How hard is it to move?
Posted by dormirbeaute@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 40 comments
If an american wanted to move to the UK, how difficult would that be?
Any helpful information is definitely welcome.
Would love to hear about the biggest differences, too.
Thank you.
another_online_idiot@reddit
Biggest differences:
We drive on the left, it is petrol not gas and they are trousers not pants. Oh, and it is a pavement not a sidewalk.
Also, you don't have to refrigerate your eggs.
There are lots of little differences and plenty of your fellow countrymen that have accounts on Instagram or Youtube who spend a lot of time detailing the differences.
dormirbeaute@reddit (OP)
Yes, thank you.
I understand there are plenty of accounts from my countrymen. But I love to hear from locals as well. I think it's important to understand your point of view, before I find my own views on it, should I wind up moving. If I don't take the time to understand the good people I'd be around, it wouldn't do me much good at all.
I appreciate your take on it, and your time taken to answer me.
another_online_idiot@reddit
No worries. I think the biggest difference will be the attitude to things like work and life in general really - and those differences will very much depend on what you have grown up with and where you end up settling.
steveakacrush@reddit
You forgot "taps not faucets"
BoulderBrexitRefugee@reddit
You've got some useful advise on the mechanics of doing this, but I've not seen much commentary on other aspects.
My family and I moved the other direction a couple of decades ago and some things you might experience include:
I do think there are some things that are very strong positives for the UK still — while there's the running joke about the weather there's a lot to be said for a place where you're not burning to a crisp in summer and freezing to death in the winter. No bears, moose, mountain lions, rattlesnakes... The very walkable nature of much of the country is something I still miss, especially when coupled with the more moderate climate. Driving is significantly safer in the UK.
dormirbeaute@reddit (OP)
This is brilliant! Thank you!
I really appreciate this view point. Because you're absolutely correct. It's an enormous amount of work, and effort to move, integrate, and make friends.
Food for thought, and a kind point of view. I appreciate your sharing it.
I hope you've found a wonderful base where you are now, and are happy!
BoulderBrexitRefugee@reddit
Very welcome. Actually flirting with going to spend the next four years in the UK 😆
dormirbeaute@reddit (OP)
Oh! How wonderful. I hope you really enjoy it! I've got a lot of research to do. 😂
ECNV1978@reddit
I think this has been covered many times here but it’s nearly impossible to move to the UK as an American (I’m not sure about other countries). Unless you are a student or your company is moving you I’d say visiting is the only option you’ve got.
dormirbeaute@reddit (OP)
I see. Is there a reason for that, please?
ECNV1978@reddit
I’ve looked into it too, and the UK is like many countries in that it really limits who and how many people it allows as new citizens. Their job market is a biggie, and also housing. You can do your own research on it, but from what I found it’s basically impossible (unless you are attending school there or moving for an existing job). And even those times you just get a work or school visa / permit and are then expected to eventually leave.
dormirbeaute@reddit (OP)
I see, I'll need to look further into it!
Thank you for sharing.
Aggravating_Bend_622@reddit
Why should it be easy? Legal migration to the USA is also difficult if you ignore the political news at the border. Countries should take people they need who will contribute because their priority should be their own citizens.
elgrn1@reddit
Be advised that both the job and housing markets are crazy at the moment so my recommendation is to secure a job at the minimum before coming over. And have an idea of where you can stay short term, even if its a hotel or Airbnb. Some hotels have longer term options for suites to tide you over.
The UK is bigger than people realise and very varied, depending on where you live. And of course job availability and salary will differ as will cost of living (to an extent, mostly in terms of housing costs).
If you haven't visited before it may be difficult to narrow down where would be best for you in advance, so pick a major city that offers a job you are skilled at, and then you can travel around a bit once you're here and figure out where you'd like to settle longer term.
If you're moving with pets, be aware there are certain travel restrictions for pets which you can find on the gov.uk website.
There will also be advice on schools for children and state nurseries (daycare). Private nurseries are a while other thing and you'd need to figure that out once you have a location in mind for where you're going to live.
dormirbeaute@reddit (OP)
I am eyeing Devon, currently. I want to figure a visit.
I like things a bit more quiet. I am not a big city type.
But, you are absolutely right! I wouldn't move unless I had a job lined up. I'm mainly in the start of considering all this. So, I definitely appreciate your time to answer me! Thank you for that, it's quite kind.
elgrn1@reddit
I agree, a visit would be best, just to get a feel of things and see whether everything lines up for you.
Winter can be bleak here and you may find people a little less enthusiastic than in summer, assuming we ever get a proper summer again! The weather and dark evenings aren't all that unique compared to the East cost of the US and yet it really makes an impact.
Hopefully Devon is what you expect and you're able to find work there. Many companies are pushing for hybrid jobs with a few days in the office and the rest from home but there could still be some fully remote jobs, assuming it's applicable to what you do.
Good luck!
dormirbeaute@reddit (OP)
Thank you very much! I'll need the luck! 😂
I actually prefer the cold/rain, and have lived in extremely rainy places before. I absolutely loved it. But I do understand how it can be difficult, too. Very smart things to think about, and much appreciated!
hornsmasher177@reddit
Honestly, it isn't that cold or rainy here, it's a bit of a myth overall.
The darkness in the winter can be difficult, though.
Forward-Elk-7921@reddit
Your going to need a kettle :) for tea
juanito_f90@reddit
You’d find the U.K. is a much more free place to live than the USA.
You don’t have any real risk of being shot.
You have free healthcare (at the point of need).
You have paid time off work.
You’ll find petrol (gas) is more expensive, but our cars do more than 12mpg.
You’ll find out that our pints are a lot bigger than yours.
You’ll learn to love queuing.
Others have posted the link to the gov website with all the information you need so I won’t repeat them.
dormirbeaute@reddit (OP)
These are all excellent points, thank you!
And are actually selling points for me wanting to move.
I never did mind a queue. Keeps things in order.
juanito_f90@reddit
Yeah you’re most likely to be accepted for a long duration work visa (5 years) if you have a profession in a skilled job. Some work visas require you to have a job offer before you come to the U.K.
What is your current job, if you don’t mind disclosing that?
dormirbeaute@reddit (OP)
Admin/account executive. I've also worked in sales/marketing. And as an executive assistant.
I was looking at work visas on the website. I do think that's the best bet!
I really appreciate it!
juanito_f90@reddit
Depending on the visa, you can apply for permanent status upon completion of a citizenship exam.
dormirbeaute@reddit (OP)
Oh, wow! I did not know you could apply for citizenship so quickly.
That's actually really amazing!
AnTeallach1062@reddit
You need to meet the requirements for a visa.
https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk
Once you have navigated that labyrinth...
dormirbeaute@reddit (OP)
Thank you, I greatly appreciate the resource!
AnTeallach1062@reddit
Visas really will be your biggest challenge. Immigration is handled at a UK level: same rules in England, Scotland, Wales, and N.Ireland.
If your plan is to live and work here then you will likely find the wages are lower, the paid holidays are longer, the working week is shorter, the employment protection is stronger, the tax deductions are higher, the national health care and social care is better.
Meeting the visa criteria is the main obstacle.
What area of employment?
dormirbeaute@reddit (OP)
I have historically worked in the administrative field. But have also been an account executive, and handled sales/marketing for many years.
I really appreciate the insight! This is definitely great information.
AnTeallach1062@reddit
I have not looked in a while, but Retail Sales Managers were on the short list for a work permit. This is because people don't want to do the role as the wages are low and the hours are antisocial.
Finding a UK based company that will sponsor you might be worth considering. Search for recruitment agencies dealing with the type of work you are looking for.
Good luck to you.
dormirbeaute@reddit (OP)
I thank you kindly!
I will take that advice!
Legitimate_War_397@reddit
Guessing you weren’t happy with the election results?
dormirbeaute@reddit (OP)
Many were not. It's more so what happens from here that worries me.
Ranoni18@reddit
You would move from a dictatorship to a democracy.
Adventurous_Toe_1686@reddit
From a democracy to a democracy, I don’t like the results as much as the next guy but the election process was fair…
dormirbeaute@reddit (OP)
It's fair, for now. Whether it stays that way, I am incredibly skeptical moving forward.
Martinonfire@reddit
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration
dormirbeaute@reddit (OP)
Thank you very much!
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