I would love to become an expat in London, but I'm totally daunted by the whole work permit thing. I would not leave my cushy job here in the US without a legitimate professional job in London, but I am wondering how plausible that really is. I am planning to go to grad school in London in 2004, but I would like to go there in September 2003 and work for a bit. Any advice or odds on this actually happening, or do I need to give this dream up?

 

So basically you would like to come and work for 6 months before you go studying in London?
For extra-european people, I must say that it's not very easy, but it's not more difficult than when you are not American and you want to work in the US.
Usually you will have to find a company in Britain prior to come and apply for a job. If you've got an offer then you will have a work permit delivered. Of course you can come with a tourist visa or try a student visa (which is probably more suitable because you're planning some studies in 2004) and try to find a job in a pub, restaurant...etc. Not very well paid but hey, give you a taste of the country ;-) !