Graduate School in the UK.

I am a Canadian 17 year old high school graduate wanting to move to the UK what are the steps I need to take?

• I am a seventeen year old born in Canada (I've lived here my whole life), and I want to take up a permanent residency in the United Kingdom. I need to know the steps I need to take. It's not specifically about getting a job or an education, those things might come later. I have a 17 year old boyfriend waiting for me there, and I plan to be living with him. I do have British ancestry (my great-grandmother was born there), and I don't know if that would up my chances. I've also read the because Canada is a "Commonwealth" that may help as well. I've been reading every website I can, and I keep getting confused. If there is someone who can give me a step-by-step process, or any advice then that would be greatly appreciated. I also would like to know how much money I should be looking to save as I want to be renting in the Wirral area with my boyfriend as well.

• Answer:

  Unfortunately, it is not easy to immigrate. Canada's status as a Commonwealth country would have helped you 100 years ago, or even 50 years ago. But Britain is now a part of the European Union, and has economic ties to Europe more so than its former empire. Canada's most important economic ties are with the US. In general, developed countries admit foreigners as skilled workers or spouses. You will have to investigate the specific regulations for Britain. You generally must be able to do work which is in demand, in which there are positions which cannot be filled by citizens. Some combination of post secondary education or work experience will be required. You can be admitted on a time limited visa (easier to get) or as a permanent resident (harder to get). You can also be admitted as a spouse - if you marry your boyfriend. That is a good deal when you are ready to marry him; a lousy deal if not. So, you may want to try to visit each other as your time and resources allow, until you are ready to decide. (Remember that you can't work in each other's country when you visit, and you will need to convince the immigration officer that you intend to return home within the 6 moths allowed for visitors - have a return flight reservation). Another possibility: I think Britain has a program to admit young adults for a year to live and work there. But check it out for yourself. If the wen site is confusing, call the British consulate,