Move to USA

[slimjim]

If I buy a house in the USA, what visa do I need? Is the situation different depending on whether I intend to work or not (and I don't mean that I would be claiming any benefit)? Could I circumvent certain regulations by only spending a percentage of my time there?

[Pickle]

The US immigration system is a minefield, it's worse than ever at the moment, so good luck! If you want to live and work in the States, you will normally have to get the job first. If you come in on a tourist visa, you can't then change it to a work visa, you have to go home and come back. The type of visa you will get depends on the job and the employer. An easy way to get in is to write to the British Embassy in Washington and ask if they are looking for any staff. You don't need a work visa to work there as it's British soil :) If you want to get a mortgage in the States, you will need to have built up your credit rating. It takes a minimum of 6 months to do this and you have to work at it, use credit cards, pay bills on time etc. Anyone can buy a house, you don't have to be a resident, just be able to pay for it.

[slimjim]

Thanks for the answer. To be more specific. I would be a cash buyer for a property and I wouldn't intend to work in the USA (might do remote freelance work for a UK company). Could I live there all the time? Or just a certain percentage of the year? Or not all?

[Pickle]

If you're only staying a short time each visit (up to 3 months I think) then you don't need a visa. Otherwise I think it's a B1 or B2 visa that allows multiple entry for non-immigrants. I know people that have lived in the States for years on those. The authorities don't tend to mind if you're not working. Best thing to do would be to contact the US Embassy in London and ask for Visa section.