Moving to the States.

[hannahlou]

Hi everyone,

We are a british family that would love to move to the USA. I am currently working as an Unqualified teacher at a primary school and complete my degree in nine months. My husband owns his own company in the engineering business. We have two children 11 and 7. Would we have any chance at all of being accepted to move to the USA or not. Any advice would be fantastic.

[Rachel_Heath]

Normally in your position I’d imagine you might be able to target either an H1B or an O1 visa however they both require that you can demonstrate that you fill a need that cannot be filled by a permanent resident or citizen here. In addition both require sponsorship by a US business and are subject to quotas (the H1B is probably already oversubscribed for this year).

If your husband has an opportunity to invest and branch his business out over here then that may allow you to pursue an E2 visa – however you’d need to make an investment of at least $150,000.

What sort of degree are you studying for and does your hubby have any similar qualifications (or years of experience)?

[hannahlou]

Hi,

I will have an Honors degree in education. My Husband has an HND but has been in the engineering business for the past 18 years.

[Bevdeforges]

The problem you may run up against is that in the US teacher licensing is controlled by the states. As with most licensed professions, each state has its own requirements - and in most states, you have a certain period of time in which to complete a masters degree in education while you are doing your first few years of teaching.

If your husband is interested in either expanding his business to the US or just moving it over, you'd probably have a reasonable shot at a green card (though it would hardly be a quick process).
Cheers,
Bev

[ChungyUK]

Hi all, I'm 24 years old and been thinking hard about migrating to the US as the UK is starting to become a expensive place to live. I've been seriously been thinking about it very hard and would like to move this Summer or next year.

The thing is I have no idea how to go about it. I've got a degree in Business and Computing. With the US being so big and each state feeling like a different country I don't know where is the place to find work in the business/Computing field. Any information on how to go about how to get a company to sponsor you and green card etc would be most appreciated!

Thanks
Steve

[Rachel_Heath]

Steve,

Given your degree you should be able to pursue an H1-B visa. However these are capped each year at 65,000 and as far as I'm aware the 2008 limit has already been reached. That said there's still a good chance you could get one for 2009 given your qualifications. The H1-B is sponsored by an employer here - they will pay the visa costs etc. but inevitably the benefit for them is they get to pay you a lower wage than domestic hires.

As for looking for jobs you might want to start by doing a Google search for h1b Jobs and see what pops up.

I guess I was lucky - years back I got a postcard through the mail offering jobs in the US - only took one 30 minute telephone interview and I was hired - despite me not being available for 9 months (I'd just started a 9 month contract in London at the time). I didn't even have a degree - they took me in based on my years of experience.

As for a Green Card, those babies are much much harder to come to and you'd need to work your way to one whilst you're here on the H-1B.

Please be advised though the the H-1B is fixed to the sponsoring employer. Technically speaking the moment you leave the job you're meant to return back to dear old blighty.

Hope this all helps!

[ChungyUK]

Yes this information certainly helps thanks. So basically in order to work in the US it would be best to apply for a H1B VISA instead of a green card. So do many Brits get sponsorship deals from US companies?

[Rachel_Heath]

Originally Posted by ChungyUK

So basically in order to work in the US it would be best to apply for a H1B VISA instead of a green card.

To be 100% blunt, you have no chance of gaining a green card whilst still in the UK unless you find yourself a good American girl to marry!

I'm unsure what effect China's having on the overall market - back in my day (listen to me!) in the late 90's I was in competition with folks from India; but I certainly think you've got a good shot at it, yes. Once you're here you can then begin to work on the longest and most tortuous part of the process - the Green Card.

The process can be long and painful but ultimately rewarding. Although I'm still very much a English Rose I have to say I absolutely love living out here.

[synthia]

Back in the late 90's, during the run-up to Y2K, there was a special law passed that provided for a huge number of visas for anyone in IT. However, when Y2K was over, and the economy/stock market crashed, the law was not renewed.

As far as teaching goes, another problem is that teachers are government employees, and governments are usually legally prevented from sponsoring immigrants. They can only hire people who have already obtained a visa that allows them to work.

[ChungyUK]

Rachel i'm curious to find out where in the US your living right now? and in your opinion where is the best place to find job opportunities in the business/computing field?

Steve