Pertie

Would be great to hear of any experiences.

We are thinking seriously about attempting a move to California.

One thing that's concerning me is that the J1 visa seems to be most commonly used. And that has the requirement to return home for 2 years when it expires.

Are there any ways around this?

It would not be so much of an issue if it was just me and my husband. But we have 4 young children and we would not like to uproot them again.if we make this move it would be with the hope of it being forever.

Thanks!

scrubbedexpat099

Why California?

There has been a number of discussions recently on California, which denigrated into what is your exit strategy, my impression is most look to make their money and leave.

Sounds like you want a job offer with an Immigrant Visa attached rather than a temporary work visa.

TheKingOfHearts

H1-B for a non-profit hospital or teaching hospital is one option that springs to mind (and would enable significantly longer duration and the intent to convert to a permanent resident). I don't have any experience in the medical field, but I've seen a few posts about this previously and I can't immediately see any reason why a H1-B would be a challenge in this situation.

ceat

Made the move few years back, agree avoid the J1 or you have to work in the boonies for 3 years instead of the 2 year home requirement. Why do that when you can easily get an H1B instead?

California not a great state for Doctors would look elsewhere

sherbert

No idea about doctors, but just to flag that the spouse of the H1b holder would not be able to work (ever) so you'd be reliant on one income. Doctors earn a lot here so that might not be too problematic although things would likely be (very) tight with 4 kids and one salary if you'd be living in in LA, San Diego or the Bay Area. And really, there's not much point in being anywhere else in California. A H visa is valid for 7 years and, unless you've managed to get a greencard (employer applies for it, or you are so specialised you can apply yourself under the national interest waiver (NIW)), you will need to leave.

Further, I have seen many discussions on this forum involving medical professionals having to convert their qualifications and study all over again (I stress I know nothing about this, but wanted to mention it).

Further, why the US and why California and where, specifically? Ca is a huge state, and varies greatly from SoCal, the central coast, NorCal and the inland/mountain areas. The weather's generally amazing. The outdoorsy life is wonderful. The nature is stunning. But that's really where it ends and most of us are left weighing up whether these things can outweigh the traffic/commutes, the insane cost of living, the relative isolation (in terms of travel) and the difficulties of making friends in a highly transient region. Check out the following threads (if you can sift through all the crap and waffle from people who've never set foot in CA, you'll get some really good insights from those of us who live here):

Electrician moving to California
Potential Bay Area Move - Where to live?
Leaving California for England after 16 years

About Florida mainly, but the stuff about schools/kids might be relevant for you:
Is it a better life?

scrubbedexpat099

I assume the OP is not coming back, most do not.

ceat

The visa should be the last concern what about USMLE, applying for residency etc?

ceat

Just to add it is easy to get an H1 as a physician but this surprising given around 3000 US citizen physicians do not get a residency every year so in essence visa needing foreigners get a job ahead of them, am not sure how long this will last.

In the UK a job has to have a resident market labour test before it can be given to an overseas grad doctor even then its not easy to find people