What are the firsts steps to moving to London from the US?

Question

I am planning on moving to London sometime after the new year. I want to go alone and get a feel for what Europe is like. Im only planning on going for a year or so. But I don't know what the steps would be in trying to move out of the US. Or if it would be hard to get back into the US. Can anyone help with this?

Answer 1

Apleyden is correct, but I would make one additional suggestion. Your first step should be to contact the British Embassy or the nearest consulate to verify visa requirements and any other legalities. If you can't get permission to stay for a year and, if necessary, to work, then nothing else that you do will matter.

Message boards can be helpful and you may get some good information. However, I would not rely on them for visa or residency advice. Much like Yahoo Answers, anyone can post to a message board - even if their information is completely wrong.

Answer 2

Well the first thing you need to sort out is the legality of being an American in the  UK.  Your visa waiver that you get at the airport is only good for 90 days, and you will not be able to work while over there.  You'll have to prove you have a ticket home and the resources to survive while there or you'll get turned back at the immigration desk and sent back home.  

Why don't you take a look at the US expats in the UK messageboard and get some ideas from them.  It's going to take a bit of planning.  You might consider taking a year and 'studying abroad' so you do a few days in school and then a few days goofing off around Europe with your classmates.  Probably a few people who have done the same thing.

http://talk.uk-yankee.com/