Danny2312

Okay I’m 18 from Britain and I want to move to the America. I have a girlfriend in Washington state and we’ve been dating for a year and a half today. We met for the first time a few weeks ago and it was just as perfect as we thought but now we can’t stand to be apart from each other. We’re not really ready to marry as we don’t want to rush it, I’m not too fussed about it I’d rather not rush it but I know it’s the easiest option. I was wondering if there was an option that doesn’t require marriage just yet. After visiting the U.S. I found I loved every aspect of it and I just didn’t want to leave. I know the immigration system is a lengthy process and I’m not in a huge rush to move over but I would like to be over there in at least 1 year maybe 2 year. If you guys can help me that would be great thanks a lot in advance!!

Silverdragon102

Starting point would be reading here http://britishexpats.com/forum/us-im...ork-us-585898/

Also suggest reading the various threads in the immigration forum

mikelincs

For you, not really, you will not have the education qualifications or work experience, and are unlikely to have worked for a UK firm with a US presence at the relevant level, so, unless you have a shed load of money to invest, think £500000, then marriage IS your only way to get there to live and work.

Dorothy

American university? Get a degree and see where the relationship goes. Win-win!

Noorah101

For someone your age, I'd suggest an F-1 student visa to study in the USA.

Rene

Twinkle0927

Glad you liked Washington state - I live here and it's a very beautiful part of the country.

I have to say, visiting here (especially for the first time and with the added excitement of a new girlfriend and the honeymoon phase that this brings) is completely different from living here. You're very young. And even younger here - you can't even buy a beer here for another three years! Take time to get to know each other. If you have enough money to support yourself and pay tuition then a student visa might be a good idea. If not, keep visiting, get beyond the honeymoon phase, get to know what life (not holidays) is really like here, come in the winter when we've got snow and ice. It's going to be a huge step. Take your time over it.

ian-mstm

Yes, there are... three, in fact: an employment-based visa, an investment-based visa, or a student visa. Those last two will be expensive! Since you've given us no indication whatsoever of your education, skills, and/or experience, it's difficult to make a recommendation. We're good... but we're not mind readers.

So, if you want good information, give good information.

Ian

KK85

Danny2312

Oh okay, well I guess I’ll just have to wait unless something else crops up as I don’t have amazing qualifications. The only thing I have is I’m a freelance photographer but as I didn’t bother with taking photography in school I don’t have any qualifications to back it up

Danny2312

That sounds like a good idea I did think about that but how would that help with moving? Or is that just to delay it until we’re ready to get married?

Danny2312

Yeah sounds like a good idea I just don’t understand how it’ll help me move there?

Danny2312

Well I guess there is that but to be honest nearly everything is so much better over there like even though there’s open carry in that state I still feel safer than where I am now, knife crime is huge over in the uk... I’m scared to even look at a chav (a gangster but a lot less threatening) in case they get the wrong idea. And I do have plans for coming for Christmas so I’ll be able to come for winter. Alright I’ll go to college I mean I do need it as I really regret not listening as much in school. This is great advice thanks so much!!

Danny2312

Sorry about that. I really don’t have many qualifications except the normal ones like maths English and science. I’ve got some experience as a bartender as that’s my job right now but I doubt that would help. I’m a photographer on the side but I don’t have qualifications and it’s more of a hobby rather than a job. That’s about it really

Noorah101

Well, a US degree helps get your foot in the door with US companies who might want to sponsor you for a work visa. It allows you to spend 4 years in the USA to build up your US contracts and network within your field.

Your ability to work is limited, though.

And who knows, you might decide to get married and file AOS (but that can't be your intent on an F-1 visa).

Rene

ian-mstm

Umm... in order to study in the US, you have to be in the US! We're not talking about online courses here!


If you're going to live in the US, you'll have to come to terms with the concept that it is very heavily driven by qualifications. If you don't have at least a 2-year Associate degree, you'll miss out on most jobs - and you'll need a Bachelor's degree to get any kind of good-paying job.

Ian