What is the best and most successful method for an English national to relocate permanently to the states?

Question

My wife and I want to move to the stated from the UK but the visa situation is a nightmare.

I thought for UK citizens it would be easier given our close relationship with the states but apparently that isn't the case. We're not allowed in the green card visa lottery either which is a shame.

Anyone have any relocation advice to allow my wife and I to move to America?

Answer 1

There are still a few options, but they will cost you money. You could try an E2 visa; The E2 Investor Visa allows an individual to enter and work inside of the United States based on an investment he or she will be controlling, while inside the United States. This visa must be renewed every other year, but there is no limit to how many times one can renew. Investment must be "substantial." There is no minimum amount, but generally speaking, $150,000 invested in the US is considered enough, when changing from other visas to an E2 visa within the border of US. However, individual situations would vary the outcome. An investor must "contribute" to the US economy. (Setting up a small shop alone is not enough.) Investor visas are available only to "treaty nations"[1].

Upon conclusion of the business, investors must return to their countries of origin, or change their status.

Or another option is an EB5 visa, but this one can be very expensive.

The EB-5 Visa for Immigrant Investors is a United States visa created by the Immigration Act of 1990. This visa provides a method of obtaining a green card for foreign nationals who invest money in the United States. To obtain the visa, individuals must invest at least $1,000,000 USD, creating at least 10 jobs [1]. By investing in certain regional centers with high unemployment rates, the required investment amount is only $500,000. The Immigrant Investor Pilot Program was created by Section 610 of Public Law 102-395 on October 6, 1992. This was in accordance to a Congressional mandate aimed at stimulating economic activity and job growth, while allowing eligible aliens the opportunity to become lawful permanent residents. This "Pilot Program" required only $500,000 of investment in exchange for permanent resident status. The investment could only be received by a economic unit defined as a Regional Center. A Regional Center is defined by any economic unit, public or private, engaged in the promotion of economic growth, improved regional productivity, job creation and increased domestic capital investment. Prior law required the investment in the Regional Center to generate an increase in export sales, however statutory amendments in 2000 and 2002 no longer require this increase. The individual receiving the visa is not required to actively manage the business invested in. For investors who wish to invest in a new or existing business, have an active role in the management of the operation, and have at least one million US dollars to invest, then the traditional EB-5 visa is the best option. But for those who would prefer a passive role in the management of their investment, do not wish to be involved in the creation of the 10 U.S. full time jobs, and would rather limit their investment to $500,000 USD, then the Regional Center, or EB-5 Pilot Program is the better immigration option.

There are a lot of companies out ther who can assist you in buying a business in the US, but watch out for scammers they really can take you for a ride with nothing in return.

Good luck.

Try the websites below for better info.

Answer 2

Our problem is that we have a great unemployment situation. Unless you have a skill for a particular job that we cant find a candidate for here, you will find it almost impossible. I had an English couple come into my office a few years ago with the same question that you have asked and I told them, or rather I suggested that one or both of them obtained a nursing degree, the wife did she became a psychiatric nurse and they got their green cards and are now living here in Arizona. May work for you.  

Answer 3

Since you are a family unit options are few, look into applying for jobs in the US, and come on a H-1 employment based visa, look under their websites for job shortage information often in health care fields and or technology, you basically have to stand out from the rest. Also business owned enterprenuership is another way in if you have the moeny to back up.

uscis.gov

Answer 4

A company would have to need your services and file on your (or your spouse's) behalf.  Otherwise, you would need petitionable relatives.  Go look at www.uscis.gov and in the Immigration Forms section you can peruse the requirements for the I-140 and I-130 instructions.

Answer 5

That your only left option would be through Employment. Get hired by US Employer who is willing to sponsor your PR.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/...

Answer 6

I have UK friends who have lived in the US for the last 18 years.  If you would like some good background information as to what it is like to live in the USA, my friend is preparing to write a book on her experiences of life as an expat.  

We have set up an online survey where people are free to list questions they want answered under various headings, ie finding accommodation, health services, transport etc etc.  You can access the survey via the website we have set up.  It is detailed below.

Answer 7

A ship called the Mayflower.  

Answer 8

Go with a burger in one hand ` a stars and stripes flag in the other and swear to uphold the constitution by believing every little bit of bollox it tells you and then tell them how much you want to nuke middle eastern enclaves even though you have never heard of them and do not have a clue where the middle east is.

But dont mention the following......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ3RrqBqk...

Answer 9

Unless you have a very in demand skill (there are no people currently in America that can do the job) you will find it very difficult to get a US Visa.

This shows you how to get a work authorization:

http://www.uscis.gov/vgn-ext-templating/...

On the other hand, if you won't need a job, you can simply leave the US every three months, and return on the visa waiver system.