Job relocation to United States from U.K.
Discussion
Been looking for a new job and may have a chance to do the same job for the same company but in the United States.
Just wondering about how it all works regarding immigration, visa’s, work permits?? etc etc
Any one that can help with links to read I’ll be very appreciative
Thanks in advance
Just wondering about how it all works regarding immigration, visa’s, work permits?? etc etc
Any one that can help with links to read I’ll be very appreciative
Thanks in advance
NNH said:
Where is the new job?
This ... The process is pretty simple but its all down to where you are moving to/working , if you're not in your Cinderella state then it can be a nightmare( too white/too black , too hot/too cold ) i've got a list of states and cities i'd never work in again ...
And regardless of how easy it is to get to the US .. make sure your relocation includes the escape path. You don't want to be funding your return if things don't work out/ your face doesn't fit
Chozza said:
NNH said:
Where is the new job?
This ... The process is pretty simple but its all down to where you are moving to/working , if you're not in your Cinderella state then it can be a nightmare( too white/too black , too hot/too cold ) i've got a list of states and cities i'd never work in again ...
And regardless of how easy it is to get to the US .. make sure your relocation includes the escape path. You don't want to be funding your return if things don't work out/ your face doesn't fit
Thank you above for the quick replies, I’m a Ford uk employee being made redundant in sept this year. I’ve found a job advertised by Ford in Sharonville Ohio. Same job as I’m currently doing. Ford U.K. don’t relocate overseas so I’m waiting a response from Ford U.S via my current Ford U.K. hr. nothing is currently confirmed but the way Ford usually works gives no time to consider so I need to find out as much info as if I’m organising this new job myself even if it’s within the same firm. Bizarre I know but I feel uk and us although the same name will be treated as finish with one, start a fresh with another. Hope that explains a little
You'd be wise to get a short consultation with an immigration lawyer, even if it's at your own expense, so you have a clear understanding of the processes. Moving to the USA is complex, and it's very easy to get it wrong (I'm married to a US citizen, and I still had my Green Card refused in 2018 until I resolved a paperwork issue),
Ford US will have to structure it as an internal transaction (L-1 visa) because you can't get an H1B visa as a new employee unless Ford can demonstrate it simply can't find your skillset in the USA. It's a reasonably standard process, but getting the paperwork right is vital. I'm not up to speed on L-1s, but spousal Green Cards and H1Bs are taking up to a year at the moment, so you need to get this kicked off as fast as possible.
The Cincinnati area is pretty interesting. I used to work a lot in Florence KY, which is also in that area, and I enjoyed my visits there. The climate's not bad, the people are nice, and because Cinci is the only big city for miles around, it's got all the facilities you could reasonably need. It's also got a major airport, which is handy for trips home,
Ford US will have to structure it as an internal transaction (L-1 visa) because you can't get an H1B visa as a new employee unless Ford can demonstrate it simply can't find your skillset in the USA. It's a reasonably standard process, but getting the paperwork right is vital. I'm not up to speed on L-1s, but spousal Green Cards and H1Bs are taking up to a year at the moment, so you need to get this kicked off as fast as possible.
The Cincinnati area is pretty interesting. I used to work a lot in Florence KY, which is also in that area, and I enjoyed my visits there. The climate's not bad, the people are nice, and because Cinci is the only big city for miles around, it's got all the facilities you could reasonably need. It's also got a major airport, which is handy for trips home,
Some things to consider in this context:
- Is the job specialist enough to justify them going through the time and expense to sponsor you to transfer? For example, I'd be surprised if they would do this for line type work. I'd guess 50/50 for Manufacturing Engineering type work. Reasonable chance for management level work. Basically if it's relatively easy for them to hire someone locally for this type of work, they generally will.
- Have you done any research into working conditions at Ford US compared to the UK operation? I'd imagine (for example) that you'll have significantly less vacation time and if you're the one pushing to move you're unlikely to be in a position to negotiate this. Generally US workers in multinationals tend to get paid more but that can come at a price in terms of conditions. That said, Ford US is highly unionised, so I'm not sure what they get. Certainly some auto plants over here have some pretty poor terms to work under.
- Ask yourself what your motivation to work in the US is. There's a fair few people on here that have relocated to the US from the UK and although I am sure the vast majority (myself included) would say the standard of living is better, it is far from an easy thing to do in any sense. It would definitely be worth familiarising yourself as to the scale of the whole process early on.
- Immigration is highly unpredictable at the moment for various political reasons. If Ford say it's up to you to do some of this, be prepared to need to hire an immigration lawyer and that this isn't a cheap process.
Although I didn't relocate with a corporation, I do work in manufacturing and am a Brit based in the US so feel free to PM me if you want any extra info on my experiences (to save boring anyone else!)
- Is the job specialist enough to justify them going through the time and expense to sponsor you to transfer? For example, I'd be surprised if they would do this for line type work. I'd guess 50/50 for Manufacturing Engineering type work. Reasonable chance for management level work. Basically if it's relatively easy for them to hire someone locally for this type of work, they generally will.
- Have you done any research into working conditions at Ford US compared to the UK operation? I'd imagine (for example) that you'll have significantly less vacation time and if you're the one pushing to move you're unlikely to be in a position to negotiate this. Generally US workers in multinationals tend to get paid more but that can come at a price in terms of conditions. That said, Ford US is highly unionised, so I'm not sure what they get. Certainly some auto plants over here have some pretty poor terms to work under.
- Ask yourself what your motivation to work in the US is. There's a fair few people on here that have relocated to the US from the UK and although I am sure the vast majority (myself included) would say the standard of living is better, it is far from an easy thing to do in any sense. It would definitely be worth familiarising yourself as to the scale of the whole process early on.
- Immigration is highly unpredictable at the moment for various political reasons. If Ford say it's up to you to do some of this, be prepared to need to hire an immigration lawyer and that this isn't a cheap process.
Although I didn't relocate with a corporation, I do work in manufacturing and am a Brit based in the US so feel free to PM me if you want any extra info on my experiences (to save boring anyone else!)
Tallow said:
Some things to consider in this context:
- Is the job specialist enough to justify them going through the time and expense to sponsor you to transfer? For example, I'd be surprised if they would do this for line type work. I'd guess 50/50 for Manufacturing Engineering type work. Reasonable chance for management level work. Basically if it's relatively easy for them to hire someone locally for this type of work, they generally will.
- Have you done any research into working conditions at Ford US compared to the UK operation? I'd imagine (for example) that you'll have significantly less vacation time and if you're the one pushing to move you're unlikely to be in a position to negotiate this. Generally US workers in multinationals tend to get paid more but that can come at a price in terms of conditions. That said, Ford US is highly unionised, so I'm not sure what they get. Certainly some auto plants over here have some pretty poor terms to work under.
- Ask yourself what your motivation to work in the US is. There's a fair few people on here that have relocated to the US from the UK and although I am sure the vast majority (myself included) would say the standard of living is better, it is far from an easy thing to do in any sense. It would definitely be worth familiarising yourself as to the scale of the whole process early on.
- Immigration is highly unpredictable at the moment for various political reasons. If Ford say it's up to you to do some of this, be prepared to need to hire an immigration lawyer and that this isn't a cheap process.
Although I didn't relocate with a corporation, I do work in manufacturing and am a Brit based in the US so feel free to PM me if you want any extra info on my experiences (to save boring anyone else!)
I understand this isn’t an easy move, job wise I’m a Ford trained and worked toolmaker with experience working in European plants and the previously owned Jag and Land Rover locations in the U.K. getting the production issues working ready for job 1.- Is the job specialist enough to justify them going through the time and expense to sponsor you to transfer? For example, I'd be surprised if they would do this for line type work. I'd guess 50/50 for Manufacturing Engineering type work. Reasonable chance for management level work. Basically if it's relatively easy for them to hire someone locally for this type of work, they generally will.
- Have you done any research into working conditions at Ford US compared to the UK operation? I'd imagine (for example) that you'll have significantly less vacation time and if you're the one pushing to move you're unlikely to be in a position to negotiate this. Generally US workers in multinationals tend to get paid more but that can come at a price in terms of conditions. That said, Ford US is highly unionised, so I'm not sure what they get. Certainly some auto plants over here have some pretty poor terms to work under.
- Ask yourself what your motivation to work in the US is. There's a fair few people on here that have relocated to the US from the UK and although I am sure the vast majority (myself included) would say the standard of living is better, it is far from an easy thing to do in any sense. It would definitely be worth familiarising yourself as to the scale of the whole process early on.
- Immigration is highly unpredictable at the moment for various political reasons. If Ford say it's up to you to do some of this, be prepared to need to hire an immigration lawyer and that this isn't a cheap process.
Although I didn't relocate with a corporation, I do work in manufacturing and am a Brit based in the US so feel free to PM me if you want any extra info on my experiences (to save boring anyone else!)
So after 30years and a re-location to South Wales Ford pulled the plug on its uk petrol engine production facility. Now I’m looking for another job and by chance I found 3 job adverts looking for skilled toolmakers within Ford USA advertised by Ford USA. Now when I relocated from Essex to South Wales that wasn’t on the cards and was told to keep hush. I was only 1 of 835 from Essex given that option and only because I asked and did my homework on the costs and what was involved.
Now I’m not thinking it’s a given but just a possible option that could be missed if I don’t make myself known. My current Ford Hr are currently looking into it and haven’t said no it’s not possible. It’s waiting for a reply from Sharonville Ohio to see if a yes or no. If yes how much help and I would imagine what I’m prepared to do also to help the transition. Much the same as what happened 7 years ago when I moved to South Wales.
Haven’t got my fingers crossed but at the same time it’s exciting waiting for a response.
Rob, I did this very move in 2000 with a company that I worked for at the time. Your company will need to apply for a visa. The most common type is the H1 visa but the slots fill up quite quickly for those so it might take more than a year to get so expect that there may be challenges there unless they have visas available or they can get you on a different visa.
The big issue right now is the the current administration is making it very difficult for immigration and are complicating matters for companies looking for skills overseas. Given your experience, it would be very hard for someone to match it exactly so I don't think that will be a challenge for you.
Don't worry too much about tickets home. Instead, consider negotiating a package for either relocation or severance if they change their mind.
It's good experience, give yourself at least 3 years to decide whether you want to stay or not before making a permanent decision like selling up in the UK.
The big issue right now is the the current administration is making it very difficult for immigration and are complicating matters for companies looking for skills overseas. Given your experience, it would be very hard for someone to match it exactly so I don't think that will be a challenge for you.
Don't worry too much about tickets home. Instead, consider negotiating a package for either relocation or severance if they change their mind.
It's good experience, give yourself at least 3 years to decide whether you want to stay or not before making a permanent decision like selling up in the UK.
So I've just done this exact move in January of this year and same industry, different company and different state though.
Currently on an L1-B visa as a skilled worker, which by the sound of it you'd be eligible for too being your a tool maker as it's a relatively uncommon skill to find especially as you already an expert in their production processes.
Visa aren't cheap so if you're unsupported financially by the US operation in the move expect to pay out, I think mine would have left me over 5k just for fees out of pocket. Also don't underestimate the value of a good immigration attorney, I can recommend one in the US if you need but also not cheap.
I can't comment for Ohio but although they speak roughly the same language over here it's a very different country,expect to drive everywhere as well.
Feel free to DM if you have any questions though.
Currently on an L1-B visa as a skilled worker, which by the sound of it you'd be eligible for too being your a tool maker as it's a relatively uncommon skill to find especially as you already an expert in their production processes.
Visa aren't cheap so if you're unsupported financially by the US operation in the move expect to pay out, I think mine would have left me over 5k just for fees out of pocket. Also don't underestimate the value of a good immigration attorney, I can recommend one in the US if you need but also not cheap.
I can't comment for Ohio but although they speak roughly the same language over here it's a very different country,expect to drive everywhere as well.
Feel free to DM if you have any questions though.
So my Hr have put in an expression of interest for myself and asking for a point of contact to ask questions if I get a positive response. I won’t get any answer till next week sometime.
I also found out from a production manager that the year old machining and assembly line here is to be taken to an Ohio plant once decommissioning commences.
The wife is already checking local area schools and getting a feel for U.S property prices. The property tax I haven’t quite Sussed yet, and there tax system is different so more homework.
Might all amount to nothing but no harm in being prepared
Again thank you for the hints and advice it’s all being noted
I also found out from a production manager that the year old machining and assembly line here is to be taken to an Ohio plant once decommissioning commences.
The wife is already checking local area schools and getting a feel for U.S property prices. The property tax I haven’t quite Sussed yet, and there tax system is different so more homework.
Might all amount to nothing but no harm in being prepared
Again thank you for the hints and advice it’s all being noted
Stick this in the USA section too. There's a few people who've gone through this and can help out.
As mentioned, this would likely be an L-1B (L-1A if you were a manager). Company sponsored, company paid for -
One important consideration is 'do you want to make this permanent, or just do a few years?'. Becuase you'll need to get over there with An L-1, then do a company sponsored adjustment of status as soon as feasible; L-1B can be renewed once for a total of 5 years validity.
If they express any interest in you for the role, consider the pay, cost of healthcare, etc. You do need to be earning significantly more in the US to counteract the loss of other benefits such as vacation time, pension, NHS and so on.
As mentioned, this would likely be an L-1B (L-1A if you were a manager). Company sponsored, company paid for -
The test driver said:
Visa aren't cheap so if you're unsupported financially by the US operation in the move expect to pay out, I think mine would have left me over 5k just for fees out of pocket. Also don't underestimate the value of a good immigration attorney, I can recommend one in the US if you need but also not cheap.
$5k is about right, but the company can't make you pay for them by law. You'll also be using the company lawyers, so don't worry about that.One important consideration is 'do you want to make this permanent, or just do a few years?'. Becuase you'll need to get over there with An L-1, then do a company sponsored adjustment of status as soon as feasible; L-1B can be renewed once for a total of 5 years validity.
If they express any interest in you for the role, consider the pay, cost of healthcare, etc. You do need to be earning significantly more in the US to counteract the loss of other benefits such as vacation time, pension, NHS and so on.
RobXjcoupe said:
So my Hr have put in an expression of interest for myself and asking for a point of contact to ask questions if I get a positive response. I won’t get any answer till next week sometime.
I also found out from a production manager that the year old machining and assembly line here is to be taken to an Ohio plant once decommissioning commences.
The wife is already checking local area schools and getting a feel for U.S property prices. The property tax I haven’t quite Sussed yet, and there tax system is different so more homework.
Might all amount to nothing but no harm in being prepared
Again thank you for the hints and advice it’s all being noted
Rob, property for the most part is going to be cheap and you'll get a lot more bang for buck. I don;t know where in the UK you live but would say that for $300k US, you should find a very nice place to live, pretty much anywhere in Ohio. It's not NYC or LA. Property taxes are based on a percentage of your property value and there is no cap (it's about 2.5-3% here in Texas so around $7k for my house which is ~$300k, I suspect less because OH has state income tax)I also found out from a production manager that the year old machining and assembly line here is to be taken to an Ohio plant once decommissioning commences.
The wife is already checking local area schools and getting a feel for U.S property prices. The property tax I haven’t quite Sussed yet, and there tax system is different so more homework.
Might all amount to nothing but no harm in being prepared
Again thank you for the hints and advice it’s all being noted
School districts will affect property value but you'll probably want to figure this out when you move because you'll also need to consider the commute. Get your snow shoes on, Ohio gets cold cold in the winter. Pity that you weren't moving to Texas, I know that you'd be bored when you first move and would have let you spend your weekend helping me fix my XJ12C
Tallow said:
There's a fair few people on here that have relocated to the US from the UK and although I am sure the vast majority (myself included) would say the standard of living is better, it is far from an easy thing to do in any sense.
What would you define as a better standard of living with regards to UK vs US? Knowing where you originated from in the UK and your US destination might add some context.I've never lived in the US, but have spent maybe 3-4 months there on work trips. The only places I think that would entice me from Southeast of England is California or somewhere close to NYC.
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