as I said, worry about the possibility of getting a visa before worrying yourself about the trivial stuff.
You can do all this research on the schools in Florida, but if a sposoring company wants you to work in Oregon, then the research does nothing.

A colleague here on H1B applied for GC ("Exceptional professor category") after being here for just 2 years (he may even have started the process earlier than 2 yrs), and was approved within 12 months. Now he's going through adjustment of status, which he expects tp take at least 2 yrs.

Not disagreeing with any earlier posts - just saying that there are so many different situations and cases that it's worth hiring an immigration specialist if you want to be sure about your own particular situation. Of course, hearing everyone's experiences on this board is always helpful, too.

When I applied for my first H1B I had been out of the UK for 13 yrs, and had no ties to anywhere except the US (had been here for 6 yrs as a student).

For my second H1B, I had been in the UK for only 12 months, no mortgage, no pensions, no mortgage, nada.

So in both situations, I could't have proved ties to the UK even if I had been asked to (which I'm pretty sure I wasn't - getting forgetful in old age).

You're right. Processing times can vary so much, and each case is different. You only have to look at the immigration boards to realise this. Seems nobody has a straight forward case!

Whens the best time to buy then..Obviously I don't want to buy while on the visa, but if you apply for GC at what stage is it safe to buy...ie Adjustment of status???..
I don't want to rent forever..the rental prices are as much as a mortgage.

Jesus Christ.............
get yourself a ****ing visa first.

worry about where you're gonna live when all your other ducks are in a row

Yup! I have to go along with that ...Waxrabbit come to mind at this time..

Is there any need for that??????

I'm trying to plan ahead and make sure that i know what i'm doing..

I don't want to work anywhere, i want to work in Florida, so i need to sort things out there, like schools, rentals etc...

If you haven't got useful to say, then don't say anything.

Unlike you, I don't already live in the US, i'm finding a lot of it confussing.

Yeah because people can pick and choose where they live on a h1 visa. comapnies are just giving them away like confetti.
You are living in la la land.

correct me if i'm wrong ( i'm sure you will )

If a company in Sarasota offers me a job with sponsorship, then i'm hardly to go live in new york...

i'm wanting to live and work in Florida....thats the area that i'm targeting....NOT anywhere else.

Have fun living in Yorkshire then

If I can't get work in Florida then I will...

Thanks for all your help Mouth1976....oops sorry manc1976

Well you better get moving then..All available H-1B will be allocated by March if not sooner...

well someone here has to drag you into the real world.

I'm trying...

All I wanted was information about the whole process..

Didn't want to get into a slagging match.