Apply for a work visa. Tier 1 of the United Kingdom's migration system is designed for highly skilled migrants and has replaced the previous Highly Skilled Migration Programme, which ended in 2008. Skilled migration plays a significant part in helping the UK's economy to remain globally competitive. As such, highly qualified professionals such as engineers and doctors, who are thought to be able to contribute to the growth and productivity of the country, can immigrate to the UK without any prior arrangements for employment.
Get a sponsor. Unless you fall under the category of highly skilled individuals, you will need to have an offer of employment, from a UK employer that is registered as a sponsor with the UK Border Agency. You will need to obtain a certificate of sponsorship from your future employer to accompany your visa application. As a skilled worker under Tier 2, you will also need to score sufficient points through previous earnings, age (the younger you are, the more points you will earn), maintenance and UK experience such as work and education.
Obtain a UK identity card. To work as a U.S. citizen in the UK, you will need to hold a UK ID card for foreign nationals as part of the National Identity Scheme. As of January 2010, it became compulsory for all skilled workers to obtain a UK ID card as part of their immigration application. Information on the application process for UK ID cards for foreign nationals and which groups of migrants are currently required to hold them is provided in the resources section.
