Emigrating from the UK to the US

[Dougc]

Hi guys. I stumbled upon this place while searching for information on New York. Certainly a pretty interesting site & forums, makes for an interesting read. So, Hi! :)

I guess I'd better give a bit of a background about myself before I leap into asking questions! I'm almost 23 years old & have been working as a software engineer/developer for a reputable & established company here in the UK for nearly 4 years now. I have a BSc (HONS) degree in Computing & consider myself to be more than competent at my job, which I enjoy.

While I currently live comfortably in the UK, I'm quite seriously considering emigrating to the US - more specifically, New York - just because I want a complete change in my life in general, a "fresh start", so to speak. The problem is that I'm a little bit lost on where to even start about researching the whole thing!

The main issues I'm currently thinking I'd have to investigate are the following:
Finding somewhere to live
Finding a job
Anything associated with emigrating (legality wise, greencards etc.)I'm sure I've probably missed something fairly major from that list, so please feel free to correct me if I have.

Questions wise, there's probably far too many for me to bore you all with, but the main ones I'll ask first are the following:
Does anyone think it'd actually be possible (or sensible) to attempt "the move" before actually having secured a job? I'd consider myself marketable in my field in the UK, but would I be as marketable in the US? Can anyone see a reason(s) why a company wouldn't hire someone from the UK?
I guess this one is kind of linked to the above, but, are my educational qualifications (e.g. degree) and work experience in the UK valid to US companies?
Does anyone have any experience working as a software engineer/developer in New York City? I assume - if New York City is anything like London - that there are more enough jobs in the sector to choose from?
Are Americans in general accepting of the English/British? I suppose one of my main concerns (probably unfounded I'm sure) would be that I'd be rejected by everyone for being from the UK!
Again, kind of linked to the previous question, but is New York considered to be a "friendly" place? If I do attempt the move then I'd hope it is as obviously I'm not going to know anyone to start with!
Does anyone think I'm completely mad for even thinking about all this?I'd also be more than willing to listen if anyone had any words of wisdom, advice or anything else they'd be kind enough to offer on the whole subject(s).

Part of me thinks it sounds like an awfully daunting task moving to a another country, but on the other hand I can't help thinking how amazing it could be as well!

Thanks guys!

NB: Apologies if any of those have been answered elsewhere. I have had a brief search prior to posting.

[Dougc]

Apologies, I realise I'm asking for quite a bit of information. :o

Any help on the subject(s) would do though! :)

[lofter1]

Try searching "green card" on this site.

There have been a lot of posts with replies here that will answer many of your questions.

Also check the US Department of State website (google it) for immigration info.

I think the bottom line is that you need a visa for the work you mention before you come over.

[ManhattanKnight]

You'll find the basic legal info at the US London Embassy's site (http://www.usembassy.org.uk/ -- look under "Visas to the U.S."); I believe that Lofter1 is generally correct about needing to line up a job and a work visa before coming here if your intention is to remain here. But if you're a UK citizen without any disqualifying personal circumstances, you won't need a visa to come here as a tourist. And if you've not already visited NYC/the USA, that's something you certainly should do before making your big decision.

I don't believe that there has been widespread hostility to Brits here for a couple of centuries.

[Dougc]

Thanks guys. I hadn't thought of the embassy website.