Thinking of moving to America
Jan 28th 2007, 9:36 pm
#1
Banned
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 86
Thinking of moving to America
Hello - this is my first post. I have been thinking of moving to America ever since my sister became a US citizen thanks to her American husband. She is in the process of sponsoring my Mum in right now for her greencard who lives with them. They live in Massachusetts and they just love it over there. My sister says the lifestyle is much better than in the UK and the people are friendlier. In general, they both make out that living in America is pretty much the best life you can want to have. I am planning a trip over to see them this summer, but I was wanting to know the opinions of people who have made the move and how they really like it.
Jan 28th 2007, 9:43 pm
#2
Septic Sprout
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 7,993
Re: Thinking of moving to America
Hello - this is my first post. I have been thinking of moving to America ever since my sister became a US citizen thanks to her American husband. She is in the process of sponsoring my Mum in right now for her greencard who lives with them. They live in Massachusetts and they just love it over there. My sister says the lifestyle is much better than in the UK and the people are friendlier. In general, they both make out that living in America is pretty much the best life you can want to have. I am planning a trip over to see them this summer, but I was wanting to know the opinions of people who have made the move and how they really like it.
Jan 28th 2007, 9:51 pm
#4
Maño-Americano
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: In the heart of the Ozarks
Posts: 10,216
Re: Thinking of moving to America
Hello - this is my first post. I have been thinking of moving to America ever since my sister became a US citizen thanks to her American husband. She is in the process of sponsoring my Mum in right now for her greencard who lives with them. They live in Massachusetts and they just love it over there. My sister says the lifestyle is much better than in the UK and the people are friendlier. In general, they both make out that living in America is pretty much the best life you can want to have. I am planning a trip over to see them this summer, but I was wanting to know the opinions of people who have made the move and how they really like it.
I suggest you do some research in exactly how (what visa) you will qualify for. And prepare to be savagely attacked.
Jan 28th 2007, 9:57 pm
#5
Banned
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 86
Re: Thinking of moving to America
My mum said she spoke to an immigration solicitor in the USA who said that once my mum receives her greencard, she can sponsor me in because I am an unmarried child. Who is going to attack me???
Jan 28th 2007, 10:05 pm
#7
MODERATOR
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Hong Kong, mostly.
Posts: 5,214
Re: Thinking of moving to America
Hi,
The streets aren't paved with gold, money doesn't grow on trees, and women don't faint at the sound of your accent (well, most don't). So with those mispercetions out of the way, I think my response would be welcome and be ready to go home.
I've lived in five different countries now and I can tell you I loved them all and hated them all. There are times when America (where I'm was born) drives me nuts and bores me to death, and then there times I can't wait to get back. London, where I work on and off and grew up in, is both a home and a place I can't stand--sometimes during the same week.
I think my point is a change of location will have a major impact on your happiness, but it isn't all that there is. What is it that you want to do in America? Why is the US a better place to do that than the UK? What are you going to miss back home? These are things only you can answer.
There will be times in the US when you'll cuss and swear and moan (just read some of the posts on this site) and there will be times you wonder why everyone doesn't move over here. The same is true for Americans who go to the UK--the expat messageboards for them are a virtual 'echo' of some of the complaints that you read about here, and some of the praises as well. A lot of it has to do with people's expectations in their head not matching the reality they end up facing.
So I think you have to get a really good feel for the place before deciding is this a place I want to live. Come over for a few months, not just a short trip. Rent a car and visit a few different regions (not just states, but regions like the Midwest, South, West Coast, etc). When you live as a tourist (hotels, restaurants) you don't get the same view as a person paying property taxes and trying to find some decent food in a grocery. You've got an advantage over most of those who post "I want to come to America" as your family can easy the visa process so I'd use you time to really check it out before your final decision.
Give it a try--only after some time here will you really know if it is something you want to do long term.
The streets aren't paved with gold, money doesn't grow on trees, and women don't faint at the sound of your accent (well, most don't). So with those mispercetions out of the way, I think my response would be welcome and be ready to go home.
I've lived in five different countries now and I can tell you I loved them all and hated them all. There are times when America (where I'm was born) drives me nuts and bores me to death, and then there times I can't wait to get back. London, where I work on and off and grew up in, is both a home and a place I can't stand--sometimes during the same week.
I think my point is a change of location will have a major impact on your happiness, but it isn't all that there is. What is it that you want to do in America? Why is the US a better place to do that than the UK? What are you going to miss back home? These are things only you can answer.
There will be times in the US when you'll cuss and swear and moan (just read some of the posts on this site) and there will be times you wonder why everyone doesn't move over here. The same is true for Americans who go to the UK--the expat messageboards for them are a virtual 'echo' of some of the complaints that you read about here, and some of the praises as well. A lot of it has to do with people's expectations in their head not matching the reality they end up facing.
So I think you have to get a really good feel for the place before deciding is this a place I want to live. Come over for a few months, not just a short trip. Rent a car and visit a few different regions (not just states, but regions like the Midwest, South, West Coast, etc). When you live as a tourist (hotels, restaurants) you don't get the same view as a person paying property taxes and trying to find some decent food in a grocery. You've got an advantage over most of those who post "I want to come to America" as your family can easy the visa process so I'd use you time to really check it out before your final decision.
Give it a try--only after some time here will you really know if it is something you want to do long term.
Jan 28th 2007, 10:20 pm
#8
Maño-Americano
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: In the heart of the Ozarks
Posts: 10,216
Re: Thinking of moving to America
Are you by chance thinking of moving to the Orlando FL area?? Disney is so nice this time of year...
Jan 28th 2007, 10:21 pm
#9
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Mother Land.
Posts: 14,858
it's certainly by no means all sun shine and lolly pops you know, at least your Mum like's it.
Jan 28th 2007, 10:25 pm
#10
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: EK to DFW
Posts: 1,725
Re: Thinking of moving to America
Hi,
The streets aren't paved with gold, money doesn't grow on trees, and women don't faint at the sound of your accent (well, most don't). So with those mispercetions out of the way, I think my response would be welcome and be ready to go home.
I've lived in five different countries now and I can tell you I loved them all and hated them all. There are times when America (where I'm was born) drives me nuts and bores me to death, and then there times I can't wait to get back. London, where I work on and off and grew up in, is both a home and a place I can't stand--sometimes during the same week.
I think my point is a change of location will have a major impact on your happiness, but it isn't all that there is. What is it that you want to do in America? Why is the US a better place to do that than the UK? What are you going to miss back home? These are things only you can answer.
There will be times in the US when you'll cuss and swear and moan (just read some of the posts on this site) and there will be times you wonder why everyone doesn't move over here. The same is true for Americans who go to the UK--the expat messageboards for them are a virtual 'echo' of some of the complaints that you read about here, and some of the praises as well. A lot of it has to do with people's expectations in their head not matching the reality they end up facing.
So I think you have to get a really good feel for the place before deciding is this a place I want to live. Come over for a few months, not just a short trip. Rent a car and visit a few different regions (not just states, but regions like the Midwest, South, West Coast, etc). When you live as a tourist (hotels, restaurants) you don't get the same view as a person paying property taxes and trying to find some decent food in a grocery. You've got an advantage over most of those who post "I want to come to America" as your family can easy the visa process so I'd use you time to really check it out before your final decision.
Give it a try--only after some time here will you really know if it is something you want to do long term.
The streets aren't paved with gold, money doesn't grow on trees, and women don't faint at the sound of your accent (well, most don't). So with those mispercetions out of the way, I think my response would be welcome and be ready to go home.
I've lived in five different countries now and I can tell you I loved them all and hated them all. There are times when America (where I'm was born) drives me nuts and bores me to death, and then there times I can't wait to get back. London, where I work on and off and grew up in, is both a home and a place I can't stand--sometimes during the same week.
I think my point is a change of location will have a major impact on your happiness, but it isn't all that there is. What is it that you want to do in America? Why is the US a better place to do that than the UK? What are you going to miss back home? These are things only you can answer.
There will be times in the US when you'll cuss and swear and moan (just read some of the posts on this site) and there will be times you wonder why everyone doesn't move over here. The same is true for Americans who go to the UK--the expat messageboards for them are a virtual 'echo' of some of the complaints that you read about here, and some of the praises as well. A lot of it has to do with people's expectations in their head not matching the reality they end up facing.
So I think you have to get a really good feel for the place before deciding is this a place I want to live. Come over for a few months, not just a short trip. Rent a car and visit a few different regions (not just states, but regions like the Midwest, South, West Coast, etc). When you live as a tourist (hotels, restaurants) you don't get the same view as a person paying property taxes and trying to find some decent food in a grocery. You've got an advantage over most of those who post "I want to come to America" as your family can easy the visa process so I'd use you time to really check it out before your final decision.
Give it a try--only after some time here will you really know if it is something you want to do long term.
Jan 28th 2007, 10:27 pm
#11
Greatly Missed. RIP
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Middle of the Mountains
Posts: 3,521
Re: Thinking of moving to America
Hello and welcome, enjoy your trip in the summer 
Jan 28th 2007, 10:37 pm
#13
Account Closed
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,196
Re: Thinking of moving to America
Hello - this is my first post. I have been thinking of moving to America ever since my sister became a US citizen thanks to her American husband. She is in the process of sponsoring my Mum in right now for her greencard who lives with them. They live in Massachusetts and they just love it over there. My sister says the lifestyle is much better than in the UK and the people are friendlier. In general, they both make out that living in America is pretty much the best life you can want to have. I am planning a trip over to see them this summer, but I was wanting to know the opinions of people who have made the move and how they really like it.
If you don't mind the question..........how old are you?
No offence.......it makes a difference.
Jan 28th 2007, 10:48 pm
#14
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Re: Thinking of moving to America
Do you realize how long this will take ...
latest bulletin ..
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bu...etin_3111.html
latest bulletin ..
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bu...etin_3111.html
Jan 28th 2007, 10:51 pm
#15
Arrogant ****
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Plano, TX
Posts: 4,323
Re: Thinking of moving to America
I'm confused. How is your mother living with your sister and her husband in the US if she doesn't have her Green Card?