Shaun77

Hi Guys

I've been reading as much as I can on immigration etc but figured advice from people that have made the move is the way forward.

I'm looking to purchase a holiday home in North Carolina fairly soon. I'll be paying cash so will own outright. Eventually I want to make a permanent move with my wife and 3 children.
We would have a 6 figure number in the bank (just) and I'd be looking to work for one of Charlottes largest roofing companies.
I was offered a job a while ago but couldn't accept at the time.
I'm just s humble roofer in the UK that has a specialist set of skills that could be put to good use in the USA.
My wife has a first cousin and a God mother that are U.S. Citizens if that helps?
What are my chances of success?

Thank you

Shaun

Noorah101

Read our Wiki article called "Pulaski's Ways.." That will give you all the possible ways to the USA. When you were previously offered a job, do you know what visa your employer was going to petition you for? Honestly, roofing does not sound like the kind of job that typically gets you a work visa.

If you have enough money, you could do an investment visa, but if the figure you mentioned as being "just" 6 figures (meaning just about $100K), that may or may not be enough.

Your wife's relatives are not able to help, since only immediate family would be able to petition for a family-based visa.

Personally I would NOT purchase a home in the USA until you know if you can immigrate.

Rene

Noorah101

If you end up getting an offer from Charlotte's biggest roofing company, your first question will be, "which visa will you be petitioning for?"

Rene

Noorah101

Since you say you've done a some extensive research already, what have you found out so far?

Rene

Shaun77

Hi Rene

I'd be looking at a skilled worker visa but that seems to be for doctors, teachers etc. I'm here for help and advise.

Noorah101

I'm not sure which visa is the "skilled worker" visa, do you know the actual visa number?

There is H1B, but that's not for a skilled trade; that's for someone with a professional degree, applying for a job which requires a degree.

Then there is an H2 visa, but that's for seasonal work, such as summer camp or working at a ski resort.

There is a J-1 visa, but that also does not apply to roofers.

I can't think of a work visa which will apply to your job as a roofer.

As I said, if you have enough money, you could look into an investment visa...but if $100K is the amount you'll have in the bank, most likely it is not enough for buying a business AND living on in the USA for a family of 5.

The cost of health insurance alone for a family of 5 is going to be outrageous.

Once you've read the Pulaski's Ways article, and narrowed down your options, come on back and discuss.

Rene

scrubbedexpat099

The Employer sponsors work visa's, EB3?, it is up them/their Lawyer.

Majority of the biz is Asphalt Shingle and it helps to know Spanish.

scrubbedexpat099

A large company will have health insurance.

Noorah101

Yes, true. I should have clarified that I meant for a non-employer sponsored visa.

Rene

Shaun77

I looked into the E2 visa. Some say it's a $500,000 investment and employment for 10 Americans, others say it can be as little as $75,000 and employment for 2 Americans.

Noorah101

You know E-2 does not lead to a green card, right?

How old are your kids?

Rene

scrubbedexpat099

That would depend on the business you are looking at.

Shaun77

No I didn't know that. Was told it did. My kids are 2-3 and 9.

Noorah101

It does not lead directly to a green card. If, during your E-2 stay, you find an employer willing to sponsor a work visa, then the employer can petition for your green card. But as I said, roofing does not lend itself to an employer-sponsored work visa.

At least the kids are young enough that they won't age out during your E-2 stay.

Rene

scrubbedexpat099

They age out a 21 so have to leave or find their own way, usually through marriage or going to Uni and a work visa.