Policemans_wife

Hi Guys,

New to this site so Hi to you all. My husband retires next year after 30 years in the police force and I wondered if anyone knows about jobs in the USA for people like us? We would love to move permanently but in the first instance a year would be great. Any hints or advice would be appreciated

Thank you,

Joan

fatbrit

I think you're missing a visa in your great plans.

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Pulaski_Simplified

Unless you can put some yeses in the above, the most you can realistically hope for is half the year in, half the year out.

Policemans_wife

Hi Fatbrit, thank you for the message. I am really new to all this and haven't really found out about visas and stuff. Do we have to find employment before the visa app or is it the other way round....?

Policemans_wife

Ok, just read the link you posted and yes, we can put some 'yeses' in there but only the financial and academic stuff, not the 'connection to someone who is a US citizen' parts. A half year in/half year out wouldn't be so bad, are you allowed to work under that arrangement?

fatbrit

Try this starter thread for B2 snowbirding issues:
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=658777

Silverdragon102

If you use a B2 then you can't work.

lifehouse51

U.S. immigration stuff can get pretty complex, but the bottom line is in general, you need to secure a job offer before you can apply for a working visa. The type of working visa you can go for depends on your job type and your citizenship status. Certain types of working visa can be easily applied throughout the year, vs. some have more restricted timeline. Some visa types have pretty low annual cap limits vs. others have more generous caps.

If you plan on visiting the U.S. not for work not for study, just for tourism, then the Visa Waiver Program is a good option if you're eligible. You can enter the U.S. 90 days a time, but there is not guarantee you will be admitted every time if your visits become too frequent. If you're not eligible for Visa Waiver, the B1/B2 Visitor Visa can be applied for at a U.S. consulate, allowing you to visit up to 6 months at a time.

chrisfromusa

Don't mean to hijack the thread but this is a relevant question, if you are eligible for VWP then you cannot apply for a tourist visa?

Bladerunner

You can apply, but they are rarely granted if you are of working age and from a VWP country.

But retirees or "snowbirds" are more likely to be granted a B2.

lifehouse51

If I were a consular officer, the biggest question I have will be WHY apply for a B1/B2 when you can use VWP. If that person indicates on the application that he/she's not eligible for VWP (Eg. Criminal conviction, prior visa denial, ESTA denied, etc), then it makes sense. But for someone who otherwise has no clear reason, it is a concern (Why does he/she wanna be in the U.S. for more than 90 days?)

chrisfromusa

Makes sense. I think the OP is out of luck moving here unless they can find a working visa that they can live here long-term as we have no retiree visa like other countries do