Here is my info, would i qualify for any type of Visa?

I am a 21 year old single male. I did two years of college, but did not get an associate's degree. I went to a 4 year university, and just decided it wasnt for me. I have almost 5 years work experience in a grocery store, not sure if that matters. I have no relatives that live in the UK. I just want to try and move over there, work, and experience the culture. I dont quite understand all the requirements and such, and I am just looking to try and see if there is any visa I could get. Does anyone know, based on this overview, whether I have any hope of getting a visa? It doesnt seem like it, but i've been in UK chatrooms, and I have been told I would be able to get one. Also, if i'm not eligible, how do other non-highly skilled immigrants get one? Thank you in advance.

It sounds to me that you aren't eligible for any visa but if you wanted to study at school here in the UK I am sure that might be possible. It would all depend on what you want to do, etc. BUT at the end of your studies as far as I know you would have to go home. I wish I had fantastic news regarding your wanting to move here but they make it very difficult. In some ways it's a good thing as moving here is a very hard thing for some and it discourages people. Good luck

My question is then, how do other "non-skilled" workers get visa's? I know there are other immigrants there that do blue-collar type work, which is what i would do, so how do they get visas? Also, when the new visa laws go into effect in 2008, does anyone know if I would be able to obtain one then?

How long ago were you in college? I went over on a BUNAC visa for six months. (www.bunac.org)

They are either not American, here on different programs (I am here on BUNAC for university students) or have some other way in (such as a member of a Commonwealth country or being married to a UK citizen).  If you are American there is no easy way to work here legally.

US nationals come over on BUNACs, or as dependent spouses, or, if they have a job/training post to come to, they come on a work permit.  Unfortunately, because you don't have a degree or three years graduate level work experience you wouldn't get a work permit.  Most of the overseas nationals in the UK doing the sorts of jobs you seem to be thinking of are Commonwealth nationals on Working Holidaymaker visa...unfortunately US nationals don't qualify for these.

It is highly unlikely that the changes will help you, but we won't know until they have been finalised.

Vicky

Man this sucks. I was in college last year. It doesnt make sense that it is harder for Americans to move over to england does it? Arent we their biggest ally? Also, do you know anything about the visa changes in 2008, and if they would improve my chance of getting a visa?

Could you go back to college for a semester?

I guess so, but i really dont want to. But wouldnt that even only allow me until the end of my studies?

If you went back to college in the US for a semester, then you would be able to qualify for a BUNAC visa. (6 month working visa in the UK)

Would I be able to extend that visa, and would I have to stay in school in England?

look at the BUNAC website, it will probably explain it better than I can. When you do a BUNAC visa, you dont have to be in school for the 6 months you are in the UK

You don't need to be in school here, but you cannot extend it.  If you go back to the states and go back to school for another semester you can do BUNAC for a second time.

http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=6604.msg64970#msg64970

Here is a thread about bunac, hope it can help some!

Willis,

It won't be easy that's for sure.  I see some options for you though.

- Why only to England? You sound like your open for some travel.  Get the Bunac visa to New Zealand.  That's valid for a year and you don't need a degree.  It's very easy to convert that to a residence visa as they need people in that country to work.

- Do the old backpack thing through Europe.  You shouldn't have too many problems cruising around Europe, minus UK of course.  You can pick up the odd job here and there and really see some cool places. EX: my buddy just went to Spain for 6 months no visa or anything, and did freelancing English teaching.

- Do you have any grandparents born in Ireland or Italy?  If so, you may be able to get a passport via that option.  Italy being the easiest if you can prove some descendents.  Once you have the EU passport you can work without any issues.

Good Luck Man....

I did Bunac in Australia and it was awesome, I have also worked in Spain and now United Arab Emirates.  If you really want to do it, you can, but your going to have to take some changes.

Billman