Immigration and Visas:UK Immigration is pretty cut and dried, that is, simple and to the point, you don’t need a lawyer, you can do the paperwork yourself if it is straightforward (such as for fiance and spousal visas anyway).

You can move to the UK to work if your UK employer gets you a work permit before you arrive.
You can move to the UK if you have family that reside in the UK, relatives, spouse, fiance(e), as long as you can prove you will not need “welfare” support when you are here.
Others who qualify to move may be the financially comfortable, asylum seekers, and refugees.
It is not simple to move to the UK, being American or speaking English does not entitle anyone to live in the UK. If it were so, the gates would be swarmed. As it is, they have enough immigration troubles.

The advice in these pages are not legal or professional advice, please confirm all information with the appropriate legal or government channels before taking action.

I would suggest to all those considering this move to do so following the rules. It is already very easy to enter this country, without making things more complicated by trying to beat the system. You could face deportation and be prohibited from taking up residence or visiting the UK ever again!

UKBA (United Kingdom Border Agency):The UKBA website is very clear and helpful, with all of the requirements and forms necessary. Most people do not need a lawyer, it’s not complicated if you follow the procedure. There are always new immigration laws & rules. So if you’re looking for the latest & greatest, the info will be at the UKBA Website. The United Kingdom Immigration Service, also known as UKIS, was from 1906 to 2008 the distinctive operational arm of the UK Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) of the Home Office. It was responsible for the day to day administration of the United Kingdom Border Agency and the operation of in-country enforcement against immigration offenders such as illegal entrants and overstayers as well as prosecutions for associated offences.

Future:In 2007 it was announced that the Border and Immigration Agency would merge with HM Revenue & Customs and UKvisas to create a single Border Force called the UK Border Agency. From 1/4/08 the organisation will once again be re-branded and be known as the UK Borders Agency. A review is ongoing into whether United Kingdom police at ports should be merged into this organisation in the future and it has not been ruled out that physical security at ports, usually operated by the business operating the port, will also be brought into the Border Force in the future. In 2006 the, (then),Border and Immigration Agency facilitated the arrival of nearly 90 million passengers in the UK, more than 12 million of whom were subject to immigration control. Eurostar passengers now pass through UK Immigration control before they embark for the UK, and this has had a significant effect on the arrival of passengers without the correct documents. UKvisas works at British Diplomatic Posts overseas and decide applications from people who need to get permission to enter the UK before they travel. The demand for visas is likely to increase in coming years as will the number of people dealt with by the Border and Immigration Agency at UK ports and airports as passenger numbers increase. This will be particularly felt at London's Heathrow Airport when the new Terminal 5 opens in March 2008, due to the delay in the closure of Terminal 2.