Is ANYONE here from America applying for Tier 1? Help!

[MissIntrigued]

Hi

Not to say the other posts can't be helpful, but seems like almost every single person on here that is applying for Tier 1 is from India and is in the IT field. Neither of which applies to me, so I was wondering if there was anyone with a more similiar situation to myself that could share their experiences with me?

I am a 25 year old woman , American citizen, born in NY where I currently live. I have a Bachelor's in psychology from Tulane University that I received in 2004. I've been working since then in social services/substance misuse counseling/mental health type of settings/hospitals since then. I am planning on entering medical school in 2011. My plan is to go abroad to London for a year or two just to have some overseas experience, see the world a little, try something new, etc etc before I embark on the long medical pathway.

I have enough points, theoretically, to get a Tier 1 visa, but I know this isn't the only part of the puzzle. I'm very, very nervous about giving up my current job, my apartment, my car and everything, and very nervous about being able to find a job that pays well enough for me to actually enjoy living in London and no struggling to survive, which would defeat the purpose of my going there!

Has anyone else applied for the Tier 1 or old HSMP visa from America, that did NOT work in IT or investment banking, and could you please share with me how and if you found a job, apartment, etc? Or anything else you want to share. Thanks alot

j

[JayTulip]

Hi,
London life is very expensive and yes, it is mostly the IT and Investment banking job that allow for a life with little or no limits in London.
The economy is in a very bad shape here as well as in the States. Living everything and everyone you know and starting anew is a scary thing.
I think you will have no problem meeting requirements of the Tier 1 system. However, I would seriously suggest that you look on various websites for job opportunites before you do anything else. London is been traditionally short on social and medical workers, but they don't make much money and now that vacancies are very few and far between.
If you remain flexible and openminded it might be worth a shot.
All the best,
J.

[tech]

It all depends on your expectationd. If you are OK with public transportation for everything , shared accommdation in inner city locations and 30 to 35K salary (inclusive london bonus). This is a realistic scenario. you may be able to do better if you are lucky and if your skills are in high demand when you are actually looking for a job (Market condtions vary quickly). First step is to contact many recuriters who specialise in marketing your skills.Ask for their assesment and apply for the jobs. You may actually get condtional job offer (subject to tier 1 approval) which you can use it to your advantage when applying for Tier1.