Moving to the US to work?
Jun 25th 2004, 9:43 pm
#1
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1
Moving to the US to work?
Hi 
I currently work in the UK as a contractor for a company based in Virginia specialising in internet services. They would like me to move to VA to work as an employee in the office.
Now, I'm sure this has been asked (and answered) a thousand times, but what process must I go through? We've researched a little, but it's still not clear. As I understand it, the company and I must apply for a work permit, and then I apply for a visa when that permit is granted?
Since I have worked with the company for nearly 3 years (I was originally a volunteer), I have in-depth and specialist knowledge of their products, services and business strategies. Is this an acceptable reason for immigration? From what I understand this is a qualifying reason.
Is the next step applying to the US Embassy in London for a visa? How long and costly is this process?
Assuming that part goes OK, when I get to the US, do I get a social security number? If not, do I need one to apply for a mortgage/loan? What rights do I have under a visa and how long am I entitled to stay?
Some general information on the process would really be appreciated. Thanks all!
Rikki
I currently work in the UK as a contractor for a company based in Virginia specialising in internet services. They would like me to move to VA to work as an employee in the office.
Now, I'm sure this has been asked (and answered) a thousand times, but what process must I go through? We've researched a little, but it's still not clear. As I understand it, the company and I must apply for a work permit, and then I apply for a visa when that permit is granted?
Since I have worked with the company for nearly 3 years (I was originally a volunteer), I have in-depth and specialist knowledge of their products, services and business strategies. Is this an acceptable reason for immigration? From what I understand this is a qualifying reason.
Is the next step applying to the US Embassy in London for a visa? How long and costly is this process?
Assuming that part goes OK, when I get to the US, do I get a social security number? If not, do I need one to apply for a mortgage/loan? What rights do I have under a visa and how long am I entitled to stay?
Some general information on the process would really be appreciated. Thanks all!
Rikki
Jun 26th 2004, 2:26 pm
#2
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Posts: n/a
Re: Moving to the US to work?
>Subject: Moving to the US to work?
>From: tizz66 member25929@british_expats.com
>Date: 6/25/2004 5:43 PM Eastern Standard Time
>Message-id: <[email protected]>
>Hi
>I currently work in the UK as a contractor for a company based in
>Virginia specialising in internet services. They would like me to move
>to VA to work as an employee in the office.
>Now, I'm sure this has been
>asked (and answered) a thousand times, but what process must I go
>through? We've researched a little, but it's still not clear. As I
>understand it, the company and I must apply for a work permit, and then
>I apply for a visa when that permit is granted?
>Since I have worked
>with the company for nearly 3 years (I was originally a volunteer), I
>have in-depth and specialist knowledge of their products, services and
>business strategies. Is this an acceptable reason for immigration? From
>what I understand this is a qualifying reason.
>Is the next step
>applying to the US Embassy in London for a visa? How long and costly is
>this process?
>Assuming that part goes OK, when I get to the US, do I
>get a social security number? If not, do I need one to apply for a
>mortgage/loan? What rights do I have under a visa and how long am I
>entitled to stay?
>Some general information on the process would really
>be appreciated. Thanks all!
>Rikki
You need to hire a lawyer...if you don't have a grasp of the fundamentals,
you'd be in a world of hurt trying to do this yourself...
>From: tizz66 member25929@british_expats.com
>Date: 6/25/2004 5:43 PM Eastern Standard Time
>Message-id: <[email protected]>
>Hi
>I currently work in the UK as a contractor for a company based in
>Virginia specialising in internet services. They would like me to move
>to VA to work as an employee in the office.
>Now, I'm sure this has been
>asked (and answered) a thousand times, but what process must I go
>through? We've researched a little, but it's still not clear. As I
>understand it, the company and I must apply for a work permit, and then
>I apply for a visa when that permit is granted?
>Since I have worked
>with the company for nearly 3 years (I was originally a volunteer), I
>have in-depth and specialist knowledge of their products, services and
>business strategies. Is this an acceptable reason for immigration? From
>what I understand this is a qualifying reason.
>Is the next step
>applying to the US Embassy in London for a visa? How long and costly is
>this process?
>Assuming that part goes OK, when I get to the US, do I
>get a social security number? If not, do I need one to apply for a
>mortgage/loan? What rights do I have under a visa and how long am I
>entitled to stay?
>Some general information on the process would really
>be appreciated. Thanks all!
>Rikki
You need to hire a lawyer...if you don't have a grasp of the fundamentals,
you'd be in a world of hurt trying to do this yourself...
Jun 26th 2004, 3:36 pm
#3
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: SFO
Posts: 871
Re: Moving to the US to work?
I'm not sure whether you would be an L-1B or an H-1B. L visas are for people who are transferring from a foreign branch to the US office. H-1B is for people who are getting hired as a new employee. Since you are a contractor I'm not sure if that qualifies as a transfer.
Attorney Shusterman maintains a pretty comprehensive website - you may want to read his overview on both visas: http://shusterman.com/l-vsa.html
http://shusterman.com/h-vsa.html
As the other poster mentioned, your company will likely require an attorney to guide them through this process, as it's not simple. It should be them who hire the attorney, not you.
Attorney Shusterman maintains a pretty comprehensive website - you may want to read his overview on both visas: http://shusterman.com/l-vsa.html
http://shusterman.com/h-vsa.html
As the other poster mentioned, your company will likely require an attorney to guide them through this process, as it's not simple. It should be them who hire the attorney, not you.
