pseudo_name

Hi

So we are looking to go on holiday to Seattle & Vancouver for 2 weeks to see if we want to move there permanently.

Will my UK driving licence suffice for usa and canada, will it just be a case of filling out some forms, or will I need to take a test?

Any help would be appreciated thanks.

Hotscot

You simply use your UK driving licence.
You didn't think that everyone who came to the US on holiday had to take the driving test did you? Please don't think I'm being cheeky I'm genuinely wondering.

And since many forum contributors will be curious, and your answers may assist others, under what scenario might you be able to move to Seattle?
For example do you have a job offer that would include an appropriate visa?

You'll also be asked some questions at the immigration check and if your answers indicate some sort of employment/immigration research visit then your responses will have bearing on how you're treated.

pseudo_name

Well I wasn't sure because UK is a separate country from USA, the driving rules and markings are different and I don't think they'll appreciate me driving down the left side of the road.

This is early days, so I would have to search for work. I'm at the research stage tbh.

I presume there's a time limit for how long you can use a UK driving licence you must eventually have to apply for a USA driving licence.

Hotscot

Getting permission to work in the US is very, very difficult and would be your biggest hurdle, the driving test being insignificant in comparison. (In many states you need a State licence within 30 days of establishing residency, that includes WA. The test is very easy compared to the US.)

Contributors here are very willing to appropriately advise but they will be very curious regarding your background and would appreciate info on how you think you could move. Basically you have people here who can give you a good idea if you will be able to move here or if it's a non-starter.

Have a look at this link and let us know under what requirements you'd qualify.

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Pulask...n_the_USA#Work

pseudo_name

Thanks for the help. I have BSc in computer science the original idea was to move to Vancouver but I hear there is more technology jobs available in Seattle. I don't know how my degree equates to in USA. I would expect to have about 3 years experience in industry as well before an attempt to move.

mikelincs

You problem would be getting a visa, which is extremely difficult, you would have to find a sponsor who would be prepared to pay the huge fees to get you a visa, and wait the many months it takes. You can't just apply for a job, get it and move.
Please read the 'read me's' in this forum.

http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=34

and the information in the Wiki.

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Category:USA_Immigration

Then if you qualify for a visa, then you can start looking for a sponsor.

Hotscot

Let me say this with all due respect, but based on experience you may be underestimating how difficult it really is to move to the US. Slightly easier for Canada I think but others will chime in.

Basically you'd need to be some sort of hotshot specialist in some technical field since there are plenty of qualified Americans needing work here also. Therefore there's little incentive for a US company to go through the lengthy costly process to bring in someone from another country.

You say you'll have three or so years industry experience. Who will it be with and will it be in a specialist role? If so your best chance will be to work for a multinational with offices in the US and then after one year you'll be eligible for a company transfer IF you have the necessary skills. (For example I moved over working for Adobe, first in Edinburgh then California.)

But please do keep in mind...it is very, very difficult to move to this country, especially with unemployment so high.

pseudo_name

Thanks for the help you two, I'l do some more research and reassess my position. I'l make a new thread if I have any more questions as this is off topic now.