moving back to the U.S.

My wife (the American one) and I are considering moving back to the States.

We were planning on being here for 2 years after we got married and now it's been nearly 7.
To be fair to her, it's time we tried it State side.

I'd like some advice on seeking a job and visas.

Is it better for me to try and get a job in the U.S. and be sponsored by a company or should I apply for a green card and then hope that I can find work within the time limit of the travel requirements on the visa?

We won't move to the U.S. until I can find work as we don't want to be stuck at my parents in law for ever if I don't find work.

Many thanks

David

You should go the DCF route, you can do it through the Embassy in London, we just completed it and it took 5.5 months from start to finish. However, you do have to enter the US within 6 months of your approval.

Hi David

I am the American wife of a UK Cit. We are planning on moving back to the USA (Houston) next year after I have been here for 11 yrs.

I can wholly recommend going to the DiveintoAmerica website. They have threads that lay the whole process out for you step by step. Also have other helpful info to boot!


Good Luck!

Shell

Agreed with all of the above. I'm not even sure you can secure a job in the US without having a visa (unless you are in a high demand profession).

In general, it's recommended that you get the spousal visa anyway as it's just a better visa to have over a work one (what if you hate the job?).

There are exceptions of course. For example, my DH is doing a J-1 visa (basically a cultural exchange visa) for a post-doc with the Smithsonian. We will then appeal the restrictions normally associated with the J-1 and apply for the spousal when we are there. This is purely for financial reasons and not really the recommended route at all.

Dear All,

Thanks so much for your advice and help on this question.

My biggest concern about the spousal visa is the requirement to enter the states within 6 months. Obviously, if I don't have a job secured within that time, then I'd need to go through through the whole visa application process again.

Any thoughts?

Thanks again

David

Yes, the 6 months is not written in stone. There is flexibility. I'm sure there's a thread on this on DIA somewhere (unless they are cracking down on this, but I know I asked about it a year ago or so).

Have a look over this thread on Britishexpats.com.

As well as DIA you might want to have a look on visajourney.com too.

Hi,

My partner (UK citizen) and myself (US citizen) are wanting to apply for a spousal visa through DCF. I am here on a work visa that is valid for five years. I have leaved in the UK for 2 years. I have had some conflicting advice to weather we are able for file through the consulate...any thoughts? And second, we are debating weather to get married in the US or the UK...? any advice? US would be much faster and cheaper, but we are wondering if it would have any impact on our visa application?

Cheers,
Jenny

We got married in the US and it had no impact on receiving my husband's visa, which we just received this week, 5.5 months from the time we sent our first forms in. You do qualify for DCF, once you are married, but you will have to reapply for you husband in 2 years in the US as you won't have been married 2 years at the time of application.