Work permits and visas are the bane of my existence

And, I hate to say it, but I think Nova actually did a better job with the whole overseas teacher thing.

So it’s hardly a secret that I’m getting nervous about this whole England thing. Not because I’m not confident living on my own in another country or anything like that, but mostly because I have still have no freaking idea when I’m leaving! And the term is supposed to start September 1st!

I got a phone call from the my UK career manager this morning and he gave me some information. He’d said that so far, my work permit application has been going well (I think he used other words, but the exact description escapes me) and that I should be preparing to apply for my entry visa. He said I’d have to go to the British Embassy website to research about the application process as well as get a biometric scan.

I can’t help but feel like I’m so unbelievably screwed. I’m trying to suss out the website and I’m not sure what exactly I’m supposed to be looking for, ya know? At least with Nova, they gave me a packet with exactly what I needed and instructions on what to do.

I’m thinking, by the time I get all my paperwork done and the greenlight to buy my plane ticket, I’ll spend something like $3,500! (Maybe even as high as $4,000.)

I know, I know, this is part of the process. But I can’t remember how much I spent when I moved to Japan, and at least they provided housing! I’m starting to think I should have done the England thing first, then I wouldn’t be so critical of the UK process; I’d have nothing to compare it to!

I know it will all work out in the end (I hope). I’m just…nervous. Someone remind me why I wanted to go to England in the first place. I mean, I don’t even know if I’ll be able to watch Dollhouse there!

2 Responses to “Work permits and visas are the bane of my existence”


  1. 1 Darya

    *hops from foot to foot* So excited….! I’m sure it’ll all work out, but then again, being Canadian (and affirming loyalty to the Queen) makes it slightly easier. Now that I’ve said that, you’re not going to let me come are you?

  2. 2 VoW

    Visa-getting!
    Go here: http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/
    & click “Apply for a UK visa now”
    For more info about the Chicago visa-issuing office (British Consulate General), such as fee listings and whatnot, go here: http://www.britainusa.com/visas/articles_show_nt1.asp?a=41073
    (It looks like your fees are gonna be $431 for the visa, plus $12 shipping and handling, from this page: http://www.britainusa.com/visas/articles_show_nt1.asp?a=41054 )

    They will have Dollhouse! If nowhere else, on the Interwebs! :D

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