Dear all,

I have been researching the US Immigration website and I find it extremely discouraging. I would be very grateful for any advice as to whether I have any chance of fulfilling my wish to emigrate from the UK to the USA. I would also like to know whether I have ANY chance whatsoever, given my own circumstances, which are as follows:

1. Financial:
In the UK, I own a small property (no mortgage) which is valued at around GBP 180,000 (approx. USD 360,000). I also have accumulated savings of around GBP 80,000 (approx USD 160,000). So, I could sell the property to provide a cash amount of around USD 340,000. This would enable me to support myself until I have secured a job (I work in computer networking).

2. Sponsorship:
My Aunt and Uncle are US Citizens and are of good standing. (Uncle is ex-military, ex-NASA and is financially stable and willing to sponsor me (I am aware of the fact that this relationship still does not qualify for Green Card, as they are not direct family, such as father and mother). I would not become a ward of the state and would not be a burden or require welfare. In other words - I would not require financial assistance of any kind.

3. Profession:
The jobs market in computer networking (especially with Cisco Systems expertise) is one which I believe provides many opportunities for employment. Again, I am aware that I fall into the category of non-priority worker and that I would be subject to scrutiny by the US Dept. of Labor, to determine whether any job offered could be given to a US citizen.

4. Health:

I am 46 years old and am in good health. I have not suffered any illness and do not require any medication.

As stated, I would be very grateful for any advice and guidance as to the best way to obtain a Green Card with a view to applying for US citizenship in the future.

Thanks in anticipation of any help provided.

Daren,
There are several options you should look into. You are right that you cannot immigrate through your family as they are not directly related to you, but this is what I suggest you do:
- Look for H-1B jobs. With your back ground, you should be able to qualify for this visa. It is just important that you find a company that are willing to sponsor you.
- Check out the J visa. That may be a way in too.
The key for you is to get into the U.S. Once you are in there you can change status much easier than in the U.K.

As for your house, there is no reason to do anything with it. Just keep it and rent it out if you find a job.
If you get a job to sponsor your H-1B visa, the company may also sponsor your for a green card after a certain amount of time. You should ask about their policies when it comes to that question as you don't want to work for years for a company that may never sponsor you. Once you get your green card, you can apply for U.S. citizenship.
However, there may be another way to get yourself a green card too if you find a U.S. citizen to marry while you are there on a visa. If none of this works out for you, Australia will for sure welcome you!
Good luck with your choices!

Thanks very much for the advice Bobby. I see from Wikipedia that the H1-B seems to be used quite a lot by US companies wishing to employ works predominantly from India. There is also a great deal of anti-H1-B visa feelings because some companies seem to abuse it. I wonder if the H1-B visa application would need to be scrutinized by the US Dept. of Labor(?).

I have to say that the US immigration policy seems to protect US workers (quite rightly) but it does present enormous obstacles for people who wish to emigrate to the US and better themselves and hopefully contribute to the US economy. I'm not going to give up though - I'm determined to work and live in the US.

I intend to accumulate as much information as possible and to research the subject thoroughly. When I return to the UK (I'm vacationing with my uncle and aunt) I will try to arrange a visit to the US Consulate in Grosvenor Square, London. Perhaps they can advise me?

QUESTION: I considered retaining the services of an intermediary. I believe that there are a number of them who, for a fee, would try to establish the best method of obtaining Green Card (or H1-B?) and act on my behalf to expedite my petition. I wonder if this is worth perusing?

- Daren

Thanks to Bobby, I have looked further into the H1-B visa application and it does appear to be the best method for my own particular circumstances. It also seems fair because it enables one to effectively prove that they can work in a quasi-academic field. If you work well, your chances of obtaining sponsorship via an employer would, I imagine, increase enormously.

I need to investigate further, as to whether one needs to actually needs to be offered a job beforehand, or whether the H1-B enables the worker to gain entry in order to SEEK work (as would be my case).

If anyone has any experience of this method or can advise further, I'd be very grateful.

My understanding of the H-1B visa process is that it is better if you take contact directly with a company. I would advice you to type up a formal email and just blast it! These intermediate companies are often a scam, and it is better if you deal directly with your potential employer. You should be able to find lists of H-1B friendly companies. So, I would contact them directly. There are over 50 000 H-1B visas given out every year, so if you end up dealing with a company that already has been through the process with previous foreign employees, then they will know what to do. That is for sure much easier in your situation.

You do need a job beforehand as you will have to apply for the visa and get it before you can enter the U.S.

Thanks bobby,

Yes, it seems as though I need to find an employer who is prepared to petition for an H1-B visa. I've searched for H1-B friendly employers on Google and there are a number of sources. Some sites list employers but most seem to want to employ people who already hold a visa. That said, I need to tidy up my resume (maybe format it in such a way as to be attractive to US employers) and apply to as many companies and H1-B jobsites as I possibly can. When applying to companies, I need to include an accompanying letter describing my intentions.

Also, I have only one week left on my vacation here and my cousin suggested that I should consult with an attorney who specializes in US Immigration and Naturalization. My uncle is not so sure that this is a good idea because he feels that they may try to 'string me along' in order to relieve me of as much money as possible. I think I will do it though because I need to explore every avenue.

Thanks again for your advice - I'm most grateful.

- Daren