jamiemac123

Hello everyone,
first time poster, I had a look around but couldn't see if anyone had asked this question before but even then I am not too hopeful for a positive response to this.
anyway, I am considering a permanent move to Florida. I am 21 years old and I am an officer in the merchant navy, basically I can still keep my current job but live anywhere, so I wouldn't be taking any locals jobs and would be paying into the US economy, sounds like a win win for them.
So my question really is whether there is a VISA in existence which allows someone to live in the US with no intention of working?
I have heard about a 6 month VISA where you can leave the country for a day and then return to renew the VISA for another 6 months, which would be ideal since I work 3 months away then 3 months at home, is there any truth to this?
Thanks for any help!

sir_eccles

Probably not possible.

Look into the C-1/D visa but I don't think you're really meant to use if to live here permanently.

Noorah101

If you have enough money, you can get an investment visa, and just be a passive voice in the business, not doing the daily hands-on work. Essentially it means "buying" a green card.

Rene

Noorah101

By "6 month visa" are you talking about a B-2 visitors visa? If so, that's not how it works.

Rene

SanDiegogirl

The OP is probably thinking about the B1/2 visa which allows UP TO 6 months in the US in any 12 month period.

Frequently used by snow birders and people over 50 or 60 where they want a place in the sun for a few months.

However the OP is only 21 so he won't be able to get this due to his age and the fact he is eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. Also, you can't just leave for a day and then return to the US - so again, not what he is looking for.

Basically there is no visa to allow you to "live" in the US without working - apart from marrying a US citizen or investing.

Pulaski

Non-immigrant visas such as B-1/2, F-1, and others require that you maintain a permanent home outside the US.

Someone last year came looking for the same sort of deal who worked as aircrew, looking to "live" in the US when not working in the Middle East. I think another with a similar non-viable plan included an off-shore diver working in the North Sea.

Hypothetically anyone who even tried this would create a huge tax mess as they would quickly, if not immediately, become liable for US income and social security taxes, but not have a SSN to use for paying taxes and SocSec taxes.

ian-mstm

Many visas allow you to live in the US. Most of those allow you to also work, but you certainly don't have to if you don't want to. However, from what you've written, you're not actually eligible for any of them. Bottom line: in your current situation this simply isn't going to happen for you

By the way, VISA is a registered trade mark for a credit card company.

Ian

S Folinsky

I see a problem with terminology. OP's request strikes me as perhaps similar to a Canadian "snowbird" case. I would not be optimistic about success and it does not strike me as totally OTL.

Ducking from the DIY ethos in these here parts -- a legal consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer might be in order.

scrubbedexpat099

Itin?

Pulaski

A solution to the least of their problems.

AdsUK

Not ideal, but if you want 3 months in the US and then 3 months working away, surely the VWP would satisfy with 90 days as a bit of a compromise, even though you'd have to show at some point how you afford these 90 day "holidays".

Not a long term solution by any stretch but perhaps an option to spend some decent time in the US.

scrubbedexpat099

Multiple 90 days will end in tears.

scrubbedexpat099

True, only bit I could answer.

Pulaski

Forcibly estranged from your "home".