits me he has to pay 160 pounds and go to the american embassy in london?? or maybe he misunderstood...it's just for those going on holiday or something, who knows)

also just wanted to add....i didn't mean to sound judgemental to those who marry....i'm just b*tching about things in general 

but then again, bf was saying something about (he read in his musician's union publication or something) that when he visits me he has to pay 160 pounds and go to the american embassy in london?? or maybe he misunderstood...it's just for those going on holiday or something, who knows)

I think your boyfriend read something that doesn't apply to him.  If he's just coming to visit you, he doesn't need anything.  As a British citizen, he can go the visa-waiver route.  Just needs a passport and some plane tickets!   

The visa process is difficult for everyone.  Some options are just a bit easier than others.  In my opinion, it's much more difficult (and more time consuming) to bring a fiance' or spouse to the US than it is to bring one to the UK.  That's why I'm living in the UK now! 

Also, I'm from NC...whereabouts are you from? (born in Jacksonville, lived in Asheville for last 9 years before moving)

lolabola,
asheville is beautiful....i live in hickory right now.
not originally from NC, but i've loved living here (i'm a midwestern girl, really).

I am glad you wrote.  I am also an RN, and I am just filling out the paperwork to get registered with the nmc (I am here with my dh's job). 

I initially went through an agency (OES) to get the paperwork started, but I am going to go directly to a nearby hospital and see if something can be worked out to speed things up ---I was told I MAY be able to be registered and working in 4 months.  (there is a nurse shortage here, too)

We are going to be living close to where you will be, too!  We are in London now, but we are moving to Leigh on Sea, essex, just north of Kent.

Let me know your progress, and ask me any questions, I find the NMC wait extremely frustrating as well!!