BUNAC???

Once they see how happy you are...and once they know more details about the programme, they will be thrilled.  If it helps, have other former "BUNACers" send them emails with their expereinces.  I would be willing to do that for you, if you think it will help, and I'm sure that others here would do the same.

Congrats!  And Good Luck!  Before you know it, you will be enjoying an ale over greasy pub food!!

could you still use the program even if you are going to attend UNI in the states? and what if u know people in the UK, could u stay with them while on the program?

Go to http://www.bunac.org for more info. You can stay and go wherever you want to.  The program is for US uni students who want to live/work in the UK.

<<modified because sometimes life changes>>

does it make it easier for you to become a permanent resident of the UK in the future, i mean will it be easier for u, once u are done Uni and decide u wanna live in the UK.

No I don't think so.  It just allows you to spend six months as an experience.  It's such a cool thing to do, and I wish I could do it again.  It made me appreciate so much and made me a life long lover of all things English (my husband).

I think the only way it would be "easier" is if you were to meet the right person, fall in love and get hitched.  Of course, that is not necissarily easy, and I would NEVER suggest a marriage of conviences.  Don't go out looking for someone just so that it can happen.

That said, the work experience may help you when you get back to the states, which can lead to a great job with an international company, and because of your experience with the UK, maybe you can get transfered. 

There are a lot of positive things that can come from the experience.  There are a lot of doors and windows that will be opened, and while it may take a few months or years to arive back to the UK after your BUNAC stay, you just never do know.

Go into it all with an open mind, and just see what may be...

  I got my "blue card" (work permit) from BUNAC today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Now I just have to decide when to leave....

CONGRATULATIONS ANGIE!!!! WOW! You've come a long way from wondering if you should even go in the first place!  You will love it 

Yippee!!  Before you know it you'll be UK Bound!!

I went to the BUNAC website to read about it and see if it is something I would also like to consider since I dont want to go over on a fiancee visa until we are quite ready to have the wedding...and I am slightly confused over something, maybe someone could clarify?
It says you must prove you are applying in a semester where you have at least 8 credit hours towards a degree for your "semester of eligibility." I thought this was a work permit, do they expect you to be taking some sort of classes over there too? also, If I apply in the spring, which will be my last semester before I graduate in April 05, can I get one of these blue cards to come work in September 05?

The visa is for current uni students of recent grads.  You have to send documents from your school proving that you were/are enrolled in a higher-ed institution.  Also, you can NOT get married in the UK with out a fiance(e) visa.  Well, you can, but its not legal and can mess up future plans.

The nice thing is that you can work on the BUNAC, which is what the intent is...to give a chance at working overseas.

Thanks Frances. I'll add it to my list of options to investigate!

<<modified because sometimes life changes>>

You would need to leave, get a fiance(e) visa and come back.  Used to be, you could marry on whatever visa, and then just get the ILR or whatever.  Things changed about a year ago from my understanding.

Some people may suggest just getting married and claiming you "did not know" but ignorance is not an excuse for illegal behavior, and many a immigration official will say "too bad, so sad...Next please!" so watch your Ps and Qs with this issue.  It's better to spend the extra money on the proper visas than to wed, and be forced from the country, posibly never being able to return because of lack of proper visas.

For me, my work visa expired and I had to leave the country.  Yes, it sucks, but I am only in the states now until our wedding, which would have happened regardless of my visa wielding job continuing or not.  Of course, now that I'm back state side for a wee while, the DF is thinking that maybe we'll settle in Seattle for a couple years before heading back to Scotch-land...

I'm sure you will do what works best for your situation, just be sure to look into the legalities of each visa before you jump into the water...

In some circumstances, you do not have to leave the country to change your visa:

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1034348124299#point%20nine%20one

(see para 1.9.1)

Probably best to find out from the Home Office when you are here or ask Bunac in what circumstances this might apply.