Halloween was great! I was little red riding hood, and Nick was a lot like Capt. Jack Sparrow. We went out to a club in Vauxhall with our friends Stephan and Anna. It was a really cool club and everyone costumes were amazing!!! It was really cool. The thing about England (and potentially the rest of the world???) is that they only dress up as something scary/dead for Halloween. Whereas in America most people do funny/cute/sexy things. I went as a cute/nice little red riding hood and definitely stuck out!! People were asking why wasn't I brutalized or something. I prefer looking nice! :) Overall I definitely prefer America's take on Halloween!!!
THEN the drama started!
My ongoing struggle as an immigrant continues. At the beginning of the week Nick was thinking that it might not be as easy as just turning up at the British Embassy in NYC and getting my entry clearance to the UK. He had advised me not to go to New York because I would put myself in jeopardy of not being admitted back into the UK. If that were to happen that I will have to put in an appeal and will have to stay in the State while that is processed. He advised that I stay in the UK.
After hearing that I decided to not go to New York, for fear of not being let in. Which broke my heart!! I was SO UPSET on Wednesday after I decided that. I miss my family and I miss home and I have been looking forward to going to America for so long! After all this was all meant to be a temporary thing, which is all turning out to be very long term!!
THEN after Nick had spoke to more colleagues and barristers, he had heard that it might actually be best if I do go to New York and apply to entry clearance there. The reason is that immigration laws are changing as of November 27th. One of the major laws that will affect me is that teaching will no longer be seen as a "shortage occupation". That's why I got this visa so easily. When a job is a shortage occupation you don't have to prove that you've searched the country and that this person who is an immigrant is the only person for the job. They are allowed to take anyone. After the 27th, the school will have to do a lot of work to prove that they have had lots of ads out and have tried to fill the position with British applicants, but couldn't find anybody. The new laws will make it much harder/slightly impossible for me to stay.
If I apply in New York then I'll have 2 chances to stay. 1 being when I apply for entry clearance, if they deny me then I can appeal it--and it will be done under the OLD RULES (which is very important!)
It's a lot of mess, very complicated, and made more complicated because I'm right in the middle of old and new rules. So I've been relatively stressed out this week and worried. At the moment I am planning on going to New York, and have booked an appointment at the Embassy.
BUT all this could potentially change. Nick has asked this barrister to write out a letter with his opinions of what I think I will have a better chance of winning. Either trying the New York route, or to stay in country and appeal the refusal under the fact that that they didn't use proper discretion. The barrister will tell us, which is the better choice. So it isn't definite if I will go to NY or not, but I at least have an appointment booked. I'll know mid-week next week what this guy advises me to do.
In other news, the children are great. A lot of them are talking more and impressing me in new ways everyday. They're the best, I'd be really sad if I ever had to leave them :*(
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