matt chains

Hey guys, hope you can help me.

i'm 22 years old, and haven't worked for almost a year thanks to an employment problem in n.wales (U.K). I'm desperate for a fresh start and want to move to california (preferably san francisco). I'm looking at different immigration websites but can't seem to get my head around it. I'm willing to do almost any kind of work if it means i can get secure residence in the states. any ideas? If not, any american ladies wanna marry a nice welsh guy? he he!

Pulaski

There are basically SEVEN ways that you can get a visa to live and work in the US:
(1) Marriage (or engagement in anticipation of marriage) to a US citizen.

(2) You have skills that are in short supply in the US e.g. scientific or medical training. A degree is normally a must, or you have superior specialist skills with at least 12 years experience.

(3) 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 (2) above.

(4) You get a Green card in the diversity lottery (UK citizens, except N. Ireland are not eligible).

(5) You own or buy business (does not get you permanent resident status i.e. no green card)
The business must have a minimum value of around $100k (the more the better) bearing in mind you will need somewhere to live and with any startup business you will need at least 2 years living money as back up. So a figure of $250k would be a nearer minimum. If you sell or close the business you must leave the country.

(6) You are an "investor" i.e. you have at least US$1m in assets to bring with you, .... and your background will be investigated to the hilt.

(7) You have a close relative (mother, father, brother, sister and no further) who is an US citizen who would sponsor you, approx time this take 2-12 years!

In all honesty, you have a huge mountain to climb. Sorry.

ScousePete

Good job he is in Wales, then

Manc

quality!

Pulaski

Only a Brit, or maybe a Dutchman, could possibly confuse Snowdon with a "great mountain"! .... The mountains around my wife's home town are much higher than Snowdon, but confusingly they look like hills - rounded tops and mostly covered with trees.

justboy

To be completely honest, you are probably not going to have any chance. Your best bet to start afresh would probably be in London or Glasgow!!

bored-silly

You need a shit load of money if you want to buy a house here. We are being outbid left right and centre by $100k at least.
Get on the game.....

Marmitemaniac

Median house price here is $600,000+, and you need at least $150K to live here to afford a mortgage Most I bed appartments rental go for at least $1000+ and that is just for starters.
But good luck searching for your new life.