verystormy

Hi Guys

I am a proffessional in the mining industry - senior geologist and currently living in Oz, to where we moved in 2008 from the UK and am now dual Oz / UK citizen.

The industry in which I work has gone into a major downturn here in oz and I am now unemployed. But, I am seeing a lot of roles advertised in the USA and articles about major shortages of my skills.

So, after always dismissing job postings for the USA as simply not possible due to visa issues, I am now wondering if maybe there are options?

A bit about me.
I have a partner, but she has no significant skills (other than being a wonderful wife)
We are both 45
I hold a degree and masters degree in applied geology from a very highly regarded UK university
I have almost 9 years experience as a geologist
I also hold a law degree and a number of years in business management.
Have worked in China, Asia, Africa and Oz.

Any comments would be helpful

ian-mstm

Generally, there are 3 routes to the US: family-based; employment-based; and investment-based. I'm guessing that the only one for which you're qualified is the employment-based route. To that end, you need to know that it is the US employer who must begin the visa process on your behalf... so, the first thing to do is get a job offer from a US employer who is willing to sponsor you for a visa. Keep in mind that getting a job will be relatively easy since you're well qualified... but getting sponsored will be very difficult. It'll be less difficult if you're not too fussy about where in the US you live - but there are jobs available.

You note a "partner" and a "wife"... so, just to clarify - only a spouse will be able to benefit from any visa you get.

Ian

Pulaski

One possible alternative route is getting hired by an American corporation, or international corporation with US interests, and working for them outside the US. Then, after a minimum of one year, you could be eligible for an L-1 visa to transfer to work for them in the US.

Michael

He is an Oz citizen so he qualifies for the E-3 visa. As long as the employer understands the E-3 visa which are fairly easy to get and an employer needs his skills, that shouldn't be a major stumbling block. Also with an E-3 visa, his wife is eligible for the E3D visa which will allow her to work.

E-3 Visa | Embassy of the United States Canberra, Australia

verystormy

Thanks guys. I will look into the E-3 more and start looking at employment options.