Anyone Emigrated to the U.S?
 

I emigrated to Malta in November last year. Considering a number of countries for another move, since we're not entirely happy here.

If anyone's emigrated to the U.S, can you

- Tell me how you gained entry (work permit, investment, etc)
- Any tips on doing the same

i did about 29 years ago....

I think my dad bribed a few people I was too young 2 know what happened

bump for you

I suppose I could always offer government officials my wife ... or a kidney - hers, not mine.. :) Never knew that about you dude ..

A couple of good friends of mine live in Malta and they both love it there. Why don't you like it?

For future reference, the word is "immigrate."

You "immigrate" TO a country.

You "emigrate" FROM a country.

e.g. if you immigrated to the U.S. from Malta you'd be emigrating from Malta to the U.S.

I know it's just semantics, but worth pointing out, imho.

I slipped into the States through the birth canal, but I hear George will be trying to wall that approach off soon.

Hey Chio

I've suffered terribly from allergies since arriving here. Haven't had asthma in 20 years before coming to Malta. There's a huge amount of dust and debris in the air. I'm on a ton of meds of varying variety. The good thing is Docs here come out to the house - which they dont in the uk. I've had an awful year because of it.

Aside from that, education is quite poor, the shops are minimal, utility bills are 300% more than in the UK, internet connectivity is 4meg and less than that when connecting to servers beyond Malta.

Malta is a beautiful place but really somewhere we'd rather come for a vacation!!

:1orglaugh:1orglaugh

No, I appreciate that, thanks. :)

I did when I was a child. My grandmother petitioned us. I think it took like 5-6 years, I'm not sure how long, but it was a long time.

In 1979 my family moved to the US from England. It has become a lot harder and a much more lengthy process to get in legally now. My father was starting a company that would create jobs for Americans so back in '79 that was like a sure bet to get in. I think we got a 6 month temporary visa 1st but before that expired we had permanent resident alien status.

its easy, just stuff some drugs up your ass and walk across the boarder DUH

It's still very similar now. I think its the E2 visa. You invest min $200K and employ 3 - 4 americans. Although I've heard 200K is the minimum. 400K is a safer bet.

I was thinking of getting a franchise or buying some apartments...

a lot of true info in your lines

This is what I found out about the E5 Visa - Invester

Eligibility

Permanent resident status based on EB-5 eligibility is available to investors, either alone or coming with their spouse and unmarried children. Eligible aliens are those who have invested -- or are actively in the process of investing -- the required amount of capital into a new commercial enterprise that they have established. They must further demonstrate that this investment will benefit the United States economy and create the requisite number of full-time jobs for qualified persons within the United States.

In general, "eligible individuals" include those:

1. Who establish a new commercial enterprise by:

* creating an original business;
* purchasing an existing business and simultaneously or subsequently restructuring or reorganizing the business such that a new commercial enterprise results; or
* expanding an existing business by 140 percent of the pre-investment number of jobs or net worth, or retaining all existing jobs in a troubled business that has lost 20 percent of its net worth over the past 12 to 24 months; and
2. Who have invested -- or who are actively in the process of investing -- in a new commercial enterprise:

* at least $1,000,000, or
* at least $500,000 where the investment is being made in a "targeted employment area," which is an area that has experienced unemployment of at least 150 per cent of the national average rate or a rural area as designated by OMB; and
3. Whose engagement in a new commercial enterprise will benefit the United States economy and:

* create full-time employment for not fewer than 10 qualified individuals; or
* maintain the number of existing employees at no less than the pre-investment level for a period of at least two years, where the capital investment is being made in a "troubled business," which is a business that has been in existence for at least two years and that has lost 20 percent of its net worth over the past 12 to 24 months.

This is what I found about E2 Visas - so unlike the other one you don't seem to get permanant residence just unlimited 2 year visa extensions where E5 you have the chance to become a permanent resident.

1. What is E-2 treaty investor visa?

The E-2 treaty investor visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows foreign entrepreneurs from treaty nations to enter into the U.S. and carry out investment and trade activities.

Note: Investment activities include purchase of a new business. The investment must be significantly proportional to the total investment, that is, usually more than half the total value of the enterprise or, if a new business, an amount normally considered necessary to establish the business.
2. How do I qualify for E-2 visa?

To qualify for E-2 visa:


• You must be the national of the country that has an investor treaty with the U.S. and you are involved in international trade
• You must be serving your company in a capacity that is supervisory or executive in nature or involves skills essential to the operation of the business (key employee); or you are a 50 per cent owner of the company
• Your nationals own at least 50 per cent of the stock of your company i.e. the firm has the nationality of the treaty country
• You are investing or your company has invested substantial amount that is at risk, meaning subject to potential loss if the business does not succeed, in a bona fide enterprise in the U.S.
• The U.S. business will involve in active trade or rendering of services
• You intend to depart at the conclusion of your duties in the U.S.
3. What is a 'substantial investment'?

An investment of at least $200,000 is considered substantial. However, it is not fixed and there are a few consulates which accept as low as $100,000, while a few demand as much as $500,000. Ideally $200,000 would be the most appropriate figure.

Note 1: These figures are not the regulations of the USCIS, but they reflect our experience in these cases over the years.

4. What privileges do I enjoy on E-2 visa?

On E-2 visa, you may:


• Work legally in the company that is the investment vehicle in the U.S.
• Travel freely in and out of the U.S.
• Stay on a prolonged basis with unlimited two year extensions as long as you maintain E-2 qualifications
• Bring your dependents or accompanying relatives and your spouse may also work while in the U.S.
5. What are the limitations of E-2 visa?


• E-2 visas are available only to nationals of countries having trade treaties with the U.S.
• You are restricted to work only for the specific employer or self-owned business that acted as your E-2 visa sponsor
• E-2 visas are approved for two years at a time which makes the application/extension process cumbersome
6. How long can I stay in the US on investor visa?

You may stay on a prolonged basis with unlimited five year visa extensions or two year status extensions as long as you maintain E-2 qualifications. There is no limit on the number of extensions you can take.

Axeman - Thanks a lot for taking the time to find that info, I appreciate it!

I from Brazil...Some friends live i USA! I make more $USS here... ;-)

Just considering the U.S right now. Also considering france, spain, ireland and portugal. But yeah, i hear you on the cost of living front!

why would you want to move to a dictatorship like the USA?

yup i was a little 2 year old , barely remember the experience but i know it was tough:)

Not a problem. From what I gather about the E2 is your only entitled to work for the business you owned. So it would be a grey area to work in adult if you owned a restaurant. But maybe if you owned an internet marketing firm or design company you could legally filter the revenue thru it.

But with the E5 once you get your permanent residence it seems you can open a few more doors for work.