garyusher

Hi,

I'm read several posts on this site regarding visas etc.. and visited the US imagration site, and am still a little confused...

I am a fully qualified electrician in the UK, and would love to live in California. I believe I can apply for a H1B, but need sponsorship to get this. This means I must live in the US first, what visa?

Hope someone can direct me on this.

Thanks

Gary

Duncan Roberts

You can't apply for visa sponsorship, a company has to. You can't live in the US without a visa, greencard or US citizenship. Being an electrician won't get you a visa, unless you are an electrician on a space shuttle or something.

Start here and see if anything fits, it doesn't sound like much, if any, will though. http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Pulaski's_Ways:_How_to_Live_and_Work_in_the_USA

srefre

Hi Gary,

You have been directed to the guide as to which visa may be most suitable for you in your other post so I won't go over that again.

H1B only applies to certain employment sectors, so you need to check you definitely qualify.

As for being a qualified electrician in the UK, I would check out what qualifications are required in the US. Some UK qualifications don't translate into US equivalents, so can't be used and will count for nothing in the US.


Finally, what makes you pick California?
Unless you have a specific reason, I wouldn't limit your choice of places to live, especially to somewhere like California which can be extremely expensive.

garyusher

Hi,

Thanks for the direction, I've read this and the question is: If I can not apply for a H1B, what can I apply for that puts me in a postion to apply for jobs and get a H1B?

What do other people do? How do you start?

cheers

Gary

SDDep

Check out this link, just in case...you are a space shuttle electrician..

http://www.nasa.gov/

Seriously though..all the best of luck..

SDDep

But we luv it ere!!! pricey or not..it keeps the riff raff out...(NOT)

Noorah101

Correct, you need to find a company who will sponsor you and submit a petition for your visa - IF you qualify for the position they want you for, and IF that position is open to an H1B visa.

Incorrect. It means you need to find a US company who wants to hire you from abroad, so they can look into sponsoring your work visa.

Ah, that's the biggest question. What visa would you qualify for, if any.

Rene

Noorah101

You can always come over on the VWP for less than 90 days to meet with some potential employers to discuss options with them. The company will be the ones to initiate the whole process, by filing a petition for you, which when approved, means you can apply for the visa.

I think many people here were headhunted because of their exceptional skills and networking within their industry, or they already worked for an international company with offices in the USA and got a trasfer within the company to a branch in the USA. A lot of people got to the USA by marrying a USC, too...not even through work.

Rene

garyusher

Hi, California is my first choice as I have spent several travelling holidays there, meeting the locals and getting to know the place. I'm up for other places but knoe that I enjoy California.

Any adivce?

Gary

meauxna

Not all types of jobs qualify for a visa that would allow you to move. Generally, the trades are not positions that can be sponsored (NASA notwithstanding).

For some people, there just is no start...

garyusher

I know I will need to complete the American version of our electric al regs.

It will be tough and long, but I know this is something that I want to do whether it is tomorrow or in a few years...

christmasoompa

As you'll have seen from the link you've been given and the info posted, the US is notoriously difficult to get in to. As an electrician, unfortunately there is just no route to a visa for you unless you can go down one of the business routes or marry a US citizen.

But how about Canada? Much more open to electricians than the US.

Good luck.

meauxna

I'm sorry I wasn't more clear. It's not the American version of electrics you need to know. "Electrician" is not a job type that is sponsored under H-1B or other visas.

This is the US gov't agency that issues visas, and their explanation of each of the types http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1286.html
Note that these are temporary, non-immigrant visas that may not allow you to live long term in the US and don't always lead to a 'green card' (permanent residence).
More here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1271.html

And more here:
Working in the US

The United States welcomes thousands of foreign workers in multiple occupations or employment categories every year. These include artists, researchers, cultural exchange participants, information technology specialists, religious workers, investors, scientists, athletes, nurses, agricultural workers and others. All foreign workers must obtain permission to work legally in the United States. Each employment category for admission has different requirements, conditions and authorized periods of stay. It is important that you adhere to the terms of your application or petition for admission and visa. Any violation can result in removal or denial of re-entry into the United States.

Noorah101

I know it's something YOU want to do, but it really just depends on whether you qualify for a work visa or not.

Rene

Manc

If America wants you Gary, they'll headhunt you.

other than that, either win the lottery, shack up with a yank bird, or look into Perth or Auckland.