ian-mstm

The person lied to you... likely deliberately. So, it's good that you found your way to this forum. We won't sugar-coat things for you, and you'll get solid, honest, and realistic information. Unlike these so-called immigration experts, almost all of us have actually emigrated to the US and are aware of the many pitfalls you might encounter.


This should be your first clue that all they're after is your money. Avoid them at all costs (pun intended)!

Generally, there are 3 routes to the US: family-based; employment-based; and investment-based. You have the link to Pulaski's Wiki entry... read it, thoroughly - including the embedded links.

I'll be honest with you - from what you've written, you aren't likely to get to the US as anything other than a visitor. I'm not saying it can't be done (because a lot of people do make a successful go of it), but it's likely to be a long-term project... about 8-10 years perhaps.

Ian

Redwing

As one who has spent several years in the construction industry, I would say you have hit it pretty much spot on .

OLLIEUS

How did you get into the construction industry to start with is there any possibility for me like I said I'm willing to start at the bottom and learn but seems getting there is the problem we have enough funds to help us on our way knowing that a wage isn't going to be strong to start with as a long process

yellowroom

Your difficulty is that any job based visa depends on the employer applying for your visa for you. And why would they spend thousands of $$$ to bring over a Brit when there are plenty of locals with the skills they need? And that assumes there is a visa that covers your profession, which unfortunately there isn't at the moment.

You sound very enthusiastic, and you have some good skills so I would say - WHY the US, what is it that attracts you and can you find that a bit closer to home? You can still visit the US whenever you like.

Pulaski

It all comes back to the visa issue - if you have no route to a visa, everything else is moot. Sorry.

Rete

Can't speak for the rest of the US but here in the NYC area, most construction workers are members of a union. I live in a neighborhood which is populated by both legal and illegal Irish immigrants. Most of these men and women work in construction. They either own their own businesses in carpentry, remodeling, flooring, electrical, plumbing, etc. or work in the industry where they are 'protected' by their fellow workers and their illegal status hidden. There are two immigration centers setup to assist Irish immigrants here in this area as those the local Catholic Church.

Does either you or your wife have another citizenship that qualifies for the entry into the US lottery system for an immigration visa? If so, that is a possibility.

OLLIEUS

No unfortunately not we are both British citizens my wife is Catholic though not that I think that will help

Rete

It was a thought. Many people on these forums have dual citizenships. Thought perhaps one of you might have ancestry in Ireland or some other country in Europe that you can claim citizenship to for the Lottery.

Pulaski

For the purpose of the green card (diversity) lottery, "ancestry" is irrelevant, as is which passport(s) you hold. The sole criterion which determines eligibility for the green card lottery is where you were born.

OLLIEUS

Just out of interest why is the uk not included I n the lottery would this be something that could potentially change if Britain exit the EU ? Just a thought

christmasoompa

Being in or out of the EU wouldn't affect it, plenty of other EU countries are in the list of those eligible for the DV. It's because the UK sends enough people to the US via other means i.e. work visas etc.

In all honestly, I think you either need to look at retraining and getting further education as mentioned above, and look at it as a long term plan (perfectly feasible if you're determined), or consider somewhere easier such as the EU or elsewhere in the UK.

Good luck with it.

teejaydee

From Wikipedia: "Eligibility is determined by the applicant's country of birth. In some cases the applicant may use a parent's or spouse's country of birth instead."

These exceptions to the "country of birth" rule are shown in more detail on the following web page:

Country of Eligibility for the green card lottery

teejaydee

Without wishing to appear pedantic, Northern Ireland is included. The rest of the United Kingdom is not.

Redwing

I was initially hired here as a specialist in the glass industry, 38 years ago, although I am an engineer by profession. I started managing small projects for my company, then in the late 80s began managing larger construction projects until I retired a few years ago.

However, as others have said, your main problem will be getting a visa. Good luck to you.

scrubbedexpat099

I also worked in Construction for a company with a US presence, do not recollect anybody form the UK being moved to the US, it was quite common being sent elsewhere.