Hello!

Hi, everyone! Still kind of trying to find my way around the boards and learn what I can, but thought I'd pop in and introduce myself.

I've dreamed of living in the UK since I was a kid; I have no idea where or why the fascination started, and for a while, I made myself forget about it. Then I went through a divorce, and (not-quite-so-coincidentally) began to realize there's some truth to that whole you-won't-get-any-younger thing I've always heard people talk about.

I will be graduating from Arizona State University this summer, and it's my goal to move to the UK shortly afterward - ideally, I'll be there by October or November. So I'm starting to try to crack down on figuring out what I need to do to get there. (If any of you have any information at your fingertips that I might find helpful, I'd be so very grateful. I don't want you to do my work for me, but I wouldn't mind a nudge in the right direction.)

I'm hoping to be able to move there, not just go for a visit. I have a small savings that I'd use for the move/settling-in period, but as a single student, it's a tad too meager to dip into for visits and returns. I will have an English degree, and though my long-term goal is to write, I would like to find a job with a publishing company or literary journal there, The shallow research I've done thus far suggests the work visa route isn't very promising... Is that accurate?

I have a small dog (~17 lbs) I'll be bringing with me, and I'll be looking for direction on what I'll need to do to have him move with me.

I am in an LDR with a Mancunian, and as much as I love him and as desperate as we are to be together, I don't really want to go the marriage route to move to the UK (not sure, based on some of my reading, that that would be the easiest method anyway). Even though we plan to marry someday, I'd kind of rather achieve the move on my own, since it's been a personal dream of mine for so long. That may be a matter of pride, and I'm not above overcoming it if it allows me to finally be in the country I love with the man I love.

So, yeah.... That's me and my goals in a nutshell. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by what it will take to make sure I do this right, legally and within my time frame, but I look forward to meeting you all and getting the benefit of your experiences and expertise.

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

*waves*

Hi and welcome! Everyone is so helpful here, but I just wanted to wish you luck with the entire process. I'm sure if you're that determined that your dream will happen Unfortunately I'm unlike the more experienced, better knowing people on this site, but they are awesome and I'm sure someone can help you out

Welcome to UKY!   

You are correct that a work visa might be difficult to obtain, as it seems the UK government has really been cracking down on immigration. Other options to consider would be either continuing your education as a postgraduate student in the UK, or since you will be a recent graduate in the future, you can also look into BUNAC.  They offer internships lasting up to 6 months in England, under government sponsored visas (tier 5). 

Maybe if your internship goes well with them (or your relationship flourishes), you could extend your stay, either on a work visa (if they allow it!), or as a Spouse.

I'm sure there's tons more information out there, so good luck digging! 

Welcome to the site! I know that finding the best option for a visa can be complicated, and I do know that work visas can be tough to get approved, but hopefully you can find some good advice here. Best of luck to you with your plans!

Welcome to UKY!   

You are correct that a work visa might be difficult to obtain, as it seems the UK government has really been cracking down on immigration. Other options to consider would be either continuing your education as a postgraduate student in the UK, or since you will be a recent graduate in the future, you can also look into BUNAC.  They offer internships lasting up to 6 months in England, under government sponsored visas (tier 5). 

Maybe if your internship goes well with them (or your relationship flourishes), you could extend your stay, either on a work visa (if they allow it!), or as a Spouse.

BUNAC with the Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange visa is a 'no switching' visa. So if the OP wanted to get a different visa from that one she'd have to go back to the US to do it.

Basically you're not going to find a company to sponsor a Tier 2 for an English Major. Your only options may be BUNAC or a fiance(e)/spousal visa.

Unfortunately reality often collides with dreams and reality (99.99% of the time) wins.

Welcome to UKY!

Hello and welcome!!  Good luck with your dream.  Please don't tie yourself to the goal of being here by October, because that may be difficult.  It's tough to achieve and unfortunately the jobs you want are not really on a shortage list and I'm guessing you don't have work experience in any shortage fields?  You may have to be patient because sometimes ambition and will just isn't quite enough.  All the very best of luck with your goal. 

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/workingintheuk/shortageoccupationlist.pdf

Welcome to the site!  I'm an advocate of getting a postgraduate degree if you're willing to shell out the money and continue with your education.  It's been a great experience for me and I'd recommend it to anyone.  Good luck with whichever path you decide to pursue! 

Unfortunately reality often collides with dreams and reality (99.99% of the time) wins.

Now I've got to get drunk tonight.....

BUNAC with the Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange visa is a 'no switching' visa. So if the OP wanted to get a different visa from that one she'd have to go back to the US to do it.

Thanks WebyJ for clarifying, wasn't 100% sure on that 

Thanks, everyone, so much for taking the time to offer welcome, support and information! It's been a really great start in the right direction. 

I really appreciate all your responses; thank you so much! Looking forward to interacting with you all!

Welcome to UKY 

Hi and welcome to UKY!     Good luck and hopefully you can find a visa route to workout for you.

Hi and welcome to UKY!     Good luck and hopefully you can find a visa route to workout for you.

Thanks

I was talking to my boyfriend about the options and many barriers, and he basically told me to get over myself and not let my pride get in the way of us being together as soon as we can be. We've already talked vaguely about marriage and the future, but we decided to make it official, and we're getting married!

So I'm changing gears and starting to figure out the things we'll need to do to go down the fiance visa route.

We've already talked vaguely about marriage and the future, but we decided to make it official, and we're getting married!

Congratulations !!

So I'm changing gears and starting to figure out the things we'll need to do to go down the fiance visa route.

If you want to save yourself the cost of two visas (and want to be able to work in the UK right away), you can always marry in the US and then apply directly for a 27-month spousal visa - your fiance can just come to the US as a visitor and then you can marry there if you wish (as long as he is not planning to live in the US after the wedding).

The fiance visa route means applying for the fiance visa, moving to the UK to get married (but not being able to work), and then applying for 2-year FLR(M) visa to stay. So it would be $1200 for the first visa and currently £500 by post/£800 in person for the FLR(M) (although visa fees are increasing in April). Alternatively, marrying in the US means just one visa of $1200, plus his extra flights to the US (and being able to work immediately).