It’s an enormous undertaking to make a move abroad. Less than half of Americans even get a passport to travel outside the US borders, which is understandable when America is so large, and there’s so much to see of it. You may not have considered travelling abroad at all until you are surprised by an unexpected opportunity, a long distance love, a dual nationality family, or a work/study abroad opportunity.
Going Expat
It’s not an easy journey, and often doesn’t go smoothly, from visas and immigration to moving and settling in, there are many opportunities for things to go wrong. When setting on this adventure, you’re also leaving a life behind, the former life that you knew, your friends, family and community, they will go on without you. The people and places will change, develop, and pass away and there will probably be times when it feels foreign to you when you return to visit. That will be the new normal.
Many people underestimate the culture change when moving to Britain, due to the common language. I can only imagine how difficult that it would be to go to a country where few speak English, but perhaps that awareness prepares you for the massive change you’re undertaking. Beyond the excitement, moving and changing circumstances can be very stressful, everyone handles it differently. Some people decide that living in the UK is not what they expected nor the life they want. It can be very lonely and isolated without family and friends nearby. The stress can cause problems in relationships, and it can magnify existing problems. It’s important to be prepared for the possible struggles, the culture shock and bouts of homesickness, by setting realistic expectations before getting on the plane. Preparation will give you the best chance possible at a happy expat life in Britain.
Why Move to the UK?
Americans consider moving to the UK for many reasons and in countless circumstances. Many come to work or study, some come for love or family, and others come to experience and explore a country rich in history and atmosphere. For some, it’s a dream to live abroad and experience more of the world.
I’ve managed the UK Yankee website and expat community for over fifteen years ( founded 1999), and a majority of the expats I’ve known moved because they fell in love with a British Citizen, either in real life or online. They endured months or years of long distance relationships for love, waiting to save for visa costs and then processing time. Whatever your reason for moving abroad, our journey has ups and downs, this is an experience that expats uniquely share.
It seems to be a common misconception that an American can just pick up and move to the UK just because they’d like to, there's a "special friendship" and we share the English language. This isn't accurate, you need to qualify for a specific visa to move to the UK and it isn't as easy as we would wish.
With all of the visa categories, it is essential to prove that you will not need to be supported by state funds (welfare) and that you have somewhere appropriate to live. It is important to note that not just *any* job can get you a work permit, and a casual relationship (ie one where you have not been living together and do not yet intend to marry) will not give you enough ties to emigrate. This is a difficult process, so buckle up.
The UK Visas & Immigration section will give some detail on the different categories, and give links to government departments which contain the information you will need. If you have questions about the process, please post them on our dedicated UK Visa discussion board.
