Working holiday visa? (living, costs, money)

[Mercury Cougar]

Anyone know if there's any sort of working holiday visa for non-youngsters? I'm 47, I'd like to live and work in the UK somewhere for a couple years. From what I can see though, working holiday visas are age-limited to younger people than I am.

Anyone know if there's a way to do this other than have my employer send me, or starting my own business there? First one isn't an option and the second one costs too much...

[PA2UK]

If you have a bachelor's degree or higher and can find someone in the UK to hire you, you may have a shot at the Tier 1 or 2 work visa. Particularly, if you work in one of the occupations on the job shortage list, there's a good chance you would be granted a work visa.

[Mercury Cougar]

Originally Posted by PA2UK

If you have a bachelor's degree or higher and can find someone in the UK to hire you, you may have a shot at the Tier 1 or 2 work visa. Particularly, if you work in one of the occupations on the job shortage list, there's a good chance you would be granted a work visa.

Thanks, but I'm in IT which is as common as dirt

[yankinscotland]

Guessing you are American. Since the US doesn't grant working holiday visas, no other country will give Americans one. And I believe you have to be 25 or younger.

[Mercury Cougar]

Originally Posted by yankinscotland

Guessing you are American. Since the US doesn't grant working holiday visas, no other country will give Americans one. And I believe you have to be 25 or younger.

Yes, I'm a US citizen. Seems a shame that I can't do something like this though. I've got enough money to support myself, I'd just like to spend some time living somewhere else for a few years, just for fun, and I'd rather work while I do it than deplete my savings.

[yankinscotland]

Originally Posted by Mercury Cougar

Yes, I'm a US citizen. Seems a shame that I can't do something like this though. I've got enough money to support myself, I'd just like to spend some time living somewhere else for a few years, just for fun, and I'd rather work while I do it than deplete my savings.

There's always teaching English as a foreign language but that would be countries like Thailand, etc.

I think you can visit the UK for 6 months at a time as a visitor. That would give you a good experience in the country. Is your preference England, Scotland, Wales or NI?

[Mercury Cougar]

Originally Posted by yankinscotland

There's always teaching English as a foreign language but that would be countries like Thailand, etc.

I think you can visit the UK for 6 months at a time as a visitor. That would give you a good experience in the country. Is your preference England, Scotland, Wales or NI?

I'd rather go to Ireland or to Scotland. But again, doing that without being able to work and support myself is an issue. I don't want to just live off savings if I can find another (legal) way.

But Scotland or Ireland...oh yes, I love both of them and would spend time there without any regrets.

[yankinscotland]

Originally Posted by Mercury Cougar

I'd rather go to Ireland or to Scotland. But again, doing that without being able to work and support myself is an issue. I don't want to just live off savings if I can find another (legal) way.

But Scotland or Ireland...oh yes, I love both of them and would spend time there without any regrets.

Excellent choices.

[Mercury Cougar]

Originally Posted by yankinscotland

Excellent choices.

Went to Ireland in September -- didn't want to come back.

[yankinscotland]

Originally Posted by Mercury Cougar

Went to Ireland in September -- didn't want to come back.

I know exactly what you mean. I went 11 years ago (at age 46) and didn't want to leave. I was extremely fortunate - a year later I met a Scot and married him. So I've lived in Scotland nearly 10 years. Never leaving.