Studying in the U.S?

Question

If I moved to the U.S from the U.K at 16/17, how easy would it be to find employment, with the right visas and what type of institution would I study in?

Answer 1

Student visas strictly prohibit working.  You must prove you have sufficient funds for all school expenses, all living expenses, plus transportation home upon completion or termination of studies.

Unaccompanied minors are generally barred from entering foreign countries now -- child smuggling and what-all, immigration authorities are becoming far more cautious about children traveling internationally.  Americans under 18 can only work with a work permit, and parents must sign permission to get one.  Non-citizens cannot get any kind of work authorization under 18.  

To get a student visa in the US, you must be over 18, accepted in a university and prove sufficient funds.  No money, no visa.  High school students may be admitted for up to one school year ONLY if they are participating in a registered and approved foreign student exchange program and living with an approved family.

You are not coming to the US until after you turn 18 unless mummy and daddy bring you with them on vacation.  And ask mum & dad if they have saved up enough money to pay for college and living expenses abroad.  You will need about US$200,000 - 250,000 for 4 years of college.  That's about the average US parents pay for their kids, all totalled.

Answer 2

You wouldn't qualify for any work-related visa at the age of 16/17 due to your lack of education.

As for studying, you can study in the U.S. at university level at the age of sixteen, as soon as you graduate from high-school with your GCSE's you can start applying.

Type of institutions, well there are many, but if you wish to live and work in the U.S. upon graduation you really want to look into Community Colleges and 4-year universities. The latter of which you can transfer to from the former after two years, this route will save you some money.