Couple wanting to move from UK to US

[vicki-uk 0]

Hi there, I would be grateful for any advice from anyone. My partner and I are looking to emigrate to the US from the UK. My employer has an office in the US (whether it be Houston or New York, we haven't decided yet!) and so I would be sponsored by them for a work visa, however, my partner is not in the same situation. His job is not classed as one of the "special categories of jobs" and we are not married. Do you think there's still a chance of him being granted a permanent visa or does it sound completely impossible, given our circumstances? Thanks.

[SunDrop 59]

Hi there, I would be grateful for any advice from anyone. My partner and I are looking to emigrate to the US from the UK. My employer has an office in the US (whether it be Houston or New York, we haven't decided yet!) and so I would be sponsored by them for a work visa, however, my partner is not in the same situation. His job is not classed as one of the "special categories of jobs" and we are not married. Do you think there's still a chance of him being granted a permanent visa or does it sound completely impossible, given our circumstances? Thanks.

There are no visas available to reside in the US as a common law partner (unlike the UK). If you are offered a job at your company's US office, you would presumably be an L1 visa applicant. This means that your residence in the US is based solely on your job and has to be renewed (I believe it's every 2 years). I believe there is a maximum number of renewals they issue to one individual, and then you are forced to apply for a Green Card. As an L1, you have to stay employed by the same company for every renewal until you have been granted Legal Permanent Resident status (your GC).

If you were married, he would qualify for an L2 (L1 dependent's visa).

Edited March 30, 2010 by SunDrop

[elmcitymaven 9,711]

Moving this from the UK sub-forum to General Immigration forum as the question is about a non-family based visa.

Best of luck to the OP.

[Boiler 43,687]

L2 is the way to go.

[April + Chris 0]

You could apply for a work viss, and then apply for a fiance visa(K-1) to bring your partner over. Then Adjustment of Status for green card. Or, get married, then apply for spouse visa(CR-1).

[Anh map 2,098]

You could apply for a work viss, and then apply for a fiance visa(K-1) to bring your partner over. Then Adjustment of Status for green card. Or, get married, then apply for spouse visa(CR-1).

You must be a US Citizen to petition for a K1 fiance(e). OP would have to be a green card holder to petition for a spouse (CR1)

[Boiler 43,687]

This thread is 6 months old.

[April + Chris 0]

You must be a US Citizen to petition for a K1 fiance(e). OP would have to be a green card holder to petition for a spouse (CR1)

Didn't catch that! You really know your stuff.

[Harsh_77 716]

hahahah ... not sure how it is on the top again.

But from wht I read L2 is not possible for the partner, L2 is only possible if they are married.

She cannot just bring somone without any official relation.

For K1 or CR1 she will have to wait until she is either LPR or UC.

[Boiler 43,687]

She made one post in March!

For the record the other option is B2 Co-Habiting, no work authorisation though.

[Harsh_77 716]

Boiler - wht is the normal duration of such B2??

I thought B2 was just tourist with max 6 month duration per visit.

[Boiler 43,687]

I have seen 6 months, I have seen a year.