Visas for relocating to Florida and setting up a Florida home
Whilst the United States once welcomed the tired, poor and huddled masses relocating to Florida permanently is not so easy these days. The process of obtaining a visa is a complicated affair but that should not put you off if you are determined to establish a Florida home. You do not need a visa to buy properties in Florida but you will if you wish to stay in them for any length of time.
Relocating to Florida – obtaining a visa
All foreign workers hoping to set up a Florida home must obtain a visa, which doubles up as a work permit. Unlike many other countries, it is not possible to obtain a US visa from within the country. If you are planning on relocating to Florida then you must make the application from outside the States.
It is advisable to sort out the visa situation before buying properties in Florida so you do not buy a Florida home which you can only stay in for a short period each year.
Types of visa available for those setting up a Florida home
For those relocating to Florida there are several types of visa which they can apply for before buying properties in Florida. Which type of visa to apply for depends upon your personal circumstances and there are companies which offer advice on the whole application process.
The visa waiver programme allows you to travel to your properties in Florida without a visa as a temporary visitor for a maximum of 90 days.
Among the visas that those relocating to Florida apply for are:
- E visas are granted to those who have invested $100,000 or more in a US business.
- J-1 visas are for students who can work for up to four months or graduates who can work in trainee positions with US companies for 18 months.
- H-1 visas are for professionals filling a skills gap within the US.
- K visas are granted for fiancés of US citizens who are granted full resident status after two years.
- L visas are for employees of multinational companies being transferred to the US.
Other ways of relocating to Florida
You will be able to become a legal permanent resident of the US and move to your Florida home if you have relatives who are legal residents. Another way of becoming a legal resident is If your company sponsors you for a permanent job. However, before you rush off to buy properties in Florida you should be aware that the company must prove no US citizen was available to fill the post.
The diversity lottery takes place every October and offers 55,000 “green cards” to citizens with low rates of immigration to the United States and many set up a Florida home. Irish and Northern Irish people are among those eligible to try relocating to Florida in this manner.
