Sleepy82

Hi, I'm Richard (Rich) I'm a lifetime British citizen considering a move to the USA - probably the northern states (Montana, Wyoming, North Dacota). I'm very new to the whole idea and can't say I'm well travelled at all, everything I see about the states (films, books, youtube etc) has convinced me that I'd "belong" there better than I do here, their way of life matches mine or what I'd like to do very well.

I have lots of questions and lots to learn, I guess this isn't the place - I'll stick to introducing myself

I'm In quite a good position for a major change, I've no debt, no house, no girlfriend or kids, I have a reasonable job, currently live with parents, have a modest lump in the bank. Overall, after selling belongings, cars etc, I could probably have £30,000 to make the move.

There's a few hurdles aside from the obvious and it'll be a couple of years before I expect to leave but that has the advantage of giving me time to research, think things through, find work etc etc

christmasoompa

Hi, and welcome to BE.

Your first step will need to be a visa, and for the US that is usually the trickiest bit - it's notorious as one of the toughest countries to move to for most people. Hopefully by 'reasonable job' you'll have one that meets the requirements for a visa, and have some further education to go with it? But head on over to the US immi section of the forum, and if you give more info there about your occupations and qualifications, those in the know will be able to help and work out if you stand a chance of getting a visa.

Best of luck with it.

Rete

Good Rich and Happy New Year!

You're starting the year with a research project of life in the US and hope to become one of its Permanent Residents. Many, many people have just that same dream and find it is virtually impossible to achieve.

Our housekeeping chore is to ask you to read the Forum Rules. Short and simple list designed to bring peace and harmony to the many forums. http://britishexpats.com/site-rules/

After reading that, please venture over to the USA forums. You can ask your immigration questions in the US Immigration Visa sub-forum http://britishexpats.com/forum/us-immigration-citizenship-visas-34/

and general US questions in the USA forum http://britishexpats.com/forum/usa-57/

IMHO, you need to take a number of vacation/holiday trips to the US before anything else. You can visit the US for up to 89 days without need of a visa if you qualify.

Best of luck to you.

Sleepy82

Thankyou both

Sadly, having done a little more research, I doubt it's very hopeful but I'll continue reading for a while yet

I'm a qualified mechanic (5 years college) and have been a lorry driver for 12 years now... there's a very vague hope there as it seems the USA (like the UK) are short of drivers, perhaps if I can get qualified that may lead to a job offer/sponsor but it's something I need to research obviously.

Yes, I intend to have a few holidays over there and, if the chance arises, seasonal work may lead to romance and an unexpected (but welcome) means to an end but that's not something anyone can plan

christmasoompa

Ah, sorry to say but not sure there's any visa suitable for those occupations. Have a read of this though to understand all the various visas available and see if you think you may qualify for any of them - https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Pulas...rk_in_the_USA_

If you discover that the US isn't an option then probably not much point in spending lots on holidays there, but can I suggest Canada as an alternative? There are visa routes for truckers and mechanics there.

Best of luck whatever you discover and decide.

Bob

Welcome to BE and good luck!

Options do sound tough, but because I don't want to completely poop on your parade as you are reading up on stuff which doesn't happen often

If you're a mechanic, but with very niche skills, it would not be entirely off the cards. For perspective, a college friend was a head mechanic for a Lambo dealership and they brought him over to the US on a O1, to open a new dealership because he had very specialist systems knowledge, particularly in custom car hardware and software set ups. It was a unique opportunity but if you can wrangle yourself into a specialist role rather than being a regular MOT shop mechanic...

If nothing else, enjoy the holidays here and stick around BE!

SanDiegogirl

Canada may be a better place for a truck driver - there definitely is a visa (albeit temporary) for truck drivers as they have a critical shortage. Might be worth exploring.

Sleepy82

I'm no special mechanic and been out of the trade for quite a while now so, probably not a realistic option

Canada might be a good place to start, as a trucker and (I don't know the ins and outs) hopefully a step closer, I certainly think it's a good plan B if nothing else

What's the scope for starting in seasonal work and it turning into job offers/sponsorship? I'm a Jack of all trades kinda person and happy to put the effort in if there's a good chance

alternatively, I might be interested in doing seasonal jobs just for the fun of it, with fingers crossed I'll meet someone while I'm at it; I'm in a position where I can enjoy a bit of freedom I guess

(don't worry, I'm a man of morals so certainly at the mercy of "cupid" as opposed to looking for an easy passport...)

sorry, any more ramblings will be in the relevant forum. Thankyou for all the kind words

mikelincs

Search the Canada forum here for help. https://britishexpats.com/forum/canada-56/

Rete

Morning, luv.

Lots and lots of good advice and information has been given so you have many areas to start your research. As such since this is the Welcome Inn for introductions only, I am asking the thread to be closed to further discussions.

Please avail yourself of the forums and sub-forums suggested where our helpful members will be happy to assist you with your endeavor to more to the Americas.