Going "home" after 17 years...?!

Hello, Stelly here.  I'm a Brit who moved to NJ in 2000 for an 18 month internship, adjusted to an H1B almost right away, met my USC husband, got married in 2004 and have lived here ever since.  Added two hybrid US-UK children to the mix and have been quite happy.  But.... recently we've been re-exploring the idea of moving to the UK quite seriously.  For a variety of reasons it would make sense for our family. 

We are so far away from the days of immigration stuff that even the acronyms make my head hurt, so I'm going to need a lot of help and will probably ask a lot of stupid questions.  To add insult to injury, I work in relocation so being so intensely clueless about moving in the other direction is something I can't admit to in my offline life!

My husband is from northern NJ and I'm originally from Southampton.  When I moved here in 2000 I found a superb bunch of British expats, many of whom I'm still friends with today, so I hope to forge some new friendships here too.

Thanks!
Stelly.

Welcome!

The toughest hurdle is the financial requirements.  Let us know if you need help!

Welcome. Having worked with relocation people all over the world with my own career, I'd say US-U.K. Is the one companies pay least attention to because they assume it's "so close". Ha! So don't feel bad about not asking colleagues. They won't have thought it through!  Others here are expert on visas. I'd say just watch out for the "space" trap, particularly with the kids. Chances are your New Jersey house has way more indoor and outdoor space than you will ever get here. That should guide what you move (nothing sadder than seeing a new arrival wondering if they should saw their couch in half) and how you should set expectations. This isn't a value judgment-there are of course lovely places here. They just are a lot smaller than suburban NJ!


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Hi Stelly, welcome to the forum! 

Welcome, Stelly!

The rules change so often with UK immigration that even "in the know" people might be lost. People here are great with advice and answering questions.

Big thing: if you're planning to move back within the next 12 months, start your paperwork for a Transfer of Residence. In other words, apply for a duty exemption for the possessions you'll bring back to the UK.

Also, if you have a pet, you'll have to do a lot of finicky paperwork.

Good luck!

Welcome Stelly

Welcome!

Thanks all.  Sorry I didn't get back here earlier to say thank you.

Hi Stelly,

Good luck with your evaluations!

I'd suggest not shutting the door on a potential chance/need to return to the USA. Also, I'd also suggest looking at other countries even though it's the UK you want currently. With all the turmoil and uncertainty that is the mess of Brexit, in case things take more of a downturn here, you'd be wise to keep other options open.

Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!

Welcome to the forums Stelly!  I feel like you and I might be in the same boat here, as I too am trying to get back 'home' after a long time away.