What do I need to emigrate to the United States?

I have for some time had the ambition of moving from where I am now (Ireland) and living and working in the US. I am educated to masters level, and have so far been applying to positions in the US but with no success; actually, I have barely received as much as a response from most of my applications. As far as I understand, I require a visa to work in America, but to apply for a visa, I need a job offer. Is this correct? What other documentation will I require? I have to say I'm feeling rather disappointed at the minute; months of applications have got me nowhere. Thanks,

Gavin.

You are correct -- the first step is to find an employer in the US. The employer will then apply to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services for a work visa for you.

The problem as you have already found out is that it is not easy to apply to US employers if you are a foreigner. Worse, a foreigner living OUTSIDE of the USA. For one, they will have to think of how to bring you in the country just for the interview, and many employers will not waste their time to do that UNLESS you have a spectacular resume that they will go to the ends of the earth to hire you.

You have a masters degree, and that is a big plus. And I suppose you have experience in your field.

Your best bet is to actually come to the US for a few months as a tourist. While here, send in your applications to companies. Companies interested are likely to call you at least for the interview. If they like you enough, they might even agree to sponsor you. But you have a fighting chance when you are already here in the country.

But if you stay in Ireland and apply from there, you will still get the same response you've been getting -- nothing. Source(s): From experience

I really don't know, but you have a higher chance of starting a life out here if you get your degree out here. So maybe try getting a doctorate in the U.S? First of all, what kind of jobs are you applying for? Maybe you should start at the bottom, applying for jobs in America that aren't exactly related to your degrees. And then, think about it, American companies aren't gonna hire someone who lives in Ireland and has lived in Ireland their entire life for their company and assume just because I hire them that they'll automatically be able to begin this job. Do you have the money to come here? It takes years to get visas and junk. You should also establish residency here as well, by perhaps living here for a while... It's not easy okay? Don't expect it to happen right away, it WILL take time. Don't give up.
To "immigrate" to the USA, find out what is required via the Dept. of Immigration. Maybe you could go online & check it out first & get a good idea on what steps you must take to make your journey. Good luck!
Had you considered making a visit to the USA to see how you could or would fit with the job market? I once met a very well spoken Ethiopian cab driver - he spoke 6 languages - but driving cab was the job he he was hired to do. Guess there wasn't a market for his other skills, and he probably had family here that helped him immigrate. Good luck.
Try applying at colleges you have enough education to be a professor. Where ever there is a shortage at an occupation, this is the best to try for. There is an excellent website to go to.
http://www.doleta.gov/jobseekers/labcert...