Moving to NY
 

Hi,

I'm serving in HM British Army and my wife and I have a burning desire to move to NY once i complete my full service (which is quite soon)

We have no specific preference to area at this time (NJ or NYC) but i'm hoping that someone may be able to offer advice regarding residency and the possibility to bringing our family with us (immediate family - parents and siblings)

If anyone can help at all it would be greatly apprecaited

Re: Moving to NY
 

Your "burning desire" must be tempered by what is realistic and possible. Start here and see if there is a visa that will allow you to move to the US. Also, try this version. If you can answer "yes" to any of the questions you might have a chance at a visa... otherwise, you won't be coming to the US as anything other than a visitor.

No amount of wishing and planning will be helpful without a visa!

Ian

Re: Moving to NY
 

Hi Ian,

Thanks for the reply. Much appreciated
I have already looked into the feasibility/legalitites of moving. Obtaining a VISA is not a problem. I've served many years in the military and preparation is everything! But thankyou for highlighting what i expect many overlook in the initial stage.
Professionally i am confident of acquiring work and have contacted several companies with my CV. As i get closer to leaving i will hopefully be able to approach a potential employer reagrding sponsorship. Until that time i'm eager to learn the situiation regarding relocation of family.

Re: Moving to NY
 

I think you're deluding yourself to describe getting a visa as "no problem". Even people with the most impeccable credentials can have a hard time securing a work visa in the USA. I assume you have a degree that is relevant to an in-demand occupation, or many many years of senior-level experience in such a field?

Re: Moving to NY
 

Okay then... let's cut to the chase. If you and your wife make it to the US, you will not be able to sponsor your parents or siblings until such time as you become US citizens. You will be eligible for citizenship 5 years after you become a US permanent resident (= green card)... and you will only get a GC if your sponsor agrees to help you.

Once you become USCs, your parents will get a visa within about a year after you petition for them. Your siblings will get a visa about 8-10 years later. You can't sponsor either your parents or siblings until you become US citizens, as those options aren't available for those with a GC.

Now, that said... NYC is a terrific place to visit but very, very expensive to live. It's less expensive to live in NJ.

Ian

Re: Moving to NY
 

@Ian...thankyou, thats what i was i looking for. Much appreciated
@materialcontroller....I'm in no way deluded and have looked in great length at my qualifying criteria regarding a VISA (although i understand its still not a given) and yes i have a degree and many years relevant experience in management and my field (as i said i've contact companies to ascertain my employment status)
Can i ask that if you wish to reply to my thread that you offer advice and not attempt to belittle me with your remarks. It doesnt wash with me and its a shame to tarnish this website with needless remarks.
I'm sure many come on this site with unrealistic pipe dreams but i can assure you that i'm not one of them. My background is such that i never go into anything unprepared. But thankyou for posting

Re: Moving to NY
 

I know you were asking only about how to bring your parents and siblings to the USA. But please bear with us as we ask other questions. I am assuming since you say obtaining a visa is not a problem, that you have a few employers interested in sponsoring you for a work visa, and that you are in negotiations with them regarding employment.

This part doesn't make sense to me. You've contacted companies and handed out your resume. But then you say you won't be approaching a potential employer until closer to the time you're leaving the UK? But you can't leave the UK until you have the visa in-hand, which won't happen until a company sponsors your visa. (well, you can come over for a visit...is that what you mean?)

Regarding parents and siblings, Ian has it all correct. It will be a very long process until you are all in the USA together again (think long term, 10 to 15 years or more).

Rene

Re: Moving to NY
 

@Noorah101......i have contacted civilian professionals in an industry similar to mine in the forces and to that which i wish to work when i leave. My contact has been regarding future potential employment in my field ie feasability, requirement etc
I have no sponsor at this time but i have offers of sponsorship. That is something that i will look at closer to the time. Ian gave me the information that i was looking but thankyou very much for your reply.

Re: Moving to NY
 

I would also like to add that for many of us bringing elderly parents to live in the US is not feasible. There is no NHS here...they may not be able to get healthcare insurance...even if they did it would probably be more than $1K per month per person. On top there are co-pays for every doctor's visit, annual deductibles, normally a minimum of 20% of all charges are paid by the patient...plus the price of medications. Healthcare here is extremely expensive...so are meds.

There have been many threads on this very subject...you can find them by using the search engine...located at the top of the page. Give me a shout if you need help with this.

Re: Moving to NY
 

It's a fair comment.

There are people with oodles of experience, world class in their field that are still unable to get a visa, just because no one can be bothered to go through the huge cost and hassle involved to sponsor them.

So don't underestimate it. Finding a job is easy, getting a offer is good, getting a visa though....

And frankly, unless you show you've actually got a chance at a visa, which you haven't, why should you expect anyone else to bother providing information which would be moot? So again, it's a fair comment.

Re: Moving to NY
 

Not a given, but not a problem. :confused:

Visa aside, it is worth repeating the considerable costs involved for health insurance - particularly when parents are involved. I assume you have looked into this at great length too?

Re: Moving to NY
 

What you've written so far strongly suggests that you do not even have a basic understanding of the US immigration system. Moreover, the answers to your questions require knowledge of the visa route you will be taking.

Re: Moving to NY
 

If you want to come to America - you can find a way. Just keep applying/interviewing with relevant American companies, and I'm sure you'll get sponsored. Despite the economy being awful everywhere - most companies are still looking for qualified individuals (especially from technical backgrounds) to fill roles. Goodluck.

Re: Moving to NY
 

What is the immigration basis of these offers.

Have you been in contact with their immigration lawyers?