Starting our Journey!

Hi all! I am an American girl with a Hungarian background who lives in NY with my husband who has Scottish/English roots! Ever since DH and I moved to central NY for my job (I am an RN), we have been thinking about whether we actually want to live here permanently. The answer we have come to is no. I cannot drive and the distances here to go shopping/eat at a restaurant/etc. are not feasible or realistic for me. There is absolutely no public transportation. 

We thought about moving to a different state...but that's a bust because neither of us want to deal with America anymore...I know, strange, right? So DH brought up how he was supposed to move to England with his family years ago (which never happened), and I have always wanted to move to Europe. So that is what brought us to this forum. Moving to the UK is very difficult, I know, but we believe the benefits of healthcare, close accessibility to other European countries for holiday, and other things would outweigh the difficulty.

I have heard, however, that the RN situation in the UK isn't great in terms of pay or respect, but hopefully things will work out. I am thinking of applying for a travel nurse position when my first year of full-time nursing in a hospital is complete and see whether it would somewhat be easier that way...since we would already be there.

What advice would you be able to give us newbies? Anything would be appreciated. Where to start, what to do, etc. Thanks!!

 

Do you have any special skills or training that people in the UK or EU don't have?

Can you claim Hungarian citizenship?  How distant are your husband's UK ancestors?

Unless you have special skills or claim to UK/EU citizenship, you aren't going to be able to move to the UK.  It's harsh to say it like that, but this is the situation at the moment.  It's not as simple as looking for a job, the job has to be able to hire you and sponsor your visa. 

In the past, some nursing positions were on the Skills Shortage List, but they were all very high-level, specialised positions requiring lots of experience and specific skill sets. 

Here's the list, if you can find something here that you're qualified to do, that will help. 
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/workingintheuk/shortageoccupationlistnov11.pdf

Wow, well that just killed all hopes or dreams. Thanks for that.

No, I am not a NICU RN, and I can get my Hungarian citizenship if I wished to. My husband does not know how far back his roots lie, but they are there.

I'd like to think that one can accomplish anything, no matter what lies in front of them. It's just sad that people would rather crush dreams rather than help.

Well, if you can get Hungarian citizenship, then you have your way to move.  I'd pursue that route. 

The other option would be to stay in the US for a while and build up your career there, and keep an eye on the UK job market and visa requirements.  Or you could see if your husband could get a work visa.

I'm sorry that this isn't the news you want to hear, but it is the truth.  The UK has been systematically tightening immigration rules for the past few years, with the goal of keeping people out.  It's not me crushing your dreams, it's UKBA.  Obviously, you don't have to give up, and you might find a way, but it will not be easy, and that's the reality of immigration in the 21st century. 

I highly doubt a lot of the people on this forum are skilled in things that the UK seek as a requirement...although I do know a lot of them have a fiance or husband/wife across the sea. That would make it quite easier, I guess. I guess I'll have to find another way! Lol. Hungarian citizenship, here I come!

Most people on this forum are spouses of UK citizens or UK citizens themselves.  Some came over on work visas several years ago when the requirements were easier.  Some are students.  Only a handful have got Tier 2 visas in the last year or so. 

You're very lucky that you have a claim to EU citizenship.  Most people don't have that advantage. 

Good luck with your plans!

I like your spunk! Don't let the naysayers get you down I agree, though, that you need to be realistic.  I am the spouse of a UK Citizen, so it will be reasonably easy for us, especially because he makes good money in a field that always seems to have jobs.  Even though we have been in the US for our entire marriage [he came here for his Master's at GaTech, and we met here], he regularly get solicited for jobs back home, so our move will be pretty straightforward [although we are not counting on them to pay for our move; we are saving for that].
 I would, if I were you, see about living in Hungary for a while.  It's a beautiful country and would be a great experience and introduction to living in Europe. Good luck!!

Wow, well that just killed all hopes or dreams. Thanks for that.

No, I am not a NICU RN, and I can get my Hungarian citizenship if I wished to. My husband does not know how far back his roots lie, but they are there.

I'd like to think that one can accomplish anything, no matter what lies in front of them. It's just sad that people would rather crush dreams rather than help.

I don't think anyone crushed your dreams; someone actually helped you out immensely. Most people are not that lucky!

Unless your husband's parents are British other than by decent, he's not eligible for British citizenship.

Realistic is something I have always been. I would live in Hungary (I have previously) but my husband does not speak Hungarian, so there would be immense issues there.

If there's a will, there's a way.

Try not to take someone's honesty personally.  The immigration rules are getting harder by the minute.

You have a right to Hungarian citizenship so be very happy and encouraged!  It will be easier for you and your husand to move to the UK than it would have been if you had UK citizenship.

....Just thought of adding this link for more info:  http://washington.kormany.hu/hungarian-citizenship-general
As quoted from the webpage:

Hungarian citizenship

I. General information

Before going into details, you should take into consideration the following principles:

    The Hungarian citizenship law is based on the principles of jus sanguinis ("right of blood" in Latin), meaning that a person acquires Hungarian citizenship by birth from a parent who is a Hungarian citizen.
    Therefore, a Hungarian birth certificate proves only the fact of birth but NOT the Hungarian citizenship.
    As citizenship laws don't have retroactive effect (except in some very special cases), one always have to refer to the law which was in force at the date of his/her birth.
    Dual citizenship is permitted under Hungarian Law.

According to the present regulation in force - Act LV of 1993 - Hungarian citizenship can originate under two principles: the most significant one being the principle of origin : the child of every Hungarian citizen becomes a Hungarian citizen by birth (whether the mother or the father is a [or both are] Hungarian citizen.

Prior to this date, rules for acquisition and loss of Hungarian citizenship may have been different. As a short - and by no means exhaustive - resumé concerning Hungarian citizenship, before applying, please consider the following:

Between October 1st , 1957– October 1st,1993:

if one of the parents was a Hungarian citizen at the moment of birth, the child became Hungarian citizen.