Anyone moved from the UK to live in the USA?
Discussion
Chessers said:
I don't know anyone here on 10, usual I have seen in Financial Services is 15 min + the state holidays or when the stock market is closed, so generally 20 ish and then a few days when the business is closed over the Christmas break.
Del, I think we were in the UAE at the same time (you know Gaffer, Shirt, Ian etc), did you take the Fezza back to the UK??
Indeed I think we were, still in touch with most of the above and yes, the red peril is currently residing with me in the UK...Del, I think we were in the UAE at the same time (you know Gaffer, Shirt, Ian etc), did you take the Fezza back to the UK??
I'm still trying to go ex-pat again but the car will stay here I think.
I've just been booking up 2018 holidays(the weeks off and then book actual holidays).
This year blessed with 7 weeks next year sadly back down to 5 weeks.
So far
4 days Jan long ski weekend.
1 week Feb half term
2 weeks Aug summer hols
1 week Oct half term
1 Xmas Eve.
That's one very long schelp between Feb & Aug best part of half a year. IF I could have one extra week for say May that would be ideal.
If it was 15 days... well it would be Feb half term and 2 weeks Aug so 6 month each time betweenholidays which is really challenging.
France with its 45 days 9 weeks + Bank Holidays that's Friday off for all but one week each and every month of the entire year! + bank holidays.
This year blessed with 7 weeks next year sadly back down to 5 weeks.
So far
4 days Jan long ski weekend.
1 week Feb half term
2 weeks Aug summer hols
1 week Oct half term
1 Xmas Eve.
That's one very long schelp between Feb & Aug best part of half a year. IF I could have one extra week for say May that would be ideal.
If it was 15 days... well it would be Feb half term and 2 weeks Aug so 6 month each time betweenholidays which is really challenging.
France with its 45 days 9 weeks + Bank Holidays that's Friday off for all but one week each and every month of the entire year! + bank holidays.
At the moment I'm getting 14 days off a year officially, but I have the ability to work unlimited amounts of overtime, for either money or time. That has meant last year I had five weeks off in total. This year will probably be more like three or four weeks off.
It is annoying. My old work in England I was working shifts, and had 9 days off every five weeks. It was magical. I work shifts at the moment, but its a continual 4 on 3 off situation. I'm happy to have that though as I know the yanks are more stringent with days off.
It is annoying. My old work in England I was working shifts, and had 9 days off every five weeks. It was magical. I work shifts at the moment, but its a continual 4 on 3 off situation. I'm happy to have that though as I know the yanks are more stringent with days off.
We would love to do this, however we don’t even know where to begin. We are both UK citizens, but have married in the US. I’m a service advisor for a main dealer, but am retraining as a telescopic forklift operator shortly (much better pay!) I don’t believe for a second that I’d be desirable as a service advisor, but possibly as a trained telescopic handler, maybe? I’m early 30’s and my wife is in her 20’s so we have age on our side.
I think it’s probably too distant a dream, but I intend to give it some more thought once trained up. We have been to the US seven times in the last 3 years, we love Nevada/Arizona.
I think it’s probably too distant a dream, but I intend to give it some more thought once trained up. We have been to the US seven times in the last 3 years, we love Nevada/Arizona.
sparks_E46 said:
We would love to do this, however we don’t even know where to begin. We are both UK citizens, but have married in the US. I’m a service advisor for a main dealer, but am retraining as a telescopic forklift operator shortly (much better pay!) I don’t believe for a second that I’d be desirable as a service advisor, but possibly as a trained telescopic handler, maybe? I’m early 30’s and my wife is in her 20’s so we have age on our side.
I think it’s probably too distant a dream, but I intend to give it some more thought once trained up. We have been to the US seven times in the last 3 years, we love Nevada/Arizona.
Sorry to shatter your dreams , it'll never happen .I think it’s probably too distant a dream, but I intend to give it some more thought once trained up. We have been to the US seven times in the last 3 years, we love Nevada/Arizona.
fttm said:
sparks_E46 said:
We would love to do this, however we don’t even know where to begin. We are both UK citizens, but have married in the US. I’m a service advisor for a main dealer, but am retraining as a telescopic forklift operator shortly (much better pay!) I don’t believe for a second that I’d be desirable as a service advisor, but possibly as a trained telescopic handler, maybe? I’m early 30’s and my wife is in her 20’s so we have age on our side.
I think it’s probably too distant a dream, but I intend to give it some more thought once trained up. We have been to the US seven times in the last 3 years, we love Nevada/Arizona.
Sorry to shatter your dreams , it'll never happen .I think it’s probably too distant a dream, but I intend to give it some more thought once trained up. We have been to the US seven times in the last 3 years, we love Nevada/Arizona.
sparks_E46 said:
fttm said:
sparks_E46 said:
We would love to do this, however we don’t even know where to begin. We are both UK citizens, but have married in the US. I’m a service advisor for a main dealer, but am retraining as a telescopic forklift operator shortly (much better pay!) I don’t believe for a second that I’d be desirable as a service advisor, but possibly as a trained telescopic handler, maybe? I’m early 30’s and my wife is in her 20’s so we have age on our side.
I think it’s probably too distant a dream, but I intend to give it some more thought once trained up. We have been to the US seven times in the last 3 years, we love Nevada/Arizona.
Sorry to shatter your dreams , it'll never happen .I think it’s probably too distant a dream, but I intend to give it some more thought once trained up. We have been to the US seven times in the last 3 years, we love Nevada/Arizona.
Being a forklift driver is not going to get you here, no matter how telescopic your handling may be. What is your wife's profession?
The US is a tough country to relocate to, unless you marry your way in (i.e. marry a USC). So, if that option and that by way of employment are not available to you - then you have couple of other possibilities - buy your way in ($500,00 = EB5 = Green Card) - or invest in a business enterprise that you could run and make a success of (E1 Treaty Trader or E2 Treaty Investor).
Failing that, you could plead for political asylum. Being a UK citizen, you are ineligible for the Diversity Visa Lottery (which Trump is about to abolish, so don't sweat that one). But perhaps if you became ordained in the clergy, there is a tenuous route there also.
In the final analysis, it is difficult - but I managed it - 5 GCE 'O' Levels, unremarkable UK career, lots of seemingly insurmountable obstacles - just a very strong desire and a lot of enthusiasm/creativity/determination/research/persistence.
My wife, daughter and I have lived in the US for 17 years and we're all now USC's. If you want it badly enough, you may find a way....
Chessers said:
I don't know anyone here on 10, usual I have seen in Financial Services is 15 min + the state holidays or when the stock market is closed, so generally 20 ish and then a few days when the business is closed over the Christmas break.
Del, I think we were in the UAE at the same time (you know Gaffer, Shirt, Ian etc), did you take the Fezza back to the UK??
Del, I think we were in the UAE at the same time (you know Gaffer, Shirt, Ian etc), did you take the Fezza back to the UK??
A question i guess for matt:
My company will be applying for a US visa for me to work in the USVI over summer. Do you know what type this will likely be and would having it make me more attractive/easier to employ in the US proper - both by my current employer and external companies? I know guys from who had a visa arranged so they could work in Guam for a couple of months 2yrs ago who say their visas are still valid, i think they got L1’s.
Would love to move over to the states as i’ve been in the sandpit 7yrs now and need a change of scenery. There are opportunities to transfer with my current company and several colleagues have done this, its just that the locations don’t really float my boat. There is an (attractive) internal vacancy going currently which would allow flexible location anywhere in the lower 48 but I am expecting the competition to be duly high and employing me over a citizen would require enhanced justification. I would like to narrow this gap should future opportunities arise.
In addition to h0b0's succinct summary, there are a couple of things that would be helpful to know.
How long are we talking about, when you say, "over summer". Is it less than 6 months?
Which country is your employer headquartered in?
Does your employer routinely petition US employment-based visas, to the point where they have a blanket agreement with USCIS?
What specialized knowledge, skills or technical abilities do you have that could be leveraged in an employment-based petition?
The reasons I ask are:
If your secondment to USVI is short-term, an L type visa might be considered inappropriate (from a cost/administrative perspective) by the petitioner.
For less than 6 months and (highly) dependent on your duties, a B-1 would be the most obvious and cost effective petition.
As h0b0 points out, most employment-based visas will tether you to the petitioning employer - i.e. if you part company for ANY reason, the visa is nullified, regardless of how long the I-94 is valid for.
I think the key question, if I've read this right, is, what can be done to make an employment-based petition more justifiable?
If that is the case, I don't believe there is a turn-key answer - as the corporate variables are so enormous.
Having a business ally within the organization, who will 'champion' you, your value, your expertise and development potential is alway a big plus.
I never viewed it as being a case of needing to be a better option than a competitor who is already in the US - but more that what I had to offer was unique, different and unavailable from anyone else - so before the company petitioned USCIS - I petitioned the company with the objective of persuading them that it was not economically sensible to try to find a US version of me - and far more productive and expedient to bear the cost of a petition on my behalf.
My thinking was, "What can I bring into this equation that is unique to me, that will really add value/solve some problems/create some opportunities?"
In my case, I felt it was important to focus on how transferring me would benefit the US business (rather than me personally) and would also be a feather in the cap of the individual(s) who saw that benefit potential and acted on it.
I don't know if any of this is helpful, but I'm always happy to share my experience and knowledge on this subject, if asked.
Good luck in your endeavors.
How long are we talking about, when you say, "over summer". Is it less than 6 months?
Which country is your employer headquartered in?
Does your employer routinely petition US employment-based visas, to the point where they have a blanket agreement with USCIS?
What specialized knowledge, skills or technical abilities do you have that could be leveraged in an employment-based petition?
The reasons I ask are:
If your secondment to USVI is short-term, an L type visa might be considered inappropriate (from a cost/administrative perspective) by the petitioner.
For less than 6 months and (highly) dependent on your duties, a B-1 would be the most obvious and cost effective petition.
As h0b0 points out, most employment-based visas will tether you to the petitioning employer - i.e. if you part company for ANY reason, the visa is nullified, regardless of how long the I-94 is valid for.
I think the key question, if I've read this right, is, what can be done to make an employment-based petition more justifiable?
If that is the case, I don't believe there is a turn-key answer - as the corporate variables are so enormous.
Having a business ally within the organization, who will 'champion' you, your value, your expertise and development potential is alway a big plus.
I never viewed it as being a case of needing to be a better option than a competitor who is already in the US - but more that what I had to offer was unique, different and unavailable from anyone else - so before the company petitioned USCIS - I petitioned the company with the objective of persuading them that it was not economically sensible to try to find a US version of me - and far more productive and expedient to bear the cost of a petition on my behalf.
My thinking was, "What can I bring into this equation that is unique to me, that will really add value/solve some problems/create some opportunities?"
In my case, I felt it was important to focus on how transferring me would benefit the US business (rather than me personally) and would also be a feather in the cap of the individual(s) who saw that benefit potential and acted on it.
I don't know if any of this is helpful, but I'm always happy to share my experience and knowledge on this subject, if asked.
Good luck in your endeavors.
Edited by Matt Harper on Thursday 24th May 16:35
Matt Harper said:
My thinking was, "What can I bring into this equation that is unique to me, that will really add value/solve some problems/create some opportunities?"
In my case, I felt it was important to focus on how transferring me would benefit the US business (rather than me personally) and would also be a feather in the cap of the individual(s) who saw that benefit potential and acted on it.
Matt and I tend to tag team on these topics. In my case, I felt it was important to focus on how transferring me would benefit the US business (rather than me personally) and would also be a feather in the cap of the individual(s) who saw that benefit potential and acted on it.
As Matt says above, you have to demonstrate value to the business. You can also demonstrate value to the US by knowledge transfer over the 3-5 year period to plug any skills gap there may be. i.e. the US grants a visa because you will train X people to be higher skilled in critical roles. In essence, you are training people to replace you once you leave after your visa expiration. This aspect was really emphasized in my original application.
I’ll answer as best I can.
I will be there less than 6mths yes but as the technical expert may have to revisit throughout the contract. Our tech level guys revisit hence the 3yr visas.
HQ is in uk but we have a large north american business which is currently going through turnaround. People from here who go there report that the NAM business doesnt operate at the same performance level which we do.
No idea on the petition. I do know that 2 tech level guys were moved out to the US on permanent contracts, ex apprentice/commissioning types no amazingly special skills.
I work in development / engineering design but have many years experience in field based roles around the world. I think my background and knowlege could be manipulated and leveraged any which way. Like you say, corporate variables and having my manager onside would help enormously. Also the plum role with the flexibke location is in a business unit headed by our old regional MD who green lit my current role. I should also mention that i have interviewed for similar roles in the US business previously and the only blocker was my language skills (miami, no hablo espanol).
I guess my key question was regarding what visa options the company has for me for this situation and then whether that would benefit me in gaining full time employment in the US. From what you say, the only tangible benefit would be that in the event they do want me to have an L1 visa for USVI then i would be free to apply for any internal US based role with the knowledge that the hiring manager wouldnt need to make a new petition, hence make me more attractive than present.
We are a truly global company and whilst movement is not what it used to be, things can be made to happen. I actually have a career development session with my boss next week so will use that as an opportunity to plant the seed. He knows i’m demotivated and we have talked about a regional posting previously.
I will be there less than 6mths yes but as the technical expert may have to revisit throughout the contract. Our tech level guys revisit hence the 3yr visas.
HQ is in uk but we have a large north american business which is currently going through turnaround. People from here who go there report that the NAM business doesnt operate at the same performance level which we do.
No idea on the petition. I do know that 2 tech level guys were moved out to the US on permanent contracts, ex apprentice/commissioning types no amazingly special skills.
I work in development / engineering design but have many years experience in field based roles around the world. I think my background and knowlege could be manipulated and leveraged any which way. Like you say, corporate variables and having my manager onside would help enormously. Also the plum role with the flexibke location is in a business unit headed by our old regional MD who green lit my current role. I should also mention that i have interviewed for similar roles in the US business previously and the only blocker was my language skills (miami, no hablo espanol).
I guess my key question was regarding what visa options the company has for me for this situation and then whether that would benefit me in gaining full time employment in the US. From what you say, the only tangible benefit would be that in the event they do want me to have an L1 visa for USVI then i would be free to apply for any internal US based role with the knowledge that the hiring manager wouldnt need to make a new petition, hence make me more attractive than present.
We are a truly global company and whilst movement is not what it used to be, things can be made to happen. I actually have a career development session with my boss next week so will use that as an opportunity to plant the seed. He knows i’m demotivated and we have talked about a regional posting previously.
shirt said:
From what you say, the only tangible benefit would be that in the event they do want me to have an L1 visa for USVI then i would be free to apply for any internal US based role with the knowledge that the hiring manager wouldnt need to make a new petition, hence make me more attractive than present.
I get your drift, but these visas don't quite work that way. If you were to be sponsored to perform a specific role, in a specific business unit, in a specific location, then the visa is very dependent non the maintenance of all of those criteria. It's not like a green card, where once in hand, you are free to work when/where/how you please.Whilst the L-1A/B visa is probably the best in terms of scope (route to permanent status/renewals/spouse-friendly etc), you will be tied by the specifics of the original petition. You can't alter them without re-petitioning them. If this is a direction that is viable for you, then the company should present the petition so that the scope includes your work in the Islands, rather than being the basis of the petition.
I think it is cases like this that warrant the services of an experienced immigration attorney, which I have no doubt, your company will have utilized previously.
Thanks Matt, good food for thought.
There are a couple of contracts we are bidding on in the region which, if successful, would mean I would be better off embedded over there for much of the next 12mths rather than suffer ultra long haul, and would require close contact with the NAM head office. I am perhaps thinking I could swing this to my advantage to not tie a visa to a specific location.
Anyway, all pie in the sky for now. Will have a chat to my manager and see what he thinks.
There are a couple of contracts we are bidding on in the region which, if successful, would mean I would be better off embedded over there for much of the next 12mths rather than suffer ultra long haul, and would require close contact with the NAM head office. I am perhaps thinking I could swing this to my advantage to not tie a visa to a specific location.
Anyway, all pie in the sky for now. Will have a chat to my manager and see what he thinks.
Brightonuk said:
Been here 30 years from Brighton
Heading back home for a couple of weeks in August always good to visit but man Brighton has become so dirty so depressing
I grew up in Brighton, studied in Portsmouth and lived in Manchester for 2 years before moving to Philadelphia in August 2017.Heading back home for a couple of weeks in August always good to visit but man Brighton has become so dirty so depressing
Reading the above is interesting. I played the game as best I could as a 24 year old with 2 years experience. I am a Geotechnical Engineer pretending to be a Civil Engineer. Fortunately I found a VP of our company in Philly who started life as a Geotech, he became my 'champion' and essentially steam-rolled my application through HR and on to the visa process.
It's a sad truth that immigration to the US was difficult before and is only getting harder. The current admin is using every trick it can, besides passing legislation, to gum up the process. My L1b application took around 5 months, word is that's closer to a year now. The USCIS are using RFI's (requests for info) as a method to slow applications and have become really strict on pointless details (more so than before).
My impressions of the US so far? You have to develop tunnel vision. Focus on you and the people you care about. As a society it's completely ruined but I make double what I did back home and the weather is better, so I focus on that.
Loafer said:
Just going through the process of moving to the US now (NYC). I'll be on a l2 visa the wife will be on the L1a I'm hoping the processing time should be quick as her company has a blanket visa.
Good luck! The embassy interview was great.NYC is bananas but I'm guessing if your wife is on an L1a she is earning enough for you to have a great time there.
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