cazann

We are looking to immigrate but not quite sure on where we want to go yet.

We really like the idea of the USA as it is quite similar to the UK.

We are not sure on the laws of how to get into the country?

Our provisions would be:

We would like to open a little all ready established business as our main income.
We have a son with special needs so would like somewhere that caters for him.
We would need to rent a property for the first couple of months until we got used to the place.

Any input is much appreciated

lansbury

Try reading the WIKI, start here http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Pulask...ork_in_the_USA

When you have worked out what visa you will go for, them come back and ask some more specific questions.

Jerseygirl

From the info you have already posted I would say your chances of living and working in the US are zero...unless either you are your husband were born in a country that can enter the DV lottery...or you have several hundred thousand dollars to invest in a business. Sorry.

GeoffM

E2 visa is typical for this.

E2 is not good for this. Depending on what special needs, the US may not be a good idea as it could cost you a fortune.

Noorah101

Research the investment visas.

Research US health insurance, especially an "individual plan" (not a "group plan"). You can expect to pay A LOT for healthcare, especially having a child with special needs.

I am just guessing here, but I'm thinking USA is probably not going to be the place you'll end up settling.

Rene

md95065

If what you like is just the "idea" of the USA and your "idea" is that it is "quite similar to the UK" then I think that you need to do a little more research ...

scrubbedexpat027

I've found living in the USA to be very, very different from the UK. And I've only been to a tiny fraction of the USA. From what I've heard, each area / state are completely different from each other.

And if you think they speak English, they don't. It's some strange type of dialect

Manc

you're already at the right place

ian-mstm

Respectfully, no... it's not - and you're deluding yourself if you think it is.


Unless you are independently wealthy, meeting your son's needs could easily bankrupt you.


Stay in the UK where your son's needs will be met!

Ian

penguinsix

Hi

As you've probably taken from the tone of the previous commentators, it's not exactly a walk in the park to move to the USA. Beside the almost-totally-and-completely-impossible-problem of obtaining a visa, there is also the health care expenses you will incur monthly (think around $1,000-$2,000 per month) and the general 'cultural climate' which, while speaking a variation of English, is in many ways as foreign to someone from the UK as Inner Mongolia would be (seriously).

If you could take a look at the wiki link provided above for visas and let us know if you qualify for any of them, we can give you some advice on the procedures that would be necessary. We'd then also give an honest (and occasionally blunt) assessment of what life is like living in the US, and try to guide you through any other questions you might have.

Good luck.

Bob

It's not, not in the slightest, apart from the language...possibly.

Well if you've got several hundred thousand, you can invest in a visa, but with a kid, not a great option and medical insurance won't be much fun either, especially for a small business owner.

If you already own and run a business, you've probably got a better chance than zero, but it would be much tougher over here.

But anyway, it's a big world out there...plenty of other countries with points based immigration system, or the rest of the EU, where you wouldn't even need a visa.

So what exactly is it about the US that you think will be an improvement to your lives?

cazann

Thanks everyone for your input. Really helpful.
We are stuck in a situation where we just want a better life for our family.

We were looking at the E2 visa as my partner has $50,000 to buy a small business. He will also have an income from renting out property in the UK.

I no this might not help much and thank you again.

civilservant

He might the E2, but the problem is renewing it. I've seen a few stories where the renewal is rejected and you then have to go home. I just dont think starting a new business in a country to which you have just immigrated and no nothing about is very practical.

That and the major healthcare cost barrier you will invariably have for your child.

Bob

That isn't enough.....you need to double that minimum to get something and then add another chunk on top for start up costs.

Even if you were lucky enough to be granted a visa on such a small investment, you will be even less likely to get it renewed.

Oh and what about the US do you think will give you a better life? If you've got that kind of cash, move somewhere else in the UK or the EU if you want a change of scenery.

Noorah101

To be honest, the "better life in the USA" will not apply to your special needs child. Not with the cost of US healthcare.

You are currently in the best place which caters to him.

If your after just "better weather" for the sake of the child...like more sunshine, etc...there are EU countries which provide that.

Rene