IlkeB

Hi, my partner and I have started discussing the possibility of us moving to Colorado.... We currently live in South Africa and just want to gather more information about the place and try and figure out all the pro's and con's regarding the decision, we would obviously want to plan a trip there first to see what it is like there and if we would be able to adjust. If anyone can assist or give feedback we would appreciate it. Thanks

DebitNM

Be sure to visit CO in the winter...quite different than South Africa.

DebitNM

Also, where in Colorado makes a HUGE difference. Denver?? Small town in the mountains.

Denver area is VERY expensive; other areas less so.

Do you need to consider work? Will you be able to work in US? I know nothing on requirements for foreigners to live here vs just come for vacation; I am sure you have thoroughly checked that out.

jamie99

Try this site to see if you even qualify to emigrate:
https://travel.state.gov/content/vis...immigrate.html

BigRuss

Are you Americans living abroad or South Efreekens trying to move to the US or some other varietal of non-Americans seeking to move to the US?

J62

I do believe IlkeB's title gives at least one of the answers Russ.

If they were Americans living abroad they would be repatriating to Colorado, not immigrating.

And the US State department has no role in who can emigrate from South Africa. That is totally within the jurisdiction of the S. African government.

november_moon

Yes, definitely let us know where in Colorado you are considering.

nytraveler

You first step is to find out the rules for first, visiting the US and second, eventually emigrating.

I believe you first ned to get a visa for the tourist part and I would not say you are thining of movin ghere because that might be cause not to approve the visa.

Then, if you decide you really want to move you need to determine what you would need to do to qualify. Typically you have to have a specific job offer to work here and it generally needs to be some job that there are no americans for. Don't think you can enter long-term without a job or proof of very substantial financial resources but I'm no expert. You really need to consult an expert on this.

Also you must understand that it is VERY different here in a lot of ways. A close frined of mine had a couple from south africa that she had met in England here for a two week visit. Granted New York, not Colorado. But they were very uncomfortable much of the time, could not understand that people of all races, colors, ethnicities and religions all worked in the same jobs, lived in the same apartment houses, ate in the same restaurants. Granted this was 10 years ago and they may have had unusual expectations but that really bothered them. Also the fact that people here typically don;t have servants (if upper middle class you may have a cleaner come in once a week - they lived with a staff of 3 - and were not high income.)

NewbE

Am I the only one who read the OP's post??

< just want to gather more information ABOUT THE PLACE > (emphasis mine, lol)

nyt, do you cut and paste the same prune faced, discouraging set of paragraphs on every single immigration-related thread? Sure seems like it.

nytraveler

Sorry if you don't like people being given the appropriate information about immigration into the US. What is the point in encouraging these people if there is no way they can qualify for living/working in the US?

I am really so tired of your complaining. This is a public forum for people asking for information.

If you don't like the way I provide information then just please do not read my posts.

Odin

I know several people who have successfully immigrated to the US. Some have their own business, some have worked for international companies and have been sponsored for a work visa by them, others have work permits as a dependent of someone else who has a work permit & job. Those individuals have to look for employment once in the US since it is not tied to a particular employer.

NewbE

Thanks for the triangle, nyt, but I maintain that your proclivity for offering irrelevant observations in the most withering tone is antithetical to what a travel board should be, and I will not stop calling you on it.

Answer the question as asked. And stop discouraging everyone from doing anything, whether it's immigrating to the US or visiting NYC on a holiday weekend.

november_moon

I figure that if someone is planning to immigrate, they'll research the requirements for immigration.

nytraveler

Well one would certainly think so. But I have found in many years o this board that a lot of people believe they can do things that are either illegal or not physically possible. In that case, IMHO, it is a kindness to point out to them the problems with their plan or wish.

This is NOT the same as one's opinion of a city or a hotel or restaurant or Itinerary or whatever - when many, many options are valid.

Allowing people to think that impossible things are just fine is simply leading them down to garden path - to a potentially much bigger issue later.

If these people were my friends (and I though they didn't know this - of which the OP gives no indication) I would tell than exactly this.

BigRuss

>

Yes and no, J62 - considering how people misuse words, terms, and phrases on this site (see, your own correction regarding "Emigration" vs. "IMmigration"), there is little presumption of correctness due to an OP who doesn't provide basic information.

nytraveler

If they were americans I would expect them to say "moving to CO" - nothing about repatriating or emigrating from SA or immigrating to the US.

HappyTrvlr

ILKEB,
Colorado is a beautiful state with a wonderful dry climate. Residents are largely outdoor enthusiasts. The climate changes quickly and even if winter, you may have a warm day come along to surprise you. House prices in Denver have steadily risen. The sun shines odten and the views are incredible. We have spent a lot of time there as family live in CO and often have thought of relocating to this scenic state.

fmpden

.....Denver area is VERY expensive..... Keep in mind this is a relative term. Very expensive when compared to what ????

It is more expensive when compared to Lincoln, NB. where my brother lives but cheap compared to Chicago and New York when our sons live. Personally think Denver is near the middle of large metro areas. Property taxes here are very, very low, along with sales tax but that is somewhat dependent on what part of the area you live in. We have recently had a substantial run up in housing prices that is also reflected in rentals. That area is starting to get expensive.

IlkeB

Hi guys. I am so sorry for only getting back to everyone's comments now.... I registered on so many forums that I lost track. You all have very useful tips and information and I appreciate any comment that comes my way. It is true you can not only hear the good, one has to know about the negative things in order to make an informed decision about this. From March 2016 till now we have decided that Denver is the place we want to be, we fell in love with the beautiful scenery and the feel we get from Denver....(Even though we have not yet been there) Most of the people from the forums and groups on FB that we have spoken with have been nothing but kind and have given us honest feedback.

@DebitNM - Yes we still have to find work that side, I have contacted a few places but they don't seem to take us seriously, I'm assuming, due to the fact that we are currently still in South Africa.

@jamie99 - I will have a look at the site, thank you so much.

@BigRuss - We are South African looking to relocate/Move/Immigrate to Denver, Colorado. The way we use words here in SA sometimes differs to the way Americans/Foreigners use those same words, sometimes a letter is misplaced or a word has different meaning to you that it does to me, so I do apologize if I confused anyone regarding my query, it was not my intention.

@november_moon : Denver, Colorado

@nytraveler : Thanks you for you wide range of feedback, I do appreciate it. I can not say why those people were uncomfortable with the fact that all races were living/working/eating/commuting or even socializing together because it has been that way here in SA for the past 22 years..... I think it all depends on what those people prefer in life. Myself and my partner on the other had look forward to the challenge and the change, we are still young (we would like to believe haha) and we would like to make the move before it is either too late or basically impossible for us to make the move.

@Odin : Hi, yes we have been looking into getting work before we go over, there is just such a strict time limit on everything that makes it so much more difficult. But we are positive and strive for success in this matter so we will get it done sooner or later

@HappyTrvlr : Thanks for the positive feedback haha, we are so excited, it is all about getting the paper work in order, and getting a job that side then we are ready for lift off.... My partner and I love the outdoor scene, Bush-life and having less of this city life around would only do us good.... Especially if we plan to start a family soon.

@fmpden : Well if I have to give a rough estimate of our living expenses here in SA it would be that we need a minimum of R30 000 per month between the two of us to live comfortable, which in today's currency is just under $2100. But one can not work it out that way because when that side, everything will be done differently. I might say I get a salary of R15 000 per month that will be enough for here in SA but I might be paid $2000 per month in USA and that might not be enough to survive you understand. So I am still busy researching all that in order for me to see what type of work I need to look for to know that I will be able to contribute enough for the both us us to make it that side.

So I don't want you guys to argue as to what information you pass along, any piece of info will be taken in with a smile as it will help us make an informed decision. And PLEASE, if any of you might know of any companies or persons that could assist from that side, where we could apply for work or anything in that line that might assist us PLEASE pass it along to me. My e-mail is : [email protected]

Thanks

janisj

15,000 Rand is barely $1000. That is below poverty level and won't get you a place to live/food/etc on that salary.

$2000/29,000 rand is still a very low standard of living.