orchardcraig

Im really new to this but I really hope someone may be able to hep or offer advice! I go to Florida lots on holiday and I love the place so much im hoping to move over there. There is just so much that I love about the place I feel like a little bit of me has been leftbehind when I come home and im always pining for it.

The trouble is, im 29 and dont have the funds to invest in a business and am not university educated. I work as a Branch Manager for a recruitment company and really dont know where to begin. From what I have read it basically is only people that either have relations over there, have the money to invest in a business or are very well educated that can obtain Visas to live and work there.

Please please please can someone offer me some advice or help on where I shoud begin, I feel like im wasting my life in the UK and just want to start my life in the place that I love so much!

Noorah101

Read this sticky thread in the US Immigration Forum: http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=585898. Be sure to click the embedded links in that thread and read those, too.

But it sounds like you've done some research and you are realizing there are only limited ways you can immigrate to the USA.

Since you already say you don't qualify for any of those methods, what is it you want us to say/do? There ARE only limited ways into the USA. If you don't meet the criteria, you can only come as a visitor.

Or, make a long-term plan to further your education, or get a job with a UK company that has branches in the USA to get a transfer eventually, or somehow meet the love of your life in the USA (US citizen).

Rene

orchardcraig

Hey, thanks for the response.

I guess all I want to do is live an honest life in Florida along my same career path. I guess what I do is specialist in its own way but obviously im not educated to degree level or anything, but I do have 12 years experience of working in my industry.

I guess I sort of understand the "routes" to a visa but sort of hope theres some magical way of being able to prove im a normal hard working person who would be an asset to the US society but im realistic to know thats not true.

It would be really good to hear how others have worked there way towards a Visa and how they have done it other than throwing money at it but it seems like thats the only way thus far!

fatbrit

There are no hidden secrets in the info provided. You've done your homework and found there's nothing there for ya.

Many expats from the indusrialized world end up here in the US through happenstance rather than volition. Just the way it is.

ian-mstm

Most did what Rene suggested... they furthered their education, they managed to get employed by a company with a US branch, or they married a US citizen. They looked at moving to the US as a long-term goal... and then spent years reaching that goal.

Whatever else you do, don't give any money to a visa agency... unless you really want to throw money! Most are scams... even the ones that claim they aren't.

Ian

orchardcraig

Anybody got a daughter they want marrying off!?

Noorah101

You've been there lots on holidays, as you say. You need to work on your chat-up lines! (hey, did I say that the correct British way?)

Rene

p.s. - my immigrant husband got to the USA by marrying me, I'm a USC. But I don't have any daughters, sorry.

orchardcraig

Well youll just have to divorce him and marry me then wont you! I dont do chat up lines, just rght to the point!

Noorah101

Ah, smooth! LOL

lyonsden1193

You say you are working for a recruitment company.. but din't say which one... the reason I bring this up is certain recruitment companies are international... also have you tried networking with contacts in your industry to see if anyone can help you?? As far as finding a young lady... get off the tourist traps and you will find plenty of ladies that will swoon over an English accent..and then who knows.

Other than that ... Ian- mstn's answer stands as probably the best advice..beware the visa agencies!!.

orchardcraig

I work for an independant company so no international branches im afraid! Ive tried to make contact with other agencies in the states that would have an interest but I think its a bit of a vicious circle, they arent going to be interested if your not actually in the country and I suppose I can sympathise with this! As a recruiter myself if I got emails from someone seeking what I am, I have to admit id probably dismiss it! But I keep trying, you never know there might be a sympathetic brit in a recruitment agency that can help!

Its really frustrating, im just a normal young bloke whos done pretty well in my career and I suppose I just want to live that American dream and take my (yet to be produced) kids to little league on a Saturday and watch basketball games and go shopping in Publix and Walmart! I dont want to conquer the world, just want to live my life in a wonderful environment but am not fortunate enough to have the money to invest. I could perhaps go to University as im qualified to do so but then id have to give up a good portion of my career to make the time to do so and even then your not guaranteed entry!

I dont think I could just marry someone just for a Visa, dont think my girlfriend would approve!

Noorah101

I know it's frustrating, but you've just stated the main problem. The USA doesn't want "just a normal young bloke who does pretty well...", they want someone at the TOP of their field, with outstanding recommendations, etc. Most of the people who get in via being sponsored for a work visa, get head-hunted, not the other way around.

See, again...USA wants people who WANT to conquer the world, sort of.

Even visitors are not guaranteed entry. However, if you are accepted at a university, and have the money to cover your education here, then you're pretty much guaranteed entry. If this is a viable option for you, you should look into it. It will get you the higher education you need to be qualified for a work visa, you can do OPT after you finish your degree, and you can make tons of contacts in your field in hopes that a company will sponsor your work visa.

Besides which, it's illegal to marry specifically for an immigration benefit.

Rene

lyonsden1193

I'M sorry ... Wal mart!!

Jerseygirl

How is your girlfriend going to move to the US?

HumphreyC

Target is vastly superior