Thread: Anyone wanting to move to States???

Hi there,

I just wondered if anybody has any contacts living in the US that may be of some assistance to me and my family. After visiting the Florida area for many years on holidays I have decided to apply for a permanent work visa. I simply adore the American people and their enthusiasm for their country and way of life.

I have just gained a BA Hons Degree in Humanities covering English/American/Irish Literature and 20th Century Historical Perspectives on Communism. Having coordinated projects in a paid position for over 8 years in the community sector with disadvantaged groups of people such as disabled people, victims of the 'Troubles' in Northern Ireland, Young mothers and disadvantaged women. I have also experience of genealogical research while working for 2 years with organisations such as Irish Genealogy and Heritage World.

So really my question in this thread is what sort of jobs would be available for this type of qualification and experience? Would there be any demand and how best to utilise this experience for my visa application.

I would be extremely grateful for any help in this area or any other advice on living and working in the US!

Hi Sheena,

Thank you for your kind welcome and reply.

Originally Posted by Mark and Jo

The states was a choice that I had suggested before we moved to Oz. Would anyone else move to USA and if so what are your reasons?

YES! ...in a heartbeat (and that's a clue!)

I've been fortunate to visit the US on various occasions (TX, NY, NM, NH, FL) and I also have close friends who live there too - some ex-pats, some not.
Have to agree with some of the comments in this thread, but not all...

Angel275.. this is a 'Requirement List' I got from another forum;-

There are basically NINE ways that you can get a visa to live and work in the US:

(1) Marriage (or engagement in anticipation of marriage) to a US citizen.

(2) You have skills that are in short supply in the US e.g. scientific or medical training. A degree is normally a must. Or you have superior specialist skills with at least 12 years experience.

(3) You have an Employer who is willing to transfer you - but even the employer has to make a good case for you - so you have to be a manager unless you fall under category (2) above.

(4) You may get a Green card in the diversity lottery (UK citizens, except N.Ireland, are not generally eligible unless you, your spouse or parents were born abroad or held a different citizenship.

(5)You own or buy business (does not get you permanent resident status i.e. no green card) You must be a national of a qualifying Treaty countries. The business must have a minimum value of around $150k (more the better) bearing in mind you will need somewhere to live and with any startup business you will need at least 2 years living money as back up. So a figure of $350k would be a nearer minimum

(6)You are an "investor" i.e. you have at least US $1m in assets to bring with you. half of that in a few areas. And your background will be investigated to the hilt.

(7)You have a close relative (mother, father, brother, sister and no further) who is an US citizen who would sponsor you, approx time this take 2-12 years?

(8.The R1 visa is available to foreign members of religious denominations, having bona fide non-profit religious organizations in the U.S., for entering the U.S. to carry on the activities of a minister or religious worker as a profession, occupation or vocation

(9)THE UNUSUAL You are in a position to claim refugee status/political asylum. or You get a member of Congress to sponsor a private bill with legislation that applies just to you.
The S visa issued to persons who assist US law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes and terrorist activities such as money laundering and organized crime

When I read all of that for the first time, I felt a bit down as I don't meet any of the requirements (NOT giving up yet though!).. good luck to you in your mission!

~ Hope

Hi Hope,

Thanks for this info, however:

1) Am already married, and kind of like the guy I have!
2) Been involved in community relations, peace and reconciliation - relevant to Northern Ireland - not sure how these skills would transfer to America?
3) Will have management qualification by end of year? Got a degree - will keep searching for a possible employer.
4) Will keep trying for the lottery.
5) Don't have £350k but will work on this!
6) Don't have £1 million to invest, but see previous.
7) All relatives are Irish - not an american among us.
8) Don't think I would make a good minister or religious worker.
9) If things go pear shaped in Northern Ireland - I wonder if I could claim political asylum - wouldn't mind working for FBI!!

5 out of 9 possible routes still open - so will keep trying. Thank you for setting out the requirements so much clearer.

Hi everyone, we are new to this forum. I have been asked to consider a position in America through work as a business unit manager from the UK. I would be based in the pittsburgh area. I have visited the area and it looks great but I would love to find out what people really think ofthe area and what its like to live there. We have three children youngest is 7 so Schools are VERY important? We have two sons aged 19 and 16 too, who want to come with us :-)

any advice???

Hi Lesley Ann and welcome!

I'm on the West Coast in California and the nearest I've made it to PA is Michigan so can't help you with what it's like in Pittsburgh I'm afraid. Did you not make any contacts when you visited that can put you in touch with someone helpful?

Have you looked at what type of Visa you'd be on?

hey how did u move to california, im british and me and my friend want to live in california, but we dont have no proper quilifications in anthing, but we want to study out there, could u tell if it would be difficult for us to study out there?

Hi alarni,

My husband got his Visa by being sponsored by an employer and I have a Visa as his wife. You can get a student visa and I think there are two types depending on what you are studying. Here's a few links to get you started.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis

http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/studying.html

http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/

You will probably be paying a higher rate of course fees as an overseas student and as far as I know you may need to prove that you have enough money in the bank to support yourself while you study as you may not be able to work.

I only looked into it briefly when I thought about doing my MA out here but I couldn't find a suitable enough course that specialised in my field. The universities here are very keen to help though.

It's probably a daunting process but it sounds like you've got youth and time on your side!!

Hi there all. Im new to the forum and would like some advice on moving to califiona, san diego maybe. My husband has been offered an opportunity of working in america and has been told he can be based anywhere!! We liked the sound of san diego, the weather, apparently nice people but on eading some messages im now alittle concerned about the social aspect. We have two children one age 9yrs the other 20months. School will be very important. If any one is living out there what are your thoughts and maybe suggestions of an area. Thankuuuu sooooo much loljx

Hi julie - I've replied to one of your other posts!