How to get an american visa ?

[danaeonyx]

Sorry if someone's already asked about this.

Basically, I want to move to america (preferably california or new york) but trying to get a visa is turning out to be impossible. There is the option of studying, but then I wouldn't be able to support myself, and once the course is finished I'd be kicked out anyway.

The problem is, I don't have any useful skills like nursing or teaching. I want a career looking after animals but they don't give out visas for that!

I really can't think of any other way to move to america. I love Santa Monica, I love the light (it's grey and cold in England - very depressing). The only option is marriage, but I'm in England, so can't really meet americans!

Does anyone have any ideas or know of companies who provide visas? Or does anyone want an english girlfriend? :P Hahaha

[Otter_]

How about Boston ;)

lol

[danaeonyx]

Anywhere would be better than here. How do I get into Boston? Lol

[sleepydvdr]

You sound like you would make a good social worker. I know we need more of them in the the US. Is that a possibility? I have no idea what the immigration laws are. Only that if you are Mexican, you don't need to do anything - just come on over. :D

I think you are shooting a little high wanting California & NY right away (they are very expensive places). Get your foot in the door and a decent job and maybe you can get to one of those places someday.

[danaeonyx]

*Looks up social work*

Looks like I'd need a qualification?

I don't really know who to email. I've emailed animal groups and zoos but haven't got a reply

[creativegan]

What about coming here to study something like social work (yes you'd probably need to get a degree) and then try and get a job afterwards? By that point you hopefully would have completed some internships and made some contacts along the way to help you get a job. Maybe it sounds simpler than it is (??)

But before you decide to hop over here - have you seen SICKO - the documentary by Michael Moore regarding the US health care system? He suggests that the European system is far superior and that many Americans will be leaving the US for this very reason (they already are!)

[creativegan]

Here's Sicko: http://www.sicko-themovie.com

[danaeonyx]

Hmm, true. But I've weighed the advantages and disadvantages and still want to move

I looked at the study option already, and I can't really afford to be half way round the world with no support for a few years (and then have the risk of being booted out after the course)

Why is it so difficult :P aren't we supposed to be allies? *huff*

[creativegan]

Well if it makes you feel better it is cold and rainy here today :)

[danaeonyx]

*Looks out window*

Not really, 'cos it's cold and rainy here too! :P

Looking into the sociology thing. How do semesters work? 'Cos I've missed the september admissions, but if I did a course at a college first, would I finish it in time for next autumn?

[xwitchymagicx]

Have you rung the US Goverment thingie up? I can't remember the name...but there must be a way of moving without needing education/marriage/special job etc.

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/

[creativegan]

Looking into the sociology thing. How do semesters work? 'Cos I've missed the september admissions, but if I did a course at a college first, would I finish it in time for next autumn?

Well you can start usually in the fall or the winter (Jan/Feb.) So you would start applying now to study in the Spring semester. A lot of places offer summer classes now too. It will probably take you most of the fall to get things in order to come over for the spring semester anyways. Where were you thinking of applying?

[danaeonyx]

I was thinking of applying for Santa Monica college. I'm now thinking maybe it's a better idea to go to New York as it's nearer my family...

[creativegan]

NY is fun and expensive!!

[danaeonyx]

NY is fun and expensive!!

Yeah but the food is cheaper :P

[creativegan]

You think? Well, not compared to Baltimore. But there are definitely more vegan restaurants there. I think you should just see where you get in (taking into consideration the cost differences, of course) and then let that decide for you.