moving to america/canda etc
#16
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 9
Re: moving to america/canda etc
There is no "90 day visa" for the US if you're a UK citizen. What you're thinking of is the VWP (Visa Waiver Program) that allows you to enter the country for up to 90 days for business or holiday purposes, but not to live here and especially not to work over here.
Here's a good starting point to understand what options you have:
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Pulask...ork_in_the_USA
BTW, have you actually been to the US before? Even just as a tourist? As a two-times expat (first emigrated to the UK, then to the US) I can tell you that emigrating somewhere is not a decision one should take lightly.
Here's a good starting point to understand what options you have:
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Pulask...ork_in_the_USA
BTW, have you actually been to the US before? Even just as a tourist? As a two-times expat (first emigrated to the UK, then to the US) I can tell you that emigrating somewhere is not a decision one should take lightly.
thanks for your help.
#18
Re: moving to america/canda etc
Hi
Sadly, you don't have many options. The US has an abundance of people who want to move here and a large number of voters who would be more than happy to put up barbed wire at the borders. The rules for visas to live and work here are incredibly strict, and basically fall into two categories: family, or essential workers.
Since you aren't married to a US citizen and likely not the son or daughter or sibling of one, the family route seems to be a non-starter.
Your certifications will hold little weight over here. Work experience, if in an essential field (think engineering, science, medicine) can make up for the lack of a university degree, but you'll need 12 years of experience in one of those fields.
If you are still willing to go to university, you could apply to study in the US. This is actually a pretty easy way to get in IF-IF-IF you can afford it. Basically you'll need to show the resources to support yourself during your studies. There is no set number for this but think probably about £25000-30000 per year of study. Maybe a bit less depending on the schools, but it is a significant amount.
You are, barring any arrests in your past, probably likely for a Visa Waiver to come to the US for a 90 day holiday. Perhaps you should look at a long term visit, like a month or so, to get a flavor of what life is really like over here (hint: better/worse and different from what you expect). Might be a good investment before you spend money on uni here or trying to enhance your credentials there for the purpose of coming over later. Quite frankly, you might not like it once you experience it up close.
Good luck with your quest.
Sadly, you don't have many options. The US has an abundance of people who want to move here and a large number of voters who would be more than happy to put up barbed wire at the borders. The rules for visas to live and work here are incredibly strict, and basically fall into two categories: family, or essential workers.
Since you aren't married to a US citizen and likely not the son or daughter or sibling of one, the family route seems to be a non-starter.
Your certifications will hold little weight over here. Work experience, if in an essential field (think engineering, science, medicine) can make up for the lack of a university degree, but you'll need 12 years of experience in one of those fields.
If you are still willing to go to university, you could apply to study in the US. This is actually a pretty easy way to get in IF-IF-IF you can afford it. Basically you'll need to show the resources to support yourself during your studies. There is no set number for this but think probably about £25000-30000 per year of study. Maybe a bit less depending on the schools, but it is a significant amount.
You are, barring any arrests in your past, probably likely for a Visa Waiver to come to the US for a 90 day holiday. Perhaps you should look at a long term visit, like a month or so, to get a flavor of what life is really like over here (hint: better/worse and different from what you expect). Might be a good investment before you spend money on uni here or trying to enhance your credentials there for the purpose of coming over later. Quite frankly, you might not like it once you experience it up close.
Good luck with your quest.
#19
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 9
Re: moving to america/canda etc
Thanks for your advice that might be something to look into rather than studying over here to move over there etc. My other half knows of my plans but not yet decided as we have only been together 3 years.
So my best plan would be to get a job here and save up to go to uni over there?.
So my best plan would be to get a job here and save up to go to uni over there?.
#20
Re: moving to america/canda etc
Thanks for your advice that might be something to look into rather than studying over here to move over there etc. My other half knows of my plans but not yet decided as we have only been together 3 years.
So my best plan would be to get a job here and save up to go to uni over there?.
So my best plan would be to get a job here and save up to go to uni over there?.
You might consider studying in the UK, getting a degree and then a job with a company that has offices in the US and after working for them for at least a year, see if you can get transferred. Long term plan, but probably the cheaper option and would give you and your partner longer to work out what you want to do.
#21
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Joined: Aug 2012
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Re: moving to america/canda etc
As others have mentioned, Uni is very very expensive over here. A degree course will take 4 years to complete.
You might consider studying in the UK, getting a degree and then a job with a company that has offices in the US and after working for them for at least a year, see if you can get transferred. Long term plan, but probably the cheaper option and would give you and your partner longer to work out what you want to do.
You might consider studying in the UK, getting a degree and then a job with a company that has offices in the US and after working for them for at least a year, see if you can get transferred. Long term plan, but probably the cheaper option and would give you and your partner longer to work out what you want to do.
#22
Re: moving to america/canda etc
You can get a University degree in the UK and then consider coming to the US for a "Masters" degree, which is a one or two year course of study. After it is over you can get "practical work training" which gives you a work visa for basically a year. If you impress and our in the right field, you can push your employer to sponsor you for an H-1 (6 year visa) and eventually a green card (permanent resident).
I know, this is a long term plan, 6-8 years for so. But at the end of 8 years you'll at least have more of a choice than you have right now.
Good luck.
I know, this is a long term plan, 6-8 years for so. But at the end of 8 years you'll at least have more of a choice than you have right now.
Good luck.
#23
Re: moving to america/canda etc
It is a massive place and very diverse. Where exactly do you think you will go?
Even jobs that had healthcare covered quite well (think teacher) have constantly increasing personal contributions. When we left ours was coming towards $500 a month! That's $6000 a year. And our scheme was GOOD!
Go on an extended holiday (if you can save for it) and have in you mind what about living here? Look at estate agent pages. local craigslist for rentals and cars.
Then look at local job ads and see how they marry up (or not!)
#24
Re: moving to america/canda etc
look, we can dance around it all we like, but given the info at hand, you're not moving to america.
#25
Re: moving to america/canda etc
OK, let's face some harsh realities here.
1. You don't even have A levels, but you want to get a degree? Not easy. Even if you do, the chances of a US company sponsoring you are slim to none.
2. You have no family here, so that route is closed.
3. You're unemployed, and even if you had a job, the chances of saving at least half a million dollars are slim to none, so THAT route is most likely closed!
4. You've never even VISITED the States or Canada, but you're sure it's for you! That's just about insane. It's not all 90210 or Disney, you know?
5. Let's just say all the stars align and you're able to come over. What makes you think that the grass is greener here? It's a LOT different living somewhere than it is going there on holiday.
Bottom line, and I'm sorry if this comes off harsh, unless you're prepared to ditch your other half and look for a USC to fall in love with and marry, forget it and concentrate on with building yourself a life in the UK!
1. You don't even have A levels, but you want to get a degree? Not easy. Even if you do, the chances of a US company sponsoring you are slim to none.
2. You have no family here, so that route is closed.
3. You're unemployed, and even if you had a job, the chances of saving at least half a million dollars are slim to none, so THAT route is most likely closed!
4. You've never even VISITED the States or Canada, but you're sure it's for you! That's just about insane. It's not all 90210 or Disney, you know?
5. Let's just say all the stars align and you're able to come over. What makes you think that the grass is greener here? It's a LOT different living somewhere than it is going there on holiday.
Bottom line, and I'm sorry if this comes off harsh, unless you're prepared to ditch your other half and look for a USC to fall in love with and marry, forget it and concentrate on with building yourself a life in the UK!
#26
Re: moving to america/canda etc
I understand how much you want to move to America, but in all honesty I think you are much better off in the UK. I have lived over here for years. Things are tough unless you have a college education. I have no health or dental insurance and times are actually pretty grim. It looks great on t.v but to actually live here is a different story.
#27
Re: moving to america/canda etc
Canada and US have many superficial similarities, (as does the UK) and many differences, why do you link them together other than they both speak English (mostly) and are neighbours?
#28
Re: moving to america/canda etc
If you want a change of scenery, why not some where else in the EU, where you won't need a visa?
What exactly is it about the US do you think is better/different?
What exactly is it about the US do you think is better/different?
#29
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 0
Re: moving to america/canda etc
Shame you're not single or I would have snapped you up. You sound like a catch :-)
#30
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,606
Re: moving to america/canda etc
I understand how much you want to move to America, but in all honesty I think you are much better off in the UK. I have lived over here for years. Things are tough unless you have a college education. I have no health or dental insurance and times are actually pretty grim. It looks great on t.v but to actually live here is a different story.
I doubt you could come here and live without someone officially supporting you, the American Government doesn't want you coming here and living off our welfare system.
I see many Americans pushing shopping carts and begging for money where I live, they are Homeless, This place is not exactly as people think, its a slave driven country for many people, our minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, thats lower than the UK's and you certainly cant exist on it.
The average vacation a person gets here is 10 days per year, did any of your friends tell you about that???, you may get 3-4-5 weeks off with a good job and a long time served with a company.
In the UK you have healthcare available to you everyday of your life, in the USA it costs real money, its very expensive and even then it only covers a portion for most of us, we have to make up the difference, even with medical insurance people go medically bankrupt, many jobs Don't come with medical insurance don't assume they do, 50 Million people have no health insurance here.
There are lots of pitfalls to our medical insurance system, too many for me to mention here...
Things that you take for granted in the UK cant be taken for granted here, assume Nothing, always ask questions no matter how stupid they sound....
Many people will tell you the good about America, but the truth is you need an education and a Great job in order to have a decent life here, Keep asking questions, and don't give up on the UK.
You didn't mention family, from what I see that's what people miss most, many people return to the UK for that reason, then again some are stuck here.
If you want to enjoy the USA, live in the UK and come here for 2-3 weeks vacation per year, it could be the best of both worlds.