US Job Offer... so much to consider, where to start?!
Discussion
UpTheIron said:
Thank you everyone so far... much appreciated. Have to admit I'm excited and scared at the prospect but only if pretty much everything stacks up. If it doesn't then it isn't going to happen and it won't be the end of the world... has to be right for the family first and foremost.
We haven't even discussed "details" like money / relocation / timescales... so everything is up for discussion. This thread has given me plenty to think about, thank you PH.
Decent cars look a tad pricey over there too :-), but like TJK I'll most likely cycle / run to work.
I live in a very specific place which enables me to run to work otherwise the roads are not always great for riding... You need a driving licence quickly and there are companies (we use AIG) who will bring over your credit history and will help with insurance.... We just bought a Nissan Maxima as it's practical... and got a 3.5l engine. Still $600 for 6 months for 2 peopleWe haven't even discussed "details" like money / relocation / timescales... so everything is up for discussion. This thread has given me plenty to think about, thank you PH.
Decent cars look a tad pricey over there too :-), but like TJK I'll most likely cycle / run to work.
\i'm with the Do IT now when you have the chance.
I did 2 years in NewYork and 1 in up State NY.......LOVED It
To live there you just have to be nice, you will meet nice folks and will make great friends, you just need to stay out of politics and healthcare (which you NEED as part of your salary)
I did 2 years in NewYork and 1 in up State NY.......LOVED It
To live there you just have to be nice, you will meet nice folks and will make great friends, you just need to stay out of politics and healthcare (which you NEED as part of your salary)
The jiffle king said:
I've just moved to Georgia having lived in Spain before and it's different, but great. How you react to living in the US is more about your attitude and mentality rather than the lack of things to do/people to meet and opportunity.
Living costs are typically cheaper, houses are bigger and it's an easy way of life
We are the only family on our sub division which does not have 2+ cars as I cycle to work which people find strange. People get in the car for everything. They are friendly though
Credit ratings are tough to get, local government strange, but it's just one of those things you need to get on with.
I love it here, my wife loves it and has set up a business. Make sure that they pay you 2-3 months salary on top of all of your moving costs as things will be more expensive when you start e.g. insurance etc
Make sure they hire you a car and pay for driving tests etc
These are opportunities not to be missed in life for me. They are not for everyone and some people do not like to be uncomfortable..... And guarantee a return plane ticket and moving costs.... and get them to support you with tax advice on both sides of the pond.
PM me if you want more detail (I'm away for a week, but should pick up some mails)
Not Columbus by any chance? My company is headquartered out there. Only been out for two stints, but I loved it!Living costs are typically cheaper, houses are bigger and it's an easy way of life
We are the only family on our sub division which does not have 2+ cars as I cycle to work which people find strange. People get in the car for everything. They are friendly though
Credit ratings are tough to get, local government strange, but it's just one of those things you need to get on with.
I love it here, my wife loves it and has set up a business. Make sure that they pay you 2-3 months salary on top of all of your moving costs as things will be more expensive when you start e.g. insurance etc
Make sure they hire you a car and pay for driving tests etc
These are opportunities not to be missed in life for me. They are not for everyone and some people do not like to be uncomfortable..... And guarantee a return plane ticket and moving costs.... and get them to support you with tax advice on both sides of the pond.
PM me if you want more detail (I'm away for a week, but should pick up some mails)
NC you say... I'm here in Raleigh.
I moved here 5 years ago as an L1 inter company Visa employee.
There are several visa types, which will allow you to work freely for up to 7 years.
After this point you wil generally need a green card and with that is sponsorship from your employer.
Raleigh or research riangle is a great place to live, weather, social, good living and V8's.
PM me for any specific questions, happy to oblige.
I moved here 5 years ago as an L1 inter company Visa employee.
There are several visa types, which will allow you to work freely for up to 7 years.
After this point you wil generally need a green card and with that is sponsorship from your employer.
Raleigh or research riangle is a great place to live, weather, social, good living and V8's.
PM me for any specific questions, happy to oblige.
bridgdav said:
NC you say... I'm here in Raleigh.
I moved here 5 years ago as an L1 inter company Visa employee.
There are several visa types, which will allow you to work freely for up to 7 years.
After this point you wil generally need a green card and with that is sponsorship from your employer.
Raleigh or research riangle is a great place to live, weather, social, good living and V8's.
PM me for any specific questions, happy to oblige.
Next step is to understand some of the details of the offer, but if the numbers start to stack up I dare say I'll be pestering you... I'd be based in Cary.I moved here 5 years ago as an L1 inter company Visa employee.
There are several visa types, which will allow you to work freely for up to 7 years.
After this point you wil generally need a green card and with that is sponsorship from your employer.
Raleigh or research riangle is a great place to live, weather, social, good living and V8's.
PM me for any specific questions, happy to oblige.
I lived in Indy for a few years and had regular business trips to the states for the past 15years. One of my biggest learnings was how most America is really a small town lifestyle. Even the big cities have a small town feel, slow and steady. Forget thinking NY, LA, Chicago is typical.
Some costs on my experience:
Salary wise, with qualifications the same to 50% more. Need to consider if you're going to be on a secondment and still have your UK pension scheme/benefits links or go into a 401k in the U.S. if permanent.
Livings cost work out about 2/3 cheaper, ie dollar for pound. Electrical goods, fuel, household items, utilities were about dollar for pound. Clothes particularly upper end were about the same or a little less. Shoes a lot cheaper. Shopping outlets were always good for standard items and always have holiday discounts. Food was surprisingly the same or even a bit more expensive. If you like bread and cheese you're in for a shocker, so bad. Everything is loaded with sugar
Houses: Really depends on the area but in general much bigger and more for your money if you live in the burbs. You have trouble working out how to fill it with furniture. The taxes are really different and will depend on your state and county. I rented and didn't have a council tax equivalent to pay. Suggest you rent too if your not certain on staying. If you can, get the kids privately educated. If you stay best start saving quickly for university as the good ones cost a lot.
Medical insurance is a must. If you have you're treated like a star. I cracked a rib playing rugby. Decided to pop to A&E as a precaution. Seen immediately, and after a 30min examination, a couple of x-Rays, some over the counter painkillers, my insurance bill was $550. (2007)
TV.- just awful, in particular the headbanging commercials, didn't bother getting one. Would rent movies and listen to the internet radio. Was outside much more anyway
Income taxes. Really complicated so get an accounted, who understands expats. For example any income you get for UK assets, ie if you rent out your UK home whilst away, will be taxed in the U.S. System
Credit rating is really important as is your social security number which will take about 6-8 weeks to get once you arrive. You can't do much like get a mobile phone, rent a house, get utilities connected until you have an SSN. I had to use a letter of guarantee on company headed paper to get a mobile for example. My relocation agent gave me some good advice to build up some credit on an American Express Card in the UK before you move. I then phoned up the U.S. Office and they opened a U.S. account, otherwise I couldn't get a card for months. You'll pay ~$10+ a month for the pleasure of having a current account. You'll also find everyone seems to live on balancing monthly credit payments with salary. They may have cars, bikes and boats, but it's paid on credit
The first month or two is really hard but it's worth it.
Some costs on my experience:
Salary wise, with qualifications the same to 50% more. Need to consider if you're going to be on a secondment and still have your UK pension scheme/benefits links or go into a 401k in the U.S. if permanent.
Livings cost work out about 2/3 cheaper, ie dollar for pound. Electrical goods, fuel, household items, utilities were about dollar for pound. Clothes particularly upper end were about the same or a little less. Shoes a lot cheaper. Shopping outlets were always good for standard items and always have holiday discounts. Food was surprisingly the same or even a bit more expensive. If you like bread and cheese you're in for a shocker, so bad. Everything is loaded with sugar
Houses: Really depends on the area but in general much bigger and more for your money if you live in the burbs. You have trouble working out how to fill it with furniture. The taxes are really different and will depend on your state and county. I rented and didn't have a council tax equivalent to pay. Suggest you rent too if your not certain on staying. If you can, get the kids privately educated. If you stay best start saving quickly for university as the good ones cost a lot.
Medical insurance is a must. If you have you're treated like a star. I cracked a rib playing rugby. Decided to pop to A&E as a precaution. Seen immediately, and after a 30min examination, a couple of x-Rays, some over the counter painkillers, my insurance bill was $550. (2007)
TV.- just awful, in particular the headbanging commercials, didn't bother getting one. Would rent movies and listen to the internet radio. Was outside much more anyway
Income taxes. Really complicated so get an accounted, who understands expats. For example any income you get for UK assets, ie if you rent out your UK home whilst away, will be taxed in the U.S. System
Credit rating is really important as is your social security number which will take about 6-8 weeks to get once you arrive. You can't do much like get a mobile phone, rent a house, get utilities connected until you have an SSN. I had to use a letter of guarantee on company headed paper to get a mobile for example. My relocation agent gave me some good advice to build up some credit on an American Express Card in the UK before you move. I then phoned up the U.S. Office and they opened a U.S. account, otherwise I couldn't get a card for months. You'll pay ~$10+ a month for the pleasure of having a current account. You'll also find everyone seems to live on balancing monthly credit payments with salary. They may have cars, bikes and boats, but it's paid on credit
The first month or two is really hard but it's worth it.
Edited by SpagBog on Saturday 8th August 08:41
The Moose said:
If you're going to get into the US tax system, then make sure you know how you're going to get out and potentially how much it'll cost you to leave.
Other than that, JFDI!!!!
I thought it was a bit like Hotel California. You can check out anytime you like but you can never leave. Once you're in the system you have to do a tax return every year even if you leave the country.Other than that, JFDI!!!!
I'd still go if the opportunity arose though.
I would suggest that there is a lot of "cart before horse" in a lot of the responses to this.
By FAR the most important consideration at this stage of the process is the means by which they employ you.
Your very first questions must be, "Which visa is being petitioned for me and my family? That will impact pretty much everything that follows.
Is the petitioning company a US or UK headquartered entity? Will they be utilizing the services of an immigration attorney?
Are you currently employed by (vs contracted by) the UK entity of the organisation that has made the offer? Have you been so for 12 consecutive months? Search L1-A/L1-B visa.
If this is a new employment vs an intra company transfer, your level of education and/or relevant experience become pivotal. Search H1-B and E1 visa.
Like some others, I have some experience in this realm, both as a beneficiary and a sponsor and am always happy to share my experiences - but I am not a lawyer.
Remember, all of the heavy lifting in this process is the responsibility and duty of the petitioner/sponsor - NOT the beneficiary. Your first ask is 'which visa?'
By FAR the most important consideration at this stage of the process is the means by which they employ you.
Your very first questions must be, "Which visa is being petitioned for me and my family? That will impact pretty much everything that follows.
Is the petitioning company a US or UK headquartered entity? Will they be utilizing the services of an immigration attorney?
Are you currently employed by (vs contracted by) the UK entity of the organisation that has made the offer? Have you been so for 12 consecutive months? Search L1-A/L1-B visa.
If this is a new employment vs an intra company transfer, your level of education and/or relevant experience become pivotal. Search H1-B and E1 visa.
Like some others, I have some experience in this realm, both as a beneficiary and a sponsor and am always happy to share my experiences - but I am not a lawyer.
Remember, all of the heavy lifting in this process is the responsibility and duty of the petitioner/sponsor - NOT the beneficiary. Your first ask is 'which visa?'
Matt Harper said:
I would suggest that there is a lot of "cart before horse" in a lot of the responses to this.
By FAR the most important consideration at this stage of the process is the means by which they employ you.
Are you currently employed by (vs contracted by) the UK entity of the organisation that has made the offer? Have you been so for 12 consecutive months? Search L1-A/L1-B visa.
Thanks Matt.By FAR the most important consideration at this stage of the process is the means by which they employ you.
Are you currently employed by (vs contracted by) the UK entity of the organisation that has made the offer? Have you been so for 12 consecutive months? Search L1-A/L1-B visa.
Am I right in thinking I will want/need an L1A given that a) I have no degree and b) Otherwise the other half can't work (if she wants to that is)
If so I don't yet have a years service but potentially would by the time this happened...
UpTheIron said:
Thanks Matt.
Am I right in thinking I will want/need an L1A given that a) I have no degree and b) Otherwise the other half can't work (if she wants to that is)
If so I don't yet have a years service but potentially would by the time this happened...
For an L visa , 12 months continuous is an absolute requirement.Am I right in thinking I will want/need an L1A given that a) I have no degree and b) Otherwise the other half can't work (if she wants to that is)
If so I don't yet have a years service but potentially would by the time this happened...
L1-A is ia visa for intra company transfers (or US start-ups as subsidiaries) for managerial and executive positions. L1-B is intended for those with specialist expertise and experience, so your duties will determine which one is petitioned. Duration of L1-A is a little longer than L1-B, though they are both 'temporary' in the truest sense.
If you work for an organization that does this a lot, a 'blanket' arrangement may already be in place with US INS/CIS that makes the process more routine.
If you are contracted by the petitioner vs employed by them, they (USCIS) will require specifics about your contract to ensure that you qualify.
You are correct that neither L visa requires higher education qualifications and spouses (you are married, right?) may apply for work authorization in any field.
As someone stated earlier, you are absolutely tied to the petitioner for the duration of the visa (the visa is nullified for you and your dependents if your employment ceases, for any reason) and this could mean that your negotiating position is compromised when you transfer. I was certainly a victim of this and had a petitioner who started treating me like an indentured servant, once the 'honeymoon' was over.
Some advice given earlier (which seems to have disappeared now) was right on the money. Do your negotiating before you accept the position, not afterward. L visas are the most logical and trouble-free routes to permanence (Green Card) - you might not see that as an option now - but you may once you have acclimated to US life. You might want to ask if that could be an inclusion in the offer (the employer must sponsor an LPR petition, so you need their co-operation). Mine point-blank refused, because it gave me an escape route, which caused a lot of heartache and stress, so if you are able, get that included if you can.
Good health insurance is also a 'must-have' - there are some particularly s
tty corporate plans, so look at this aspect carefully. High deductible plans can really hurt you financially and very frequently, pre-existing conditions and chronic diseases are excluded.North Carolina is a particularly pleasant part of the US, enjoying 4 distinct seasons and lots of variety (mountains, beach etc), however it is also largely rural (hill-billy), deeply God-fearing, racially polarized and it's state education standards are fair at best.
Good luck with this and please reach out - if I can help via my experience, I would be very happy to.
Thank you again Matt.
Hopefully I'll get some more details of the offer over the next few days. Overall package, visa, green card sponsorship and relocation package are top my list currently.
The approach was totally unexpected and I was also told that if I turn it down it won't affect my current contract and that they want to find a way to keep me long term if they can. All very flattering but ultimately I'm not reliant on them as a client so if necessary I can negotiate hard and walk away if it all turns sour.
On the face of it there is a great opportunity for some life experience - I just need to understand the numbers and ensure the package offers the right longer term options (GC and ability for spouse to work for example... and no we aren't married yet but it I'm told by SWMBO that particular thing needs to happen anyway!!!)
The 12 month service thing is interesting. They are well aware I don't have it so I guess the plan would be in to get that first and then start the process.
The client is a huge global employer and they have done this exact move before for people with similar skills to me, so they know the ins and outs... it may come down to whether they are willing to me enough as I suspect it would be over and abobr some of peers, given that they approached me they might. Knowing what to ask for is so valuable, so thanks again to those who have contributed to this thread.
Hopefully I'll get some more details of the offer over the next few days. Overall package, visa, green card sponsorship and relocation package are top my list currently.
The approach was totally unexpected and I was also told that if I turn it down it won't affect my current contract and that they want to find a way to keep me long term if they can. All very flattering but ultimately I'm not reliant on them as a client so if necessary I can negotiate hard and walk away if it all turns sour.
On the face of it there is a great opportunity for some life experience - I just need to understand the numbers and ensure the package offers the right longer term options (GC and ability for spouse to work for example... and no we aren't married yet but it I'm told by SWMBO that particular thing needs to happen anyway!!!)
The 12 month service thing is interesting. They are well aware I don't have it so I guess the plan would be in to get that first and then start the process.
The client is a huge global employer and they have done this exact move before for people with similar skills to me, so they know the ins and outs... it may come down to whether they are willing to me enough as I suspect it would be over and abobr some of peers, given that they approached me they might. Knowing what to ask for is so valuable, so thanks again to those who have contributed to this thread.
[quote]US gallons are bigger 20% than the UK
[/quote]
other way round mate...
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=us+gallon+to+uk+gallon
That's why they get all excited about a car that does 25 mpg
[/quote]
other way round mate...
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=us+gallon+to+uk+gallon
That's why they get all excited about a car that does 25 mpg
I have worked in NC and over the US, every time I just can't get my head around how friendly and inviting everyone is!
You go out for a business meal and its all about family (kids / kids / kids), friends, very personnel topics that for a European you probably would not speak about in such open terms with people you hardly know.
My view is you only live once; in reality what are you giving up? Keep the house in the UK and if you don't like it you leave and move back, if you enjoy it then you stay!
Good luck and I hope you make the right choice, yes granted your wife / children need to be happy but what an opportunity!
I hope to take a role in the US after Germany (albeit with German T's and C's!)
You go out for a business meal and its all about family (kids / kids / kids), friends, very personnel topics that for a European you probably would not speak about in such open terms with people you hardly know.
My view is you only live once; in reality what are you giving up? Keep the house in the UK and if you don't like it you leave and move back, if you enjoy it then you stay!
Good luck and I hope you make the right choice, yes granted your wife / children need to be happy but what an opportunity!
I hope to take a role in the US after Germany (albeit with German T's and C's!)
5ohmustang said:
around $3 per gallon, and US gallons are bigger 20% than the UK. I have 2 cars, a motorcycle and a scooter, I still have to get 2 more motorcycles and a truck. I have a lifestyle that i'd never be able to afford in the UK.
.
Err, a UK gallon is BIGGER than a US gallon. About the only thing in the UK which is larger hahahaha!!!!.
Roo said:
The Moose said:
If you're going to get into the US tax system, then make sure you know how you're going to get out and potentially how much it'll cost you to leave.
Other than that, JFDI!!!!
I thought it was a bit like Hotel California. You can check out anytime you like but you can never leave. Once you're in the system you have to do a tax return every year even if you leave the country.Other than that, JFDI!!!!
I'd still go if the opportunity arose though.
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