Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

Hi all
My wife and I love the states and have talked many times over the years about we could move / live there but honestly have no clue how to even start looking into it , Ive looked and so many web site and read so many posts at this point that my head is spinning
Any tips on how we could start the process would be gratefully received
Thank you

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

Welcome to BE.

Take a read through the following...if you fit into any of the categories you may be in with a chance. Please bear in mind the US is one of the most difficult countries for a Brit to move to.;)

Pulaski's Ways: How to Live and Work in the USA : British Expat Wiki

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

So that rules out one possibility. ....
Do you have an employer willing to move you, and job (technical/managerial) worth moving you for?

Do you have a technical, high skill job that is in short supply in the US and employers would cough up $10k in fees for a visa and wait 12-18 months for you to be ready to start. If you're in academia then the wait time would be cut to 2-3 months.

The only really likely other route is if you have, realistically, $200,000+ to invest in a business, and another $100,000 to get you started (rent, cars, shipping, appliances, etc.), and to provide a bit of a buffer. Bear in mind that many jobs and occupations in the US require a license and certification to be allowed to offer services to the public - in virtually all occupations, your UK qualifications are worthless.

That's the link that JerseyGirl posted a link to, in a nut shell. ... Read it and let us know if you have any questions, but in truth, the US is very hard for most people to immigrate to and most people will never come to the US as anything other than a visitor. .... So enjoy coming and spending time here because your 5-6 weeks annual holiday is 2-3 times what most Americans get!

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

I would also think long and hard about what it is you 'love' about the US. The things that most tourists love about here, are not a reality for those of us who live and work here. It's very easy to love a place that you have only seen as a tourist without the stresses of work, taxes, bills, repairs, politics, 'at-will' jobs, health care fiascos... If you really enjoy your holidays here, it might be best to keep this as your escape and let it always have the romance and mysticism of holidays. Enjoy the happy memories.

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

Hi and welcome,

The first thing, as people have mentioned, is that you need to find a legal way to live and work in the United States, otherwise this is nothing more than idle daydreaming. Unfortunately, finding a visa to the United States is incredibly difficult, one that derails probably about 99% of people who 'want to move to the USA' before they ever get started.

Take a look at the link provided and go through it with a fine tooth comb and see if there is anything that sounds even remotely possible, or something that you may be able to find a way to meet. It may take a few years of retraining or working for some other employer but it might be possible in the end if you can find the right path.

The second issue is more of a general 'warning' for lack of a better word. "The grass isn't always greener", "rose colored glasses", "be careful what you wish for" are some of the cliches that come to mind. I think I'd basically say that as an expat you eventually realize it's not necessarily "better or worse" but more often than not simply "different" -- life in the United States is necessarily better or worse than life where you live now, but it is 'different' and some of those differences you will like and some of them you will hate. It's hard to tell exactly given each person's wants and desires, but I think probably everyone here would caution you to be aware of these differences and to enter the expatriation process with a solid, realistic view of what you will encounter.

But that's a debate for another time, when the reality that confronts you right now is the first step. Please take a look a that link and see if you can find a way. If you can, or have any questions, we're happy to give you some guidance on timelines and processes and then help you start to answer some of the other questions that will come up.

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

Come on a visa for 6 months - rent a RV or drive and stay at hotels get it out of your system (possibly) that way. My suggestion may seem silly but in this global world it is really practical. You retain the benefits and practicalities of everyday life you have grown accustomed to in the UK and get to explore which imho is the root of most peoples desires to travel and live somewhere else.

Many others do it the other way having learnt the hard way - this site is littered with people who maintain a presence in the UK including myself. Money, is what usually precludes most of us thinking of exploring. When you consider the tangible and intangible costs of uprooting and moving overseas I suggest its not all plain sailing and you could easily finance an extended stay somewhere else rather than moving lock stock and barrel?

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

If Hathers and his wife are VWP eligible, and not yet retired, it is unlikely that they would be approved for B-1/B-2 visas.

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

Consider Canada if it looks like you're having difficulties moving to the US. The lifestyle in Canada is similar to the northern US which it borders. Later you may find an opportunity to move from Canada to the US e.g. through networking, an intra-company transfer or, if you become a Canadian citizen, you may be able to take advantage of the TN visa to work in the US (as long as NAFTA stays around). Much depends on your occupations though.

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

I don't think the O/P will be back....has only made one post....

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

He was browsing the forums today. :)

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

That hasn't been my experience, but it may depend where you live in Canada. It costs a lot to move to Canada, and it takes a long time to get citizenship, then there are no guarantees that you will get an opportunity to move to the US so I would prefer to put that time and energy into finding a better path to the US.

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

Hi all,
Thank you all for all the info and advice so far , it seems like we have a fair bit of work and research still to do if this is going to happen
We’ll keep digging as it were , hopefully we can find away

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

The other thing I’m struggling to get a clear answer on is the applying for green card situation as on can we apply apply for them at any point or do we need offers of employment first , I know that probably sounds silly but trying to find a clear answer isn’t easy
Thanks again

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

Again, you don't apply for the Green Card, that is also down to your employers., so you need to discuss it with them, once you have got a job and visa.

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

Right ok thank you , that does actually make sense

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

There isn't much digging to do. There are a few clear paths to being able to live in the USA. Either you qualify for one or you don't. I promise you there are no hidden tricks or secrets to coming here. For those that qualify, it's very easy to move here. For those that don't (and that is the majority of the world), it's pretty much impossible. It's quite black and white.

In short, to be able to live and work in the USA you must either:
- be married to or about to be married to a USC
- be married to a green card holder
- be an immediate relative (parent, child, sibling) of a USC - aunts, uncles, cousins, best friends don't count
- be an unmarried child of a green card holder
- have a healthy 6-figure sum to invest and more to fall back on
- work for a company that has offices in the USA that is prepared to transfer you
- work in a job that requires a degree and be fortunate enough to find a company prepared to sponsor you and be in the 25% of hopefuls that are selected for visa approval (the other 75% are rejected purely based on not enough visas being available). Your spouse would not be able to work.
- you may be eligible for the diversity visa (aka green card lottery). Those born in England, Scotland and Wales are not eligible but Northern Ireland is. If either you or your spouse was not born in England. Scotland or Wales then you may be eligible.
- there are a few very specialist categories - religious workers, extraordinary ability, refugees, that likely don't apply to you.

It looks like marriage, family and investment are out. So either you win the euro millions or you need to get a degree (if you don't have one) and work in that field or work for a company in the U.K. that will transfer you.

Think of it as a 10-year or 15-year plan.

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

If you can give people some more info about your situation (i.e. what you both do as jobs, what your highest education level is, whether you work for multinational companies, any US citizen relatives, etc) then they can help you figure out a possible visa route if there is one.

Good luck.

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

Thank you I just didn’t want to overwhelm or annoy anyone

I’m a civil servant working for the department for working pensions , I’m a case manager who handles pulblic benefit cases and decisions , I have a degree in CIPD which covers both HR and Training

My wife is an office and facilities manager for a large global solicitors She is currently updating and adding to her facilities education levels by working on a higher level degree

We have no children and don’t currentky have a mortgage , I have spent a some time living in San Diego many years ago and have friends there 1 whom emigrated himself from the UK 16 years ago

Both me and my wife have always loved the American way of life and I personally have always felt more comfortable there as a person if that makes sense

We have talked about making the move many times but now feel it’s time to really start looking into it

I’m 41 and my wife is 39 if that makes any difference

Again thank you all for the advice

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

You won't do that at all, that's what the forum is here for.

I'm sure the forum pros will be along to help you work out if there is a visa that may be suitable later on.

Best of luck.

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

Perhaps one avenue could be for your wife to get a transfer to the USA through her employer.

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

Ah if only it was that straight forward , the 1 country they don’t currently have an office is the states

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

Then you need to go back to the Pulaskis Ways link you were given earlier in the thread and see if another viable route is open to you.

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

Well family/marriage is not an option, and the jobs route seems like a non-starter to me, primarily for reasons of the occupation, not employer - I don't either Hathers or Mrs Hathers has the sort of job that an employer would move someone internationally for.

So that leaves self employment/ "investment", such as an E-2, and it has to be an active business, it can't just be a load of rental homes. Some people have managed to wing-it with a landscaping or pool maintenance business, but the economics are dubious in most cases, or you could buy a hotel or petrol station, but you would need a seven figure loan from a bank to add to your investment, for anything more than a small guest house or an off-the-beaten-track petrol station.

Of course Hathers could just buy a green card for $560,000 (including fees), but that would mean either investing in an under-developed part of the US, or trusting his money to a shark to invest it for him. But barring a fraud, of which there have been several, or a poorly performing investment, he would get his money back, .... eventually.

Beyond that, you're looking at niche visas, like "religious worker", or "sports professional".

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

Hathers,

How did you manage to live in San Diego many years ago? What visa did you have back then?

Rene

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

If your wife works in FM l would seriously suggest seeking a job with either another law firm that does have US offices (and lots do) or an alternative firm that does (try insurance). Personally l would stick with a mid sized firm where there is greater chance of influencing CEO level and therefore getting the chance of the move but still large enough that the cost of the move wouldn't be an issue.
Obviously this isn't an instant solution however it is realistic and could be achieved relatively quickly (3 yrs ish)
In the meantime I would suggest trying to get some pieces published in FM World (it is the BIFM's publication) and perhaps researching on areas that maybe of use in the US where Europe is leading, sustainability and Environmental impact springs to mind. Additionally she could look into fm project management, this might expose her to different employees and offices and increase the chances of influencing a move.
The US is the home of FM so what she does is well respected here and l hope that somehow helps.
Good luck with your plans.

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

I worked in Insurance and in the area that dealt internationally and it is extreme rare for anyone to be transferred to the US for very good reasons that I do not need to go into.

A friend's wife is a HR Director and was asked to move to the US, they did not actually go.

They have a condo in Florida and visit.

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

Not my experience with insurance which is why l mentioned it but it gives the OP and wife something to consider.

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

Thank you all
You’ve reslly given us some ideas of what to do next

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

I agree. I have worked in two different industry seconds, both with many international connections, and relocating internationally was very rare in both of them. At best, a few people got a couple of years overseas, to gain experience, but then they were expected to go home and be a resource for international cooperation. One way tickets were like hens teeth.

So while we frequently glibly say "get your employer to transfer you", the reality is that for most people in most occupations, getting a visa would be the easy part, the problem is that your employer has no intention of relocating you!

FWIW I negotiated my own transfer once upon a time from London to my employer's affiliate in Chicago. My department head in London was supportive. The senior manager I would be reporting to in Chicago was supportive. My "toe in the water" visit went well. .... Then HR put the kibosh on it. The deal crashed to a halt. ..... And I didn't even NEED a visa! I believe that HR didn't know that I didn't need a visa, but by the time I found out, the deal had already crashed and burned. :(

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

I was wondering the same. And whether the same path could be walked again.

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

Well he is currently 41 years old, and my guess would be that "many years ago" was at least 20 years ago, and probably more than 23 years ago. :unsure:

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

I was there staying with my friends I didn’t work it was an extended vacation , I was there around 8 weeks so living may have not been the best use of words in terms of my stay , sorry if I confused
It was more of a mini career break from the UK and a chance to spend some extended holiday time with friends , I know in the grand scheme of things 8 weeks isn’t long at all but it give me a chance to get to know the city and make some friends

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

Have you managed to identify a suitable visa option from the Pulaski's Ways link yet?

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

Not as of yet been kinda busy with work stuff , we will be looking into over the weekend

Thanks for all the advice and info guys , it’s been really helpful

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

Oh, OK. So visiting. Not living. Thanks for clarifying.

Rene

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

By that definition of "living" I have "lived" in about 20 countries.

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

I think this has been resolved...the OP realizes he was visiting not living.

Now...moving on...

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

I suggested a move to Canada *if* the OP is having difficulties getting into the US. Yes, waiting to become a citizen of Canada to take advantage of the TN visa would be part of a long term plan to get into the US (assuming NAFTA is still around). And I did say that much depends on your occupation. I work in IT and my wife is a nurse - we've never had any problems moving around and finding jobs in the UK, Canada and the US. People in some other occupations might find it harder.

However, you don't actually have to wait to become a Canadian citizen to then move to the US - you can be looking for jobs in the US while living in Canada on a work permit or as a PR. Being in Canada makes it easier to travel to the US for interviews etc. And you could find a job in a company in Canada that has also offices in the US (making the L1 visa a possibility).

Just a suggestion to consider. It's not for everyone.

Re: Moving from the UK to America , how can it be done ???
 

It's too bad that British citizens don't have an equivalent of the E-3.