I am an Australian Looking to move to Maui, what is the easiest way to gain lawful entry to live there?

Answer 1

As you may know, especially since the "9-11" attacks on the World Trade Towers, immigration into the U.S. has gotten a lot tougher. It's also a lot slower and more complicated. I am sure it is very frustrating. I have related experience: I am an American trying to get the Czech visa.

Here is one approach, but I don't know if it will suit your needs: if you could initially work in the hospitality industry (for example: at a resort hotel) where they frequently had groups of guests from Australia, that could be an incentive for a hotel to want to employ you.

Your employer could then begin the long, tedious, and frustrating process of getting you legal status.

You should check some of the tour programs with Qantas Airlines. Note the hotels in their vacation packages. Contact them and find out which ones receive large groups. Try to get some experience that will be of use in your new job.

For example, if you are young and athletic, you could work taking groups scuba diving, since that is a very typical activity in Maui. Get the experience you need while still in Australia, and you will be more attractive to potential employers.

Good luck. I envy you, and anyone else who lives in Maui. It is always cited as one of the very top (and usually #1 or #2) best vacation islands in the world, sharing top honors with Bali.