Moving To London Series: I Got My Visa!

u.k. visa, london

YOU GUYS!!!! I cannot even believe I am finally writing this blog post. I GOT MY U.K. VISA AND I’M MOVING TO LONDON!! Welcome to the first of many blog posts that will live within what I’m calling the Moving To London series here on AlysonHaley.com. Within this series, over time, is where you can find anything you are wanting to know about this journey. I’m so excited to kickstart it with the most obvious way … celebrating the only thing that could make it possible: A VISA!

If you’ve followed me since 2016, then you know this has been something I’ve wanted since living there back then. And, if you haven’t, and you’re wondering where this is coming from … stop here and read THIS post to get caught up!

Instead of making this super lengthy, I thought I would make things short and sweet. Let’s be honest – I have a lot of things to get done in a short amount of time so I don’t have a lot of time to sit and write – as much as I’d like to, anyway! So, instead of written words and spilling all of my feelings, I’m sharing something else with you instead. PRESS PLAY!

I figured since I kept a lot of the nitty gritty [and, honestly, it was all SUPER boring stuff anyway lol] to myself for the entirety of this process, that it’d at least be super fun to bring you guys along on the last few weeks of the journey. So, this video takes you behind the scenes from the day I found out my paperwork was completely approved and ready to go. As you’ll see, there are still delays in the process, which has literally been a running theme throughout the ENTIRE process. For an impatient person, like myself, it was absolute torture but, if there’s one thing I learned, it was that it all truly does work out perfectly in the end. Really and truly. It made me remember why my life verse is Ecclesiastes 3:11 [“he has made everything beautiful in His time”]. It reminds me to remember it’s not about me and when I want something to happen. God’s so good in that His plan is better than the one we are creating in our minds. I know that’s SO so cliché but … it was just a thought. I’m sure I’ll share more with you guys soon but, leave me questions in the comments here on the blog or on YouTube and I’ll find a way to get back to them soon!

THANK YOU to the ends of the Earth if you have ever prayed for this journey. I know it contributed to it all coming to fruition. xo.

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49 Comments

  1. Jenny wrote:

    I am SO EXCITED for you!!!! What a praise!!! I look forward to following you on your journey to London!

    Published 3.1.20 · Reply
  2. Suzanne wrote:

    Congratulations Haley. I‘m so happy for you and loved the video. Looking forward to following along in your next chapter.

    Published 3.1.20 · Reply
  3. Roisin wrote:

    The BEST news!!! Absolutely THRILLED for you! (and John) Well done on all the work-and I imagine it was a lot!! Can’t wait to follow your move, London is the best!! Xx

    Published 3.1.20 · Reply
  4. Monica K wrote:

    So happy for you! This is a MOMENT in your life. A really really big one. Enjoy all of it!!! ❤️❤️❤️

    Published 3.1.20 · Reply
  5. Renata wrote:

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! I am so happy for this new chapter of your life and I truly excited to see you leaving in London because I know that’s where your heart has always been!!! Cheers!!!!

    Published 3.1.20 · Reply
  6. Missy wrote:

    I am so happy for you! Congratulations and I can’t wait to read about all of your London adventures. 😊🎉

    Published 3.1.20 · Reply
  7. Holly W wrote:

    Your dad’s reaction was priceless. Made me cry. So happy for you! I feel like you’re an old friend of mine for how long I’ve followed you and I’m so excited your dreams are coming true

    Published 3.1.20 · Reply
  8. rachel wrote:

    I loved seeing how much you relied on God and his peace to see you through. Xoxo

    Published 3.1.20 · Reply
  9. Lisa Thompson (@mamelle55) wrote:

    This is the best news! I am SO happy for you because I know how you’ve dreamed of this day. What strength you’ve shown! 🙂

    Published 3.1.20 · Reply
  10. CARMEN wrote:

    Hi, best wishes for a wonderful future full of love, you convey sweetness…your faith is rare to see on the internet and this is beautiful, Congratulations!!! kisses from Sicily

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  11. Annaliese wrote:

    Soooo excited for you!! I can’t wait to watch your video after work today. Hoping that the rest of the process before moving day goes smoothly!! 🙂

    xoxo A
    http://www.southernbelleintraining.com

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  12. Biana wrote:

    I am so happy and excited for you! Watching the video and all of your emotions throughout the process and your journey was so special! This is truly meant to be for you and I’m so excited to follow along as you become a true Ex-Pat! xo, Biana BlovedBoston

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  13. Ashley Baca wrote:

    I’m so happy for you!

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  14. Sabrina wrote:

    Oh my gosh girl!!! I am so excited for you! God is so good! I know the struggle of wanting to be in control and actually letting God be it’s hard but pays off. You are so deserving of this Alyson, I’m looking forward to seeing this journey unfold more. Thank you for bringing us all along <3 Sabrina

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  15. Gloree wrote:

    Congratulations sooooooooo happy for you I wish nothing but the very BEST

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  16. Ali wrote:

    So so happy for you!! Been following your journey and totally related to your love of London, I studied abroad there for 4 months and fell in love. Good luck!!

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  17. Ashley wrote:

    So happy for you and excited to follow along as you start the moving process!

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  18. Emmanuelle wrote:

    I watched the video last night when I couldn’t sleep. I did cry a little bit. I was overwhelmed with joy for you and I cannot wait to follow your new adventures in London. I go there a few times a year since I live in paris so it will be fun.
    Take care and all the best for your imminent move

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  19. Michelle wrote:

    Congratulations! I am so excited this day has come for you. It’s been a long road but your patience has been fruitful. I cannot wait to see what life brings you next over the pond!

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  20. Such awesome news! So happy for you!

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  21. Heidi Rusk wrote:

    Congratulations! So happy for you and selfishly hope I can still shop here in the States from your advice over there as you are my favorite!

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  22. Diana Tirado wrote:

    Yes, it really made me happy seeing your news yesterday and watching your you tube video. After following for so long, it really does feel like you are a friend I am tryly excited for, lol! I can’t wait to see all that is ahead and pray for a smooth transition for you and the pups.

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  23. Julie wrote:

    Yeah!!!! Congratulations!! I don’t even know you and I’m honestly so happy for you!! I gave up Instagram for Lent so I’m so thankful your sharing on here! I would have been bummed to miss this! You should go celebrate somehow! How are you preparing Fish and Chips for the journey? Are there a lot of hoops to jump through for them to get there?

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Thanks, Julie! I’ll likely be covering all of that in an upcoming moving vlog! xo.

      Published 3.2.20 ·
  24. Katie Klouda wrote:

    I have been following you for years and I ugly cried at my desk when you opened the envelope. I am so excited for you and cannot wait to support you along the way. Congratulations!

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  25. Moriah wrote:

    Just watched the video and WEPT! It is so encouraging to see how dedicated you have been to this dream and your faith. Thanks for taking us along for bits of the journey! Congratulations, Londoner!

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  26. Lauren wrote:

    So incredibly excited for you and selfishly can’t wait to see your content once you’re over here! Did you take these pictures in anticipation during your Christmas trip?! Haha

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Hahah, yes!!! I wanted to take new photos that y’all hadn’t seen in front of Tower Bridge because that’s so ‘iconic London’ but, it’s pretty far East from where I was going to be on this particular day so Victoria and I were like … let’s do the Eye, as it’s more central … I hadn’t taken photos there in years so it was perfect!

      Published 3.2.20 ·
  27. Sara McCallum wrote:

    I started crying watching the first 30 seconds of your video ♥️

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  28. Tamara wrote:

    Hugh Congratulations to you! So very happy for you! God’s timing is amazing! May God bless you in this and all your adventures!

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  29. Kayla G. wrote:

    Congratulations! I cried watching this video, and I am so happy that you are going to be able to pursue your dream of living in London!

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  30. Darianne wrote:

    Congratulations on getting your visa! That’s amazing. I’m looking forward to following your journey while living in London. London is a place I’ve always wanted to visit. The architecture and history that follows with every twist and turn is something everyone should experience. Cheers to new adventures. x

    Darianne | http://www.romancealacreme.com

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  31. Jenna Todd wrote:

    I cried the entire video. Truly I had to turn it off in the car as I was only listening, not even looking. Then I became weepy at work, so I only just now finished watching. WOW. What a wild ride, and rewarding start to your new life! Congratulations!

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  32. Lindsey wrote:

    I am so thrilled for you! I have followed your whole journey and I know how much this means to you!

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  33. Aubrey wrote:

    THIS IS SO EXCITING!!! Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your journey as candidly as you did on YouTube. I can imagine how scary it is to put your heart out there like that. I look forward to following your journey as you prepare, pack, and move to London + continuing your blog once in London (eeee!!! It’s so official!).

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  34. Jenna Jenks wrote:

    Congratulations on getting your visa, the YouTube video actually made me cry with happiness for you. Can’t wait to follow your journey when you come to England.

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  35. Hillary Smith wrote:

    OMG girl!!! I am soooo happy for you!!! I’m moving to London in two years to finish my PhD. Could you share how you picked a place to live? I can’t wait to follow you on this journey. Continuing to send prayers your way!!!! Again super excited and happy for you!!!

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Hi Hilary! That’s so exciting! I am going to be living with John but there are tons of great websites to help you find a great place like zoopla, spareroom, gumtree, etc!

      Published 3.2.20 ·
    • Hillary Smith wrote:

      Thank you so much!!!

      Published 3.4.20 ·
  36. Sarah wrote:

    OMG your dad is the sweetest dad, ever. I love how much he cares about you and cheers for you! And of course John and all of your friends, too. Well done and congratulations!! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  37. Hani wrote:

    Congratulations Haley!! I knew this would happen for you. No doubt. As I was watching you through the lows in the video, I couldn’t help but think about all of the people who want to immigrate to the US and have to wait many years to get a Green card/Visa; and many of these people who have very limited resources – economic, financial, educational or otherwise. My close relatives had to (legally) and it took years and years, it was a nightmare but they finally got through it. You have too now! Congrats again.

    Published 3.2.20 · Reply
  38. Marie wrote:

    Congrats and best of luck living in London. I have a business trip to London in July and it will be my 2nd time going. I will be extending vacation in London for a few days after the business trip is over. Most of my business trips are to NYC (where I am today), Washington DC or Boston. Last time I was in London was Winter 1999 where I only saw the sun once. Hopefully this time I see the sun there. I can’t wait to see what has changed since then. London is a very fashionable city you will fit in well.

    Published 3.3.20 · Reply
  39. Angie Tuffey wrote:

    So Happy for you! I remember when I left my family at the airport to go live in L.A.

    Very scary and emotional!! But… I was very excited to be joining my then boyfriend (now he’s my husband) and the adventures we were about to go on. Go live your life and have fun.

    Published 3.3.20 · Reply
  40. Megan wrote:

    Have followed you for a long time and have always loved the beautiful pictures you’ve taken in London. Wondering if you’re nervous about moving in with John after not being together for very long?

    Published 3.3.20 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Hii! Thank you! I’m not naive to the fact that it’s a huge step after being long-distance for almost a year but, we’re confident that whatever growing pains we experience will only make us stronger. We’re really excited and think we’ll be just fine! 🙂 xo.

      Published 3.4.20 ·
  41. Amanda wrote:

    So beyond happy for you and can’t wait to follow your journey ☺️☺️

    Published 3.5.20 · Reply
  42. Justine Christian wrote:

    Congratulations!!! I got emotional watching this when you received the visa in the mail! So so so happy for you Haley!!! Can’t wait to follow you along your journey! ❤️

    Published 3.5.20 · Reply
  43. Heather wrote:

    Hey Alyson!
    I’m not on the gram much anymore, but try to check once a day on my favorite bloggers. Anyway, I keep checking on you and tour quest for a UK Visa. I just saw the news and watched the YouTube video! I’m so excited for you! Congratulations! Have fun purging and planning! 😘 HJH

    Published 3.8.20 · Reply
  44. merry wrote:

    That’s great news! Wish you the best on your new journey. I will be looking forward to your new posts and life in London. Also, totally love your outfit. You go girl!

    Published 3.9.20 · Reply