Texas, the "lone star" state is huge. Outside of the US, Texas would be a country. In terms of land mass, Texas is second only to Alaska. And in terms of population, Texas is second to California- this is reflected in the distribution of the electoral college votes. Austin is the capital of Texas - you're forgiven if you thought it is Dallas because of the recent solar eclipse, JFK and the Ewing family.
The Green Card
Anyone wishing to live and work in the US needs to obtain a green card - the US Permanent Residency Card. The green card is the US equivalent of other Countries' "Leave to Remain" letter or stamp in a passport.
The quickest way to obtain a green card is to marry an American citizen or a green card holder. Another way is if you are rich enough, you can petition for an "Entrepreneur Green Card". Or, if you are fortunate to have a generous employer to sponsor you.
However, you don't have to marry anyone for a green card as you can self petition under National Interest Waiver, (NIW), if you are an Advanced Degree Professional, (ADP) in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, (STEM). The "National Interest" relates to the US national interest and the "Waiver" relates to the doing away with the need for a job offer and labour certification. "Advanced Degree" is Master's or PhD.
A green card is either for three years if you marry an American citizen or for five years in other cases. A green card holder can sponsor their spouse, (husband or wife) and unmarried children under 21 years of age. However, a green card holder cannot sponsor their parents, (mother and father) or siblings (brothers and sisters).
US Citizenship
A green card holder may petition to become a US citizen. You go through naturalisation process at the end of which you become a US citizen. The earliest date you can petition for citizenship is at the end of the three years from the date on your green card if you marry an American citizen, or at the end of five years from the date on your green card in other cases.
As a US citizen and if you are 21 years of age or older, you can petition for your parents and siblings. For each person you must file a separate petition. And you must show proof of sufficient income and/or asset to support each person you wish to sponsor in the US. "Asset" means savings, stocks and shares - things that you own that can be easily converted to cash. Note, anything you part own is not entirely yours and properties are not assets if they are mortgaged since mortgage is a debt.
As a US citizen you can apply for US Passport and you can register to vote.
Jobs in Texas
Texas is no place for beggars and freeloaders. If you are seeking others to support you financially, you will remain in poverty. American dream is about reward and incentive. There are opportunities in Texas. You won't get rich overnight, however, if you're focused, disciplined and prepared to work hard, you will prosper in time.
If you arrive as an ADP, (Advanced Degree Professional), you shouldn't be doing menial or low paid job. You will have transferable skills and therefore in a position to hit the ground running in terms of access to good and well paid jobs.
Simply being in Texas does not make you equal to everyone in the US. If you arrive without good education, or you are low skilled or you lack professional training, you are not in the same category as ADPs, you are behind and playing catch up - you will struggle. However, you too will find work but it won't be high status or big money. Nurse Aide and Child Care Home Provider are not difficult to get into.
Nurse Aide
One of the jobs always in demand is Nurse Aide, also known as Nursing Assistant or CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant). You will be working in a Licensed Nursing Facility such as care home, hospital and rehabilitation centre. You will be providing basic patient care such as bathing, dressing and feeding. And provide support to Nurses, Doctors and other Health Care Professionals.
You can become a Nurse Aide (NA) in a matter of weeks by completing state approved training and passing the certification test. Your NA training would include first aid and CPR. On completion of the NA training and passing the certification test, you will need to register and be vetted to obtain a permit which would lapse if you stop working as NA. If you stop working as NA and you decide to go back, you may have to undergo a refresher training and/or have to pass the certification test again.
It is important to note that NAs are not medically trained and they cannot give injections or prescribe medication. In addition, the first aid and the CPR training are neither academic nor professional qualifications. For anyone wishing to become a Nurse but do not meet the academic requirement to train as a Nurse, NA might not be a bad place to start.
In relation to first aid and CPR training, these are stand alone training - nothing to do with being NA. Anyone can undergo first aid and CPR training. Indeed, employers encourage and support their employees to undergo first aid and CPR training. So, where ever you work, you're likely to have a "First Aider" and a "CPR Person" amongst colleagues. First Aid and CPR training are completed in a matter of days. However, you will need refresher training every few years to keep up your skills.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Programs
There are five levels of EMS certification in Texas and there are separate educational requirements for each level. You need a degree for the highest level. (1) Licensed Paramedic is the highest level, (2) EMT-Paramedic, (3) Advanced EMT, (4) Emergency Technician-Basic (EMT-Basic) and (5) Emergency Care Assistant (ECA) is the lowest level.
Child Care Home Provider (CCHP)
This is a pretty straightforward job which requires no formal education, qualification, training or experience. And you don't even need to own your home - you can simply rent. Also you don't need to have a website or over the top online presence as you will be dealing with parents and guardians within your locality - you won't get people travelling long distances to leave their children with you.
CCHP is self employment/sole trader. You will be providing "care" and "supervision" at home for up to twelve children aged 13 or younger. It is important to understand that child care homes are not schools, children don't arrive and leave at the same time, and there is no uniform nor a need for CCHP t-shirt. And that being a CCHP does not make you a teacher. Teaching is a good profession which requires high educational qualifications, training and skills.
As a first step to being a CCHP, you will need to attend state organised induction where you will be provided with information and materials. You will need to consent to unannounced inspections. And you will need to have liability insurance and be vetted to obtain a permit/licence which you must renew every two years to continue as a CCHP. In addition, "conditions" may be imposed on your permit/licence specifying what you must and must not do.
In Texas, the maximum number of children in a child care home at any given time is twelve - no more. And the minimum ratio is 1 adult carer to 4 children, meaning if you have the maximum twelve children, you must have a minimum of 3 adult carers. All carers must be US citizens or green card holders and must be vetted.
Not every CCHP makes money. The flip side of CCHP is the restriction on maximum number of children and the minimum ratio of carer to children. Also attendance is unlike schools. Parents and Guardians may require child care for only a few hours a day, for a few days a week or for a few weeks. Further, as in any venture, if you're located in a low income neighbourhood, you will attract low income customers.
However, if money is no issue, setting up a "Licensed Child Care Centre" where you can cater for increased number of children might be a better option. Sometimes it pays to go big. You will benefit from economies of scale and be in a position to attract middle to high income families.
House Prices
House prices in some parts of Texas have always been cheaper compared to other parts of the US. For example, in Plano, Collin County, (Plano is North of Dallas, past Richardson). In 2010 you could purchase a house - 1000sq ft ground floor and 1000sq ft upstairs - for under $200k. A lot of these houses were valued at over $300k at the end of 2023, meaning a profit of over $100k if you've paid all taxes and there are no outstanding debts. And if you can afford new builds, Wylie and surrounding areas are worth looking into. You need to choose carefully. There are some zip codes which appear affluent but are in fact low income neighbourhood. Mortgage is 30yrs and you can remortgage.
Further Education
Texas boasts numerous colleges and universities for anyone wishing to further their education and advance their career. It is all part of American Dream. Life is what you make it.
Future Posting
I intend to write more about the US and would be uploading photos and videos.
DISCLAIMER
This publication is for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice. It is not a legal, financial or an investment advice. Before acting in relation to any information, you should seek appropriate advice. It remains your responsibility to do due diligence.