M101

Hi Everybody,

I'm a UK Citizen and my partner and I are at the very beginning stages of thinking of a move to the US.

My OH is in the entertainment industry and plans to go over on a O1 visa (pls excuse me if I get any of the numbers/letters mixed still getting my head around it all) in 2011 because of an increasing amount of work.

I've started to look at what visa I could apply for and thought I would seek some advice from "you guys in the know" as its rather confusing.

Rather depressingly, I think I am gonna find it very tough, as ideally I would like to work whilst I am out there so am not dependant on my OH, so appreciate any advice, tips you can offer.

- I unfortunately don't work for a big employer, who I can apply for a transfer with but I do work in an industry, which I believe in the states is known as Homeowner Associations and thereby employ Community Managers (in the UK Estate Managers) to look after developments and would like to continue my career in this field if possible.

- I have emailed a number of companies and society's in the US to find out the likelihood on whether companies would sponsor me and also what qualifications I would need to attain to become more employable and whether I should do this in the UK before applying for the visa etc.

- I am presuming that its unlikely this particular industry would be classed as a "skilled worker"?

- Am always open to learning, what opportunities are there for student visa'a?

- Does the US treat civil partnerships the same when applying for a spouse visa?

Thanks

M

Noorah101

Is the spouse of an O-1 visa holder not allowed work authorization?

You must be legally married in order to obtain a spouse visa. It must be a heterosexual marriage.

Rene

Marocco

The OP asks about civil partnerships, so it must be a same-sex couple. B2 as cohabiting partner is a possibility, but it doesn't allow one to work.

Noorah101

Thanks. I don't know anything about UK civil partnerships, I assumed it could be either same-sex or opposite-sex.

Rene

meauxna

Spouses, Children & Partners
Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal visa holder in the United States for the duration of his/her stay require derivative O-3 or P-4 visas. Spouses and/or children who do not intend to reside in the United States with the principal visa holder, but visit for vacations only, may be eligible to apply for visitor (B-2) visas, or if qualified, travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program .

More information for partners and common-law spouses .

Marocco

A "civil partnership" is the equivalent of marriage for a same-sex couple in the UK (except for the name).

ian-mstm

Sadly, the US does not recognize a same-sex relationship for immigration purposes - even if that relationship is considered legally equivalent to "married" in another country. If you want to work in the US, you're going to have to find an appropriate visa on your own. There is a B-2 cohabiting partner visa, but you wouldn't be able to work... although you would be able to remain together - well, more or less.

Ian

M101

Guys,

A big thanks for your responses, thats really helped a lot.

Unfortunately gone are the days where I can claim I am under 21 so its leaving me with a B-2 option but that is a real shame as I wouldn't want to be dependant on any one person.

Would it be possible to change from say a B-2 visa to a work sponsored visa once (fingers crossed) I am out there? or can you only ever be designated one type of visa?

I'm still researching into the work visa option, as I would have to take various exams to be compliant in the US and specifically California. But am still unsure whether the role is one that is in high demand or viewed as a skilled job.

Thanks again

M

scrubbedexpat099

The job would require a degree and you would need to have one in that area.

sangiano

No.

O-3 is every bit as much the "Visa from Hell" as the H-4 is.