Dying to move to the UK!

Unfortunately, I don't have any good advice besides possibly going to grad school here, and then, possibly, some opportunity to stay could come up. I have friends that have attended university here and some have found ways to stay, although most have had to leave once they graduated.

Also, things related to the oil/gas industry, skilled orchestra musicians, dentists, consultant specialists, etc seem to do OK as well.  

Phatbeetle does bring up a good point about getting into the oil and gas industry, as certain jobs in that field allow you to live almost anywhere in the world. It would take a few years, but once you're in there, you could explore opportunities to work in the UK.

Per my understanding, nursing in the States would not allow you to transfer to the UK as they have their own nursing requirements. What about doing some time abroad? I am big on the language skills; but then again, I speak a few languages and find it helpful. Perhaps the IT field would be of more interest? I am sure other folks in the UK will chime in. Work visas are very hard to get. I would start with a study abroad program first.

This is not correct. I am an American trained nurse and am going to receive my UK license pending my completion of the overseas nursing programme which I am schedule to take in a few months time. You must have a BSN (bachelor's), but I and many other people who have been trained in the US are eligible for a UK license.

It works the other way as well, but a lot more hassle and UK nurses usually need to take a few more classes/clinicals.

The issue then would be getting a work visa (or being married to a UK/EU citizen) and the only nurses on the shortage list right now are OR/theatre and NICU nurses. This may or may not change in the future...

I spent 5 months there this past Summer/Fall and did a lot of research.  I also spoke with others living there from various countries.  And with research and speaking with other expats I have found the following areas are good for finding a Visa Sponsor: (1) IT positions (Project Managers, Business Anlaysts, Software QA Testers (2) Social Workers (3) Nurses

2 companies to check with as far as sponsoring a Visa Contractor Taxation and Commonwealth Contractors

Well, most Americans wouldn't be covered by Commonwealth Contractors.

Also, there are a ton of IT people here without work, but it would depend on your area.

Edit: I'm not sure I would trust any company that still refers to outdated visas that no longer exist.

Also, there are a ton of IT people here without work, but it would depend on your area.

Edinburgh had a huge amount of IT people out of work, too, but it may simply be due to the banking industry being so big in the city, and so many people being laid off.

Just thinking around the issue:

What about a working holiday in Ireland?

http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=80991http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=80991

Could you do a student exchange to Spain or Germany during your undergraduate degree?

These options may not be exactly what you are after but may allow you the proximity to travel more easily to the UK for holidays.
 
More information on being a translator here (this site also helps you find postgraduate Masters in translation if the postgrad route in the UK is something you'd like to look at and many other professions / postgrad info):

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/translator_training.htm

You may also wish to consider postgrad study in the Netherlands / Germany or Spain.  It may be cheaper and for NL / Germany, many courses are taught in English (or German / Spanish).

For example:

MA Linguistics - Radboud University Nijmegen
http://www.studyfinder.nl/education/51848en?StartDate=2012-03-23&fulltext=german+spanish&rpp=25

MA Applied Linguistics: Communication and Foreign Languages for Professional Purposes - University of Siegen

http://www.study-in.de/en/studium/studienfach-hochschule-suchen/?degree=Master&subject=spanish%20german&onlyEn=0&send_x=21&send_y=27

Indeed, Germany seems to rank well for foreign students:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12610268

For Study in Spain, maybe try the Ministry of Education?
http://www.educacion.gob.es/portada.html

Good luck with your plans! 

Can't help you but just wanted to welcome another Okie!

I'm with MeShell on this one! I can't help but I too would like to say ''howdy'' to a fellow Okie!

I was there in the summer/fall of 2011 and I got a visa sponsored by one of the companies that I mentioned.  I also had an offer (and other interviews) for positions in the IT field.  And Commonwealth Contractors offered to sponsor a visa, but I went with the other company....So I'm not sure what was meant by Commonwealth Contracts don't have have visa sponsorship for Americans....

All of this was done in 2011, so I'm also not sure what was meant by the companies giving outdated information.  The company that sponsored me also sponsored visas for people in the field of Social Work (and other fields)

Be sure to check all your options before giving up....You never know unless you try...There is a lot of good information here on the forum....But don't be discouraged by how hard it may be....if it's something you want to do....you can....I decided to relocate to the UK and did it just on the research I did on my own and it took apprx 10 months....I had to come back to the States for several months....But I plan on going back at the end of 2012...

Well, most Americans wouldn't be covered by Commonwealth Contractors.

Also, there are a ton of IT people here without work, but it would depend on your area.

Edit: I'm not sure I would trust any company that still refers to outdated visas that no longer exist.

I am an American who could have used Commonwealth Contractors but went with another company (so this is not correct (unless things have changed since
December of 2011 - American are covered my Commonwealth Contractors)....IT positions are available in Project Management, Business Analysis and Software Testing (again unless things have changed since December 2011)....The information that I am referring to is not outdated (unless things have changed since December 2011)....Not sure about what "outdated visa information" is being referred to.....

Sorry when I looked at the first page it appeared to only refer to Commonwealth countries.

But it still refers to people coming over on Tier 1 visas.  That route has been closed for people outside the UK and for most people who are in the UK as well.

It has been since 05/04/11.  So plenty of time for them to update the information.

http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/ukba-to-close-tier-1-visa-for-overseas-migrants.html

On their page for ILR they also refer to earned citizenship rules, but those were scrapped a while ago.  2011 is referred to as the "near future" but we are well into 2012.

Their skills shortage list is from 2010 but the most recent shortage list on the UKBA site has been updated Nov 2011.

They still list the Tier 1 post study work visa as a valid option and invite you to submit an application with them, but that route was closed about two months ago.

And these three things are just from a cursory look at the site.  With that much outdated information, I would personally be hesitant to trust any other information they offer.

Plus no mention of the checking service.  Which of course they wouldn't because they want your business.

Drew, I am in the same boat as you only 10 years older. I've started a career (teaching) but have looked at changing. If you want inspiration look at the job shortage list here: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/workingintheuk/shortageoccupationlistnov11.pdf
If you're in one of the fields on this list it's easier for a uk employer to hire you according to the immigration laws. But as others have said this list changes all the time (at least once a year) so by the time you finish your degree the job might be off it. But I would make this list your first stop for considering careers then do your research. Why is this job I demand? What have been the hiring trends in this field? Is it likely to improve? (bad for you) Are there any incentives for uk citizens to enter this field (college scholarships, job placement agencies)? (also bad for you) Basically if the demand for a job looks like it will remain high and the people entering the field will be low, this is good news for you. That's why I considered chemical engineering because not everyone can cut the mustard in engineering.
My main advice though is to read as much as you can about uk immigration laws applicable to you. Know them well so that when things change you'll be ready to jump into action. (I even subscribe to the UKBA news RSS feed.)

The thing to remember is that you'll need qualifications that most UK/EU citizens won't have whether it's schooling or experience.

For example, I'm a high school English teacher so I'm looking into teaching at an American school in Europe or getting International Baccalaureate experience. These are niche jobs that not every teacher in Europe will have qualifications for. (BTW these ideas were suggested by the wonderful people on this forum!) I'm also not above getting citizenship in an EU country if I can get a job there. Because its infinitely easier for an EU citizen to move to the uk. But this plan might be nuts and will take many, many years!

Best of luck to you. It's hard for an American to move to the uk but I'm keeping the faith. If you do study in the uk look for a husband while you're there! I'm not suggesting you commit fraud. But true love AND the opportunity for a spousal visa is the best of all worlds.
This forum is a great help. Come back often!