Relocation packages
 

so everything changes - we were looking to emigrate to Australia, but now my employer is talking about a possible move to California - either Los Angeles or Cupertino.

So my question is, especially given the current financial situation, what sort of relocation package should I be looking for?

Moving over would be me, my wife and two daughters, 11 and 9.

Thanks in advance for any advice,

Dominic

Re: Relocation packages
 

Did you use the search function? There are a bazillion threads on here giving this kind of advice.

People will want to help, but please don't make them type a book about it when we've done this so many times already. What specific questions do you have? Maybe you can also give us a bit more information about your circumstances (job/industry etc.), which could help.

Re: Relocation packages
 

Yes I did but most of it seemed to be very old advice and given the tightened budgets I wasn't sure if things have changed.

I work in the software industry, for a US-headquartered company so this would be a move back to one of their head office sites.

Re: Relocation packages
 

How do you define "very old". There are at least 3 threads I can think of from the past month. There is a search feature on the main page of this forum... try again.


So then, an L-1 visa? In any relocation package, there are 3 things that usually stand out: 1) GC application; 2) all moving expenses including moving back; 3) at least one (some try for 2) planned holiday visits per year.

That said, if you want good information, you need to give good information. Knowing a bit more about your circumstances would help to refine the information you receive.

Ian

Re: Relocation packages
 

In addition, healthcare insurance, reimbursement for transitional period between arrival and finding a place to live, car rental.

The cost of living has NOT changed all that much in the last two or three years in the US and especially for those that are being funded by companies to make the transition to the US who have little or no expenses in terms of setting up households or whose expenses will be reimbursed.

Archives are filled with great information as is the wiki.

Re: Relocation packages
 

Ian's points are very valid but it all depends on how much you want the move. We moved to Los Angeles a couple of years ago on L visas, hubby is in the games industry for a major company.

They paid all moving expenses, visa expenses, are currently (slowly) doing the GC application. However, we never got planned holidays back and would never have dreamed of asking for them. Unless its a temporary assignment why would the company pay for your vacation back to England? I always think thats rather cheeky.

Are you prepared to refuse the offer if they don't pay x or y? Personally we would have taken what we could have got as if we hadn't made the move hubby would have really struggled to get a similar job in England.

As far as living in LA is concerned, the economy is screwed, spending in schools is being cut back again, and was already very low. Cost of living is very expensive and its rather unfriendly.

The sun is nice though:)

Re: Relocation packages
 

Cue Dr Evil.... "One MILLION dollars!". :D
hth

Re: Relocation packages
 

That's not new. It has always been that way for LA.

Re: Relocation packages
 

I'd have settled for a bag of sprouts....

Re: Relocation packages
 

I wasn JUST wondering yesterday where you were. Didn't quite make it far enough to stalk you, but it's the thought that counts.

Re: Relocation packages
 

Hi

There are loads of threads, search through from about June of this year at least (only because i and others asked the same questions before we moved over in the last month). One thing i will say is find out as much as you can about your tax implications here in the US with whatever package you get - as you will be liable for tax on alot of things........trust me, we are just finding out now!!!!:eek: and we thought we knew it all :sneaky:

If you dont ask you wont get!!!! is the only other way to look at it..........dont be out of pocket for anything to do with the move if you can help it and good luck with it all

T

Re: Relocation packages
 

The L is a temporary visa, not permanent, so fully justified.

Re: Relocation packages
 

I know that, but still don't see how you can justify it when the company are relocating you with GC applications included. The move although on a temporary visa is seen for most people and companies to be a permanent one, the L visa just a step on the way to GC and therefore permanent status.

Well done to anyone who manages to get holidays paid for by their company, but I still think its very cheeky.

Re: Relocation packages
 

Don't forget some companies promise a GC but that's as far as it gets. My husband retained all his UK benefits until we received our GCs.

Re: Relocation packages
 

I'd buggered off to Vegas for the week. First did some hiking round Zion NP and Valley of Fire SP (both very nice). Unfortunately after the next few days of drinking cheap, oversized cocktails out of huge plastic Eiffel Towers and the like I am now left pregnant with a buffet baby...