United Kingdom

http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/

UK government website set up specifically to handle visa applications. Complete source of all visa information pertaining to the UK.
~Z

just ran across this website that is kind of a ‘monster.com’ for hospitality jobs- hotels, pubs, schools, you name it- and all kinds of jobs- chefs, caretakers, whatever. And all in Britain.

http://www.hcareers.co.uk/

~Z

Site about working in the UK

A good link i came across today.

The National Trust has a website with information about all of their sites and properties- lots of great photos and info! Start drooling!
~Z

Does anyone here have any ideas as to WHERE in the UK they want to live? city or country, england, ireland, wales, scotland?

I am thoroughly undecided, myself. though i think i prefer country, or perhaps Cambridge…
anyone?
~Z

I just picked up a Passport Application at my local Courthouse- they even gave me a little handout that tells what i need to bring when i return the application. I thought i’d share the info:
(note, this won’t be the same for those who don’t live in the US!)

1) Proof of US citizenship- must be a RAISED SEAL birth certificate.

2) Proof of Identity- Driver’s License.

3)Two Photographs- (this handout says they must be professionally taken- but i know people have used photobooth pics. i don’t know why they want pro ones..)
it also says they MUST BE IN COLOR. (their caps, not mine!)

4) Fees- of course these will vary, but they are quoting me for Seattle Passport Agency- $67.oo, and the county court’s processing fee of $30.oo. Note that these fees don’t include price of photos.

SO! I’ve now shared with you all what i know… :D
It seems like if you have the necessary paperwork to get a JOB in the US, and around a hundred bucks, a passport is easy!
OH! and they also said that it is taking 3-6 months to process them- there were fliers posted all over which said that the ‘demand for passports is at an all time high!’

they also made a BIG deal about telling people to NOT sign the application until i’d returned it, so that they could witness the signature. i don’t know how that works if you use the online application process, but i’m sure they tell you when you’re at it. :)

~Z
US residents:
Here is the link to the US Government’s Passport Office. just enter your zip code on this page and it will tell you where to go to get an application in your area.

Home Office Border & Immigration Agency

What they do:
“The Border and Immigration Agency is a new executive agency of the Home Office. The Agency assumes the responsibilities of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) for managing immigration control in the UK.

We also consider applications for permission to stay, citizenship and asylum. This website will help you understand our immigration system and what your rights and responsibilities are when you make an application.”

This is the question we all are asking, and hoping to find the answer! Let’s put our heads and information together, and maybe- just maybe- we’ll ALL get there!

HIP HIP! HOORAH!! ;D
~Z