I am currently looking at various options for myself and after visiting the US 12 years ago (consequently fell in love with the place) am considering a life/country change for myself and 6 year old daughter.

I work in IT with various certificates so finding work should'nt be an issue. However Im fairly naïve when it comes to visas, green cards etc as when I did visit last time I was on a waiver (NZ Citizen).

I would like to reside in New Jersey area to be determind.

Any information would be greatly received and much appreciated. Thank you.

Um, I don't want to sound negative to someone who would like to move to this country BUT there is a heck of a lot of unemployed IT folks here in the USA that can't find employment since most of the IT jobs have been mailed overseas. Now, that is not to say that there aren't IT jobs here but they are getting to be fewer every day. I'd seriously try to rethink moving here if you don't have a job. The USA has drastically changed from 12 years ago when you where here. You probably wouldn't even recognize the place anymore with all the foreclosed homes and unemployed folks and the homelessness that abounds here. And NJ is becoming more and more undesirable versus 12 years ago. I used to live in NYC back in the early 1970's and from what I gather off the television I would not wish to ever go there again - let alone move there so I can well imagine what NJ is like as well.

No I understand and appreciate your answer, I've already been looking and knocking on doors, I certainly wouldn't move without a job first.. the rest goes hand in hand so just would like to know everything involved.. not just work / living /school :)

mystific,

Glad to see you want to come stateside. This is my recommendation.

1. get job interviews lined up, you can enter the US as a visa waiver for an interview.
2. be sure your employer knows you are a foreign national and will need a nonimmigrant visa (probably H-1B, professional visa) and then PR
3. get hired
4. company files H-1B for you, gets approved, you get the visa.
5. do great work and early on, have your employer (or another) file for Labor certification and PR (probably 3rd preference). File before the end of your 5th year of H-1B and you can file H extensions until approved.
6. no crimes, etc. and you should get your PR approved. Daughter too, under 21.

It is a long process even at the LC stage so plan on 3-6 years depending on the EB classification and backlog. Consult with an experienced business immigration attorney.

And NJ is becoming more and more undesirable versus 12 years ago. I used to live in NYC back in the early 1970's and from what I gather off the television I would not wish to ever go there again - let alone move there so I can well imagine what NJ is like as well.

Come on twinkie - don't go bashing a place you haven't even visited based on "what you see on televsion." NJ is not really changed all that much - the population is similar to what it was in the early 80's, and several counties (Morris, Somerset, parts of Midlesex) still have some of the best public schools in the country, and NJ has the second higher median income in the country. The biggest down side to NJ is the taxes, which unfortunately like several east coast states are way too high.

And as for NYC - I suspect if you visited your old digs you'd find it vastly improved over what it is what like when you lived there back in the 70's.

Come on twinkie - don't go bashing a place you haven't even visited based on "what you see on televsion." NJ is not really changed all that much - the population is similar to what it was in the early 80's, and several counties (Morris, Somerset, parts of Midlesex) still have some of the best public schools in the country, and NJ has the second higher median income in the country. The biggest down side to NJ is the taxes, which unfortunately like several east coast states are way too high.

And as for NYC - I suspect if you visited your old digs you'd find it vastly improved over what it is what like when you lived there back in the 70's.

Been there (NJ) many, many times and recently as well within the past 5 years. And I didn't go to the ritzy Morris, Somerset parts of Middlesex either. You seem to think that everyone is living in the lap of luxury in NJ. Sorry to disappoint you ebaines but not everyone is these days. I went to more down to earth places like Newark and Trenton as well as the Hendredon Mountains, Atlantic City, etc.

And as for my old neighborhood in Manhattan I used to live on East 78th Street at 308 E 78th Street. They tore down a perfectly delightful small apartment building to erect a monstrosity of a high rise building. I don't think that was an improvement at all as it totally changed the "small town" feel of East 78th Street completely. This was between Second and First Avenues. Most of that block is now wall to wall high rises where you have to literally stand on your head to see the sky. Some "improvement" my behind.

And I was not bashing either. Just trying to give the NZlander a realistic look at what she might encounter. From what I've seen recently on TV about NJ not everyone lives in a McMansion and goes to "great schools, etc."

And please be aware of all the IT jobs that are here in the USA that American ITers can't get as the jobs went bye bye to India, etc.

Be prepared to bring lots of back up finances with you for living expenses until you do find a job as NJ is not a cheap place to live.

Twink - Agreed, personally I would not want to live in Trenton, Newark or Camden. But I disagree with your statement that "NJ is becoming more and more undesirable versus 12 years ago." Times are tough, but that's true in every state. As for NYC - it's certainly not for everyone. But then again neither is Chicago, LA, Houston, Detroit, St. Loius, or [insert city name here].

NYcityboy.. thank you.. I had actually planned on 8-10 years so that's good news :) and thank you that was excellent information very much appreciated!

And I do apologise I had no intention of starting a debate on the pro's and con's of living in the States. I realise it will be hard I'm not that fantistical where I think I'll have it easy.

This 'NZlander' is quite content with life's hard knocks so am prepared for the worst and hope for the best.. with contingent back up plans.. and its not like I'm doing this over night there's a lot of work to put in beforehand. Thus the question.

But again thank you all for your time and assistance. Its nice to get a well rounded opinion :)