I am a usa citizen...what do i need to live in england?

Jon

I am in the process of immigration from the USA (where I am a citizen) to Canada. I can't imagine it would be too much different to the UK, but you will need to research it. Basically immigration is an expensive and lengthy process in order to receive your permanant residence. If you are going to the UK just to work or study for a set amount of time, there are different application forms for that. You can also apply from outside the UK or inside the UK. If you plan to process the paperwork from inside the UK and stay with a friend or relative there while your case is processed, you will need to enter the country as a "visitor" and do not ask for a long stay (like 6 months or something) at port of entry. You could be denied entry right there. You need to limit your visit to maybe something like 1 to 2 months max. Depending on your situation, you may also need someone who is a citizen or permanant resident of the UK to sponsor you. If you don't have a sponsor, you may not qualify on your own unless you can prove some skilled work experience under your belt which gives you a leg up in the job market, or at least a college degree. Here in America, it's basically "put on a turban and your in." Other countries will make employers prove that you are more qualified than one of their own native residents for employment. So basically even if you get a company to sponsor you, they have to show the government why you are a better hire.

You need to determine how you want to apply...from inside or outside the UK, and under what class you are applying for..ie) family class or skilled worker class, or student/work visa.

I'm sure there are forms available and information numbers you can contact the UK offices for immigration. Be prepared for lengthy processing times (in Canada it is currently 6-7 months and we applied from inside the country. My wife who is Canadian sponsored me, and we just had a baby here in Canada)

Back to what you will probably need (your original question)

A medical exam (completed by a dedicated medical practioner) either in the USA or in the UK

a clean criminal record

(I had a DUI 10 years ago and got it expunged in the USA, but if I hadn't gotten it off my record, I probably don't become Canadian) DUI offenses in other countries are basically the equivalent of felonies here in the states.

lots of money to pay for the fees...Canada is about $1500 for everything under the class I applied for. Here it is a 2 step process. They approve my wife as a sponsor first and grant me an "open work permit" at that time so I can get work. (Takes about 6-7 months) Then we pay the second half of the fees and I will have my permanant residence. Then it will take 3 years of permanant residence here before I am eligible to apply for citizenship....but at least I can work and get a driver's license, etc with my permanant residence. Citizenship is something I may or may not bother with when the time comes.

You will also need to be photographed and probably fingerprinted.

That being said, look into your background stuff and what they want ahead of time, especially if you are applying from inside the UK. If you need an FBI background AND a state police certificate, it takes some time to get those original clearances back, and would be much easier to obtain prior to traveling abroad.

Also some advice...BE VERY CAREFUL WHAT YOU TRAVEL WITH IF YOU PLAN TO APPLY FROM INSIDE THE UK. Lets say you have all kinds of forms and stuff together for your immigration packed in your luggage. You say you are entering as a visitor, and then customs discovers your true intent. You would be shot down right there. Best off to have a friend mail any such documents once you are already there.

Hope that was some help and Good Luck!

Johnka

A visa from UK Embassy or on-line.

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/

Maciek

Start from the end of the line ,learn proper English and take some geography lessons(to not look like a fool when encounter a native European) ,pay application fee,enjoy free health care and real freedom...(don't forget to pay taxes)
:):)

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