Other - United Kingdom - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Not now. I'm in Scotland (same immigration laws) and my girlfriend is from the US. There are very specific guidelines now so you need to be pretty highly qualified first. Otherwise it might be easier to try and get a Student Visa and move up to a work one, or look at working holidaymaker visa.
2 :
It can be done. Technically speaking - unless you're married to a Brit - you need to be offered a job in the UK and the company offering you the job need to be willing to make a case for employing a foreigner rather than a local person (easy if you're a professional, very difficult if you want to do a job that anybody could do). The American ExPats forum (linked below) has a wealth of information on getting a visa and emigrating to the UK. There's also a great article on the Transitions Abroad website (also linked, below) that's well worth reading.
3 :
It isn't very easy because citizens from the EEA (European Economic Area) take precedence over any jobs going, but it can be done. All the criteria for working here can be found at this government site. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/ The Working Holidaymaker visa which has been mentioned in another answer no longer exists. It was replaced late last year by the Youth Mobility Scheme, and Americans are not eligible for it... http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier5/
4 :
It depends on your age, work experience, education and income. If you have at least a BA, are making about $70K/year, and have proof that you have enough money to support yourself for several months, you can apply as a Highly Skilled Migrant under the Tier 1 program. This visa does not require you to be sponsored by a company, and you cannot receive public funds in case you are laid off by a company.
