Personal experiences of immigrating
 

Hi folks,

I know that immigrating/emigrating is stressful and can be a long and laborious process from what I have researched. I was wondering if anyone would like to write here about their experiences and how long your visa/green card took to come through and what requirements you had to fulfill? Did you hire an attorney and do it while you stayed in America or did you do it while you were in UK?
I always believe in getting personal points of view and the real deal so to speak. It speaks volumes of more valuable information than what you can read on INS sites.

Thanks in advance :)

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

It's very variable depending on the method you use. Which particular visa are you thinking about?

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

Bit of a generalisation, but I think Marriage is the main on here, Work second but predominately IT/Financial Services/Management.

Most people would I think say worry about getting the Visa first, most intendee's faill this hurdle.

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

There isn't enough hosting space on this site for me to post mine :D

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

Agree. Without the visa, it really ain't worth pursuing anything else.

To add to your idea of numbers, I'd also add my guess that many who ended up here never planned it or dreamed it -- it was just part of the weirdness of life's paths. Not much help to the OP, I know!

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

Good point, me too.

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

LOL , ain't that the truth!

All I can say is I WISH I could've afforded a lawyer to do all the crap for me. Oh and when you come into the states for good, the POE experience is probably the most traumatic. It can either be smooth and swift or hell on earth. I came through JFK and experienced the latter.

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

I experienced both. But then I did use the VWP five times :D

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

My husbands company lawyers did all our paperwork, thank god because it was difficult enough just filling out the bits they told us to let alone doing anything else. I personally didnt have any trouble at entry to the US in my case Chicago, god knows why as I also used out my B2 welcome!

Having said that there are many times when I have wondered whether all the hastle was worth it, especially when I couldn't go home this year for my Grandmothers funeral. There are times when your busy jumping through hoops and every ones saying you must be so pleased to get your visa and I could honestly just say shove the bloody visa where the sun doesn't shine. :D

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

I've known quite a few people who did just that......highly qualified and hard-working folk, who said bugger it and left for countries that were more welcoming to immigrants. Knowing some of them, I say that the US lost out in a big way.

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

I never planned on coming over here... job market in the UK just turned to crap - after 2 redundancies in 12 months I decided... what the heck... give it a go.

My PERM application is now in progress. :-P

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

It's expensive, the USCIS mis-information line it proper shite....and the whole process takes ages, would think it was a third world country or somin' :D

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

Been through seven (I think :o) visas. Now in the process of deconditioning my green card - wish me luck! Never had a lawyer, but I did pay for a one-time consult to check over my original green card app before I sent it in. Mistakes or missing information on that one can cost a lot of time and money.

Main advice I'd have. Always be aware of ALL your options at least two years into the future at any given point, including all of the visas you may be eligible for, or become eligible for. Read the USCIS instructions to the letter. Don't call them unless you have no other option. Keep a stack of cash in the bank because USCIS loves to take it from you. Don't e-file your US tax returns - you'll need paper copies at some point. Keep a record of all the dates you are outside the US, and where you went. Try to plan your applications for around your visits home - you'll often be stuck here (unable to leave) waiting for some piece of paperwork to get completed. When you have to leave the US without a visa, always be aware of the nearest walk-in US Embassy / Consulate (there are none in the UK that I remember), so that you can get a new visa issued ASAP.

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

I think for me, frustrating was the whole process. My husband was head hunted by a company here. They first contacted him in September 1993, had a telephone interview and then he came over in October of 1993 for a look round and discuss terms. Once we agreed to the move the company's lawyers started the green card process. In August of 1994 we received notification from the lawyer that we had received labor certification. This was after the DOL placed adverts for the job in all the trade journals nationwide and the CEO of the company had to write to explain why they were bringing someone in from outside the USA. In December of 1994 we received our letter with our appointment at the US embassy in London , that was to take place in January 1995. We quite our jobs in February of 1995 and arrived in the USA on March 22nd.

The amount of paperwork was a minefield and there seemed to be no rhyme nor reason to it. At the same time we were going through our green card process a friend of ours was also going through it. Their paperwork was totally different to ours probably because they were already in the US.

I have to confess that there were times when I couldn 't care less whether we got the GC or not. The hardest part was being in limbo, not being able to make any definite plans.

The company were patient but part of our deal was that we were not going to come unless it was on a green card.

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

Thanks everyone. This gives me much better insight as to the long fight ahead of me, but I'm prepared to do it. I don't have any prospects in Northern Ireland or in the UK in general with regards to my profession, and I'm young and do not want to waste my life in N.Ireland as it will eventually become ruled by terrorists as a united Ireland. Unfortunately marriage based visas are out as I can't marry an American guy.. My boyfriend is Dutch! :D I'm going next week to the consulate to get the B2 visa and to get back to The States and that will give me 90 days. According to INS at DFW I don't really need this but because of my refusal before, I want to be doubly sure that I'm not turned back on the next plane back to the UK. I have to see my attorney in August and he is going to set the wheels in motion for a visa extension or work permit.

It won't be easy. I know that for sure, but hey other people have done it and I'm not a loser or a quitter so I'm going for it!

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

one thing - if you manage to get a job.. ask if THEY will get you through the GC app. My work is paying for and arranging the WHOLE thing.. I just get sent the odd request and some forms to fill out.

I know it will get more complex eventually... but for now its simple.

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

I am sure I have said this before but here goes again.

You have little chance of a B2

Even if you get one it does not guarante entry, no Visa does.

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

That’s a very unlikely scenario you suggest there. Beside if you think that Sinn Fein & Co are corrupt wait until you see American politics! :D

If you are in Northern Ireland and are Northern Irish by birth you can apply for the visa diversity lottery(this is a UK exception for NI no other UK areas qualify). Your odds are long but its easy to do (don’t pay anyone to do its not a complicated procedure) and if you get it you get the chance to apply for a green card. I knew people in NI who had tried unsuccessfully for years but I knew some people who got it so you never know. Last year 75 people from NI got it. You can read about it here:

http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/r...cy/divvisa.htm

The 2006 lottery is closed but I would expect the 2007 lottery to open up eventually you just have to keep you eyes posted on the web site.

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

Why do you say this? I'm intrigued to know, because a B2 is a tourism visa and if I present strong social ties and a return ticket, on what grounds does the consul have to refuse me?

Duncs, I do intend to try the visa lottery. There are some benefits of being Northern Irish! :D

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

You qualify for the VWP, that's good for 90 days.

So you only need a B if you want to stay between 90 and 180. Most people can not justify to the Embassy satisfaction of UK ties to this extent.

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

You're trying this with brawn, not brains. And it'll all end in tears -- yours not theirs!

The B2 will most probably be refused. You are prime refusal material: young with absolutely no ties and previous intent. In this case, you've just increased your problems getting to the US. If you did get it, applying for an extension is likely to red flag your next visit. (Also, B2 gives you up to 180 days, not 90. But the POE officer makes the final determination -- this is evidence you haven't done your homework.)

If you're applying for a work-related visa, your attorney doesn't start the process, your prospective employer does. And you don't have an employer -- so where this is going is totally beyond me.

Dunno what the moan about living in NI was all about except it's more evidence you haven't done your homework. You have to have been born there to enter the DV, not live there! Next application period will probably be at the end of the year if they haven't done away with it beforehand.

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

Depending on your age etc there is also the Walsh Visa program as well. It is not a long term visa but you could spend 2-3 years in the USA and have the experience if nothing else. Although they are not taking any new people at the moment but maybe it will start up again in future.:

http://www.walshvisa.net/

The work permit idea is a total non starter you have next to no chance of getting one unless you bring some kind of impressive skill to the market and get pursued by a US employer. The employment market here is still soft and employers don’t need the hassle of a foreign employee and visa application when they can get a current us resident. If you want to create that opportunity you would be better looking into a student opportunity and taking a graduate degree in the USA through something like the Fulbright program then trying to springboard from that to a work permit position.

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

thanks Duncs.........for the level head about sinnfein and US politics...made me believe in why im leaving the US for NI. :beer:

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

NI isnt perfect by any stretch but there is plenty of political corruption going on the USA as well as far as i can see.

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

I was born in N.Ireland and I currently live in it so yes I do qualify for the diversity lottery as it stands. Actually the country is getting worse. I worked at a mall in a kids shop while I was at uni to get extra cash and we were out on bomb scares at least twice per week, sometimes up to 4 scares in one day as it was at Easter time, and yes some were real bombs- incendiaries and car bombs. You people living in America or England for that matter usually don't hear about these unless they go off. The media only have an eye for juicy news like people being killed so most of you won't understand what the true situation in N.Ireland is like.

I want out of it. No place in the world is perfect or safe by any means but N.Ireland just will continue to get worse and I've had my fair share of it. I was caught up in a bomb several years ago, my dad was shot at by paramilitiaries when I was 5 years old by going to a non existent address to pay for patio work, and I had my car attacked a few years ago when I was working as a vet assistant trying to rescue a dog in a bad area of North Belfast at Ardoyne on the twelfth, and my best friends Grandfather was shot dead by the IRA in his own front garden. This isn't living and I have always vowed I will get out.

Please don't patronise me by saying I haven't done my homework. You are not talking to a child. I'm a 24 year old educated adult. I get the feeling from this board that those of you that have made it to America see themselves as victorious and that nobody else has a chance. Yes you are triumphant and I'm sure it wasn't easy for any of you , but please give other people a chance instead of discouraging them from the outset.

There is always a way and I intend on exploring that way and to continue researching and seeking advice from my attorney. I'm in this for the long haul.

Best intentions meant.

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

Hi Laska,

Sounds like it’s time for you to get out and travel. And yes, you’re right! I do not care who lived or died at the Battle of the Boyne…or the rest of it!

Patronization is easy on this board. If you look back you’ll find plenty of folks who’ve been to see Mickey on holiday and then decided to move over. Simple fact: in 99% of these cases, it simply ain’t gonna happen!

The problem with choosing the US as your final destination is that it is by far the most difficult one to emigrate to. Yes, you can make it over here, but it is not particularly easy to plan unlike many other destinations – Evropa, Canada, NZ and OZ. If you just need a change of scenery, why not chose one of these? It’ll save you a lot of problems, upsets and money.

If you qualify for the DV go for it as it’s the best visa bar none. I myself came out to the US this way, but had lived in many other places since leaving the UK in my twenties. The next easiest, BTW, is marrying a USC.

You’ve got the guide we’ve done, and most folks will happily give their experience and point out common pitfalls. All which brings us to your attorney: I have no idea who s/he is, but it is not uncommon for them to string you along as far as your finances will last until you eventually discover that their proposed route is going nowhere. It is in their interest to keep you believing it’s all possible, and sometimes it just plainly ain’t. If we think we can fob you off easily, you won’t have much staying power with USCIS. So, which route from Pulaski’s Ways are you taking?

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

I wish you every luck in getting your visa and I hope that living in America is everything you wish for. I honestly dont think many here feel victorious that they have made it, if anything maybe a little jaded by their experiences of trying to get here and then finding it all a little trying at times.

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

True,

It can be done, if I really really wanted to do it, other than accidental Marriage, I think I might have managed it.

But I would not have wanted to invest the time and effort, it would have been a mega life choice on a long shot.

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

I am surprised at your comments about NI. I was a soldier in NI for 5 years and served before the ceasefires came along so I certainly know it can be rough in places. In my own experience the world in NI changed a lot after the ceasefires and the Belfast Agreement. NI is not anything like as dangerous as it used to be and I personally felt that it was chalk and cheese between my earlier experiences and the current situation. But that’s me, not everyone has the same experience. Out of interest so where are you from in NI? What Mall did you work at then if it was being evacuated all the time? Which Uni did you go to then? What did you study?

America is not the Shangri la you might think it is. In my own experience it is hard to make it here and the opportunities for advancement are hard to come by. My previous qualifications and experiences didn’t seem to have much, if any, value over here and now I am back at school getting a graduate degree to try to gain access to wider opportunities in the USA by getting a qualification that has some recognition over here. The downside is that its costing me around $80,000 of student debts to do it. Given the opportunity I would happily go back to Belfast.

The advice people give is genuine they are just being realistic. Lots of people come onto this site with a vague notion of moving to the USA without realising that it can be very difficult to do. It is hard to move here and the immigration hurdles are considerable. Realistically you have very little prospect if you don’t either win the DV lottery, or marry a USC. If you just want out of Ulster then maybe you should look into Canada, NZ and Australia as well. I think most of them have a points system still and if you have a degree, are young and can find a job you can usually clock up enough points to get a visa. Its worth exploring all options as far as I can see unless you have some very specific reason why the USA is the one you want. I loved all the business trips and holidays I had over here but once I began living here I have enjoyed it a lot less and have been pretty disappointed with my experience. A holiday and residence are really not the same. Try being sick with no medical insurance in the USA and that will open your eyes pretty quick.

Lastly do your own research. The USIC site has links to all the relevant rules and the legislation. If you have a degree you are smart enough that you can do it yourself. An attorney is no use to you this point and will more likely take your money and deliver nothing. Be especially wary of the ‘we can get you a US visa’ outfits they are just rip off merchants. There are limited ways to get a US visa and no Attorney can change that or find any special loop holes.

I wish you well with what ever you want to do and if its really what you want I hope its happens for you. Personally I didn’t like it but I reckon I needed to see it and experience it for myself to realise how good NI actually is.

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

As you say you are young, why don't you look at moving to another country inside the EU? Or maybe to a country not quite in the EU like Norway? In other words - why America? This is not the land of milk and honey that the UK media sometimes like to portray it. If you think it is hard in the UK, you will find it ten times harder here. There's no NHS here, the job market remains tough. Unless you have close relatives over here willing to support you, moving here will be a VERY difficult proposition unless you have fantastic qualifications or are otherwise eminently marketable which judging by the difficulty you are encountering in NI/UK you are not quite yet in that category, as you write: "I don't have any prospects in Northern Ireland or in the UK in general with regards to my profession".

Realistically, the only way you stand a chance of moving here is if you happen to marry a US citizen (genuine marriage, not a Micky mouse marriage of convenience that is against US laws). I am not trying to put you off, but opening your mind to the reality of moving to the USA absent connections here. You have the whole of the EU to choose from - why ignore it? :rolleyes: :confused: Why not give the EU a try? What do you have to lose? And you don't need to spend a lot of time fighting for a visa, then another visa, then another ... and who knows, you might meet up with an American, marry her and find yourself on that plane trip to the USA ... or you might get a transfer organized by your employer. :cool: Who knows, but why do it the hard way? Life is [harder] hard enough as it is than butting your head against a wall, when there are obviously better options that don't require a huge effort to sort out. Your options are not defined or limited by NI or the UK, look outside to the rest of Europe. :beer:

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

So, which route from Pulaski’s Ways are you taking?

I'm planning to go along the route of an H1B and trying for an employment based visa. I have a potential employer who wants to hire me under the specialist skill section,which also considers my honours degree, but I'm going to see the attorney in August to see what we have to do. Like I have said before I want this to be all legal.

Evropa, Canada, NZ and OZ. If you just need a change of scenery, why not chose one of these? It’ll save you a lot of problems, upsets and money.

I lived in the Netherlands last year and found it very difficult with the language barrier. I learned the language but getting a job was extremely difficult. My boyfriend is Dutch hence why I tried the Netherlands. I don't want to live in any country where I can't speak English. I have an excellent prospective job opportunity in America which is why I have chosen it over other countries.

The next easiest, BTW, is marrying a USC.
Slight problem...my dutch boyfriend may not like the idea of me marrying an american guy! :p

Out of interest so where are you from in NI? What Mall did you work at then if it was being evacuated all the time? Which Uni did you go to then? What did you study?

Not sure why you want to know these questions but here are your answers. I'm from just outside Lisburn. I worked at Bow Street and Forestside shopping centres and every morning and evening it was policy by order of the PSNI to check our premises in every nook and cranny for incendiaries. My uni was Queens university of Belfast and my degree was Zoology honours.


Lots of people come onto this site with a vague notion of moving to the USA without realising that it can be very difficult to do.

Trust me, I am not someone with a half cocked mickey mouse idealistic utopia. I have been researching this for the best part of this year 2005 and know that I will continue to research it for a long time yet to come. I know its difficult and thats why I came to this site to gain extra valuable knowledge from people who have made the move and know through experience, who can give impartial advice.


I wish you well with what ever you want to do and if its really what you want I hope its happens for you.

Thank you sincerely and I do mean that. Its very much appreciated and I plan to stick around the forums here and gain further knowledge.

moving here will be a VERY difficult proposition unless you have fantastic qualifications or are otherwise eminently marketable

My profession is in very high demand. If it wasn't then I wouldn't be even considering the move. I was actually offered 2 separate jobs while i was out in april by well known professionals in my marketing niche. i am a professional in the UK in canine behaviour but there isn't enough demand for it in the UK, whereas its a huge business in the U.S. especially if you have major achievments with your own/other dogs.

and who knows, you might meet up with an American, marry her
Well I'm actually a female and not into other females so marrying a girl is out of the question :D



I had previously wrote that I had applied for a B2 visa to go for a 2 week holiday with my boyfriend. Someone here said it lasted for 6 months at least and that put me on guard because the visa enquiry line (which costs £1.30 a minute and of which my Dad will likely have me rollicked for when the phone bill comes in :eek: )told me it was for 3 months and that it was necessary seeing as I had been refused before. The consul officer back in june also told me i had lost my visa waiver rights... I have done a lot of calling today both in the UK and to the USA with my friends help in Dallas and it appears i've wasted £60...if i go I will just be mauled again and refused. Great! INS were very helpful and I spoke to an officer who makes the ultimate decisions. He told me I had not lost my vwp rights and i could still travel. I only lose that if i am a criminal (i'm not!) or if I violate the visa which I haven't. He said that I would maybe be asked extra questions and asked to prove I had a return ticket (which I do because its all booked) and also a letter from my employer which my employer has agreed to. He told me that he has the ultimate rights and said he would be working that day when our flight got in and if there is any jip to ask for him, which is nice to hear! :D

I hate being messed about but it looks like I'm going to fly with my boyfriend in 3 weeks time for a 2 week holiday. I will be seeing the attorney when I'm there and my potential employer, and then we will take it from there.

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

We did tell you about the B2, but remember the Lawyer for a H1B is an employer thing, you need to make sure that the one they use is cocompetentn the field and assuming you want to stay that the Employer will sponsor you for a GC.

A B2 refusal just means a trip to secondary, looks like you have been given good info by the POE. You applied for it in error, just say so, your not exactly the first.

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

Issues and thoughts:

*IMO, the attorney is not necessary at this stage. Research the H1 sufficiently from the USCIS site and forums so you can explain it in simple terms to prospective companies. Spend your time and money seducing prospective employers instead.
* Don't limit yourself to Texas. Seduce companies wherever they may be in the US.
* The BF is a visa issue if you move. You may be separated for a long while. If you marry and he comes with you under your visa, he will not be allowed to work.
* Search the visa forums carefully for advice regarding entry on the VWP and the likelihood of secondary inspection. The advice you have received so far is good, but you need to be 100% prepared for this.

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

[QUOTE=Laska][B]
My profession is in very high demand. If it wasn't then I wouldn't be even considering the move. I was actually offered 2 separate jobs while i was out in april by well known professionals in my marketing niche. i am a professional in the UK in canine behaviour but there isn't enough demand for it in the UK, whereas its a huge business in the U.S. especially if you have major achievments with your own/other dogs.

You are definitely right there Laska, there is a lot of demand for doggy psychologists. Lots of naughty dogs here :D

Good luck. :)

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

the chap above (Fatbrit) is a bit of a twat because he always manages to post what i'm going to, just 5 mins earlier :D

Don't give the attorney any cash right now.....

I personally think that his belief that he can get someone a H1-B for a job in canine behaviour is a good basis for my belief he is smoking crack

as I said in the the other thread you started, check out:

http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/h1b.htm

What is an H-1B?

The H-1B is a nonimmigrant classification used by an alien who will be employed temporarily in a specialty occupation or as a fashion model of distinguished merit and ability.

What is a specialty occupation?

A specialty occupation requires theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge along with at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. For example, architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, medicine and health, education, business specialties, accounting, law, theology, and the arts are specialty occupations.


In my honest opinion I can't see how the job you would be taking would fit into one of the categories above - i'm being realistic.

My move here was initially via a intra-company L1-b transfer, I was extremely fortunate the CEO of my firm felt I could step up to the role.

unfortunately it still cost me 7k in legal fees

good luck with your quest and I hope you make it

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

I think her actual job is a zoologist though, the doggy thing is a secondry thing?

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

nope, the doggy thing is the job offer... her degree is zoology with dogg speciality

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

Thank you everyone for the great advice :) . Yes, when I make a mistake I admit to it..all be it reluctantly but I will admit it! I cocked up with the B2 making it harder for me to enter the U.S. but we all learn from our mistakes don't we? and we certainly all make plenty of them! Texas is a state that is very much animal orientated and I have contacts there with very good friends which are reasons as to why I have chosen it.

Canine behaviour is a huge business throughout the whole of America and it continues to grow elsewhere in the world as well but the U.S is the place to be for it. I have a published thesis regarding canine social behaviour and my original research has been recognised in many different countries and referenced. Dogs are very much in the public eye these days because of breed specific legislation and attacks. Universities have teamed up with environmental services as nobody wants to have dog attacks in their city. A Ph.D may also be on the cards for the future regarding this area of research.

My boyfriend and i have done a long distance relationship for 3 years now. We are well used to being apart for long periods of time, so that isn't an issue right now.

Time will tell but for now my first goal is to actually get to the States in August for my holiday with my boyfriend and to speak to people regarding the H1B.

Thank you again :)

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

The O-1 visa could be a very outside possibility, though I think you're going to need a fair book full of publications.

Also, have you thought about trying to get a scholarship to a US university to do a Master's?

Re: Personal experiences of immigrating
 

Laska, if you're really going the H1 route, follow everyone's advice and ditch the lawyer. Your lawyer cannot get you an H1. Your potential employer is the one who needs to talk to a lawyer.

DV - you can do that yourself. No lawyer required.

Some things you need to consider about H1 - it won't entitle your boyfriend to come over unless you marry him first. Even then, it won't allow him to work for pay.

One thing you should be aware of with visas. They are issued by the State Department. The immigration official at the airport who decides whether to let you in - he/she works for the Department of Homeland Security. Just because the State Dept says you're good to go doesn't mean that Homeland Security will just let you in. So even if you get your B2, you may still have to explain everything again at the airport.