Thinking of moving to the States
 

I have a few questions and would greatly appreciate it, if someone could answer them or give me their views.

I am under no illusion that entering into the USA is an easy process and I quite understand this and respect that it should be tough especially in todays society.

Both myself and my husband turned 30 at the end of last year and we feel that we are ready to leave the rain behind in Scotland and start a new life somewhere, where we can enjoy sunshine and we really love the American way of life. I know it has its problems like most places on this earth and we are not taking the decision lightly as we have a 9 year old son.

My husband is a self employed engineer and I am a Freelance make up artist, how easy would it be for us to work over there and what would be the best visa for us to apply for. I know the UK are exempt for the Green Card, but I know we would both like to continue our careers if we do move. Any help y ou give me is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Re: Thinking of moving to the States
 

Make up artist wouldn't qualify for a visa; what type of engineer is your husband?

Re: Thinking of moving to the States
 

Hi Scottishgirl.

You might find more answers in the immigration forum. Questions like yours are asked every day there and that forum certainly has a wealth of information in it.

The general consensus around here is that unless you have familial, marriage or employment ties to the US, or are of an employment that the US needs, it's very hard to immigrate over here.

Good luck in your search!

Re: Thinking of moving to the States
 

My husband is a turner he makes rollers and conveyors and other componenets mostly for food industries

Re: Thinking of moving to the States
 

I doubt that would qualify either I'm afraid...

Re: Thinking of moving to the States
 

Then neither of you really have a chance at getting an H1-B visa, to be honest. Blunt as it sounds, I suggest you look at other countries with less stringent immigration requirements.

Re: Thinking of moving to the States
 

See wher you could fit in here: number 2 is out .....


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: Thinking of moving to the States
 

You don't qualify under family or work, so that leaves money. E-2 is a crap visa with no permanent residence, especially if you've got a kid. Have you got $200k or more hanging about that you wouldn't mind losing? Nail saloon would seem the best bet for ya! Got $0.5M hanging around and there's a visa that gives a GC -- bit untried and untested at the mo, though.

You should really look at OZ IMVHO.

Re: Thinking of moving to the States
 

Thank you I have also been thinking about OZ.

We have some equity in our house and we also know a few friends with their own businesses over there but it would mean only ever working for them and I like being freelance, I do mostly TV work and weddings. Thanks for all your help and we will keep researching as we will not jump into anything now but we are definately moving somewhere where our son can have a better future. We looked at the $500,000 investment but it seems really risky.

Re: Thinking of moving to the States
 

an engineer, as in a proper engineer would have a chance, but a machinist ain't one, so wouldn't qualify unless it was very specialist niche skills, but it probably isn't one....

investment visa would probably be best bet, or another country, like Canada or Oz...

30's is a tough time to move in, medical insurance starts to get pricey, and a family would make it a bit more pricey...

Re: Thinking of moving to the States
 

Its unbelievable you hit 30 and its all down hill!!!!!!

Investment visa is this the $500,000?

He does some sort of other stuff which I should honestly know :zzz:

Re: Thinking of moving to the States
 

medical insurance is expensive full stop, but add age, add family, it gets silly quick.

and yeah $500K...but the figure depends on where you want to move to, it's less money if you move to a dive...

Re: Thinking of moving to the States
 

Read here. Don't see many of these.

Re: Thinking of moving to the States
 

Hell, 30 is no problem, but when you hit 40 everything sure goes to crap in a hurry... :lol:

Re: Thinking of moving to the States
 

The problem with the skilled visa (h1-b) for example is that a degree in the field is really quite important, and I'm not talking about a vocational type qualifications but something from a university, and often not even just a 4 year degree, but an advanced graduate degree as well. There are exceptions, but those come more into play when you are talking about a master artisan or craftsman who is widely recognized as tops in his field kind of stuff.

It is really a bear I'm sorry to report.