Moving to the USA

[Dhughes1]

Hello,

I have read through the list of criterias that could help as a route to moving to the USA but would appreciate some input if possible? I think - I hope that actually I have a few options but not sure what would be best. Let me know what you think

Route 1: My mother re married to a US citizen and has been living in the US under a green card for at least 5 years (although she has been there 10) They both work, he in a restaurant, mum at home self employed, they own a house...for the time being.

Route 2: Husband does work for a company that has offices in the US - however, being field based in the UK and trasnferring to the US might be too much time away which neither of us want.

Route 3: Me, well....I have just trained in dog grooming, not the most aspirational job but I was recently made redundant from a large company and wanted to try something different, I would be more than happy to take this and set up in the States.

Problems: Own a house here probably in negative equity, so I would probably rent it out which means we do not have much money at all...10k maybe.

What do you more experienced think our chances would be?

Thanks

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by Dhughes1

Hello,

I have read through the list of criterias that could help as a route to moving to the USA but would appreciate some input if possible? I think - I hope that actually I have a few options but not sure what would be best. Let me know what you think

Route 1: My mother re married to a US citizen and has been living in the US under a green card for at least 5 years (although she has been there 10) They both work, he in a restaurant, mum at home self employed, they own a house...for the time being.

Route 2: Husband does work for a company that has offices in the US - however, being field based in the UK and trasnferring to the US might be too much time away which neither of us want.

Route 3: Me, well....I have just trained in dog grooming, not the most aspirational job but I was recently made redundant from a large company and wanted to try something different, I would be more than happy to take this and set up in the States.

Problems: Own a house here probably in negative equity, so I would probably rent it out which means we do not have much money at all...10k maybe.

What do you more experienced think our chances would be?

Thanks

1/ Your mother needs to naturalize as a US citizen before she can apply to sponsor both of you. There is a long wait -- they're currently processing applications from March 2001. It's a good plan B. Not much use in the A position, though.

2/ Best bet if they'll transfer him to the US. You don't say what he does, though, so I have no idea whether it is feasible.

3/ Want to own a dog grooming business here? They'll expect a substantial investment, and 10k isn't even a tenth of what they'd expect to see. So this one's out as no employer is going to sponsor a dog groomer.

[Dhughes1]

Originally Posted by Fatbrit

1/ Your mother needs to naturalize as a US citizen before she can apply to sponsor both of you. There is a long wait -- they're currently processing applications from March 2001. It's a good plan B. Not much use in the A position, though.

I take it her husband cannot sponser me (us) they were married before I turned 18 (now 29)

2/ Best bet if they'll transfer him to the US. You don't say what he does, though, so I have no idea whether it is feasible.

He works for a company that manufacturers audio mixing desks and sells to PA companies. I think this seems to be the best option.


Many thanks for your input

3/ Want to own a dog grooming business here? They'll expect a substantial investment, and 10k isn't even a tenth of what they'd expect to see. So this one's out as no employer is going to sponsor a dog groomer.

Yep until the market recovers it is all tied into the house. Would it work however if I did have money to buy someone's already exisiting business?

[Fatbrit]

I take it her husband cannot sponser me (us) they were married before I turned 18 (now 29)

Too late now.

He works for a company that manufacturers audio mixing desks and sells to PA companies. I think this seems to be the best option.
Depends what he does there. He has to be either management or have specialist knowledge. But the first job is to find out if the company will transfer him.

Would it work however if I did have money to buy someone's already exisiting business?
You'll need to invest at least $200k -- but it's not the best visa for staying in the US.

[Dhughes1]

Originally Posted by Fatbrit

I take it her husband cannot sponser me (us) they were married before I turned 18 (now 29)

Too late now.

He works for a company that manufacturers audio mixing desks and sells to PA companies. I think this seems to be the best option.
Depends what he does there. He has to be either management or have specialist knowledge. But the first job is to find out if the company will transfer him.

Looks like this is the way then, and I am pretty sure that at some point the company would be able to transfer then that's 3 out of 3

Would it work however if I did have money to buy someone's already exisiting business?
You'll need to invest at least $200k -- but it's not the best visa for staying in the US.

How risky is it to go over there and do seasonal work to then change your status whilst in the country?

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by Dhughes1

How risky is it to go over there and do seasonal work to then change your status whilst in the country?

Once you get burned by the immigration authorities, that's the end of the game. On a VWP entry there is only one change of status available -- marriage to a US citizen. And even that can be dicey.