oreo_kid_69

hi there,,i live in UK all my life...i am 23. I met my girlfriend online 8 months ago. she lives in texas. i went to visit in oct, and she is coming in jan. the thing is....soon, i might wanna move out there. can someone basically tell me what this involves. i know some things, and from what i've senn, it takes some time and a lot of effort. would it be easier for her to come here??
any help at all would be greatly appreciated.....thanks
dave

Pulaski

If you are prepared to get married, or commit to getting married within 90 days of arriving in the USA, then option (i) is for you, if not you are left with the options every other would-be immigrant else is stuck with - as a British citizen, the only realistic options you have are (ii) or (iii) in my list below, and neither is easy.

It is barely any easier for you girlfriend to go to the UK, though if she is eligible for a visa then the process is actually much quicker than for you to get a visa to come to the US. It typically takes a minimum of four-five months, and sometimes longer, for the US embassy in London to issue a marriage or fiancé's visa.

I hope this helps.

Pulaski

=====================================

There are basically six ways (seven if you have a close relative who is a USC and is willing to sponsor you) that you can get a visa to live and work in the US:

(i) Marriage (or engagement in anticipation of marriage) to a US citizen.
(ii) You have skills that are in short supply in the US e.g. IT, scientific or medical training. (The list of qualifying occupations is actually quite long, but visas are very limited for 2004 going forward, making it a difficult route to follow, and you have to have the backing of an employer, which isn't easy as employers are likely to take a local employee before going to the trouble and expense of helping an immigrant obtain a visa.)
(iii) You have an employer who is willing to transfer you - but even the employer has to make a good case for you - so you have to be a manager unless you fall under category (ii), above.
(iv) get a greencard in the diversity lottery (UK citizens, except N.Ireland are not eligible)
(v) You own a business (does not get you permanent resident status i.e. no greencard)
(vi) You are an "investor" i.e. you have at least US$1m in assets to bring with you.

oreo_kid_69

thankyou very much for the response...very informative....looks like marriage is the best option!!!!!

Pulaski

You're welcome, and good luck with what ever you decide to do!