So, where do I stand...
 

One day i've always said I would like to live in the USA, for about a year or two.

Hypothetically, I have a Degree in Geography, a Postgraduate degree in Politics - I am about 23 - Natural British citizen - no criminal record.

How on earth do I get in the US, or more to the point, am I wanted? I'd like to be a school teacher there..

It seems so tough and rugged for Brits/anyone to go to America nowadays - What chances would I have/options..

..Thanks for help in advance.

Re: So, where do I stand...
 

marry a american chick

Re: So, where do I stand...
 

Yup, that is your best bet.

Though, as you are still of age, you could try for an academic visa. Come to the US to get a Masters degree in some field (one year), MBA (2 years) or a law degree (3 year JD) or a doctorate PhD. (who knows--many years). After you finish school, you have one year of 'practical work training' which is where you can work and then beg, plead, search for someone to give you a H-1 visa for a skilled worker in a technical field (law, medicine, technology).

Actually, it's also kind of your best bet to meet an American gal and marry her as well as the schools are filled with plenty of young women.

Re: So, where do I stand...
 

Believe me I would! (or a German) - but one has to be in America to meet American Chicks! - Plus when they are in Europe they're after tourism!

So much for this 'special relationship' between UK/US - they wont let us move there!

Re: So, where do I stand...
 

for a year ot two.

Maybe a J1 would fit?

See the Articles on this site for how to move the US.

Re: So, where do I stand...
 

Met mine in the UK, you need to look around a bit more.

Re: So, where do I stand...
 

Internet! :D

Re: So, where do I stand...
 

Yeah but it's not the same is it...

Re: So, where do I stand...
 

http://american.meetup.com/

American Expats meetup boards. Pick country and city, and you can find out where they'll be meeting. (You can also see pictures of the members who are going as well, just in case you have a preference for blondes or something...)

I think they are having a party in London this Friday, and a half dozen of them are roadtripping over to the first NFL Europe game in early April.

Re: So, where do I stand...
 

Internet works good :D

Or you could go for the love actually approach and just get on a flight to Milwauke.

Re: So, where do I stand...
 

There are basically NINE 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 may get a Green card in the diversity lottery (UK citizens, except N.Ireland, are not generally eligible unless you, your spouse or parents were born abroad or held a different citizenship.

(5)You own or buy business (does not get you permanent resident status i.e. no green card)You must be a national of a qualifying Treaty countries
The business must have a minimum value of around $150k (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 $350k would be a nearer minimum

(6)You are an "investor" i.e. you have at least US $1m in assets to bring with you. half of that in a few areas. 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…

(8.The R1 visa is available to foreign members of religious denominations, having bona fide non-profit religious organizations in the U.S., for entering the U.S. to carry on the activities of a minister or religious worker as a profession, occupation or vocation

(9)THE UNUSUAL You are in a position to claim refugee status/political asylum. or You get a member of Congress to sponsor a private bill with legislation that applies just to you.
The S visa issued to persons who assist US law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes and terrorist activities such as money laundering and organized crime


Recruitment agent will not take you seriously if you are not already in the US. Writing for jobs is really a waste of time; likewise US employers have no idea what foreign qualification are or mean (except Degrees) it may pay you to get your qualification translated into a US equivalent, there are Companies that do this ..
But if you are getting a visa under (2) above then you need a job offer before you can get the visa. Your Employer will be your sponsor this will cost them upward of $5k. So you can see you have to be offering something really special to get considered They may also have to prove to the Dept of labor that there is no American who can do the job if the position is to be permanent
© Originator.. Pulaski
Updater.. Ray 7/23/05

Re: So, where do I stand...
 

Well it is eventually, when you fall in love, visit, and get married ;)

While we are joking around with you, I think from an immigration standpoint it is actually the easiest. Provided of course, you actually happen to fall in love with a USC.

I see they've listed all the ways to immigrate, above.

Re: So, where do I stand...
 

Not entirely, I was sort of asking for a personal standpoint - with my qualifications, obviously it doesn't matter - ah well.

Re: So, where do I stand...
 

To be fair the easiest and fastest way to get to live and work in the States is via marriage. The sad fact is that a bin man who married an American would have more chance of getting in ( provided she could sponsor) than most people with a degree who tried to get in via a non-marriage route.

Re: So, where do I stand...
 

Sorry, I know I for one am not capable of evaluating your qualifications. Off-hand guess, it sounds unlikely. Unless like others suggest, you come over to study.

Other than by marriage (and not always then) it is not easy to move to the U.S.