how do i go about moving from the UK to US? applying for visa's...greencards etc?

Question

i currently live in ireland, and wish to move to america someday..how do i get to stay there permanently? would it help if i went over on a holiday and got a job? would i be able to stay then? are houses expensive? how much money would i need to have to start off..like jus renting a flat or somethig? also, if i went on holiday and decided not to return home, i wouldbe illegally staying there, but would it be likely i would get caught?

any help at all would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Welcome---in the USA we need everyone---people who have new ideas, and are ready to change their ways and modes of thinking. If you get into this "groove", you'll understand that our culture is 1,000 years ahead of others in the world. If you are ready to leave the past behind, you'll "get" the whole experience. In the USA, (hopefully), we especially respect everyone's religions, or non-religions---this is one of our founding principles, and we are very proud of it.

The farther you settle from either Coast of the USA generally the cheaper living expenses can be. Each state varies in character, laws, taxes, etc. Some states have income tax (on top of Federal Income Tax) Some states have fantastic state social services and schools, but massive property taxes to support these benefits (like Massachusetts). Some states, because of their climates, culture, and size, have low taxes and low living expenses.

Since you're Irish, you (or your neighbors) probably have loads of extended family scattered in the USA---make use of those people---call them, write them, and ask about where to live and settle, and things you should know before you come. Listen to their hard-won knowledge.
Biggest culture-shock may be the social services, health services, civic services (like transportation, housing, etc) that Europeans take for granted (and are funded by their taxes)--these are UNKNOWN in the USA. No one in this country can possibly afford to get sick, take Rx, or ever go into a hospital---stay healthy, that's the biggest warning.
Think of (social-service-wise) stepping back into the 19th Century, because that's where the USA is. Billions of our tax monies are being spent every MONTH in a foreign war, for example (or on the Space Program, or whatever the politicians can dream up), when the $ is desperately needed for social-services by our citizens.

Answer 2

Beginning with the assumption that you do not want to break our laws you would need a sponsor to move here permanently. If you come to the US on a tourist visa it is illegal for you to work. Anyone who hired you would also be breaking the law. You would also be breaking the law by over staying your visa.
Housing varies greatly from place to place so you'd need to pick a spot and research that area.
For the most reliable information about moving permanently to the US check out the local US Embassy. They'll have lots of information on it.
http://dublin.usembassy.gov/immigrant_visas.html

Good luck!
Please follow the law and you will be welcomed with open arms. Illegal immigration in the US is a very touchy issue with alot of us and it is not limited to "mexicans" who tend to be of many and varied hispanic and central american countries.