The UK is a gimped Germany, not a substitute for the US.
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GAF, I want to immigrate to the USA. Any experiences? Tips?
- Thread starter Gustav
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I don't know what so hard to understand lol. My original father (who I died when I was a baby) came here from Canada. I have a stepfather now... I guess I just went into too much detail.
Never been to the UK. An US friend of mine told me London is the only city in the world that can remotely compare with NYC, though. That got me intrigued.
If you know how, you can get the E2 for 50000$. But there are several hurdles later on, I would not recommend it, its an easy to lose all you have, and your future too.
If you can get the money somehow, go for the EB5. No risk, your money works for you - but first you have to pony up the 500k and show that they are yours.
Sorry to burst your bubble with the H-1B. With the US employment market in the shitter they made it very hard for US companies to actually sponsor you. Up to a point, where its basically impossible right now.
In the end its either marrying an American, buying yourself in with the EB5, or fingercrossing for the GC. Or Canada.
PS: If you want to get a head start in the US, do the following on your next holiday there.
- grab your passport and go to the next national bank. Mileage may vary, but I had very good experiences with Bank of America. Open a checking AND savings account. Put some money in there, the sum has not to be large.
- with the new bank papers go to the next IRS office. Tell them you have a american savings account, getting interest, and you´d like to pay taxes on that (no you wont). This nets you a ITIN (individual tax payer ID number). As you wont be able to get a social security number without a visa, thats really the next best thing to have - as you dont have a credit score, which is tied to the socsec#.
Man, your posts really are disheartening.
I'll try anyway. There must be a way.
Rebel Leader
THE POWER OF BUTTERSCOTCH BOTTOMS
Not unless he goes to kanas city and gets google fiber
Man, your posts really are disheartening.
I'll try anyway. There must be a way.
Sorry mate.
Look, you´re not time constrained. In your place, I´d do the following: keep your fingers crossed for the GC (hey, I know people who got it the first time - and people not getting it for 22 years running), keep working on the H1B (but don´t pin your hopes on it!), and start working the Canada angle. Seriously, try Canada. If you win the lottery in the meantime, you can always go EB5. Otherwise go with the poor mans America.
Best of luck to you. I frequently have to travel between NYC and London due to work, I love it there - never get home sick either because it feels like an alternative-universe's London.
That said... not to be a debbie downer - but try not to get your hopes too high. Getting a US work visa (without any connections or a lot of money) is really hard. Simultaneously for both you and your girlfriend? Nigh on impossible without a civil union.
I'm guessing you 'only' have the equivalent of a BSc/BA degree? A masters or PHD would definitely help. You will also most likely need a job waiting for you (sponsorship). But this is a catch-22 as most jobs require you to be a permanent resident of the US before you can even apply. Your chosen profession is also another big problem, as there is currently no shortage of world-class game designers in the US (major studio lay-offs seem to be happening every couple months now). Do you have any programming skills? If so, you might have better luck if you position yourself as a more generic senior programmer.
Here's an anecdotal example of how bad this process can be: A good friend of mine works as a lead designer within an international engineering company. A few years back they wanted to significantly expand their LA office, so they put out internal postings for team leaders who would be willing to emigrate. My friend jumped at the opportunity and the transfer request was granted. Then came the visa ordeal. Long story short - even with a guaranteed job, it took well over a year for a visa to be granted. And this was with a lot of legal support (and money!) from his company who had to explain to the embassy over and over that this expansion, which they were delaying, would create dozens of jobs for Americans. Why all this hassle? They said they took issue with him 'only' having a BSc Hons (regardless of his years of experience...) - but who knows what the real reason was... He got a limited visa eventually, which only allowed him to work for this one company, and should his position no longer be required, he was forbidden from looking for outside employment.
The system is fucked, even for genuine assets. I hope it treats you better.
That said... not to be a debbie downer - but try not to get your hopes too high. Getting a US work visa (without any connections or a lot of money) is really hard. Simultaneously for both you and your girlfriend? Nigh on impossible without a civil union.
I'm guessing you 'only' have the equivalent of a BSc/BA degree? A masters or PHD would definitely help. You will also most likely need a job waiting for you (sponsorship). But this is a catch-22 as most jobs require you to be a permanent resident of the US before you can even apply. Your chosen profession is also another big problem, as there is currently no shortage of world-class game designers in the US (major studio lay-offs seem to be happening every couple months now). Do you have any programming skills? If so, you might have better luck if you position yourself as a more generic senior programmer.
Here's an anecdotal example of how bad this process can be: A good friend of mine works as a lead designer within an international engineering company. A few years back they wanted to significantly expand their LA office, so they put out internal postings for team leaders who would be willing to emigrate. My friend jumped at the opportunity and the transfer request was granted. Then came the visa ordeal. Long story short - even with a guaranteed job, it took well over a year for a visa to be granted. And this was with a lot of legal support (and money!) from his company who had to explain to the embassy over and over that this expansion, which they were delaying, would create dozens of jobs for Americans. Why all this hassle? They said they took issue with him 'only' having a BSc Hons (regardless of his years of experience...) - but who knows what the real reason was... He got a limited visa eventually, which only allowed him to work for this one company, and should his position no longer be required, he was forbidden from looking for outside employment.
The system is fucked, even for genuine assets. I hope it treats you better.
MarkMclovin
Member
I'd love to move to the US with the wife and kid but have no idea where to properly start.
Are there many Wintel jobs going right now?
Are there many Wintel jobs going right now?
Sorry mate.
Look, you´re not time constrained. In your place, I´d do the following: keep your fingers crossed for the GC (hey, I know people who got it the first time - and people not getting it for 22 years running), keep working on the H1B (but don´t pin your hopes on it!), and start working the Canada angle. Seriously, try Canada. If you win the lottery in the meantime, you can always go EB5. Otherwise go with the poor mans America.
The more I think about it, the more Canada is out of the question. I'd rather give London a shot. The worst part about this is that the company I work for has an office in San Francisco. But as of last week, all game dev work has been ceased at the office. It's PR only now. FUCK.
Like I said, it was a political decision to clamp down on it for as long as the US employment market is in the gutter. The "reasons" they give officially are just subterfuge.
Yeah, game designers are a dime a dozen. Most of the foreigners working in the US that I've met have been programmers of various sorts. Though generally not generic types, because it's easier to show a need for a good graphics AI or network programmer.
Wait a sec, you work at Bigpoint? Small world, I have a friend who did the opposite (moved from US to Germany) to work there.
I do. Small world indeed.
Well, this changes the equation a bit. You could try to get an in-company transfer there. Hey - maybe they need PR people with technical background?
Well, this changes the equation a bit. You could try to get an in-company transfer there. Hey - maybe they need PR people with technical background?
I'm on it.
As a European living in America: Europe is far, far, far superior to America to live in. The American ideals are fantastic movie ideas, but as a place to live, we have it way better. This country is gorgeous, full of amazing landscapes and phenomenal cities, and you should visit for holidays and trips, not come here to live.
Spunky Monkey
Member
So what are these hurdles? This is one route im looking at so trying to get as much info as possible.
Probably depends on where you live in each place and how much $$$ you have.
There is no better but the subjective "better".
BertramCooper
Banned
I thought the "leave no man behind" sentiment was very American of me.
Yup.
Unless you're poor, gay, or a pregnant woman. Then we'll leave you behind.
That's just how we roll in the U.S. of A.
I'm not leaving my GF behind
I DID mean your GF, as you want to take her with you.
But (not that I would advise something illegal!) there are marriages for visa purposes, I heard...
You have to get people (read: American citizens) to work for you. You don´t create jobs, you´re out. Your company will be regularly audited. If it looks like you wont make it, you´re out. If you even just want to change the main purpose of your company, you have to do the full paper work anew. Even if you get the thing to work, its hard to change from the work category to the immigration category.
In short: your business idea has to be one of the best ever, as you have to be successfull with it, as you wont have the necessary flexibility to change it in any meaningfull way.
In the end, the most people trying it this way get sucked dry, as they put more and more of their savings into a falling business. And as soon as the business is finished, you have to get out in just a couple of weeks.
fluffydelusions
Member
As an American who has been to other places outside the US, I agree! I think Europe is nicer.
How did you do it? Move to the USA, I mean.
Spunky Monkey
Member
Cheers. I already run a successful business in the UK, i'd just be transporting that to America (whilst leaving a bit operating in the UK still as the law requires), whilst knowing full well it won't currently give me green card status. Actually my business currently is already US focused, all my customers and orders are from the US, only thing is im not.
Spectrum128
Member
Emigrate....
I sort of agree. I have dual UK/US nationality, but I found it easier to settle in the UK. Student fees, healthcare, and more favourable working conditions generally benefit the majority of the people here as opposed to in the US. I have a secure job that's well paid, and my colleagues in the US work longer hours for a relatively small financial benefit, while I have things like student fees and healthcare provided at at very little cost. My fiancé is an American and she also settled here quite well. As a young couple just starting our careers and looking to start a family in the next few years, I feel more secure here than I do in the US.
The one thing that I really dislike about Europe/UK is the cost of living and goods, compared to the US.
And London is the only city that can compete with New York.
The US favours enterprise, start-ups, and mobility, but with that comes an increased risk. If you want to go for it, OP, then do so, but the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
I am here for University. Don't get me wrong, I love my life here, but when my degree is done I am going home without a shadow of a doubt.
Joel Was Right
If you smell burning, it's probably the generators acting up. Report it anyway.
Easiest and quickest way is to marry an American girl. It is done within 3 months
Well, this changes the equation very much!
Setup the american company as a branch office of your UK company. Then transfer yourself (intracompany) there as the manager. Thats no E2, but L1 so way easier to handle! And if the new "branch" office starts to make more than 500k in revenue a year, you could even get the EB5 and be settled (just make sure to establish in a rural, high unemployment area!!!).
Joel Was Right
If you smell burning, it's probably the generators acting up. Report it anyway.
You clearly don't know me
Oh right, you already have a partner. Guess I should read next time!
TheContact
Member
NYC is expensive as shit. Move to like New Hampshire or some boony state, you can buy a house with land for the price of an apartment
Oh right, you already have a partner. Guess I should read next time!
That's a problem too. Also, finding women is never quick and easy for me.
No winter, no Gustav.
:/ Winter sucks, though.
Spectrum128
Member
Best of luck with it.
plagiarize
Banned
Here's a tip for you. I moved from the UK to the US. If you are an atheist and don't want to have to defend it, or get shit for it, keep it to yourself. If you are openly atheist you will be treated like you are an in your face militant atheist who is trying to rob everyone else of their faith.
This won't be a pleasant experience for you.
I'm telling you this, because I wish someone had told me.
This won't be a pleasant experience for you.
I'm telling you this, because I wish someone had told me.
Uh....where do you live? The bible belt?
Where did you move? He's going to NYC, so that shouldn't be an issue.
poppabk
Cheeks Spread for Digital Only Future
First off word of warning the diversity lottery thing is usually a scam. There is an official diversity lottery but citizens of most major countries will be ineligible, scam sites will take your money anyway.
You may want to look into working for a charity or non-profit as they are not subject to h1b caps like private enterprise and so the process is easier and quicker. To stay here permanently you will need to be here for 6 years I think without a break, and then have your employer sponsor you for your green card. As you have been pretty much stuck in the same job for 6 years and the green card releases you it's not a given the employer will do that as they know there is a good chance that you will leave and it will be money down the drain.
You may want to look into working for a charity or non-profit as they are not subject to h1b caps like private enterprise and so the process is easier and quicker. To stay here permanently you will need to be here for 6 years I think without a break, and then have your employer sponsor you for your green card. As you have been pretty much stuck in the same job for 6 years and the green card releases you it's not a given the employer will do that as they know there is a good chance that you will leave and it will be money down the drain.
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