Is it possible to move to California/USA without lots of money or specialised job?

Got2Save

Bogalot wrote: »

You'd need a minimum $100K investment for an entrepreneurship visa.

Academics etc who wish to settle long term in the US would probably do so under the outstanding ability provisions.

Only $100k, you sure about that? Doesn't sound a lot to get a visa. What does owning that visa mean? I could stay long term in USA for how long?

Got2Save

Bogalot wrote: »

And getting a job.

And housing.

It's raining in California at the moment, they've had floods. When they've not got floods they've got drought.

Living somewhere is very different to holidays.

True Bogalot, but it really is a great place in terms of lifestyle. I just loved it, even though that was over 4 years ago I went. I just loved the lifestyle and the ability to get up early and go for a run on the beach, or for a hike.

Got2Save

ThemeOne wrote: »

The US isn't an easy country to emigrate to, and you've got no chance of working there legally if you just turn up. If you're a UK citizen you're not even eligible to enter the Green Card Lottery.

Having said that a friend of mine worked there illegally for some years and enjoyed the experience (and let's face it he was hardly the first to tread that path). It wouldn't be for everyone, though obviously.

Yeah but then I wouldn't be able to ever return, would I? I'm not that desperate to live there I would do that, but it is a way I guess lol.

richardw

Got2Save wrote: »

...The only thing that would concern me is health insurance.

How much would that be?

novelty-socks

I've traveled a lot to California (San Francisco) for work over the last couple of years. Sure, the climate there is pretty good (although northern California isn't exactly sunny all year round), but it has its downsides too.

Taxes are lower, but working hours are typically longer, paid holidays are shorter and healthcare is expensive.

Petrol is cheap but the cost of living in California can actually be very high (the Bay Area is totally a bubble, but property there costs a fortune). You'll also likely be doing a lot of driving: commutes are long and there's plenty of traffic in this populated state!

Is it any better or worse than the UK? I think it's just different. But don't underestimate the downsides!

Oh, and to answer the question you've actually asked, most of the British people I know who work/live there have either joined a company in the UK and transferred (this is probably the 'easiest' route!), or have married a US citizen.

Good luck, in any case - I hope it works out!

iltisman

Up until a month back you could have tried to get Mexican citizenship and taken a stroll to the North but that method may have taken an unexpected setback.

ThemeOne

Got2Save wrote: »

Yeah but then I wouldn't be able to ever return, would I? I'm not that desperate to live there I would do that, but it is a way I guess lol.

My friend came back, so shouldn't be a problem. Not sure exactly what he did over there - I think it was all cash in hand stuff. I know he never got caught.

bigadaj

iltisman wrote: »

Up until a month back you could have tried to get Mexican citizenship and taken a stroll to the North but that method may have taken an unexpected setback.

Not exactly a stroll for most!

PeacefulWaters

I'd hate living in LA.

agrinnall

Got2Save wrote: »

Only $100k, you sure about that? Doesn't sound a lot to get a visa. What does owning that visa mean? I could stay long term in USA for how long?

The guidance for E-2 visa only refers to 'substantial' investment, although if you go further into the process there may be specific sums mentioned.

https://www.uscis.gov/eir/visa-guide/e-2-treaty-investor/understanding-e-2-requirements