Moving to USA

[Glenbren]

My husband and I are in our early 60s,and when we retire we would like to move to the USA to be near our son and grandchildren.Where do we start? Is there a website that gives us information? How easy would it be?

[VillageVicar]

Well now, there�s a challenge! Whilst I certainly understand your desire to possibly �retire� in the US, I�m afraid the Americans don�t tend to share that same �warm fuzzy� over us Brits coming over and clogging up their hospitals, Western Sizzler Steak Houses, retirement communities and cemeteries. It�s a very old subject and indeed, for some, quite an emotive one. There is though a big �however, in this process. In the greatest tribute to the American Way, if you have enough dosh, you can pretty much do anything you jolly-well please! And that, herein, is where it will all begin.

To give you a bit of current history on the subject, have a browse through a blog site of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper�Orlando is becoming a favourite landing point for people from �Isle de la Pomme!

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_local_so uthwest_brit/2006/05/retirement_visa.html

Not knowing your financial situation, nor your history, I think it would be advisable for you to seek advice from the American Embassy at Grosvenor Square London, telephone number 0207 499 9000. However, I guarantee you, with every fibre of my being, it would be quicker for you to either go there, or write them than it would be to phone their number and meander through their endless maze of nurturing phone options (your call is valuable to us)�remember BT learned how to create their customer service phone system from the Americans!

Continued on Part 2

[VillageVicar]

Part 2
As an alternative to a permanent settlement, it may be much easier to take your visits in half-year blocks, which for some reason, the Americans can cope with much easier than you simply saying you have come to stay. And, as an important caveat, remember, there is virtually no reciprocal agreement between our NHS and the Americans. Consequently, if you can�t cope with the minimal monthly insurance costs, which average USD$350-650 per month (with an age cap), virtually all of your life-savings, home, etc., could go down the gurgler the first time one of you (Heaven forbid) ends up in hospital!

It�s a nice dream and I don�t wish to dissuade you. However, the fundamental differences between us and the Americans in our philosophies, values, and mind-sets, are such that all that glitter of the �american way� could easily rub off without the most intricate of advance planning.

I wish you every success in your endeavours�and if all else fails, I�d be pleased to introduce you to retirement in the Republic of Moldova! Best regards. Fr. Bill
www.projectnewlife.org
www.bigworldsmallboat.blogspot.com

[Buenchico]

Has your son acquired US citizenship? If so, you qualify to apply for an immigration visa under the 'immediate relatives' category.

However, according to the US embassy website, you don't qualify to apply (under the 'family based immigration' category) if your son is only a 'lawful permanent resident'.

See here:
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/iv/i ndex.html

Chris

[Glenbren]

Thanks for very helpful information