Homosexuals and America
#16
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Originally Posted by NJ_Dave
If you are talking about a H1B work visa, which is implied by your scientific degree, you can't just apply for one. You have to find a US company to sponsor your visa before you apply. There is an annual cap of 65,000 H1B visas, a lot of which go to people in IT. Finding a sponsoring company is usually pretty difficult, bearing in mind you will be a new graduate up against people with higher degrees or experience in the industry. Best bet: your partner moves to the UK, which does recognise same-sex partnerships.
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#17
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Originally Posted by anotherlimey
America isn't quite as liberal as Europe; I know at least a dozen people who think homosexuals will be the downfall of the US and should all go to hell.
I'm sure there are a fair number of Europeans that think that too though.
I'm sure there are a fair number of Europeans that think that too though.
Yeah, people like this guy the 'Rev' Fred Phelps....http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rev._Fred_Phelps who spout a load of bollocks in the name of God, and feel compelled to force their views on everyone else
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Welcome to the site Joshua, all the best on whatever route you decide to take.
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#18
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Originally Posted by joshuauaua
Hi everyone
I am intending on marrying my partner whom lives in the USA. I am a student in the city of Oxford, and am intending to move over to the States as soon as my degree finishes. I just have a few issues:
1) As i'm gay will it make a difference gaining citizenship?
2) Being under 21 (obivously young for marriage), will this lead to more unforeseen problems?
3) I found this information on this website: Marriage or engagement in anticipation of marriage to a US citizen. Immigrant or dual-intent visa. Search for: K1, K3, direct consular filing (DCF), I-130 petition, adjustment of status (AOS). I presume this is all that is needed to gain citizenship?
As you may have gathered, I have been a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information, and would be awfully grateful if someone could just give me a step by step on what i need to do and consider!
Thanks anyway, Joshua
I am intending on marrying my partner whom lives in the USA. I am a student in the city of Oxford, and am intending to move over to the States as soon as my degree finishes. I just have a few issues:
1) As i'm gay will it make a difference gaining citizenship?
2) Being under 21 (obivously young for marriage), will this lead to more unforeseen problems?
3) I found this information on this website: Marriage or engagement in anticipation of marriage to a US citizen. Immigrant or dual-intent visa. Search for: K1, K3, direct consular filing (DCF), I-130 petition, adjustment of status (AOS). I presume this is all that is needed to gain citizenship?
As you may have gathered, I have been a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information, and would be awfully grateful if someone could just give me a step by step on what i need to do and consider!
Thanks anyway, Joshua
Why not consider moving to Canada where the social policies are far more liberal than the States?
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#19
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Originally Posted by Boiler
Obvious solution is to go the other way..
UK does recognise gay relationships.
UK does recognise gay relationships.
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Originally Posted by joshuauaua
Hey, thanks for that.
I shouldn't have been so niave to think it would be that simple. I'm a fighter, so i'll keep on trying, and hopefully the my degree will help, its scientific which i believe is on their notorious list of occupations to getting a green card! Here we go... we are pretty rock steady, so the thought of spending a few more years living apart is livable with i guess!
Congratulations on your 5 year anniversary by the way!
I shouldn't have been so niave to think it would be that simple. I'm a fighter, so i'll keep on trying, and hopefully the my degree will help, its scientific which i believe is on their notorious list of occupations to getting a green card! Here we go... we are pretty rock steady, so the thought of spending a few more years living apart is livable with i guess!
Congratulations on your 5 year anniversary by the way!
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I nearly applied for a J1, but instead of taking up a post-doc in the USA, opted for one in the UK, so never applied for a J1, but like I said, they were easy-pizzie to get for post-docs taking up research positions in the USofA - provided you are a scientist with skills wanted by a research group in the USA.
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Discussion purposes only, not legal advice.
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#21
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Originally Posted by Rockgurl
. It just takes time, commitment, hardship and money, but it's not impossible. We are proof of that. Good luck. ![Smile](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
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#22
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Originally Posted by BigDavyG
As an fyi the 2006 cap was exceeded in July of 2005 I believe.
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#23
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Joshua,
It ain't easy. I spent seven figures in lost income as a result of the extended period it takes to obtain lawful US permanent residence. In my case, 5 years.
First priority permanent residence sponsorship (marriage): you don't qualify. 2nd, 3rd, 4th priorities: disregard due to extended processing times (my brother is a US Citizen: time to process the application: 14 years, and you can't stay here out of status pending the processing of the application).
H1Bs used to be the traditional route for graduates, but that's not an option due to the quota reduction and consequently 2 (or more) year wait.
Consider F1 (accademic studies). J1's generally have a restriction in that when you've completed your studies you have to leave the US and are forbidden to return for 12 months. F1s don't have this restriction. You might be able to adjust status from an F1 to a suitable wokers visa at a later date (i.e. H1B).
Also: NIW.
And L1. Start your career in the UK (a year or so) and, subject to your position, move to the US as an L1. Preferably find a US employer (large company) that has L1 blanket approval.
Consider working for a UK-based susidiary of large American company. Most of my friends came to the US as a result of being posted to an overseas parent office.
E2: set-up a business. No minimum amount specified, but I did this for a couple of years to stay legal; about $250k cash investment evidenced.
There are a couple of other options $500k and $1M, but we're talking serious money here and if you have that much cash floating about you'd more likely be looking to emigrate to a tax shelter rather than the US.
Another option is for you and your partner to move to another jurisdiction other than US or UK where you can legally stay together and work pending the lengthy processing time for finally settling in US or UK. No suggestions on where though. Sorry.
Finally, US immigration legislation is enormously complicated and contradictory. Generally, if you're British, they don't want to here as you're likely to be well educated, speak English as a first language, and consequently well positioned to take jobs from American workers. The H1B quota reduction as approved by congress reflects this. If it's any consolation, Americans wanting to emmigrate to the UK have an even harder time . . .
It used to be that H1Bs were the only non-immigrant visa category that you could later adjust to US permanent resident status. However, this might also be the case with L1s and E2s in the future so they're worth a look.
(Usual legal disclaimer applies.)
Good luck,
Jon Huxley
http://www.jonhuxley.com/
It ain't easy. I spent seven figures in lost income as a result of the extended period it takes to obtain lawful US permanent residence. In my case, 5 years.
First priority permanent residence sponsorship (marriage): you don't qualify. 2nd, 3rd, 4th priorities: disregard due to extended processing times (my brother is a US Citizen: time to process the application: 14 years, and you can't stay here out of status pending the processing of the application).
H1Bs used to be the traditional route for graduates, but that's not an option due to the quota reduction and consequently 2 (or more) year wait.
Consider F1 (accademic studies). J1's generally have a restriction in that when you've completed your studies you have to leave the US and are forbidden to return for 12 months. F1s don't have this restriction. You might be able to adjust status from an F1 to a suitable wokers visa at a later date (i.e. H1B).
Also: NIW.
And L1. Start your career in the UK (a year or so) and, subject to your position, move to the US as an L1. Preferably find a US employer (large company) that has L1 blanket approval.
Consider working for a UK-based susidiary of large American company. Most of my friends came to the US as a result of being posted to an overseas parent office.
E2: set-up a business. No minimum amount specified, but I did this for a couple of years to stay legal; about $250k cash investment evidenced.
There are a couple of other options $500k and $1M, but we're talking serious money here and if you have that much cash floating about you'd more likely be looking to emigrate to a tax shelter rather than the US.
Another option is for you and your partner to move to another jurisdiction other than US or UK where you can legally stay together and work pending the lengthy processing time for finally settling in US or UK. No suggestions on where though. Sorry.
Finally, US immigration legislation is enormously complicated and contradictory. Generally, if you're British, they don't want to here as you're likely to be well educated, speak English as a first language, and consequently well positioned to take jobs from American workers. The H1B quota reduction as approved by congress reflects this. If it's any consolation, Americans wanting to emmigrate to the UK have an even harder time . . .
It used to be that H1Bs were the only non-immigrant visa category that you could later adjust to US permanent resident status. However, this might also be the case with L1s and E2s in the future so they're worth a look.
(Usual legal disclaimer applies.)
Good luck,
Jon Huxley
http://www.jonhuxley.com/
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#24
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Originally Posted by joshuauaua
Hi everyone
I am intending on marrying my partner whom lives in the USA. I am a student in the city of Oxford, and am intending to move over to the States as soon as my degree finishes. I just have a few issues:
1) As i'm gay will it make a difference gaining citizenship?
2) Being under 21 (obivously young for marriage), will this lead to more unforeseen problems?
3) I found this information on this website: Marriage or engagement in anticipation of marriage to a US citizen. Immigrant or dual-intent visa. Search for: K1, K3, direct consular filing (DCF), I-130 petition, adjustment of status (AOS). I presume this is all that is needed to gain citizenship?
As you may have gathered, I have been a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information, and would be awfully grateful if someone could just give me a step by step on what i need to do and consider!
Thanks anyway, Joshua
I am intending on marrying my partner whom lives in the USA. I am a student in the city of Oxford, and am intending to move over to the States as soon as my degree finishes. I just have a few issues:
1) As i'm gay will it make a difference gaining citizenship?
2) Being under 21 (obivously young for marriage), will this lead to more unforeseen problems?
3) I found this information on this website: Marriage or engagement in anticipation of marriage to a US citizen. Immigrant or dual-intent visa. Search for: K1, K3, direct consular filing (DCF), I-130 petition, adjustment of status (AOS). I presume this is all that is needed to gain citizenship?
As you may have gathered, I have been a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information, and would be awfully grateful if someone could just give me a step by step on what i need to do and consider!
Thanks anyway, Joshua
The bonus is that you gain an education plus the right to work for a year afterwards, and can look into work-related visas while you are studying so you have things lined up after you graduate. Many people who come over here on non-work related status end up being unable to work for long stretches of time.
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Getting a J1 was not expensive, and there was never a quota attached to the J1 program for scientists. Cost hardly anything. Loads of my friends went to the USA on J1s, and got at least 2 years tax free salaries (might have been 3 years, but my memory says 2 years). But all of them were fellow post-docs and had positions in US research groups (mostly at universities/grad schools). It was never hard to get a post-doc position in the USA, American universities took us in droves from the UK. I took up the first post-doc offer which happened to be in the UK, I had it lined up before getting the PhD. I needed money, so did not want a gap between my PhD and post-doc. The USA wanted scientists to work as researchers in university grad schools. Piece of cake in fact. J1 was VERY EASY to get, so long as you were a researcher at post-doc level it was a non-event, just filling in a form (maybe a small fee), but zippy could do that.
Last edited by User Name; Jan 30th 2006 at 12:21 pm. Reason: Removed wrong quote ...
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#26
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Joshua, I just wanted to say that I wish you and your partner the best and hope that things will go your way. I was happy to see you say something about how your relationship is rock solid and could therefore withstand a long-term separation.
The irony is that heterosexual couples made up of a USC and a non-USC have one of the easiest paths to US immigration that there is -- and yet it is not uncommon to hear these couples complain about how being separated for four or six months while awaiting their marriage-based visas would "kill" them, that being apart is "so unfair".
Those dealing with "difficult" countries like Russia and China and the Philippines -- even those from countries with "terrorist issues" like Iran and Pakistan -- who complain about the long separation should all take a page from your book. At least they HAVE the option of a marriage-based visa. You don't. And that's truly unfortunate.
But keep positive and you'll find a way. I don't have any advice for you but just wanted you to know that I hope it all works out.
~ Jenney
The irony is that heterosexual couples made up of a USC and a non-USC have one of the easiest paths to US immigration that there is -- and yet it is not uncommon to hear these couples complain about how being separated for four or six months while awaiting their marriage-based visas would "kill" them, that being apart is "so unfair".
Those dealing with "difficult" countries like Russia and China and the Philippines -- even those from countries with "terrorist issues" like Iran and Pakistan -- who complain about the long separation should all take a page from your book. At least they HAVE the option of a marriage-based visa. You don't. And that's truly unfortunate.
But keep positive and you'll find a way. I don't have any advice for you but just wanted you to know that I hope it all works out.
~ Jenney
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#27
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Originally Posted by jonhuxley
Jon Huxley
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http://www.jonhuxley.com/
Is it all true ??
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Originally Posted by BigDavyG
That's a mighty impressive resume there boyo.
Is it all true ??
Is it all true ??
Yep, and not exagerated in any capacity whatsoever. Of course having 'foreign' achievements can be a burden as it makes the due dilligence process considerably more complicated for a prospective employer so you're red flagged by default and more often than not overlooked (which is why I put up an appendix and due dilligence document to verify the facts: press cuttings, incorporation no., top tier references, etc.). Foreign senior execs thinking of moving Stateside be warned . . .
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Originally Posted by User Name
Getting a J1 was not expensive, and there was never a quota attached to the J1 program for scientists. Cost hardly anything. Loads of my friends went to the USA on J1s, and got at least 2 years tax free salaries (might have been 3 years, but my memory says 2 years). But all of them were fellow post-docs and had positions in US research groups (mostly at universities/grad schools). It was never hard to get a post-doc position in the USA, American universities took us in droves from the UK. I took up the first post-doc offer which happened to be in the UK, I had it lined up before getting the PhD. I needed money, so did not want a gap between my PhD and post-doc. The USA wanted scientists to work as researchers in university grad schools. Piece of cake in fact. J1 was VERY EASY to get, so long as you were a researcher at post-doc level it was a non-event, just filling in a form (maybe a small fee), but zippy could do that.
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Originally Posted by Celsius
Bob's referring to H1-Bs...
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