The UK Border Agency and I: Like 'The King and I,' but less R&H

[x_los]

Okay, so in past years getting a work-permit for the UK wasn't awful. Annoying, but not /actually/ enough to provoke the wholesale slaughter of immigration officials. But now BUNAC's done giving away Blue Cards, and there's a point system (I don't know what more they want for 'Qualifications': they say I'm five points short, but I don't know how to enter in work experience, skills, other academic certifications on this form?), and I need a sponsor and a job lined up and I'm very confused. I have a BA with two majors, am bilingual, have family in England and visible means of support and I still may not get in? Um, who /does/ get in?

Apparently there need to be no UK OR EU citizens who might do any job I wish to do. Thanks for the death!queue.

Have any of you dealt with them? I know marah_sarie's living in Scotland, and Grits has lived in the UK as well: who do I blow for a measly 2-3 year work visa? Should I throw myself on an Immigration Consultancy? It's not for 8 months, the proposed move, anyway. Halp?

Comments

[sanestlunatic.livejournal.com]

All I can say is that the UK hates American immigrants. Try to move to Canada or another Commonwealth country first.

Who does get in? People from the EU! :D I know, it sucks majorly.

[x-los.livejournal.com]

I may just try and get an MA in Britain first... that's a Reason to Be There, right?

[sanestlunatic.livejournal.com]

That's what I was going to do! (Except for the part where no grad school in their right mind would actually accept me. *cough*) Actually, if you get one in Scotland, I believe you get an extra year to remain and work after you get your degree? Which counts towards your five-year residency requirement for citizenship, not that I have spent extensive time looking into these things or anything.

[marah-sarie.livejournal.com]

Actually, if you get one in Scotland, I believe you get an extra year to remain and work after you get your degree?

It's actually two extra years, and, as of this past summer, it's been expanded to the rest of the UK, not just Scotland! It's called the Post Study visa category now, but the qualifications are the same as the old Scottish Fresh Talent scheme, I believe. Having a postgraduate degree from a UK institution also counts more on the points system, I think, if you apply for residency later. Also, you know what else is good about applying to a postgrad program in the UK? No GREs.

But it's basically either the post-study option or try to get Canadian citizenship first, you're right. :)

[x-los.livejournal.com]

Thanks so so much for helping, btw. I do idly wonder how long one has to work to get Canadian citizenship before transferring, etc. I'm sure the internet will know. Post-study really sounds /better/, though.

[x-los.livejournal.com]

Omg shiny. Thanks Meg!