Just after some information please.

[Athers]

Hi,

Ive been verbally offered a job teaching in South Carolina. Although everything is in the early stages the job offer is from the commisioner for education for South Carolina, and I would like to know the answer to the a few questions.
If anyone reading this can help then any info would be greatly appreciated.

When the job was first discussed (about a year ago) I was a single man. I was very keen to go as im sick and tired of life in the UK.
However, now my circumstances have changed. I am in a relationship with a women who I will marry at some point and if I were to take up a position in the US then I would not go without her.
My questions being, would she be allowed to come with me if we were not married? Also, as the teaching position is for September 08 would it be looked upon as slightly dodgy if we were to get married just before this date in order that she could come too?
Secondly, she has a 3 year old daughter (not mine) would this be a problem too?

I am worried as I am off to meet the commisioner in the easter break and I would love to fulfill whatever is needed prior to that interview so that the move could be as smooth and easy as possible.

Any info is greatly appreciated.

[Marco 72]

I presume that your employer is aware of the fact that you need a visa, and they are going to apply for one for you. Is this correct? If so, you'll probably get an H1B work visa. This means that your wife (you need to be married to her) will be able to apply for an H4 visa to join you there. She will not be able to work, however. I am not sure about her daughter.

[Athers]

Yes, I am sure the employer wil be doing all the paperwork as regards visa's etc. From what he said he seems to think its a relatively easy and straightforward process.
As I am new to all this am I right in thinkng that a H1B visa is only a temporary visa?

[darko]

Yes, I am sure the employer wil be doing all the paperwork as regards visa's etc. From what he said he seems to think its a relatively easy and straightforward process.
As I am new to all this am I right in thinkng that a H1B visa is only a temporary visa?

I assume your employer is non-profit organization and that's why H1b process should be pretty simple.

H1B status is temporary for 3 years with possibility of extending it for 3 more years. However, this status allows 'dual intent' which means if your employer agrees they can apply for permanent residence on your behalf, which can take anything from 1-4 years or sometimes more and is more involved process than getting H1b status. Your dependents will get the status too if you receive it too.