We can get married in California and presto magico green card! :) Ok, sorry, that probably wasn't very helpful, but I can't tell you how exciting this is to me! :)
Good luck!
Agreed, Lauren, it's exciting times! I've been interested to read all the follow-up. Looks like Governor Ahnuld is going to hold off on the veto this time around...
As I was just pointing out to some haters on Slate's forums, it's been 5+ years here in Ontario, and the fire and brimstone has yet to rain down upon us.
Sadly, though, I don't think it'll help me! They've actually really cracked down on the greencard marriages lately, on both sides of the border. You need to provide really elaborate proof that you've been involved with the person for years - think emails, dated photos, etc. They practically make you hand in a slide of the wedding cake for inspection! Ah well.
Typical...god damn canucks trying to take jobs from hard-working American citizens. Here's a hint--go drive out y'er own indigenous people!
Hehe. I jest, of course.
Can't help ya, unfortunately. I was in the same boat (ideologically speaking), with the Deutscher Grun Kart initiative walking out the door with Gerhard Schreoder's Prime Ministership (I thought I'd be living in Germany right now). I have a ideologically bitter taste in my mouth after finding out that Canadians could more easily get EU work visas than Americans.
I would say that the next best step would be a discussion with an immigration attorney as to what an employer has to do. It may just be a matter of Ross hiring you as MatadorTravel.com's "janitor". *wink* *wink* Though I would not condone risky or illegal behavior, I'm sure there's an effective loophole.
Though it may cost you a $300-$700 retainer, it will probably help as far as the big picture goes.
Ha!
Yeah, my stepdad suggested an immigration lawyer, too. Considering he's a lawyer and all his friends are lawyers (they run in packs, apparently) he might even be able to find me someone who'd waive/reduce the fee.
Funny thing about the EU/US situation. I hosted an American couchsurfer in the UK who was under the impression that Americans being shut out of the working holiday visa scene was some sort of Euro-protest against the Iraq War. But, as I tried to explain, it's all about reciprocity, and there's no chance the US is going to let a bunch of foreign gap year kids come over and work odd jobs and move around as they please. I do still find it kind of amazing that Canada and the US have no agreement for that sort of thing, though - even though I can go to Ireland, the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, etc, etc...
I ran into the reciprocity thing when I was researching a visa to Brazil. For most countries in the world, they only charge the equivalent of $5-20 USD (their tourist visa is good for 6 months). Coming from the U.S.? $100. In reciprocity for the fee the U.S. charges for Brazilians to visit.
Ouch.
Yeah, don't ever go out drinking with a group of law students/young lawyers...or do. Depending on how much you hate your liver. ;)
Joined: 08-07-07
Calling all US immigration experts...
So I've been all over the relevant US gov't site and it seems to me there are 3 ways to get a long-term work visa to the ol' US of A:
1) Get sponsored by an employer with a concrete job offer on the table (don't have one, and don't plan on getting one)
2) Get sponsored by a family member (nope - my peeps got driven out after the revolution)
3) The lottery (Canadians - hence, me - aren't eligible)
I'm sure I've heard that back in the glory days (read: pre-9/11) we Canucks used to be able to just put our names on a list and wait it out for our greencards to arrive in the mail... Anyone know of any options beyond the three I've outlined to be able to at least apply to live legally in the States? Is the link for "general admission" hiding somewhere on the website? Am I overlooking something?
Thanks for any hints or links!