Strange Famous

well... this has been something I have thought about for a few years, but never seriously enough to do any research into it. I just wondered if anyone could give me any pointers in how I get started on doing some research, resources or places I could look?

I have quite good educational qualifications (Bachelors (first) and Masters degree's in sociology), but my work experience is pretty ordinary - I've been an (unqualified) assistant financial accountant and at the moment Im a supervisor/team leader in an operations department. The company I work for is part of a big group (they are a wholly owned subsidory of Deutsche Post, and part of the DHL brand) and they would definitely have offices in the states, but Im hesitant to try and do anything internally because if it didnt work out it would unsettle my current position.

Should I look for a job first and then they would help me apply for residency? realistically, are my qualifications and skills just not specialised enough for me to be able to emmigrate to the states anyway?

I have a friend in Cali who says she'll marry me so I can get a Green Card as long as she can still date other men - but Im pretty sure she's joking,

Can people still just go to America and try to start a new life, or do I need to prove I have a special skill (which I dont, especially - unless there are shortages in teachers or sociology lecturerers!)

I know there are probably places I can find this stuff out, but... if you know any of those places can you tell me them... its just such a huge thing, I dont know how to start or where to look first?

btw - would it be safe to say I should avoid mentioning my political views (someone posted a political stance survey here once and I came out to the left of Castro, Mao and Lenin) in the immigration process??

__________________
"Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate,
for all things are plain in the sight of Heaven. For nothing
hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain
without being uncovered."

The Gospel of Thomas

zen_tom

I emigrated to a tropical island 5 months ago, but was lucky enough to have been offered a job here first.

Before that, I was working around Europe working for a software company (I didn't have any qualifications, just some experience in an accounting department of a bank) They sent me all round the world, and it was through people I met during those years that this opportunity came about. I'm certain that there are still a lot of jobs out there involving travel, and that you can't fail to meet people from all round the world in a job like that, which will undoubtedly help in finding a good job overseas.

The other thing about here, is that there are a LOT of people who arrive on the island with their CVs, they drop them off at a local employment agency, who seem to have lots of opportunities to give to people - I wouldn't be surprised if a similar process worked in the US.

You could take a trip, and while you're there, try and get involved with some locals, see what's going on and try and get yourself noticed - it's not what you know, or even who you know, it's coming across as a genuine, enthusiastic and honest person. If nothing comes of it, you will have had an interesting holiday.

Marrying for a green-card sounds a little desperate - what makes you want to move to America anyway? (I can understand wanting to leave the UK, I've done it myself - but why America in particular?)

Strange Famous

well I wouldnt do that really, just messing around with this girl I know. Why the US is I really dont like the UK so much, and I really want to see more of the world... and I guess the language barrier is a part of it, and a part of it is the American dream, which was a Jewish dream I guess, and it may sound cliched, but it has some resonance.

__________________
"Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate,
for all things are plain in the sight of Heaven. For nothing
hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain
without being uncovered."

The Gospel of Thomas

flstf

5 or 6 years ago I was working in Mexico on computer control systems for water treatrment plants. While there I met and worked with a young Mexican programmer who was fantastic. Since I was the head of my department when I got back to the states I immediately began working to hire him.

As I recall there is a list of approved jobs and skills that the U.S. has in order to be eligible for work here. He did not exactly match the list so we stretched the truth a little in order for him to qualify. I think it took us about 6 months to get the paperwork cleared. There is probably such a list available today as well.

I think he has to update his visa or green card once a year. As far as I know he is still working for the company. I have since left.

A brief search on google turned up the following link:http://www.visanow.com/IMMIGRATION_V...er-shuffle.asp

You might want to look into what they call an H-1B visa. Good Luck.

VitaminH

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services would be a decent place to find out information I think. The website for the USCIS is here. Googling "US Immigration" seems to give up a lot of websites and agencies out there to help you. Who knows how good they really are though.

__________________
"Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever."
- Napoleon Bonaparte

StephenSa

I'm not sure of the process but an Irish pub I go to has hired bartenders from Ireland and flown them over to work here and add to the "atmosphere" of the place. If you can bartend you can probably get work at a pub while you look for your "real" job. The Londoner here in Dallas has some brits working there. The next time I'm there I could ask them about the process for you. I know the Irish lads had to leave after a year because their Visa's ran out. I've got the reverse problem, my wife and I would like to move to Scotland but can't get approved to work there.

Strange Famous

thanks for the info. I think I have a lot of reading to do!

__________________
"Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate,
for all things are plain in the sight of Heaven. For nothing
hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain
without being uncovered."

The Gospel of Thomas

splck

Since Canada is part of the commonwealth, you may find it easier to immigrate here. With your education, you may just find it easier than you think. I know it's not the USA, but some people (me) like it that way.
With your political leanings, you may fit in Canada better than the states....just a thought.

__________________
nice line eh?

Squishor

A lot of people come here looking for "the American Dream" and are sorely disappointed. I'm sure you're not making a blind leap, but you should know that this is particularly true of California. Many people don't realize that most of this state is pretty much a wasteland. Where does your friend live? PM me if you want to chat about the different areas here.

phredgreen

just a thought, take from it what you may.


the american dream is dead. the land of opportunity and the whole melting pot have long since melted away. what you read about in textbooks is long gone. i'd agree with splck that perhaps canada would be your better bet. i'd suggest looking that way before you move to the usa.

__________________
My country is the world, and my religion is to do good.
- Thomas Paine

bad jane

well, i know next to nothing about the process--but i really don't recommend getting married. it can be a real pita and might not work anyway. i knew a guy who has spent a couple of years in korea because he wasn't allowed to bring his wife over (per the usa). don't know the details, but i've heard of other people having similar problems.

most of the people i've known who came here successfully did so via a student visa, i have no idea what the process is like if you're looking for work. have you tried contacting people in the field you want to work in?

as for shortages of teachers...some areas of the states do have that issue, but the pay is typically not that great. and i have no clue what sort of qualifications are required to work in the school systems here.

shame you aren't in nursing, we're desperate for them!

Cynthetiq

stop by the US Embassy in London and talk to them about the possibilities of emmigration.

They were very handy in giving us info on emmigrating to Iceland... of course that move is still pending.

__________________
I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not.

splck

oops....i messed up...again.

__________________
nice line eh?