Had previously placed this in the wrong forum...
Hi there, this is quite complex and I was wondering if anyone had any scoop or if I need to pay to use that $2.99/minute info line at the Consulate.
I was born in the UK, have a National Insurance number, no British/EU passport, but a US Passport. I may have the chance to return to the UK if a job interview I have next week with a British company offers.
Is the Nat. Ins. number all I need to still be able to legally work in the UK even if I've been in the US for so long and am a US citizen?
My wife and two children are US born, what will I need to do for them to be able to come with me (they have US passports also), and for my wife possible eventually seek employment?
Any help appreciated!
Follow on to above now that I think about it...
My wife by trade is a hairstylist, pardon me Cosmetologist apparently is the correct term! wink Does anyone know if there a licensing system for hairstylists in the UK like there is here in the US, if so anyone know what it might take for her to transfer all her goodies over?
Thanks!
Hi, welcome. I'm no expert, but I think you'll be good to work in the UK. Not sure if you should enter on a British passport when returning, though. You'll need visas for your family, but I don't think it's too hard given that you're already married etc. Can't help with the hairdressing thing. I suggest you try American Expats in the UK http//www.americanexpats.co.uk/forum/index.php -they've done it and are a wealth of immigration on the whole immigration process. Unfortunately, they've gone a bit pay-per-view, but you may be able to get answers to your questions. Good Luck )
Hi,
You say you were born in the UK and have an NI number, but not a passport.
Do you know for certain you are a UK citizen?
Unlike the US, being born in the UK does not automatically provide you with UK citizenship. If your parents or grandparents were UKC, then you either are or may become a UKC.
An NI number is not a work permit. My wife, a USC, was a lawful resident of the UK and was issued an NI number. However, when we moved to the US her status expired. She retains the NI number for life, but would need to reapply for permission to live and work in the UK if we were to return.
You do not say where you are living now, but it might be worth locating your nearest UK Consulate. I have dealt with the consulate in Boston a couple of times with general enquiries and found them to be friendly and helpful.
P.S.
When I left th eUK five years ago, there were no licencing requirements for "hairdressers". However there are various environmental health and health and safety at work regulations for employers if she were to set up her own business.
Thanks for the suggestions so far. I did call the Consulate in Portland (I'm in Oregon) but their voice recording specifically says they won't answer these type questions.
Thanks for the info on the hairdressers too by the way.
And finally, yeah I'm sure I'm a British Citizen, both parents UKC, mum and I emigrated to the US in 1982. My father is still there. I was mistaken on the NI number though, it was an old NHS card we found, not actually a NI Card.
Thanks for the suggestions so far. I did call the Consulate in Portland (I'm in Oregon) but their voice recording specifically says they won't answer these type questions.
How about the San Francisco Consulate? They seem to be a bit more "with it" and although not exactly local, by our standards, they do cover Oregon for some aspects (I once thought I needed them for something but turned out I didn't - I'm in Oregon also).
If you were born in the UK and both your parents are UKC, you are entitled to work in the UK (and the EU). I'm not sure if you are required to have a UK passport to enter the UK/EU to live and work, but it would probably make life easier for you.
From recollection passports are issued only by the Embassy in DC, if you do not have an old one to trade, you may need to be interviewed. A new policy is being introduced from August 07. From April 08 such interviews will be compulsory (i.e. apply now, before April 08). One would hope that the interview would take place in Portland and not require a trip to DC....
http//www.britainusa.com/sections/articles_show_nt1.asp?d=0&i=10080&L1=0&L2=0&a=46742
My grandson was born in Canada,but his Dad (my son) was born in the UK. He recently applied for a UK passport in Ottawa and got it in 2 weeks.
He took it out in order to make life easier for him and the company he works for in his capacity as a pilot. It made life easier with his last survey in Saudi Arabia.