Greencard

[marryme]

I would like to know what process I need to go through to obtain a greencard from the UK? I have a british passport. I am a talented soccer player and want to play in USA. Greencard has just been my stumbling block. How long will it take to get a greencard, or can I obtain a visa? And what is the cost involved?

Any help will be much appreciated.

[bobs1975]

In short you will need a sponsor. ie an American football club willing to pursue your case and prove to the immigration authorities that you are that good and for business reasons they can't do without you on their books. This would come with a visa. If it happens the cost will be nothing - the club will pay. A greencard only comes after time spent in US on a visa.

[marryme]

Is it possible to obtain a visa on your own? And if so, how long will it take and what cost would be involved? I also have coaching qualifications at youth level.

[JimmyCooper]

You have more chance of becoming Pope than getting a greencard

Getting into the US (legally) is notoriously difficult

We should take note

[marryme]

Please, I just need some advise on which processes to follow,what documentation to produce and a timescale.
i would like to do all of this from London.

Nobody said anything about getting in illegally!

[JimmyCooper]

perhaps looking at the US Embassy website might be a start

[redcrx]

unless you have an employer lined up in the US who can get you a working visa you have little chance.

My brother had to wait over 2 years to be able to live there and he is married to an American.

[bobs1975]

As its said its virtually impossible unless somebody in the US really really wants you. (they protect themselves).

Easier option is Oz. Plenty of visa's and working opportunities there. They even have a football league which is called the A-League and they are always after talent from abroad - just ask Robbie Fowler.

[Buenchico]

As others have stated, 'athletes' (which is the generic term the US immigration service applies to all sportsmen) can only obtain a class O-1 or P-1 visa (which are the only two relevant types of visa for temporary residence in the USA) if they have a US sponsor. Further they must demonstrate that they have 'extraordinary ability'. I'm unaware of the exact nature of the test applied by the US authorities but it's extremely likely to be the same as that applied by the UK authorities when non-EU soccer players want to play in this country. i.e. you must have played at international level. (It's likely that David Beckham holds either a Class O-1 or P-1 visa).
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/ ability.html

To obtain a visa for permanent residence in the USA, the only relevant category is 'Priority Worker'. To obtain such a visa you "must have sustained national or international acclaim in the field of . . athletics . . .which must be recognized in the form of extensive documentation". Further, your entry into the country "must substantially benefit prospectively the United States":
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/iv/p riorityworker.html

Basically, unless you've played for your country, your chances of getting into the USA (to play or coach soccer) are absolutely nil.

Chris

[bednobs]

just out of interest, do you ever read your answers? You have asked this question twice or three times over the last 6 months or so, and each time had the same answer i think!