NatTheBrit

Hi everyone,
So i'm in a bit of a predicament. I moved to the US 3 years ago to be with my gf. We broke up 4 mths ago and now i'm desperate to get back to the UK. I've exhausted all options on asking friends and family to help me out for a plane ticket.
What i would like to know is: Would the British Embassy help out somehow-maybe a 'Repatriation Loan'? If i just turned up at the Airport would they detain me?
I know i was stupid to have stayed so long after my Visa ran out, but believe me i'm now paying for that mistake
Any help would really be appreciated.
Natalie x

spouse of scouse

I did a quick search and found this http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=726310

The situation being discussed is different from yours, but there is some info in there about what sort of help the British Consulate can and can't provide to UK citizens.

NatTheBrit

Ok i will look into it...many thanks xx

holly_1948

You don't say where you are. "The US" is a big place.

NatTheBrit

Sorry..was a bit embarassed to say LOL. I'm in SW Kentucky

Snap Shot

Could you apply for a high interest credit card ? They might have more flexible lending criteria than a good deal credit card. I mean, you're desperate, right ? When you are back on your feet in Britain you could apply to transfer the balance to an interest free card.

Could you get a payday loan ?

Are you working presently ? Could you save ? Do you own a car you could sell. Have you seen the cost of a flight from Kentucky to the UK ? What is the cheapest cost ? A few hundred dollars ? Could you sell any unwanted possessions (of yours !) to help with the fund ?

NatTheBrit

Hi Snap Shot, No, no means to appy for a credit card. Also i don't work here, ex gf has been supporting me up until now.
I would have to stay here for another 6 months or so for the flight to get down to a minimum of $600+ and without means to support myself here that's just not possible.

spouse of scouse

[QUOTE=NatTheBrit;10675671]Hi Snap Shot, No, no means to appy for a credit card. Also i don't work here, ex gf has been supporting me up until now.
I would have to stay here for another 6 months or so for the flight to get down to a minimum of $600+ and without means to support myself here that's just not possible.[/QUOTE

Hi again Nat - I didn't mention working in my initial response because you obviously can't work (legally), as you've overstayed your visa. If you absolutely can't get the money together (it sounds a bit mean of your ex to leave you high and dry, but I don't know all the circumstances and don't need to), then your only choice seems to be the nearest British Consulate. You'll have to 'fess up on the visa overstay, obviously, and cop any consequences from that. I think it's a 10 year ban from the US? If you're not close to a Consulate, can you email or call them?

Perth

[QUOTE=spouse of scouse;10675689] Agreed, Consulate is your best bet. Good luck

NatTheBrit

Hi, thanks for the reponses, i really appreciate them x

spouse of scouse: Yes if i don't have any luck (or a miracle) within the next few weeks i will most definitely call the nearest Consulate. I am prepared for the consequences and to be honest don't really care at this point.
I mean i'm a stranded and desperate British Citizen-they must be able to help somehow.

spouse of scouse

They might make you wait on tables and do the washing up after their fancy dinners I think you've made the right decision, the only one. Yep, you've stuffed up but you're not the first and won't be the last, and the main thing is you've learned from it. The only way is up, so onwards and upwards! Let us know how you go and keep your chin up xx

NatTheBrit

LOL If it meant me getting home i wouldn't mind!! Yes i'm pretty sure there will be a positive outcome in the end.
Many thanks for your kind words and yes i will let you know how i get on.
Natalie x

jean1947

Hello the British Govt does not pay your fare home, they make phone call for you to ask for help. I know that from watching programs on the problems of Brits in Spain. The US government would send you home as a "deportee". Dont know the procedure, would they put you in prison first.
Sorry to hear of your problems, its a hard life.

Pollyana

Citizens Advice information

Jerseygirl

I believe the British Embassy will help repatriate it's citizens under certain conditions...one is that you pay them back for the fare. A member...username British Consul...looks in on the US forums from time to time...and that's what he posted some time ago.

I think going to the US authorities is pretty extreme...they may lock you up until they decided to send you back to the UK. If you decide to take that route I would open a thread in the US Immigration forum first and ask for advice.

Good luck.