Hi Ray,
Speaking from my own personal experience. Make sure she doesn't come to the UK on a tourist visa. Last December I "moved" to the UK to live with my fiance but we didn't get the settlement visa because we wanted to see how we would get on living together.

I tried to find work and the National Health Service wanted to hire me but because I was not a doctor or a nurse, Home Office would never allow them to hire me. Apparently this one hospital in particular had just tried to hire another American and was turned down by Home Office, so human resources wasn't even going to attempt for me, knowing that they would get turned down.

Our solicitor told us that even marrying wouldn't make any difference until I come back on a settlement visa. They referred us to the website below.

Go the Home Office website and check out the area that explains about highly skilled migrant workers. There are other categories too, so maybe she fits into one. Maybe she can even find an American company willing to send her to work in UK for them.

<http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk>

Best of luck to you and your girlfriend!

I know the feeling of a long distance relationship as my husband and I have been apart now for 4-1/2 months. We are trying to assure this will be the last time we are separated for a lengthy period of time.

~K

 

US to UK

Ray, You posted your question about your girlfriend moving to the UK in August ... I'm hoping you have some insight you can share by now! I'm looking to move to the UK in the next few months (boyfriend is there and we're finished with long distance and made this decision) ... I'm looking into the highly skilled persons visa. beyond that, i would love any insight and advice you can provide on how to best make this transition, on every front! Thank you so much for your help.

Ariel