Where to move in the U.S and is it possible?

[barlettaborn]

We have been looking at moving away from the UK for some time. However after looking at houses all over the U.S we are still unsure where to move each has its own benefits.

Ideally we would like somewhere Safe & Secure not isolated, generally a nice suburb. Near the Sea would be nice, but not a necessity. It must however be hot or at least have a better climate than the U.K. Our budget is around $300000, leaving plenty in the bank to find on our feet.

Now for my second question. How easy is it to find work and get the green card?

I'm a qualified primary school teacher & linguist I speak 5 languages.

My husband is a ex-professional footballer he is now a coach I heard there is demand for football/soccer coaches in the USA and its a growing sport I don't know if this helps.

We have a young daughter 9 years old, and also a son who is 19 he's a keen footballer & qualified IT technician.

Also my whole family is at least bi-lingual.

Do any of these points help?


Thank You Very Much For Your Help :-)

[Fatbrit]

Forget the where; it's the how!

Bilingualism means English and Spanish in the US, BTW. Not a great seller, I'm afraid.

Husband may have some opportunities.

Son is getting old -- you don't have much time.

[barlettaborn]

Hmmm ok. My son doesn't have to come, he may well stay and just come to visit.

Is my husband EB-1?
By Bi-Lingual I meant Italian & English.
But I speak English, Spanish, German, French, Italian & Russian

What are my odds?

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by barlettaborn

Hmmm ok. My son doesn't have to come, he may well stay and just come to visit.

Is my husband EB-1?
By Bi-Lingual I meant Italian & English.
But I speak English, Spanish, German, French, Italian & Russian

What are my odds?

A few paths for sporting stars -- depends how famous he was and how good your lawyer is. Probably not a DIY petition. EB1, EB1 w/ NIW, O visa.

Your odds as a primary school teacher are low in terms of getting suitable status. I've seen a few on the boards who've managed it -- but it's not common. The visa is H1b and you'll need to get licensed here (it's a state rather than a federal thing), then plod the school districts and beg and plead.

[barlettaborn]

Originally Posted by Fatbrit

A few paths for sporting stars -- depends how famous he was and how good your lawyer is. Probably not a DIY petition. EB1, EB1 w/ NIW, O visa.

Your odds as a primary school teacher are low in terms of getting suitable status. I've seen a few on the boards who've managed it -- but it's not common. The visa is H1b and you'll need to get licensed here (it's a state rather than a federal thing), then plod the school districts and beg and plead.

Ok thank you very much.

He played at the top level in the Italian league and was professional for a 13 years. However he's no David Beckham he won't be well known.

As for me If its better to work as linguist as oppose to primary school teacher I happy to do that. Also I dont necessarily have to work do I?
I forgot to mention that I have been to the U.S 'numerous' times and have worked on the West Coast I also have numerous friends along the West Coast. My husbands wage packet should accommodate our family. In 1989 my husband was offered a position at an MLS club in Seattle. I do realise this was a ridiculously long time ago but still I can't see me having to work!

I just want odds on liklihood of gaining the greencard, as you seem to be one of the most experienced contributors on this forum and know what your talking about.

[Bevdeforges]

As fatbrit has indicated, the question of "where" to settle depends entirely on where you can find work, as a visa application (immigrant or non-immigrant) requires you to have a sponsor - either a direct family member (parent, child or sibling) or an employer. Which means you pretty much have to have the job before you can even submit a visa application.

The primary school qualification is pretty much worthless in the US, given what the individual states require for a teaching license (generally a university degree including specific courses) - and of course, every state has its own requirements. Public schools generally can't sponsor anyone for visas - a matter of money and local policy. You could try private schools, particularly the "international" schools that teach in a variety of languages (mostly for diplomats' kids). New York City, Washington DC would be your best options for that - though both are expensive cities to live in. The danger is that if a private school were to offer you a job and a visa, it would be one where your trailing spouse would not be allowed to work, and teaching isn't normally all that well paid in the US.

Your husband being an ex-footballer might help. How well known is he? If he could manage a coaching job with one of the US pro teams, they'd surely be able to get him a visa. Most other coaching jobs would most likely be with schools - private schools or universities - for which he'd need a teaching qualification (i.e. university degree) or higher (to teach/coach at a university - preferably a masters or PhD in physical education or something similar).

Anyhow, just some ideas. You may also want to look at the west coast of Canada. There has been some discussion in the Canada section here about UK teachers requalifying to teach in Canada.
Cheers,
Bev

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by barlettaborn

He played at the top level in the Italian league and was professional for a 13 years. However he's no David Beckham he won't be well known.

Would strike me that you want to be hitting the clubs and colleges to see if you can spark an interest. Also, I'd have a consult with a US immigration lawyer to find your options -- there are a myriad of them for him.

As I said at the beginning, it's not where you live but how you get here. If the only team prepared to sponsor is North Dakota United, then that's where you're going!

[barlettaborn]

Thank you Bev. My Husband was reasonably well known he capped for the Italian U-21 team *Thus he had no need for a degree, he has however coached and taught at a private school in the UK.*, and was offered a major position in Seattle a long time ago. However recently we've looked at University coaching or for 2nd division club. As for me teaching its not entirely neccassary I teach. My degree was not a teaching one. I have a degree in Geography also. I thought my teaching qualification would be of benefit but I'm happy to use my other degree if that is of more benefit.

As for Canada I have considered it. However their Soccer league is not up to US standard and I'm not desperate to work If teacher wages are anything like the UK then alternative forms of work would benefit me more.

Many Thanks

Anita

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by barlettaborn

and I'm not desperate to work If teacher wages are anything like the UK then alternative forms of work would benefit me more.

You may not be allowed to. Some visas allow the spouse to work....but others don't.

[twostep]

Linguist/Teacher
Your languages are unfortunately nothing in high demand. Trust me - been there done that, spent the tuition at C:>) You will need US certifications. Your UK teaching certificates cannot be transferred. You will have to get certified on state/federal level which will include back to school for you. Using these qualifications to obtain a visa - almost zero.

Your husband has had a career in soccer! Congratulations! Particularly in Italy! What has he been doing recently? What do you see as his qualifications to obtain a visa?

Visa specialists - will a 19/20 year old be able to tag along?