I want to live in the UK (England mainly, maybe Scotland) what do I need?

Question

I have wanted to live in England since 7th grade (now I am in 12th grade) (meaning I'm 17 for those in countries without America's "Grade" system. What do I need to live there. I'm sure I can't just fly over there and buy a house? Do I need any special liscenses and do I have to become a citizen? Could I be a dual citizen for america and england? Any help would be amazing. so thank you!

Answer 1

You need a visa to reside in the UK if you're from America and don't hold British or EU citizenship (I think this also includes Switzerland). You need to contact the nearest British Embassy or Consulate in order to fill in the paper work. You should find all the relevant information on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website (www.fco.gov.uk), or the UK visas website http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1006977149953.

There are 30 British Missions (Embassies and Consulates) in the US, but the ones that deal with visa applications are in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.

Another useful website is http://www.britainusa.com/visas/

You can apply for citizenship, but that's quite difficult - just aim on getting to live there first! And you don't need to be a citizn to live here, but you don't get full rights (e.g. you can't vote in parliamentary elections). You might be a bit young to move to the UK at the moment (as you aren't an adult until 18). Why not go to a UK university once you've finished school (however, you'll have to pay full tuition fees, which'll cost a fortune)?

Also, there are differences between the UK and US you'll have to get used to. The UK uses different voltage, so if you want to take anything electric, you'll need to get an adaptor.

Answer 2

There are different ways in which you can live in england:

Temporary, if you're looking for just a few months I suggest you do an exchange program in the college you're attending to in America. This would probably be what I will recommend the most if you have never been in england, the trip will allow you time to see if you like living there or not.

Permanent, you can work in england without a citizenship, all you need is a work visa, this is what most people do. The only trick to this is that you have to have a job before reserved for you in England before you apply for the work visa, if not then most likely they won't let you move to England. Hope that helps, I'm leaving for England on Dec 2006 so if you have any questions I'm always free to answer them :) cheers

Answer 3

You can go over there on a ' working holiday ' that is the easiest way. If you dont have relatives to stay with then you will have to bring some money with you. Hostels are about 20 bucks a night and they are not ' dumps ' like the ones here in Canada where I live now. Most of the hostels are full of people like you there are students , workers etc .. I just got 450 english pounds for a little over 1000 Canadian dollars. You would get more pounds than me since the US dollar is stronger than the Canadian. You would get over 500 pounds. Yes you can be a dual citizen if you married a British National. I have dual citizenship myself - for Canada and the UK. You do not need any special licenses for a working holiday.

Answer 4

Further to the answer above, getting citizenship isn't automatic even if you marry a Briton. You could only apply after three years of marriage, or five years as a permanent resident if you did not marry a Briton (unless you have a British parent or grandparent, in which case you could apply right away). Once you apply it takes many months to process. However you do not have to be a citizen to live and work here, only a work visa.

Answer 5

Your lucky! If u move england NO MORE high school 4 u its colledge 4 u and at 18 u get a drivers lincese there and 16 u end school so enjoy life this is juss lil details u may wanna kno.