British Expatriate Network

Over 5 years ago, I met my (sur)namesake on the Net by pure chance. As families, we kept up contact, until 3 years ago we went over to Kentucky and met up with them.
Warmer, friendlier people, you couldn't wish to meet.
Consequently, after three more visits since and another due at Easter this year, my family would like to emigrate to the U.S. and would be welcomed by a number of (relatives) over there. Jobs have also been offered.
But to get into the States on a permanent basis, it would appear, is not so easy!!
I have seen many posts on here, with regard to U.K. fiances' having U.S. partners or vice versa, but none in the position we are in, (True Brits).
I have looked at the various methods of trying to get into the States INS sites etc., but could anybody help and possibly point me in the right direction as to where to start. (That's assuming I have a snowballs chance in the first place).
Thanks in anticipation.

Hello Phil and welcome to Britnet. smile

Not all of us who post here are married to US citizens, many are here because of their employment and arrive initially on non-immigrant visas. After about a year, many people consider applying for Green Cards to become Permanent Residents.

We're a British family too, and we arrived in the States in 2000 because my husband's employer (a British company) transferred him here; he's on an L1 visa (a visa for intracompany transferees of managerial or executive grade). Dependants are on L2 visas.

Other Brits here were sponsored by companies on visas such as the H-1 (dependants on H-4 visas I think). I understand that the company has to show that they couldn't find an American who could do that particular job. Here's an example; we know someone who used to work for Triumph motorcycles in the UK and managed to get a job in a garage in California as he had specialised knowledge of Triumph bikes.

I know that the IT market is pretty dire at the moment and a lot of people on H-1's are not having their contracts renewed or the employers don't want to sponsor the employee for a Green Card. With applications for L and H visas the company has to file the paperwork, you can't do it yourself. What sort of job are you doing at the moment?

Other ways to come in include being a business investor on an 'E'? visa . You will need lots of $$$$ and I think you are expected to employ some Americans.

You might be able to come in as a "Religious Worker eg. on an Evangelical tour! ) razz

Seriously, you can get some visa info here

http//www.usembassy.org.uk for immigrant and non-immigrant visas.

I also strongly recommend this book, which we've found invaluable. You might be lucky and find it in your local library, but you should be able to find it in W H Smiths or from amazon.co.uk

"Living and Working in America" by David Hampshire

Good Luck!