Emigrating to the US

[Vasquoy]

Can anyone advise me on any websites that will give me more information on the criteria and/or logistics involved with emigrating to the US from Scotland?

[rja211077]

this one http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/iv/index.html

[MargeB]

Some good advice here

[MargeB]

Get a Masters degree?

[Peahead66]

I might be able to offer some advice as I know people who have done it but can I ask for more information? Are you intending to work there and if so in what profession?

[Vasquoy]

I have a BSc (Hons) and have management experience in customer liaison and the equine industry.

I would be intending to work there, but I am quite flexible in what I intend to do.  That's why I would like to know where there are opportunities, what they need etc etc.  I have one of those horribly broad range CV's where I can do admin, middle management and also the equine stuff.

[MargeB]

Hi Vasquoy,

I mentioned the Masters degree because I know there is a special program for those with postgrads who wish to go to USA. There's also a lottery. Good luck.

[Peahead66]

There are basically NINE ways that you can get a visa to live and work in the US:

(1) Marriage to a US citizen.

(2) You have skills that are in short supply in the US e.g. scientific or medical training. Or you have superior specialist skills with at least 12 years experience.

(3) You have an Employer who is willing to transfer you - but even the employer has to make a good case for you - so you have to be a manager unless you fall under category (2) above.

(4) You may get a Green card in the diversity lottery.

(5)You own or buy business. The business must have a minimum value of around $150k (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

(6)You are an "investor" i.e. you have at least US $1m in assets to bring with you. half of that in a few areas.

(7)You have a close relative (mother, father, brother, sister and no further) who is an US citizen who would sponsor you, approx time this take 2-12 years�

(8.The R1 visa is available to foreign members of religious denominations, having bona fide non-profit religious organizations in the U.S., for entering the U.S. to carry on the activities of a minister or religious worker as a profession, occupation or vocation

(9)THE UNUSUAL You are in a position to claim refugee status/political asylum. The S visa issued to persons who assist US law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes and terrorist activities such as money laundering and organized crime


Recruitment agents will not take you seriously if you are not already in the US.

There you go! It really is that difficult unless you are outstanding in a particular area of arts or science or unless your loaded. Meet an American - by far the easiest way.

[MargeB]

Thanks. I'll work my way through 1 to 9 first I think. :-)

[Dom Tuk]

UK citizens do not qualify for a green card lottery. If you have irish ancestry then you could get an irish passport and then getting a green card through the lottery system will not be too difficult.