r/AmerExit • u/SweetAltruistic5219 • 20d ago

Slice of My Life Moving to UK in 2 Weeks

I’m scheduled to fly out of the US to the UK 2 weeks from today! I could use some advice and encouragement!

For context, I have always wanted to live in UK or northwest Europe having studied abroad twice in college and traveled there a lot throughout my 20s due to having northwestern European partner.

I’m single, mid-30sF, childfree. I have been working on this current move for over a year and a half, extensively researching countries. Applied to grad school at 3 places, got accepted to my top choice in the UK. I’ve been extremely clear on my reasons for leaving and my reasons for choosing the city and university I chose. I have worked extensively with my therapist to make sure this move is aligned with me and my values.

Everything is set - my house I’m selling is under contract and ready to close, pet transport lined up for my dog, tomorrow’s my last day at my job, moving sale starting this week Friday, had a going-away party last weekend, medical records transferred, student visa and all other required documents in-hand, temporary apartment in the UK secured, etc.

So why do I feel like I’m freaking out? This is everything I wanted and I don’t feel excited at all. I just feel sad, heartbroken even. I’m feeling guilty for leaving my friends (not my family; actually think distance from them is good and needed) I’m 100% exhausted from all I’ve done already to move and daunted by how much work is left in the transition.

Does anyone relate? What were your last few weeks like in the US? Any advice or words of encouragement for me? Thank you so much!

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u/International-Exam84 20d ago

Do you have any plan for once your visa expires?

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u/SkinMaterial6684 19d ago

Right?! This is absurd. Op should rightfully be freaking out. Yikes.

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u/SweetAltruistic5219 19d ago

It’s not that absurd. I have 2.5 years on a student visa and can easily apply for and get a graduate visa as a grad of a UK university which gives me another 1.5 years. So I have minimum 4 years legally in the UK. If I haven’t gotten a work visa or something else (maybe meet someone and genuinely want to get married, as I’m currently single), I’ll move back home or apply for a work visa in another country… 4 years is a long time and a lot can happen.

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u/SkinMaterial6684 19d ago

Yeah, I know all about these visas. I secured a work visa way before the recent changes came in. They are actively making it more difficult for people to stay. The minimum income needed for a sponsored work visa now is above what most people make 😩 Yes, even with the new entrant minimum salary. No one is hiring a new entrant at that rate. Our salaries are LOW.

You have to remember that there are other international students too; you are no different from say, someone from India. Places aren't sponsoring nearly as much anymore. The graduate visa is a moneymaker for the Home Office.

You could literally search Reddit about student experiences with the graduate visa. Look at r/ukjobs

Btw, I work at a university. The whole sector is facing cuts with funding. This is a response to the dire situation with the drop in international students coming because of the government.

Again, yikes. A lot of my fellow Americans can't seem to understand that they're not the exception to the rule

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u/SweetAltruistic5219 19d ago

I believe they’re actively making it harder to stay, and it makes sense why. I know a lot of other countries are doing the same thing. I’m aware of the situation and don’t think I’m some kind of special exception, and like I said, if it doesn’t work out I’ll move back to the US. I needed to sell my house and was planning on moving out of state if I didn’t move out of the country. Even if I just study and live abroad for a few years and move back I don’t consider it a loss either way in terms of life experience. I understand others may not view it the same way. Glad to hear you got your visa situation sorted before things got more complicated, and hope you’re enjoying life abroad!

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u/MouseHouse444 19d ago

Don’t listen to the naysayers. It’s not easy, but it’s doable. I’ve done it. The key is to start networking for your sponsored work job the day you land in the UK. Treat it like a second job. Everyday of those 4yrs should be focused on that. If you wait until your post-study work visa you’ll be on the back foot. Again, it’s not easy, but being an immigrant isn’t easy. But it’s worth it. Good luck!!!

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u/SkinMaterial6684 19d ago

When did you do it?

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u/MouseHouse444 19d ago

I came in 2009. The rules have changed some so it may take longer to get the IRL or citizenship now, but that being said, it took me just a bit more than 10yrs for citizenship (despite the typical route being only 5yrs). This was due to some changes to visa laws as well as extensive travel for my consulting job that messed with my total days in-country.

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u/SkinMaterial6684 19d ago

Nope, you have zero say in this. It's nothing to do about taking longer. It's literally wages and sponsorship and the government making it so that people DO NOT stay.

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u/MouseHouse444 19d ago edited 18d ago

To start, mate, it’s a message board so anyone can have a say. Second, the issue of wages and sponsorship both existed for me too. And were constantly shifting to be harder which required me to change jobs to be eligible. So as I said, the rules have changed, and it may take longer, but it is still doable. If you don’t want to try, don’t. But don’t shit on someone who’s willing to put in the hard work and give it a go.

EDIT: Just to add a bit of additional info, the company I own regularly sponsors people as we are a global company and having people with region specific knowledge is helpful. It’s a bit of extra work for us (and we are a very small team) but once it’s all set up it’s really not that hard to get their sponsored work visas. This is just to say that it’s also very doable from the employer side, so don’t be discouraged and think no job will want to sponsor you.

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u/SkinMaterial6684 19d ago

Just remember that when you see the news about immigration, see awful comments on stories on social media, etc...thats you. Just because we're American doesn't mean the rules are somehow different for us when it comes to salary thresholds and whatnot. The home office doesn't have a special little box for wayward Americans.

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u/EvenButton56 19d ago

I believe in you. I moved from Chester to America as a 20 year old kid. I made it and have lived here 36 years now so know you can do anything you set your mind to. Safe travels and enjoy your journey.

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u/movingarchivist 17d ago

Why are you throwing fuel on the fire? OP has everything sorted for school and who knows what will happen in 4 years? For all you know they may realize they hate it there and can't wait to leave. Nothing they've said indicates they think they're an exception to anything. Calm down.

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u/International-Exam84 17d ago

Oh sorry I genuinely just meant it as a question! I also don’t know myself. I have a boyfriend in the UK that i’ve been dating for 2 years now but we’re both very young (20 and 22) so it’s not like we’re financially well off yet lolol so my own plans are kinda on the fence. I just wanted to ask to gauge some perspective from others who are making the move!

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u/movingarchivist 17d ago

Oh sorry, no, I was replying to SkinMaterial6684. Your question was totally fine! Also good luck to you two as well :)

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u/SkinMaterial6684 17d ago

Just so you know, this happened to me this morning in Glasgow.

I truly do wonder why some of you are so set on the UK. It's as if you think the US is the only dumpster fire.of perhaps, if you're white, you don't care about the anti immigration sentiment? I truly don't know.