Wish to emigrate from UK to USA

Hello,

This is a great site.

I am British and live in the UK.  I would like to emigrate to the USA.  I realise this is a site for people going in the opposite direction (and good luck to you all).  I decided to join up here because I feel it would be interesting to receive the American perspective on things.

Best wishes,
Eustace.

Welcome to UKY!

Not sure how much we'll be able to offer in regards to UK>US advice, but I think some people may have suggestions of places similar to UKY, but going the other way.

Good luck!

ETA:  Maybe a place like this could be helpful? 

http://forum.diveintoamerica.com/

This is a good site for you, but be warned, READ the WIKI first before diving in.

http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=57

Thanks - I've already read and posted on British Expats.  It's a very good site.  I'll also try Dive Into America.

My purpose in posting here is just to gain an additional perspective on what it's like to live and work in America, and what the downsides are. 

Americans are very positive about most things and you don't tend to complain that much about your own country, but it's still interesting for me to read about your reasons for emigrating to the UK, especially where it might reflect a downside of living in the USA.

Hi Eustace, and welcome.

I get what you're saying, and you're right, it is helpful to know other people's stories and why they are doing what they are doing. Maybe make a post in the expat section asking why people are choosing to emigrate to the UK.

Personally, for me I don't feel I belong in the US. I disagree with a large portion of the laws and a portion of what the US stands for. But all in all I just don't feel I belong here, everything from the way of life right on down to the general view of things goes against how I feel I am.

But the US is huge and varies drastically from state to state. What state are you thinking of living in? Maybe if we knew that we might better be able to give you personal thoughts on said state.

Hi Eustace,

The main reason I joined this site a few years ago was to gain a perspective from Americans living here in the UK similar to what you say. For me, I like to look at as much of the bigger picture about things rather than just the 'usual' stuff. It's good to get a view from those from there and who are now here to see what their reasons and views are about here and the US!

As you've already seen the moving to USA sites etc, then I'll assume you already know about just how hard it is to move to the USA legally. As its the country that attracts the most immigrants from all over the world, they can be very choosy about who they let in, so you are going to need to look at your potential route carefully, and see if there's any alternatives you could take.

I'm lucky, in that I have a vast extended family dotted all over the USA (and Canada!) and I've been visiting usually 2/3 times a year for perhaps over 22 years now. From that perspective I have my own views about the US - I call it my 'family orientated viewpoint'. Throughout my IT career, I've only ever worked at 3 companies, and all are USA ones with offices here in London. I call that my 'career orientated viewpoint' after talking with colleagues about things (still do with some who are now back US side). I also have my 'find out stuff for myself' viewpoint from whenever I've been on my USA visits on my own and spent time there. On top of those, there's the usual Internet and media stuff !

I'd suggest finding out as much as you can, practically as well if possible and try to look past the 'top layer' that is the US and look at all things and elements which may be specific to you and compare.

There are meetups here in the UK with UKY members, I've been along to a few as well and it's great to say hi and find out a little more this way, it's always good to have some of the jokes and banter as well !

Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!

Welcome to UKY, Eustace

I'm lucky, in that I have a vast extended family dotted all over the USA (and Canada!) and I've been visiting usually 2/3 times a year for perhaps over 22 years now. From that perspective I have my own views about the US - I call it my 'family orientated viewpoint'. Throughout my IT career, I've only ever worked at 3 companies, and all are USA ones with offices here in London. I call that my 'career orientated viewpoint' after talking with colleagues about things (still do with some who are now back US side). I also have my 'find out stuff for myself' viewpoint from whenever I've been on my USA visits on my own and spent time there. On top of those, there's the usual Internet and media stuff !

I'm curious to hear how your 3 different viewpoints differ/what similarities they have, and what you've learned/concluded from each. 

My boyfriend(UKC) finds that Americans are more confrontational in business, and are just loud in business meetings. I defend them, and explain that it's probably because they have a bad video conferencing connection   Personally, he loves US Milkshakes..but doesn't like how my family is so spread out.  (My parents were 4-5 hour's drive away, and my sister was an 8-10 hour drive)

Hi, Eustace, if you're able to find a way into the USA through a work VISA, etc... there are certain agencies here in the UK which have USA clients looking to sponsor UKers. You can try this site:
http://www.resumexposure.com/recruiters/h1_visa.asp

But what I'd strongly suggest is that you research the town you might want to work in (crime statistics, etc...) before thinking of moving there. I came from an overall area which had a very high crime rate, yet my neighborhood was pretty safe. Thus, it's important to research the crime stats for the exact new location. There are only two things I disliked about America, one was the ability to be caught in a gun shooting, and the other was the high cost of medical procedures/insurance. If you are healthy and able to live in a good neighborhood, you'll do well. I'd love to be able to go back there to live, myself. I'm only in England because of marriage (husband's job is here and his mom is up in age and needs him).  Good luck to you!