Anyone moved from the UK to live in the USA?
Discussion
If you are aware of property tax @ 1% (ish) of 10-14k p/a then I'm guessing your budget is $1 to $1.4 million for a house. You wont get much in Rancho Santa Fe for that; that's a Bill Gates, Ray Kroc, Phil Mickleson kind of area. There are areas on the periphery where you would pay that kind of price for a nice house.
Rancho Bernardo, you would get something very nice for that budget.
Rancho Bernardo, you would get something very nice for that budget.
yeah ...I was out there the week before last, and saw a couple of very nice places in both Rancho Bernardo and Poway. As you say Rancho Santa Fe is on another level - got the realtor to take me round a REALLY expensive place there ...and WOW!
Just to throw a spanner in the works, at the last minute I decided to go and have a look at Scottsdale in Arizona (friends there) ....my god!, some amazing places there ....and property tax much more reasonable!! - fully aware that it is like an oven between july and september .......but has become a real contender ...even the missus approves
Just to throw a spanner in the works, at the last minute I decided to go and have a look at Scottsdale in Arizona (friends there) ....my god!, some amazing places there ....and property tax much more reasonable!! - fully aware that it is like an oven between july and september .......but has become a real contender ...even the missus approves
Sir Snaz said:
Just to throw a spanner in the works, at the last minute I decided to go and have a look at Scottsdale in Arizona (friends there) ....my god!, some amazing places there ....and property tax much more reasonable!! - fully aware that it is like an oven between july and september .......but has become a real contender ...even the missus approves
I have relatives in Sun City (just down the road) who I visit every year. AZ is a fantastic place and I would be living there at the drop of a hat if it were possible.satans worm said:
Then add ...the cost of ...new roof every 10years as they build houses worse than we build garden sheds) means retirement is expensive .
Sorry for the resurrection, quite interested in people's experiences of living overseas - however, your comment about those US roofs actually looks like an opportunity for a UK building firm to act as consultants and offer roofs good for 20yrs minimum. :kerchingemoticon: I am after a bit of advice to support my google-ing ...
Potentially opportunity in the USA to move with my current employer, locations are Herden Virginia, LA area California or TBC Texas (my current choice).
My partner and I are not married, but plan to in the future, as part of relocation we get healthcare, relocation assistance (no rent this time), accountants, relocation expert, etc.
Now with respect to Visas, my company sort all that for me and my partner, now as I have a permanent job to go to ... what type of Visa will I get, perm or ... and will my partner qualify for the same? (Company will sponsor us both / awaiting their answer)
Are property taxes payable if you rent or only if you own?
Do "HOA" properties usually provide a more social / friendly environment? We are looking for something with a more social aspect as it is something we do not have currently in Germany.
Nice parts of Texas? I think the job is remote based, so nearby a major airport would be best.
What else do we need to consider ... We already live away with no friends / family so we have that experience ... At least in the US we can speak the language, so that is a major barrier overcome ...
Potentially opportunity in the USA to move with my current employer, locations are Herden Virginia, LA area California or TBC Texas (my current choice).
My partner and I are not married, but plan to in the future, as part of relocation we get healthcare, relocation assistance (no rent this time), accountants, relocation expert, etc.
Now with respect to Visas, my company sort all that for me and my partner, now as I have a permanent job to go to ... what type of Visa will I get, perm or ... and will my partner qualify for the same? (Company will sponsor us both / awaiting their answer)
Are property taxes payable if you rent or only if you own?
Do "HOA" properties usually provide a more social / friendly environment? We are looking for something with a more social aspect as it is something we do not have currently in Germany.
Nice parts of Texas? I think the job is remote based, so nearby a major airport would be best.
What else do we need to consider ... We already live away with no friends / family so we have that experience ... At least in the US we can speak the language, so that is a major barrier overcome ...
Trexthedinosaur said:
I am after a bit of advice to support my google-ing ...
Potentially opportunity in the USA to move with my current employer, locations are Herden Virginia, LA area California or TBC Texas (my current choice).
My partner and I are not married, but plan to in the future, as part of relocation we get healthcare, relocation assistance (no rent this time), accountants, relocation expert, etc.
Now with respect to Visas, my company sort all that for me and my partner, now as I have a permanent job to go to ... what type of Visa will I get, perm or ... and will my partner qualify for the same? (Company will sponsor us both / awaiting their answer)
Are property taxes payable if you rent or only if you own?
Do "HOA" properties usually provide a more social / friendly environment? We are looking for something with a more social aspect as it is something we do not have currently in Germany.
Nice parts of Texas? I think the job is remote based, so nearby a major airport would be best.
What else do we need to consider ... We already live away with no friends / family so we have that experience ... At least in the US we can speak the language, so that is a major barrier overcome ...
Here in central Floriduh, the homeowner pays all property taxes. A HOA....IMHO, is to "protect" the values of houses by making some silly rules. Some HOS's are so different its unbelievable. One near me is $25 pa to cut the grass around a sign, in St Pete some are $500. But you'll get a shedload of amenities, pool/water/trash all thrown in. Some HOA's dictate the colour of your front door/tile or shingles on the roof. I don't live in a HOA, so I can park my boat outside in my drive etc etc. Potentially opportunity in the USA to move with my current employer, locations are Herden Virginia, LA area California or TBC Texas (my current choice).
My partner and I are not married, but plan to in the future, as part of relocation we get healthcare, relocation assistance (no rent this time), accountants, relocation expert, etc.
Now with respect to Visas, my company sort all that for me and my partner, now as I have a permanent job to go to ... what type of Visa will I get, perm or ... and will my partner qualify for the same? (Company will sponsor us both / awaiting their answer)
Are property taxes payable if you rent or only if you own?
Do "HOA" properties usually provide a more social / friendly environment? We are looking for something with a more social aspect as it is something we do not have currently in Germany.
Nice parts of Texas? I think the job is remote based, so nearby a major airport would be best.
What else do we need to consider ... We already live away with no friends / family so we have that experience ... At least in the US we can speak the language, so that is a major barrier overcome ...
ReaderScars said:
satans worm said:
Then add ...the cost of ...new roof every 10years as they build houses worse than we build garden sheds) means retirement is expensive .
Sorry for the resurrection, quite interested in people's experiences of living overseas - however, your comment about those US roofs actually looks like an opportunity for a UK building firm to act as consultants and offer roofs good for 20yrs minimum. :kerchingemoticon: After Hurricane Charley my entire roof had to be re-done and I used a little bit more pricey architectural shingle that is storm proof and has a 20 year minimum lifespan
Trexthedinosaur said:
I am after a bit of advice to support my google-ing ...
Potentially opportunity in the USA to move with my current employer, locations are Herden Virginia, LA area California or TBC Texas (my current choice).
My partner and I are not married, but plan to in the future, as part of relocation we get healthcare, relocation assistance (no rent this time), accountants, relocation expert, etc.
Now with respect to Visas, my company sort all that for me and my partner, now as I have a permanent job to go to ... what type of Visa will I get, perm or ... and will my partner qualify for the same? (Company will sponsor us both / awaiting their answer)
Are property taxes payable if you rent or only if you own?
Do "HOA" properties usually provide a more social / friendly environment? We are looking for something with a more social aspect as it is something we do not have currently in Germany.
Nice parts of Texas? I think the job is remote based, so nearby a major airport would be best.
What else do we need to consider ... We already live away with no friends / family so we have that experience ... At least in the US we can speak the language, so that is a major barrier overcome ...
What is your country of citizenship?Potentially opportunity in the USA to move with my current employer, locations are Herden Virginia, LA area California or TBC Texas (my current choice).
My partner and I are not married, but plan to in the future, as part of relocation we get healthcare, relocation assistance (no rent this time), accountants, relocation expert, etc.
Now with respect to Visas, my company sort all that for me and my partner, now as I have a permanent job to go to ... what type of Visa will I get, perm or ... and will my partner qualify for the same? (Company will sponsor us both / awaiting their answer)
Are property taxes payable if you rent or only if you own?
Do "HOA" properties usually provide a more social / friendly environment? We are looking for something with a more social aspect as it is something we do not have currently in Germany.
Nice parts of Texas? I think the job is remote based, so nearby a major airport would be best.
What else do we need to consider ... We already live away with no friends / family so we have that experience ... At least in the US we can speak the language, so that is a major barrier overcome ...
You have to be married to your partner to obtain a derivative (trailing spouse) visa (E1/2, L2 or H4)
You really do need to be aware of the exact type of visa that is being petitioned for you. The visa type will be very dependent on a number of things - how long you have worked for the petitioner, the type of work you do and your academic qualifications (in some cases). Some visas come with a lot more flexibility and scope than others, so that is a very important "need to know".
H-1B visa is a commonly utilized employment based visa - but is under a LOT of scrutiny by the US Govt/Dept of Homeland Security right now and has some big limitations - not least of all, your spouse is not permitted to work if using the derivative H4.
I have quite extensive knowledge of this process as both a beneficiary and a corporate visa petitioner. I am happy to help with advice if you feel it would be useful - but I am not an immigration attorney. Remember that your employers immigration attorney protects their interests - not yours.
Hello Matt, I have been reading your posts and appreciate the knowledge!
I assume, based on the limited information I have and my research the visa is L1 or H1 inter Company specialised transfer as the department is the American offshoot of existing European team(s), for proximity and representation. I have been with my company 10 years, 6 in the role in question.
Based on the transfers before me, married and unmarried, the little information I have is that the partner in all cases has secured a visa albeit I am not sure on the classification.
It is in the early stages at the moment anyway, but as it is no small decision then we spending a fair amount of time on it now and I believe the visa process can be 4-6 months too.
Once i have more information, then perhaps I will PM you Matt, if that is OK, as we tend to 'bundle' people heading to the USA in batches ...
UK citizen, live in Germany, same for my partner.
Not worried about attorney and what not, all provided internally by our team of legal bods, hand is held throughout the complete process, excellent European company so no qualms about T+C's that are not in black and white.
I assume, based on the limited information I have and my research the visa is L1 or H1 inter Company specialised transfer as the department is the American offshoot of existing European team(s), for proximity and representation. I have been with my company 10 years, 6 in the role in question.
Based on the transfers before me, married and unmarried, the little information I have is that the partner in all cases has secured a visa albeit I am not sure on the classification.
It is in the early stages at the moment anyway, but as it is no small decision then we spending a fair amount of time on it now and I believe the visa process can be 4-6 months too.
Once i have more information, then perhaps I will PM you Matt, if that is OK, as we tend to 'bundle' people heading to the USA in batches ...
UK citizen, live in Germany, same for my partner.
Not worried about attorney and what not, all provided internally by our team of legal bods, hand is held throughout the complete process, excellent European company so no qualms about T+C's that are not in black and white.
Trexthedinosaur said:
Hello Matt, I have been reading your posts and appreciate the knowledge!
I assume, based on the limited information I have and my research the visa is L1 or H1 inter Company specialised transfer as the department is the American offshoot of existing European team(s), for proximity and representation. I have been with my company 10 years, 6 in the role in question.
Based on the transfers before me, married and unmarried, the little information I have is that the partner in all cases has secured a visa albeit I am not sure on the classification.
It is in the early stages at the moment anyway, but as it is no small decision then we spending a fair amount of time on it now and I believe the visa process can be 4-6 months too.
Once i have more information, then perhaps I will PM you Matt, if that is OK, as we tend to 'bundle' people heading to the USA in batches ...
UK citizen, live in Germany, same for my partner.
Not worried about attorney and what not, all provided internally by our team of legal bods, hand is held throughout the complete process, excellent European company so no qualms about T+C's that are not in black and white.
I have been in the USA for 18 years now, I work with a lot of people who have had L1-As, L1-Bs and H1-Bs. In all that time I have never seen a non-married couple obtain a visa for the 'other half'. I recommend you investigate this further and get married at a registry office if required.I assume, based on the limited information I have and my research the visa is L1 or H1 inter Company specialised transfer as the department is the American offshoot of existing European team(s), for proximity and representation. I have been with my company 10 years, 6 in the role in question.
Based on the transfers before me, married and unmarried, the little information I have is that the partner in all cases has secured a visa albeit I am not sure on the classification.
It is in the early stages at the moment anyway, but as it is no small decision then we spending a fair amount of time on it now and I believe the visa process can be 4-6 months too.
Once i have more information, then perhaps I will PM you Matt, if that is OK, as we tend to 'bundle' people heading to the USA in batches ...
UK citizen, live in Germany, same for my partner.
Not worried about attorney and what not, all provided internally by our team of legal bods, hand is held throughout the complete process, excellent European company so no qualms about T+C's that are not in black and white.
Assuming you end up in the USA I recommend that you rent for a while and really get to know the local housing market and the way they do things in the state you reside in.
I have friends who have had properties in HOAs and if you like petty rules and being dictated to about every single little detail down to the blinds that you must use and how you park your car then that may be a good place for you.
Matt is very knowledgeable about the subject of immigration and while he's not a lawyer he has given a lot of people on this board a lot of good advice over the years.
Trexthedinosaur said:
Hello Matt, I have been reading your posts and appreciate the knowledge!
I assume, based on the limited information I have and my research the visa is L1 or H1 inter Company specialised transfer as the department is the American offshoot of existing European team(s), for proximity and representation. I have been with my company 10 years, 6 in the role in question.
Based on the transfers before me, married and unmarried, the little information I have is that the partner in all cases has secured a visa albeit I am not sure on the classification.
It is in the early stages at the moment anyway, but as it is no small decision then we spending a fair amount of time on it now and I believe the visa process can be 4-6 months too.
Once i have more information, then perhaps I will PM you Matt, if that is OK, as we tend to 'bundle' people heading to the USA in batches ...
UK citizen, live in Germany, same for my partner.
Not worried about attorney and what not, all provided internally by our team of legal bods, hand is held throughout the complete process, excellent European company so no qualms about T+C's that are not in black and white.
Please feel free to throw questions out - either on here or privately. Hopefully your company will petition L-1A or B for you. I assume, based on the limited information I have and my research the visa is L1 or H1 inter Company specialised transfer as the department is the American offshoot of existing European team(s), for proximity and representation. I have been with my company 10 years, 6 in the role in question.
Based on the transfers before me, married and unmarried, the little information I have is that the partner in all cases has secured a visa albeit I am not sure on the classification.
It is in the early stages at the moment anyway, but as it is no small decision then we spending a fair amount of time on it now and I believe the visa process can be 4-6 months too.
Once i have more information, then perhaps I will PM you Matt, if that is OK, as we tend to 'bundle' people heading to the USA in batches ...
UK citizen, live in Germany, same for my partner.
Not worried about attorney and what not, all provided internally by our team of legal bods, hand is held throughout the complete process, excellent European company so no qualms about T+C's that are not in black and white.
Depending on your profession, H-1B can be something of a lottery, because commonly there are 4 or 5 applicants for each available visa in that category. There is also a quirk that it is only available to applications once per year (April) for a start date some 6 months later on October - so it can be a bit of a crap shoot - though worst of all - your spouse cannot work in any capacity, if that person is on an H4 visa.
If your partner is not married to you, as Gavin states above, there is no visa available to that person, that allows them to work or otherwise. The only way around that would be a B1 co-habiting partner - which is temporary and requires renewal application every 6 months. Similarly - no work of any kind allowed. Given what you have shared, it would be far simpler to marry your partner before the petition process starts and press your employer to petition an L visa, in preference to an H-1B.
Edited by Matt Harper on Tuesday 21st March 01:44
Cheers Gents, excellent question to ask, it is all very wooly / concept phase at the moment, I then assume it is an L visa as no restrictions around dates (if I have read your post correctly).
I am currently trying to find the name(s) of anyone who has preceded me in this process to get more information!
Thanks again.
I am currently trying to find the name(s) of anyone who has preceded me in this process to get more information!
Thanks again.
vsonix said:
dvs_dave said:
In summary, the USA is a great place to be if you're rich, so-so if you're middle class, and terrible if you're poor.
So basically, the same as every other country? I can't think of many places where it sucks to be rich but is awesome if you're poor.
Trexthedinosaur said:
Cheers Gents, excellent question to ask, it is all very wooly / concept phase at the moment, I then assume it is an L visa as no restrictions around dates (if I have read your post correctly).
I am currently trying to find the name(s) of anyone who has preceded me in this process to get more information!
Thanks again.
Correct, L-1A/1B do not have the same date restrictions or caps as H-1B and a lot more latitude in what your spouse can do from an employment perspective. L visas also have a more direct route to permanence than H's do, if that is your aim, longer term (may not be now, but may well be further down the line).I am currently trying to find the name(s) of anyone who has preceded me in this process to get more information!
Thanks again.
Finally - just to make sure you understand clearly - there is no 'partner/companion/soul-mate/boy/girlfriend' visa. If your partner is going to be a component in your visa petition, you are going to have to marry her/him.
To reinforce what others have said - there is no visa available for a non married partner.
I came to the US on an L1A, my then girlfriend had to come on an F1 student visa (she studied here for year) until we got married at which point she switched to an L2 which was a precondition to us getting sponsored by my employer for green cards.
I came to the US on an L1A, my then girlfriend had to come on an F1 student visa (she studied here for year) until we got married at which point she switched to an L2 which was a precondition to us getting sponsored by my employer for green cards.
Thanks again gents.
We are engaged, both UK citizens and were planning to be married in 2020.
Visa would be L1 sponsored for my (to be) wife and I.
Will be back with some real life 'living' questions within 3 months and f I get sent over for assessment
I really hope I do get selected, could be an interesting experience, but as I am in our Defence / Space Company and the positions are in Commercial I can see them being handed out to who knows who!
We are engaged, both UK citizens and were planning to be married in 2020.
Visa would be L1 sponsored for my (to be) wife and I.
Will be back with some real life 'living' questions within 3 months and f I get sent over for assessment
I really hope I do get selected, could be an interesting experience, but as I am in our Defence / Space Company and the positions are in Commercial I can see them being handed out to who knows who!
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