permit/visa help

Here's the situation:  I am a 25-year old US born and bred who has decided a move to the UK might be in order.  It's possible though not probable that I'll be able to obtain a work permit from an international organization that I am currently in the hiring process with in the US (still with me?) or through "connections" in the UK.  I have a BA in Math, which I just got so I haven't had any time to actually earn salary, my current job pays less than $40k/year (so less than the lowest income band on the HSMP form).  A cursory run down the HSMP form shows me having about 20 points, or not nearly enough.  I really have no desire to be a student (the BA was bad enough).  Assuming I *can't* get a work permit, what avenues do I have?  Family friends from the UK have been telling me for years that I should come over, but I never dreamed that getting a visa would actually be a problem.  Thanks in advance , mfb

Do you have British parents - or a British parent?  Do you have European parents or - in some cases - grandparents?

Otherwise, you'll probably need to get a work permit.

The UK is a small island.  Unfortunately, you'll find very few countries with borders open to those who simply feel a move may be in order.

No, I have no formal ties to the UK.  My main impetus for attempting to relocate is that I'm writing historical fiction which is partly about London.  I feel like the only way I can accurately portray it is to experience it first-hand and for an extended time period.  A vacation would probably help, but I just can't afford.  Ah well... looks like I'm back to the drawing board.  Thanks for your help.

are you a recent graduate?  some recent grads under a certain age can come work on the BUNAC programme for 6 months. 

No I'm not eligible for that program either.  The good news is that I discovered that Actuaries are on the job shortage list.  I'm taking my first actuarial exam this summer.  I know that the governing boards for actuaries are different in the US and UK, but I'm hoping I can find some cross-over.

. . . I'm writing historical fiction which is partly about London.

I love historical fiction!

Good deal!  Hope it works out for you!

Dan Brown certainly could have used a visit or two to London so to avoid some of the embarassing mistakes in Da Vinci Code...

Garry, I happen to agree  but .. if I claim to be a writer of London fiction or non-fiction, does it make my entrance easier?