staying in US

[umbro]

I am a UK citizen looking for work in the US, primarily California. What are the real chances of obtaining a work permit [I've recently graduated in Film Studies]? I have a girlfriend who is a US citizen and lives in CA. I want to know of any other avenue except marriage, upon which I could legally stay in the US [not going back to school!!]. Thankyou for any help.

 

[usdeeper]

Even looking for work while in the US is considered illegal by the INS. *IF* you do find a company that are willing to sponsor you then they have to prove that your skills, experiences, talents, education (take your pick) are better than any American they could find. They then spend between 3-5k on sponsoring you for a H1 visa and 3-5 months later you start working.

I think you will find it very difficult to find a company in your field that will sponsor you due to the rich local talent in CA and USA generally and that you have only just graduated.