Sparky1966

Hi, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia with my wife and two kids approximately 4 years ago. We have been processed and currently have green cards however, we will not be eligable to become US citizens for another three years. My wife's parents are now more-or-less at retirement age and we are trying to figure out how to move them out. I know once we are citizens it's no problem but we're not, I've also heard of the lottery scheme but that seems like the chances of being one of the 50,000 is very, very slim. They do not need any form of employment but simply to sell up in the UK and retire in the USA so they can spent 'quality' time with the grand children.....does anyone have any idea's or information? I've been trying to figure this out for the last couple of months with no success. Thanks!!

Elvira

Well, that all depends on which visa they qualify for - check Pulaski's ways in the articles section.

PS: What are they planning to do for health care?

penguinsix

Short of extended holidays here in the US as a tourist, I don't think there are many options. It is a problem facing many GC holders, but there are no retirement visas available in the US.

And ditto the previous comment--what are you going to do for health care? IF you could find it from a private company, you are looking at $1,000+ a month probably...

Just Jenney

Unless they are from Northern Ireland, as UK citizens they are otherwise ineligible for the diversity visa lottery anyway.

~ Jenney

Bob

B2....have long holidays.

Be barmy to want to retire to the USA without having worked here for a few years first, the medical insurance would be killer...one illness and retirement funds would easily be ko'ed.

Sparky1966

I hadn't looked into healthcare yet......I'd heard of 'medicare' but that was my next step with regard to the feasibility of them coming over...who would be the best company to approach for healthcare, is there anyone who specializes in ex-pats?

Sparky1966

How long is a 'long holiday', my guess would be that they would be allowed in for maybe 3 months per year?

fatbrit

If they're retiring, can buy house here and apply for B2 as snowbirds -- good chance of success. Health insurance is the killer. They won't qualify for Medicare for 5 years -- then you can buy it for them. Local state schemes, however, might hold a better answer.

Bob

medicare is a no goer, you have to be an LPR for 5 years before retiring here to get it I believe, or to contribute to it at least...

And medical insuarance....your folks will need a job, or it'll be well expensive....hell, I'm in my mid 20's...for me and the missus, combined between what I pay and what my employer pays is $950 a month, with no pre-existing conditions.

Bob

B2 would get them 6 months stay.

Getting travel insurance for the duration wouldn't be easy, nor cheap if they are elderly.

nun

If they manage to get visas to live in the US, a big IF unless you are citizens, would they qualify for Meidicare under the reciprocal Social Security agreement when they become US resident?

farmerwife

No. Medicare is not part of the Reciprocal Social Security agreement.

fatbrit

Nope.

BUT...five years after they first get their GCs, they can enroll in Medicare. If they are lacking 10 years of social security payments, they need to pay for all of it. (With the 10 years, there's a substantial discount!)

Tracym

Well if nothing else we sure have made everyone aware of the issue, and the need to plan.

penguinsix

Aren't there certain states that have quasi-government health systems that are available. I know Hawaii has a state-run insurance plan, but I'm wondering about other states in which a GC'd parent could participate.