What do you need to have in order to immigrate to the UK? I want to move my son and I there.?

Right now, we live in the US and for many reasons, want out! I have a BS in Philosophy and 16 years of experience working retail. I don't want to work retail there, but what do I need to do to be able to immigrate to the UK? Please don't say "we have too many immigrants already"--so does the US, except they don't speak English most of the time. I do not qualify under a highly skilled worker and the websites I find are very confusing. How long does the process usually take and do I need a job first? I have found that many employers are unwilling to consider International applicants.

I regret to inform you, but getting a visa for work purpose in the Uk is a long drawn out affair.

I know you probably have your heart set upon going there, and it's great to have a change from the normal.
As you can see from my screen name I am British, but now live in the USA, Northern Virginia. Both countries have problems with immigrantion, and as a result it has taken it's toll upon the econmy, it's sad but true, many people in England, my self included have grown tired of the price, the lack of service and the high cost of living in England.
I used to be very patriotic towards my home, but now I have no love or respect.

America has its problems too, but this country has far more to offer, and maybe a change of state would be more appropriate for your needs.

I had a good business in England, lived in a great neighborhood on the south coast 5 minutes from the coast and 10 minutes to the countryside, but it was such a struggle each and every year.

Most of my friends are trying to get out, it's very hard to make ends meet there. Gas $9 a gallon, food is about double the cost of the US, eating out is a luxury not a way of life, service and standards are much lower than this part of America, and so are the wages.

Most of my skilled friends who work for a company and have worked their way up, are earning about $40k a year, that may sound okay, but when you consider just a regular piece of junk new car cost at least that, the cost of everything is 50/100% more than the USA, it does not seem so great.

Most houses only have one bathroom, and if you are used to the space in this country England will soon become tiresome.
Okay the good points, national health system is great, and so is the public transportation in most areas.

We moan here about paying local sales tax about 5%. England has a thing called VAT its called value added tax and when i left there four years ago, it was a staggering 17.5% that tax applies to almost every purchase you make.

Iyou have not mentioned that you have been there before, maybe go over for a long break if you can afford it, England has some beautiful places to visit, many lovely counties and things to see and do, as a tourist you could probably fall in love with the place, but living there is a different ball game.

I left England and lived in Spain for a while, I thought that would be great, especially having been there about 20 times before and had great weather great service and really enjoyed myself. I lasted just three months, I realized that Spain was so hard to earn any decent money, most people including myself have a different perception whilst on holiday.

North America, especially in the nothern part of Virginia, has much more to offer than England regarding prospects and opportunities, I love it here, and would never return to England, only to see my family and friends.

I have been here for four years, and have acheived more in those short four years than I did the previous 25 in England, I have not changed jobs, either, just getting paid what I am worth.

I used to earn a good wage in England compared to my friends, I earn tripple that amount now and do less work, and everything is at least 50% cheaper here.

This is not about a greed for money, it's about having a good life, and i don't think an outsider would find England that easy especially if you are an Amercian.

I hope you read my words very throughly, I am a smart man, and know which side of the pond I prefer.


Paul M

Have a look at www.uk-yankee.com - there are lots of Americans who have moved to the UK there. Report It

The UK doesn't want you to have anything. You can move here, they will provide you with a house and they will pay for it.

Sorry but as you are not from the EU, and also do not qualify under the highly skilled worker programme, you would find it practically impossible to move here without a job lined up which you can prove could not be filled by someone who already lives here. The government (much too late) is tightening the regulations for people coming here now.

BTW, most of the immigrants coming here from the EU do not speak English either, and in all honesty this country has truly gone down the pan, and I don't think you would find it any better living here than where you are now. It is a fact that there are more and more indigenous Brits leaving these shores for good than at any other time in our history...and if my husband and I were not too old, we would now be living in New Zealand....I can assure you that as soon as we reach retirement age we will be out of this country to a place which accepts retirees...you wont be able to see us for dust!

Working from home is the best idea to earn some money. If you are thinking that it is time to create some extra income from the internet, congratulations<!--There are literally hundreds of ways to do just that. So what are the ways of making money online ? Visit the below website to know how to make money online.

http://parttimejobs.awardspace.com/

So many online jobs are out there. In fact, to do any online job, you need not want to invest anything. Make sure, you dont pay anything to get jobs online. It is just that need to pick the one that suits you the best. I hope this helps you and-->I believe you will find the online job that you love the most.