I asked this question on Yahoo! Answers, but, as per usual, all I received were rude, ridiculous, irrelevant replies. I happened upon this forum and I'm really hopeful that I'll be able to find some quality guidance!
Before I get into my question, I would first like to ask that I receive only answers to my questions ... not judgment. I can understand why I would be judged based on my sexuality, age, knowledge, nationality, etc. But, I'm not here for that, and shan't reply to such immaturity, so there's no point in bringing such ideas here. Thank you.
General information: I am a 17-year-old female in my final year of high school. I am hopeful to move to England for a permanent stay following the completion of my collegiate-level education. My girlfriend is an English citizen. I wish to become a psychiatrist, and therefore this shall require me to receive a Doctorate through attending med school.
Now, I'm not well-versed in immigrating/emigrating/etc. I will admit that. However, this is my plan: I am hopeful to attend and study at Richmond, The American International University in London. I received a lot of scrutiny for this on Yahoo! Answers, and I would first like to start off by saying I have done extensive research on not only this institution of higher education in particular, but also British Universities in general ... I may not be an expert in the field, but I am aware of the international student expenses, so please do not refer me to checking these out. I am aware, thank you, lol. The reason I plan on attending Richmond is due to the fact that its requirements and application process are both quite similar to that of various American schools I was planning to apply to anyway. I plan on studying at Richmond for a year (the reason I am so confident in the idea that I shall be accepted is because I've already looked into this .. I have consulted the American representatives of this school, and I am a strong applicant with very high credentials as is), and then transferring to either the University of Nottingham or Derby for the rest of my education. This is my short-term plan for legally staying in the UK.
What I am unsure of is how I will be able to stay permanently in the UK, and gain citizenship following the completion of my education. What can I do? What should my plan/goals/etc. be? What must I do now to better my chances for the future? What are my options?
Please consider these two ideas which I've already mentioned:
1. I will have a Doctorate degree, and therefore rather quality qualifications. I am aware that I would need work experience in my home country, which is why I am intending on perhaps returning home for my med school education so that my practicum here could help me with receiving an internship or position of some sort in my field of study which could be used as this "work experience."
2. Like I said, my girlfriend is English. I am aware that England has same-sex civil partnerships, and I have looked into these a smidgen. I understand that, in some cases, these can work similarly to how a citizen of one country could marry a citizen of another country into their country ... though, as I said, I am not well-versed in this and am rather uncertain on how this relates to my personal situation.
Thank you, and again ... please, do not judge me. I have no interest in judging you, and I'd respect it if you could assist me in my issue rather than scrutinizing my life.