Hello from Africa! My name is Jennifer, a luxembourgish citizen, and currently working for the United Nations in Namibia.
In March 2004, I plan to immigrate to the US to live with my boyfriend. After reading some books on immigration laws, I ended up being totally confused and hope to get some help through this way!

I figured out different options to immigrate but have problems to define which one is the best.

1. B2 Tourist Visa ... which means I could stay 6 months in the US, apply for another extension of stay (if granted) & then apply for a change of status.But which status? Furthermore I have read that this procedure would fall under visa fraud, because it suggests that you had other intentions when applying for your tourist visa.

2. H1B Working Visa ... I would prefer this option, although it seems difficult to obtain this visa. I sent my resume to 8 internet job search engines, but no reply to this day. I am an anthropologist with a master's degree.

3. K1 Visa ... I do not plan to get married at the moment, so this Visa is not appropriate for my case.

I really wonder which is the best way to proceed? Hope somebody can help me out. Thank you and sunny greetings from Africa.

Jenny

Your preliminary research seems to have provided you with a good framework to begin assessing your options.

With a Master’s degree, you would qualify for an H-1B visa, presuming that the position you are offered is one that requires at least a Bachelor’s degree in your field.
With an H-1B visa you are allowed to remain in the U.S. for six years.
If during that time you and your boyfriend decide to marry, you would be able to apply for permanent residency.

As for traveling as a visitor, you are correct in your assessment.