Questions about immagrating to usa from uk

[wayne_uk]

In august 2003 my wife qualifies from college as a Dental Hygienist.Through looking at adverts through internet etc the wages over there are really good for that proffesion,with many jobs available.We also have a dentist friend that lives in oklahoma that is guaranteeing a position in his practice for my wife.
There is seemingly a shortage of hygienists over there which is good im surmising.
Myself,i dont have any relatable qualifications that stand me in good stead for getting a job,although again the friends we have there said they will help in that area.
We have a 4 1/2 year old daughter,and we are looking at the move as a permenant decision.

Can anyone help in how to go about the process applying for citizenship/green card or whatever else i would need to do ? ,I really havnt a clue where to start,or even what to start looking for.

Also, how do Americans work out how they get mortages etc , like us in the uk are 4 x yearly salary + 1 year spouses salary roughly , how do they do it? and price of health insurance and other unexpected things to pay that we dont have to in auld blighty

Would be really gratefull for any help any of you guys can give me !!. thanks

wayne

ps. assume im about 10 years old when explaing !

>>> Edited by wayne_uk on Saturday 31st August 11:41

[douglasr]

There are various book on this subject - have a look at www.amazon.co.uk. Alternatively, get in touch with an immigration lawyer in the US...sometimes their fee is worth the cost (as my ex colleague at work found out).

The US embassy are usually very helpfull, and used To send out an information pack on visa applications, Give them a phone:

American Embassy
Consular Affairs
Visa Information (24 Hrs)
0906 820 0290 PREMIUM

[dan]

I'd definitely advise buying a book and reading up.

I just turned down a job in the states (despite being promised the world the actual offer was under-whelming), the company was going to sort out the legal side for me, but I had to provide documented evidence, that my CV was truthful from and employment perspective and my exam/college results were as documented. If you have a degree or higher I believe the process is easier.

This was obviously based on the fact I had a job lined up.

[ErnestM]

Don't know much about the immigration procedures, however...

Mortgages are obtained primarily based on your FICO score and your income/debt ratio. If you have a good credit history and show a good income, it is usually not a problem. Building up time in a community (for about a year or so) usually helps you get approved. Mortgage rates are around 6% here in the States right now.

Health insurance is normally obtained through a wage deduction with your employer. I match 50% of my employees' contributions for health insurance (pretty normal). For my entire family (Me, wife, 2 kids) the cost is around $ 600 per month of which $ 300 per month is paid from my salary deduction and $ 300 is matched by my company.

Probably moving into an apartment or a house lease would be advisable in the beginning (to build residency). Keep in mind that for a private house lease you will need first months last months and a security deposit (normally 1/2 month's rent). Most apartment complexes will let you move in with first month's and security deposit.

Also, you didn't mention kids, but FYI day care is almost cost prohibitive.

If I can think of anything else, I will check back and let you know...

ErnestM

[roop]

Whereabouts in Oklahoma...? Spent quite a bit of time out there...I guess you've been there too, if not, would recommend a visit first - not everyone's cup of tea...

[roop]

I've spent time in Tulsa too, but mainly near to OKC, Guthrie, Edmond and OKC itself. Nice place, but too laid back for me. Plenty of V8's though