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why Migration from UK To US ??

A

abeku66

Registered Users (C)
I'll Just like to hear from someone regarding any justification why one would like to relocate to America from England.This is just because i'm presently settled(very legal) with my family in the UK but i tried my luck and just won the DV 2008.. awaiting 2nd NL.Although i know for a fact that in terms of space and opportunities, the USA seems much better , i really need someone who has been in a similar situation to brief me so i can make a wise decision.What is the equivalent of the NHS,Benefits,etc that exists in the UK to the USA ??? Can anyone help ?If someone has ever made such a move, can you please let me know the realities and whether it has paid off or you have regretted etc,etc. I have been in the US on a couple of ocassions on Vacation which has always been gr8 but not enough time to know the realities.

Thanks.
 
We moved from the UK to the US. We had applied for an L1 visa which was aproved the same week the DV2008 win came through (back in early April last year).

So we moved over on the L1 (May 2007) then changed status once our number became current on the lottery.

We already ran a UK web based business, offering vacation homes to rent and car rental in Florida. As we had the ability to work anywhere in the world (provided we have a lap top and Internet access) then it was relatively easy for us. As our business revolves mainly around the Orlando area of Florida, we have made 3-4 trips to the USA each year for several years, and it already felt like a second home, owning several houses in the area.

We loved living in the UK, and also now love living in the USA. Certain things in Florida are cheaper and others more expensive, so overall our cost of living has not really changed - probably slightly cheaper in the US. That said, I think we end up with more disposable income here in Florida, but have a better standard if living.

Although out UK house (which we still own and rent out) is larger than our Florida home, property in Florida is cheaper in than the UK. Property taxes are higher than the equivalent Community charge in the UK. Mortgage rates are not much different. Cars are cheaper in the USA, as are most electrical goods.

Eating out is cheaper in the USA. Weekly groceries are probably higher in Florida compare to the UK. Health care can sounds expensive, but depending on your UK income might not be much different. My wife and I have a reasonable income, so in the UK each paid a lot of National Insurance. Now in the US, we have health care package that also covers most dental work, and it's cheaper than our UK NI contributions (although we do have to pay towards health care, by way of an excess).

Income tax here in Florida (and I guess all over the US) is lower. We used to pay 40% in the UK, now it's a lot less, but we earn the same, hence we take home a lot more.

We find the people here a lot more friendly, and our 4 kids have made a lot of very good friends. The children here interact with adults much better than they generally do in the UK, and they are very respectful of each other, and are quick to invite new friends in to their already established groups.

I don't think I'd like to live in the US if I had little or no money, but there does seem to be more opportunities for those that want to work and progress.
 
Before reading other people who replied on this topic , I will share my experience. It is not about moving from UK-US, but generally from EU to US, which is way similar:)

I fell the similar situation with author! I am from the central EU. So we europeans know very well, that our region is really not poor and we can do well here. And it's our homeland and we are citizens, so paradise:)

Well I don't know why I applied for the lottery last year. Really no reason:) I was just once in NYC for summer holiday and I liked it. But there is really nothing I would miss in Europe ... so not winning in the DV wouldnt be the end of the world :)

1st NL came last April ! Before that date, I was sure that I wanna win! Nowadays I am not so sure, but I am also very confused what I really want.

I won and by the end of April I will get my GC. I never lived in the U.S. so it's the best time to try it legally almost for free. Anyways it's well-known how hard is to get any labor certificate even if you have degree from university.

So get some experience there. Try to study, work and intership in a company somewhere ... and also travel. If I don't like it I can be back to EU anytime, right?

My opinion to author's post is obvious, try America if you get the chance like DV !
 
Before reading other people who replied on this topic , I will share my experience. It is not about moving from UK-US, but generally from EU to US, which is way similar:)

I fell the similar situation with author! I am from the central EU. So we europeans know very well, that our region is really not poor and we can do well here. And it's our homeland and we are citizens, so paradise:)

Well I don't know why I applied for the lottery last year. Really no reason:) I was just once in NYC for summer holiday and I liked it. But there is really nothing I would miss in Europe ... so not winning in the DV wouldnt be the end of the world :)

1st NL came last April ! Before that date, I was sure that I wanna win! Nowadays I am not so sure, but I am also very confused what I really want.

I won and by the end of April I will get my GC. I never lived in the U.S. so it's the best time to try it legally almost for free. Anyways it's well-known how hard is to get any labor certificate even if you have degree from university.

So get some experience there. Try to study, work and intership in a company somewhere ... and also travel. If I don't like it I can be back to EU anytime, right?

My opinion to author's post is obvious, try America if you get the chance like DV !
 
I'll like to say BIG UP to OrlandoVilllas for that constructive feedback.I couldn't get any better information than what you've said.In my profession which is IT 2nd Line software support, it will worth a try having a go at life in the US. Already i have had a lot of discussions with other buddies who have lived both in the US and UK before and they all said the US is slightly better if you have a good educational background etc. I'll give it a go ... afterall i still have the right to comeback if i feel it's not for me.All things being equal , i'll be heading towards Texas area.

Thanx a lot.
 
I am also in the same situation. I am establishing in the UK as a university researcher and lecturer. However, the question has always been Abeku's question: why Migration from UK To US? The responses given so far are very good and informing but they seem not to completely clear my anxiety. Is living and working as a social science researcher and lecturer in the US better than in the US? Is it easy to get a similar job? What specific conditions makes the US particularly better than the UK? Anyone with an experience similar to my current situation?
 
gooma said:
I am also in the same situation. I am establishing in the UK as a university researcher and lecturer. However, the question has always been Abeku's question: why Migration from UK To US? The responses given so far are very good and informing but they seem not to completely clear my anxiety. Is living and working as a social science researcher and lecturer in the US better than in the US? Is it easy to get a similar job? What specific conditions makes the US particularly better than the UK? Anyone with an experience similar to my current situation?
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its a hard decision to make but u've got to make it. Moving to the US to be honest with ya isn't going to be pleasant the first few yrs that you are here. You might find it extremely hard to get the kinda job that u have in the UK here as a new Immigrant. I would suggest that you go ahead and get the Dv visa, come over for a few months and see what it like. U can stay if you think u like it and u can get on the next avalaible flight back to the UK if you think this aint for you. Lots of people just like you with good jobs overseas have absolutely nor eason to immigrate to the US.
Am here because i have always wanted to and most of my family are here. And yes, i do love the United States of America. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
 
it's your own choice.
you can't decide which country would be better for you to live in based on some post you read on an internet forum.

For me, the US will be better in most departments (eg food!), but there will be some stuff i'll miss - particularly the football; and sport over here in general.

Swings and roundabouts.
 
If it's football, then you won't miss much because Fox Sports and other soccer channels do telecast most of the games LIVE.In the event that you are not available especially CL games which are usually played mid week, you can record it.It all depends if you are ready to pay for it just like paying for sky TV in England.
The whole issue about where to settle is quite subjective and a lot depends on the individual and their choices.Personally, i like to LIVE in an environment where the weather is nice most parts of the year like Texas(Houston).Apart from that it should be affordable for me to at least buy a 4bedroom house with all the space in front and back ,with a huge driveway and Garage where i can open the garage in my car whilst approaching the house.This sounds a little bit over the top but i don't think it's a luxury to live like this in America where as in England one has to be filthy rich to afford this type of lifestyle.The most important thing that i'll miss in England is the 9 months maternity leave for my wife,the free medical care through the NHS system,KWEKU(although i don't claim some) etc etc ,It will be tough to adjust but we'll give it ago.I must admit that the weather in England especially during winter KILLS my soul.
 
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abeku66 said:
If it's football, then you won't miss much because Fox Sports and other soccer channels do telecast most of the games LIVE.In the event that you are not available especially CL games which are usually played mid week, you can record it.It all depends if you are ready to pay for it just like paying for sky TV in England.
The whole issue about where to settle is quite subjective and a lot depends on the individual and their choices.Personally, i like to LIVE in an environment where the weather is nice most parts of the year like Texas(Houston).Apart from that it should be affordable for me to at least buy a 4bedroom house with all the space in front and back ,with a huge driveway and Garage where i can open the garage in my car whilst approaching the house.This sounds a little bit over the top but i don't think it's a luxury to live like this in America where as in England one has to be filthy rich to afford this type of lifestyle.The most important thing that i'll miss in England is the 9 months maternity leave for my wife,the free medical care through the NHS system,KWEKU(although i don't claim some) etc etc ,It will be tough to adjust but we'll give it ago.I must admit that the weather in England especially during winter KILLS my soul.
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haha. 9 months maternity leave. Not in America. most people are back to work about 4 wks after giving birth because they are scared of losing their jobs
 
It's not the sky sport/champions league that i'll miss.
It's the going to a match and having the craic - but that's a discussion for another time and place! ;)

The weather is a huge factor. In UK/Ireland it's so depressing 90% of the time.
 
Agree 100% about the weather. I went back to the UK last week for 3 days, and had forgotten how dark and depressing the weather can be at times.

I'm not a big sports fan, but I think the way to adapt is to get in to the US sports. There are plenty of big sporting events where you can get the same feeling in the crowd, such as American Football, Soccer, Base Ball, Basket Ball etc.

captainwomble said:
It's not the sky sport/champions league that i'll miss.
It's the going to a match and having the craic - but that's a discussion for another time and place! ;)

The weather is a huge factor. In UK/Ireland it's so depressing 90% of the time.
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Hi Guys,
Thanks very much for your responses. I think it might be better giving it a try while still not giving up completely job in the UK. But i was just wondering whether a teachers certificate from the US will be accepted for teaching in the US?
 
Won DV lottery in May 2007, awaiting interview in Aug 08.

Hannah7 said:
Before reading other people who replied on this topic , I will share my experience. It is not about moving from UK-US, but generally from EU to US, which is way similar:)

I fell the similar situation with author! I am from the central EU. So we europeans know very well, that our region is really not poor and we can do well here. And it's our homeland and we are citizens, so paradise:)

Well I don't know why I applied for the lottery last year. Really no reason:) I was just once in NYC for summer holiday and I liked it. But there is really nothing I would miss in Europe ... so not winning in the DV wouldnt be the end of the world :)

1st NL came last April ! Before that date, I was sure that I wanna win! Nowadays I am not so sure, but I am also very confused what I really want.

I won and by the end of April I will get my GC. I never lived in the U.S. so it's the best time to try it legally almost for free. Anyways it's well-known how hard is to get any labor certificate even if you have degree from university.

So get some experience there. Try to study, work and intership in a company somewhere ... and also travel. If I don't like it I can be back to EU anytime, right?

My opinion to author's post is obvious, try America if you get the chance like DV !
Click to expand...


Thanks Hannah, I'm a naturalised British citizen. Your advise is well appreciated.
 
I am also in a huge confusion what to do ? I am here as a student since last 8 years. By law, I should get ILR after completing 10 yrs. Let's say, DV processing will take about 1 year - by then just one year will remain to get ILR (if law not changed) I am here with my family, 2 doughters. They will be studying year 10 and year 8 by then. can they cope with their study ? I mean changing school on pick time ! We are a kind of well settled here with own house. Help me guys what will be the best move ? I want to keep open here in UK too for ILR. Can I keep two legs on each boat for just 1 year ? I cannot stay more than 3 month outside of this country, otherwise my chance to get ILR will fly.

bullshit ! it's to long isn't it ? sorry.

thanks guys.
 
Mun47, you have a really challenging situation here. There are uncertainties all over and conflicting wisdoms to analyse the situation - 'Not to risk in life is itself risky' vs 'The devil you know is better than the angel you don't know' . Going to the US with DV is a great opportunity to turn your life round, surety of gaining US citizenship and perhaps getting a well paid job. All these would depend to a large extent on the people you meet and qualifications you have and of course the particular subject/professional area. So there is clearly a case to pursue this agenda.
However, it could be a big gamble to move to the US if you have hit 50yrs. If you are settling with your family in the UK and have been doing a particular job in which you think you have build a credible cv with a clear prospects of establishing with that 'lucrutive' job coupling with the opportunity to get indef Leave to Rem within the next two years, it may be better to settle in the UK. It may all also depend on you interest and efforts.

Personally, there is some amount of certainty of establishing permantly in the US with DV against the current overhauling of the UK immigration policies. See Tuesday 15 July edition of The Guardian under the heading 'Bail bonds and electronic tags proposed for illegal migrants' in the report it is stated that there are plans to make it difficult for migrants to gain citizenship.
 
Thanks gooma for your advice. You are right, UK immigration system is getting tight day by day and we don't know what would happened when you wakeup next day. For me, I am tired of living overseas but it is real problem for my kids. They been here since last 7 years they ultimately forgot my own native language (can just speak). Within 2 years anything would happen, I mean if they say, no more ILR after 10 years, or needs to do few years community service etc. I mean here in UK also there is no guarantee that after 10 years I will get ILR. I really don't bother about citizenship either here or USA as long as I can stay and get my kids upto university level I will run to my own country. That's why I want to keep option both. Let's see.
 
Final Bit of the Debate

It looks like the reality is bound to happen now.All stakeholders, have you made a decision yet or are you still pondering on whether to take the big gamble to emigr8 to the US from the UK.For those of you who haven't had the chance to participate in this debate , you are most welcome to contribute now.I believe diverse opinions will help each and everyone to make an informed decision eventually:D.

Thanks.
 
Still in a Dilemma

As stated earlier on in this thread, i am still in a dilemma on moving to the US. We (& my family) had our visas earlier this month and are still weighing the pros and cons of moving to the US. I have been talking to collaegues (academics of African background) who have moved from the UK here to the US on their experiences. The DV is really an opportunity presenting itself which the people i have spoken to say is a golden opportunity to make a life in the US that jumps any 'paper' obstacles. I am looking forward to draw in more views and experiences from this forum to make an informed decision. If we decide to move to this States this will happen in mid-January 2009, by the Grace of God.
 
I would not do that if Im in your shoes -if you already got the PERMANENT RESIDENCY or UK citizenship you might have a go at USA but if you dont then you will loose what you have and "jump" into unknown in the USA which is doing bad at the moment -you have family which is alos a burden -you haveto spend lost of money basicly to start all over again with additional burden -this is not wise -you are not young or single -GC lottery is for PEOPLE who does not have much to loose -they are say young ,single and willing to take a risk or they have some business which culd flourish in the US (some bright idea or already working for US company ) or even older people who did not achive much in their countrys due to unstable political situation (like my country ) ;but to change the country just for the sake of it and plus to drag your familiy to it -in the US its hard life -very hard this is not EU ; in the US you are safe if you are milioner but if you are average guy then its always a danger to go bust (lose a house ,a job,health and NOBODY WILL HELP -no govermant no nothing -law is on the side of the big companys etc.) my country is for example poor an its trying to join EU in then next 6 years (hope it would even sooner) but here this which happened in the US (motgage crisis ) can not repeat itself -if you say fail to pay your mortgage court wont kick you out from your house -specialy if you have family -they would force the bank to re-programe the debt for you;my advice is dont do it -you will loose your time and money for nothing unless you have a job offer already (which I doubt)
 
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