Immigration help

[ukman 0]

I was wondering if anyone could advice on what is the best route to take. I am a uk citizen and at present and I would like to live and work in the US. I am due to get married to my uk girlfriend and we both also would like to immigrate.

My dad is a US citizen and was wondering what would be the best scenario of us getting to the states through my dad, or is it best he just sponsor us.

Thanks.

[Kez/JWolf 6]

Have a read here...

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

Hope this helps

Kez

[ukman 0]

Thank you for your prompt response, but i would also like to know which of the two would take longer to get to the US, my dad apply for me or for both of us, myself and soon to be wife.

[Kez/JWolf 6]

It would be faster for your dad to file for you as a unmarried child over 21... if he files for you and a wife it will take longer....

As a Unmarried adult (over 21) child of USC - Visa being issued for applications dated 01/may/2001

As a Married adult (over 21) child of USC - Visa being issued for applications dated 01/march/1999

So you are looking at 6 years + if you stay unmarried or 8 years + if you are married...

http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin...letin_3143.html

Kez

Question.... is you father a born USC or did he emigrate?

Edited February 28, 2007 by Niagaenola

[Boiler 45,939]

Pulaski's Ways: How to Live and Work in the USA Print E-mail

Written by BE Members

Tuesday, 26 July 2005

The following is a non-legal guide to living and working in the USA by people who have already done it. It is not a definitive or even detailed guide but nevertheless shows the common starting points for the beginning of your journey. Note that it is not legal advice; if you require such advice, AILA is a suitable place for a referral to a specialist US immigration lawyer. Official US government information is available at USCIS . Unlike many other popular destinations, the US does not provide specific retirement or skilled trade visas. Please research fully before you ask questions on the forum.

Simplified, there are 3 categories of US visas: immigrant, dual-intent, and non-immigrant.

Immigrant: You will be a permanent US resident (Green Card). You may under certain conditions subsequently apply for naturalization as a US citizen.

Dual-intent: You may eventually apply under certain conditions to convert to permanent resident status (Green Card). You may under certain conditions subsequently apply for naturalization as a US citizen.

Non-immigrant: You may not convert to permanent resident status and must leave the US when the reason for your stay no longer exists.

Family

Marriage or engagement in anticipation of marriage to a US citizen. Immigrant or dual-intent visa. Search for: K1, K3, direct consular filing (DCF), I-130 petition, adjustment of status (AOS).

You have a close relative (mother, father, brother, sister and no further) who is an US citizen who would sponsor you; approx. time for visa is 6 months to 12 years. Immigrant visa. Search for I-130 petition, adjustment of status (AOS).

Work

You have skills that are in short supply, e.g. scientific or medical training. A degree is normally a must. Or you have superior specialist skills with at least 12 years experience. Recruitment agents will not take you seriously if you are not already in the US. Writing for jobs is often futile, and US employers have no idea what many foreign qualifications mean, so it may pay you to get your qualification translated into a US equivalent. You need a job offer before you can get the visa. Your employer will be your sponsor at a cost to them of $5k and up. They may also have to prove to the Dept of Labor there is no American to do the job if the position is to be permanent. Your dependent spouse may not work. Dual-intent visa. Search in forums for: H1

You have a multinational employer who is willing to transfer you, but even then the employer has to make a good case for you. Your dependent spouse may work. Dual-intent visa. Search for: L1, intra-company transfer.

You have extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts (including the television and motion picture industry), education, business, or athletics. Your dependent spouse may not work. Dual-intent visa. Search for: O1.

You are a foreign member of a religious denomination having a bona fide non-profit religious organization in the US and entering the US to carry on the activities of a minister or religious worker as a profession, occupation or vocation Search for: R1.

Money

You own or buy business as a national of a qualifying Treaty country. The business must have a minimum value of around $150k (the more, the better) bearing in mind you will need somewhere to live and with any startup business you will need at least 2 years living money as back up. So a figure of $350k would be a nearer minimum. Your dependent spouse may work. Non-immigrant visa Search for: E2.

You are an "investor" i.e. you have at least US $1m in assets to bring with you, or half that in certain areas. Your background will be investigated to the hilt. Dual-intent visa Search for: EB5.

Misc (unusual for UK citizens)

You participate in, are selected, and successfully process the Diversity Visa lottery. Note that persons born in certain countries including the UK (but excluding N. Ireland) are generally not eligible to apply unless your spouse or both parents were born abroad. Immigrant visa. Search for: diversity visa (DV).

You are in a position to claim refugee status/political asylum.

You assist US law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes and terrorist activities such as money laundering and organized crime. Search for: S visa.

You get a member of Congress to sponsor a private bill with legislation that applies just to you.

Originally written by BritishExpats member "Pulaski". Additional content by BritishExpats Member "Ray". Edited and re-vamped by BritishExpats Member David, "Fatbrit"

©britishexpats.com

[ukman 0]

My dad emigrated when he was in his 20's he is now in his 50's, so he has been there awhile.