Adopting a spatio-temporal lens, this article explores how highly qualified migrant women negotiate relationships and career motivations in specific socio-structural contexts. Comparing migration experiences of Irish and Polish women in London, I explore similarities within and differences between these groups. Having joined the EU in 1973, Ireland can be regarded as part of “old EU”, while Poland joining in 2004 is part of the “new” wave of EU members. Migration from old and new member states is often discussed separately using different framing. This article contributes to understanding migration in three ways. Firstly, by developing comparative analysis, which goes beyond narrow and static migrant categories. Secondly, by challenging the temporary/transient versus permanence/integration dichotomy to explore a “sliding scale” of migrant trajectories. Thirdly, by illustrating how evolving relationships, through the life cycle, may enable but also hinder migrant women's opportunities for settling in or moving on. © 2018 The Authors. International Migration © 2018 IOM

[No Keywords available]

labor migration England United Kingdom comparative study mobility migration determinant European Union London [England] population migration womens status immigrant population