Moving Abroad (Again!)—My Exhausting, Slow-Burn Experience with Bureaucracy
I’m moving abroad for the second time in three years. Last time around, the process felt manageable; everything was sorted, signed, and sealed within about three months. This time? I’m dealing with ONE application that’s been dragging on for six months, and let’s just say, the bureaucratic waiting game is testing every ounce of patience I’ve got.
But let’s take it from the top!
Why Cardiff, and Why Now?
Three years ago, I studied in Cardiff as an exchange student, and I knew right then and there that I wanted to return. So, after finishing my master’s in music therapy in Bergen, Norway, I planned to head back to Cardiff, to work as a music therapist and freelancer there. As of June 2024, I’ve officially graduated, but I’m still here in Norway, stuck in the never-ending application process that’s kept me rooted.
Applying to Work in the UK as a Music Therapist
To work legally in the UK as a music therapist, I need a license. This means registering with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to be officially licensed. Without this license, I can’t accept job offers, and worst case, working without it could even lead to jail time.
So here’s the catch: you can’t apply for this license until you’ve graduated and have your qualification papers in hand. That meant that instead of applying ahead of time, I had to wait until June to start the process.
The Application Marathon
The HCPC application wasn’t hard in theory but involved countless steps and documents. Part one was pretty standard—filling out my personal information and listing my qualifications, including detailed information on my education, references, and work experience. Think of it as a CV but with extra layers.
The kicker? I had to include certified copies of everything—proof of identity, qualifications, language skills (hello, outrageously expensive IELTS test), and all in English, with every original document officially translated from Norwegian. My school administration team stepped in to help certify these, so shout out to them for enduring the process too.
The 45-Page Document from My University
Then came part two, handled by my school’s administration. They had to pull together a detailed breakdown of my entire master’s program, with descriptions for each course. This document ended up being around 45 pages long, which took weeks to compile and translate. By the time I had everything ready, it was already late August. Six months after starting, I was finally able to submit.
Finally, Submission—Only for it to Disappear?
When I finally sent in the application, it felt like a major relief—until weeks passed with no confirmation. Despite tracking that confirmed delivery, the HCPC seemed to “lose” my application. After a lot of back-and-forth, they eventually “found” it—apparently it had been put directly in queue without creating an account or case, and that’s where they couldn’t find it, so it was technically never lost. Bureaucratic systems, am I right? As of late September, I was told it was in queue, and that I could expect a response by the end of October.
Today is October 30th, and I still haven’t heard back. My plan is to call again early next week if there’s still no word.
The Waiting Game: Steps, Timing, and Patience
To recap, here’s what the process looks like from beginning to end (very simplified):
Get HCPC registration: Without this, I can’t apply for jobs.
Secure a job offer: Needed for a visa application.
Apply for a visa: Required before I can rent a flat.
Find a flat: Only possible after securing a job and visa.
It’s a perfect example of having to take things one step at a time, even when you’re ready for the final leap. This isn’t the straightforward process I had imagined; each step seems to open up a whole new set of hurdles.
Your Burning Question: “Have You Moved Yet?”
The answer: not yet, and I honestly don’t know when it’ll happen. It all hinges on the HCPC license approval. So for now, I’m waiting, manifesting, and preparing as much as I can.
Staying Positive and Productive During the Waiting Period
Despite the waiting, I’m keeping busy by building up my businesses—VoyageurSpire, content creation, and some freelance music work here in Norway to fund the move (moving abroad is NOT cheap!). I also have notifications on for every job market site in the UK, am networking with UK music therapists, and am already packing up my things currently not in use before the move.
The Big Takeaway? Trust the Process (Even When It’s Maddening!)
As frustrating as it’s been, I genuinely believe that things happen for a reason. Someday, I’ll look back on this period and be grateful for what I learned about resilience and patience, and whatever else I needed to know before the move that I can’t see yet. I am determined to make this move happen, and nothing is going to derail me!
I hope this post gives you a clearer picture of my journey and, if you’re in a similar boat, offers some reassurance. Moving abroad is far from easy, but it’s definitely worth it. Whether you’re in the middle of an application or just dreaming about taking the leap, remember: trust the process, stay patient, and keep the end goal in sight.
Thank you for reading! I’m here to answer any questions or share advice, so feel free to drop a comment.
Let’s own our journeys and grow intentionally—one step at a time.