Ask HN: Thinking of Moving to the US from Europe • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: Thinking of Moving to the US from Europe

#11

Post by injb » Sat, Jul 25, 2020, 6:49 PM UTC

mmmmmbop wrote: post #7

injb wrote: post #5

Why would you waste years there if you didn't like it? The only way you'll know is if you try it. I came to the US years ago from the EU in a similar way, and have been here ever since. The biggest downside is that if you do like it and want to get a green card, it can be very difficult, which is depressing. If you can get a green card, you can work for whoever will have you, and there's no law that says you can't ha…

Thanks for your perspective. My understanding is that through an internal transfer visa it's feasible to receive a Green Card, especially as an EU citizen. I'm actually eyeing NYC, just because I'm really intrigued by the perceived diversity and culture, and it being the cultural epicenter of the Western world. May I ask which place you chose?

Where you're from generally makes no difference to getting a green card, unless you're trying to get it through the green card lottery, in which case certain countries are disqualified. But if you're doing it through employment, you need to fit into one of the preference categories (https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/gree...).

I live in the mid-west. Most of what I said in my previous comment is probably not very applicable to NYC though!

Re: Ask HN: Thinking of Moving to the US from Europe

#12

Post by injb » Sat, Jul 25, 2020, 6:54 PM UTC

cjbenedikt wrote: post #10

mmmmmbop wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Thanks for your perspective. My understanding is that through an internal transfer visa it's feasible to receive a Green Card, especially as an EU citizen. I'm actually eyeing NYC, just because I'm really intrigued by the perceived diversity and culture, and it being the cultural epicenter of the Western world. May I ask which place you chose?

A Green Card comes in stages. First: two years and then requires application for an extension. The extension is by no means a done deal. It is also not cheap. Even without a lawyer it'll cost you approx. $4000 in fees all in. Anyone who says it is easy to come to the US has no idea what s/he is talking about.

No, what you're describing is a conditional green card and that's only in certain exceptional circumstances, namely:

* a marriage-based gc where the marriage is less than 2 years old

* an investment-based gc

In general, permanent residency is permanent. You have to renew the card itself, but that's just a formality.

Re: Ask HN: Thinking of Moving to the US from Europe

#13

Post by simonblack » Sat, Jul 25, 2020, 11:35 PM UTC

Go. Travel is the most educative thing you can do for yourself. You aren't forced to stay there forever. And you may even find that you like it enough to stay on.

I even toyed with the idea of moving permanently to the US myself at one time. However, 'quality of life' arguments for and against, as well as relationship issues, stopped that.

Personally speaking, my experience says that the EU is a nicer place to live. However, YMMV.