Girlfriend and Boyfriend seeking to live and work in the US

[bigSachin 0]

Hi all,

My girlfriend and I are looking to live and work in the US within the next few months. We are South African and both have university/college degrees (3 year degrees) and we have 6-8 years of work experience. My girlfriend is a web designer and I'm a web application developer.

We've discussed the possible routes/scenarios for us being together in the US before we are employed and it seems they are as follows:

1) Both find employment in the same area and can live together

2) One finds employment and the other lives/visits with the employed partner while seeking employment

3) Both visit and seek employment while visiting

As i understand, we could apply for work visas (H1B) should we find companies willing to sponsor/hire us. This should "take care" of scenario 1. I understand that applying for a work visa isn't guaranteed but it seems that the process/support is pretty clear for this scenario.

Scenario 3 also seems 'simple' although im not entire sure as yet if it's allowed or not.

Scenario 2 is the one i'd like to get some advice on as it appears that it's a possible/probable outcome. Could anyone please assist in providing me with information regarding whether or not this is allowed and if so, is there some form of immigration support for this situation. A quick search of similar forums seems to suggest that it's possible to enter on a tourist visa and convert it to a work visa - given that employment has been found.

Thanks in advance,

bigSachin

[Teddy B 17,252]

How do you plan to enter the US on a tourist visa and prove the following to the POE officer upon your attempted entry into the US if your true intentions are to find work?

The purpose of your trip is to enter the U.S. for business, pleasure, or medical treatment;

That you plan to remain for a specific, limited period;

Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States;

Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad; and

That they have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties that will insure their return abroad at the end of the visit.

A tourist visa is for tourism, with a few exceptions. one of which is not job hunting.

Edited May 30, 2012 by Teddy B

[Harsh_77 718]

Hi all,

My girlfriend and I are looking to live and work in the US within the next few months. We are South African and both have university/college degrees (3 year degrees) and we have 6-8 years of work experience. My girlfriend is a web designer and I'm a web application developer.

We've discussed the possible routes/scenarios for us being together in the US before we are employed and it seems they are as follows:

1) Both find employment in the same area and can live together

2) One finds employment and the other lives/visits with the employed partner while seeking employment

3) Both visit and seek employment while visiting

As i understand, we could apply for work visas (H1B) should we find companies willing to sponsor/hire us. This should "take care" of scenario 1. I understand that applying for a work visa isn't guaranteed but it seems that the process/support is pretty clear for this scenario.

Scenario 3 also seems 'simple' although im not entire sure as yet if it's allowed or not.

Scenario 2 is the one i'd like to get some advice on as it appears that it's a possible/probable outcome. Could anyone please assist in providing me with information regarding whether or not this is allowed and if so, is there some form of immigration support for this situation. A quick search of similar forums seems to suggest that it's possible to enter on a tourist visa and convert it to a work visa - given that employment has been found.

Thanks in advance,

bigSachin

How do you expect to enter US? Are you aware IT market is really saturated in US and for any employer to file a H1b is approx $5000 per application.

[NancyNguyen 1,657]

Yes I believe it would be difficult to find a sponsor for your job.

[Boiler 45,665]

First found your Employers.