Hi everyone, After many trips to the US we have decided that we would like to move there full time. However, I'm doubtful that there is even a possibility of us being accepted on an immigration visa.

My parents and I all want to move there together and whilst we don't mind one 'group' being approved a few months ahead of the other we don't want it to be a situation where for example my parents are accepted and I have to wait 5 years until I can move over.

So basics are we are all debt free, have clean police records, Australian citizens (spent many years in the UK but never took out citizenship) etc.

My dad has recently retired, my mum works as a nurse and would plan to for about 5 years after moving to the states if accepted. They would buy a house in the US upon immigration and be taking over about $900k AUD with them to buy a house/cars/furniture plus have an additional $2500AUD per week as a superannuation payment for the rest of their lives. Ie they aren't going to be relying on the govt at any point.

I am a real estate agent, over 18 so not dependant , don't have a university degree because I dropped out to become a RE agent, I would need to work (even if it's in a different area to real estate) if we immigrated. I have savings and no debt but nothing enough to be starting a major corporation there (yet!) however I would possibly start a business.

So other than becoming a mail order bride or praying that all of us miraculously win the green card lottery in the same year, is there any way possible that we can get an immigration visa?

US immigration ain't Burger King -- you can't have it your way.

Your parents have enough dosh to buy a GC. They'll be bankrupt after their first illness, though.

If you're unmarried and under 21, then you can join them on the same ticket. Beyond that, your prospects are bleak.

Read http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Pulaski_Simplified and http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Pulask...ork_in_the_USA. If any of that applies to you then you may be able to.

Can't australians get the E-3? I know little to nothing about it, but I've seen it mentioned.

I believe that visa is a non-immigrant employment visa and the OP was asking about her family immigrating. Also, her father is already retired, and her mother wants to retire in 5 years.....

I was going by the assumption that the OP will figure out shortly that getting the whole family over in one go (if at all) is going to be difficult.

The E-3 is non-immigrant, but is dual intent I believe. She joked about the mail order bride concept, but with a foot in the door things may happen

All pie in the sky, but as likely (or unlikely) as any other option available.

My path was J1>H-1B>Greencard(marriage)>US citizenship. And I could sponsor family members now if I wanted

Not sure how a real estate agent with no university degree would qualify for an E3.

In another thread she says "We are permanent resident's so don't have any Visa worries, late 20's, no children..." which leads me to believe that her prospects are bleak and getting worse. I'm not sure who "we" are, but it sounds as though she's already hitched.

Ian

The US is no place to retire if you have not been living here previously. Also no mention (so presumably no consideration) of health insurance. That's a biggy.

What's wrong with just visiting on a regular basis? It would cause a lot less grief in the long run.

I have to concur with all the responses here on board to the OP´s questions.
Without being mean or sarcastic, it is none the less quite amazing how so many people seem to be living in a kind of dream world when it comes to the concept of emigrating to the US.
Yes, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, etc, etc, but don´t people ever watch the news regarding the state of the US economy?
A few Hollywood movies and a vacation now and then to California, Florida or New York is something distinctly different to actually living in the United States.
Sorry for perhaps sounding cynical, but I can´t help thinking out loud....

Thanks so far everyone, Health insurance is the major factor in the decision and we were looking at all the aspects. We are just at the beginning stage, if it works out that problems like health insurance, finding work etc are too great then we will just stay here and go to the US regularly. Basically just getting all the information at the moment, and I know the scenario of same sh*t different bucket.

The post that you have found actually refers to my and my ex-partner. He is a permanent resident, I am a citizen. My parents were not involved in that question. The reason why I said WE are permanent residents is because it is just easier to say that when I can move about anywhere in Australia that he can move, plus it's just easier to type. Also I said we are late 20's when HE was actually 29 and I am more mid 20's but it was just easier to generalize than give each individual situation. Anyway he is gone from the situation and We were never married, leaving the options of mail order bride open joint house is sold leaving me with half the house value and the option to do whatever I want reliant on visas

If you are over 21, you will need your own visa, independent of your parents, in order to immigrate to the USA.

Rene