Hello From Seattle!

Hi all!

I am about to take and pass(fingers crossed) the bar exam here in Washington, and know about the qualifying transfer test to become a solicitor, but I need some more info about how to go about getting approval to enter, and become employed ( self or for a family law firm) in or around London. I have been there, and love it, and know how to ride a scooter/motorcycle so plan to use that as my major source of private transportation in the city. I am open to living in other cities as well, but I love London. Perhaps even the Isle of Wight is a possibility. I am also hoping to network with other US-to-UK Lawyer/Soliciters who might be able to hook me up with a situation. I know I need to get some actual UK practice experience in order to get my licence there and I have to practice for 2 years here before I can qualify for the licence after taking the exam. ( I know I am mixing up my English and American spellings of words...bear with me.) I am 47 and am wondering if this will be a hindrance to emmigration?  What is the new criteria since they changed the points system for Highly Skilled Mirants? Thanks and Howdy ya'll! ( Oh, and FYI, I am a lesbian, so Yay New York!)

Elizabeth

Hi - welcome to the forum.  I found a couple of old threads that might be helpful or relevant to you...

http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=67783.0

http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=58700.0

I know nada about the HSMP but others around here will do.

Thanks Mrs. Robinson! I appreciate your help!

The HSMP has been closed for awhile. On the UKBA website it says you are only eligible for a Tier 1 visa as a lawyer if you are already in the UK. I am not sure, as they have been constantly reworking that immigration route.

If the old Tier 1 routes are in place, age does affect your application as you have to meet a minimum number of points and the older you are the less points you get. The highest points are to those in their 20s, while 0 points are given to those above 40.

Hope someone comes along with current info, but for now I would check out the UKBA website for info.

I don't have any advice for you (I'm barely navigating the student visa process), just wanted to say good luck on the bar!

The HSMP has been closed for awhile. On the UKBA website it says you are only eligible for a Tier 1 visa as a lawyer if you are already in the UK. I am not sure, as they have been constantly reworking that immigration route.

If the old Tier 1 routes are in place, age does affect your application as you have to meet a minimum number of points and the older you are the less points you get. The highest points are to those in their 20s, while 0 points are given to those above 40.

Hope someone comes along with current info, but for now I would check out the UKBA website for info.

Yes, the Highly Skilled Migrant visa program was closed in November 2008, so it no longer exists.

Tier 1 General was closed to applicants outside the UK back in December 2010 and in April 2011 to applicants inside the UK. I think the only people who can apply for it now are those who already hold a Tier 1 General visa and are applying for an extension.

In terms of getting work visas, I believe the only option now is to get sponsored by a company for a Tier 2 visa

Thanks All for info...I had been counting on HSMP, but as you say, it is now closed. I think my only options are sponsorship or marrying someone in the UK. As I am now single, that appeals to me. Will have to be a woman, however...I know there is a difference between herto marriages and domestic partnerships in the UK. I know I am over 40 and that will count against me. But if any of you know a nice woman who is interested in a Yank, let me know. Since I am looking for a partner anyway, a Brit would be the best choice. Of course I need to fall in love....I am not interested in doing this just to move there. It would just be better if my partner were already a citizen, so less barriers to having a partner join me/be w/ me in the UK.