Student Visa

Hey I am an american and I wish to move to the UK. I looked at some of the websites and decided that the student visa is the easiest way to go. I am 19 right now and am planning on going to a community college here in the US for 2 years then trying to go for my bacholers degree in britain.

Now I have a few questions.

How hard is it to do this?

How much would it cost?

When I am done with my schooling can I stay in the UK easily?

If I cant get accepted to a british university and go to one in the US instead and get my degree here how hard would it be to get a work permit in the UK if I have a college degree?

In case you are wondering I want to leave the US because basically I am fed up with its bullshit and just want to try somewhere else out. I think the UK looks like a very interesting place and it does not do many of the things that make me want to leave the US. If the UK doesnt accept me I guess I will try Canada.

1) Talk to the universities you're interested in about admission requirements, as they will vary. But gaining admission to a university in britain is certainly doable for an american- lots of people have done it!

2) It's very expensive. About $20K per year at least for tuition plus you'll need an additional $15-20K for living expenses (and you have to prove you have access to tuition and living expenses money in order to get a student visa.)  For an undergraduate it can be really difficult to finance because you can't take out much money in student loans from the government and will usually need a co-signer for private loans.

3) If you get a degree in Britain there's currently a program whereby you can stay for an additional 2 years to work.  After that you'd have to qualify under the highly skilled visa or a work permit/tier 2.

4) Getting a work permit is usually difficult unless you have specialised skills/work in an occupation on the shortage list.  Most new grads fresh out of university would find it very difficult to secure a work permit, but depending on what field you're in it's not necessarily impossible.

Also, try to come to the UK for a visit. The UK is great but it's certainly not for everyone...visiting might help you decide if this is something you really want to pursue.

Well what do you think is the best thing for me to do then?

We've been down this road before...

http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=40290.msg554676#msg554676

Vicky