IndyDixie

We are looking to move from uk. Wife's dad is US citizen. She is applying for her US passport as such I understand I could get automatic green card to work. Can anyone give me the benefit of their experience. I would be looking to apply for a mortgage, buy a house, get kids in school get a job and replace all the things you take for granted. The Mrs wants to visit and have a fact finding trip. If you have been there and done that, what do I need to address? What do we need to do that isn't immediately obvious, any suggestions would be appreciated.

mikelincs

Please read this, the CR1 visa is the one you would need to apply for once your wife has her passport.

sir_eccles

Presuming your wife is a USC, you would be applying for an immigrant visa which takes about 8-10 months. When you enter the country you then get your greencard.

Fyi, the presumption is a big one. The way you phrased it is odd. Do you mean your wife's dad was a USC when your wife was born and was able to pass on citizenship to his daughter?

IndyDixie

Many thanks

IndyDixie

Sorry, he is a US citizen

sir_eccles

You mean your wife? Ok if she has been a USC from birth she will need to wait until her passport arrives before she visits. A USC must enter the country on a us passport. In the meantime she can make sure she is up to date with her taxes. File at least the last three years if she hasn't done so.

Owen778

Strictly, it could be IR1, if they've been married long enough.

mikelincs

True, he does say they have kids.

markcst

The only thing I know about Bangor is that it used to be the place where all the transatlantic bucket and spade flights used to refuel on the way to Orlando.

IndyDixie

Thanks for your reply. My wife has spoken to the US embassy in London about this. Respectfully, I am keen to learn from British people currently residing in the US, upon reflection, what things do you think you would have wanted to find out earlier rather than later? In Florida I noticed not all Americans like the British, I'm curious if anyone has felt this may have hindered their potential employment in the US.

AmerLisa

Why do you think the Americans in Florida don't like the British?

mikelincs

That's the same everywhere, in every country, and it doesn't just apply to British immigrants, but to any immigrants.

Nutmegger

In what field and in what position will you be seeking employment, and what are your qualifications for your role (advanced degrees, etc.)? Without that info, it's hard for us to estimate your chances of finding a job. Have you pinpointed Bangor because that job is in demand there? As to what you felt in Florida . . . fifty states, fifty different attitudes.

IndyDixie

I thought of a more northern state as it is seasonal,having done 2 tours in Cyprus, where it is hot or hotter and you end up sitting in your underwear. My work involves working at height with aerials, masts and fibre optics and cat v as well as a licence to drive an Artic, I thought maybe their version of BT or wind farms might be an option. I have heard though like you said they have different attitudes varying on area in general, but you cant believe everything you hear.

markcst

AT&T is the equivalent of BT here (just about), I can say as a current BT employee. Though the telecoms market is supposed to be a bit more diverse than that.
You'll get a job easily if you have some cabling qualifications. Our cable provider in Texas is currently advertising for staff.
But if you don't like the heat forget here. Then again there aren't many if any states that have "mild" UK weather. They all have their extremes.
As you are mobile, and can get involve in construction (of sorts), I'd go with where the money and jobs are. And where they are building.