British Citizen working in US
#1
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5
British Citizen working in US
Hi there,
I've been reading several threads and have not found anything that answers my questions so i'm starting my own thread.
Background
I'm a British Citizen born in the UK with British parents and i'm looking to move to the US for work. I have a BA (hons) degree in Media Studies 2:1 - but my working background is all based in Shipping/Logistics. I have over 7 years experience working for freight forwarders and shipping lines between Liverpool and London.
For the last few years I've been looking to move over to the US for work but unfortunately it's not been possible to get a transfer with the companies I've worked for.
I have now decided to make my first steps to move over to the US by travelling out there to stay with a friend in New York in April (on a tourist visa).
Question
I have checked out a few different visas (H1/J1) and believe J1 may be a good option granted this is only a trainee visa with a max stay of 18 months. The programme that I'm looking at using is Cultural Vistas. Does anyone have any first-hand knowledge using them? Or if not just general information about them (that's not on their website)?
What is a 'specialised job'? Does Shipping/Logistics fall under this category?
Is there any other advise anyone can give me? At the moment I have been applying for jobs on recruitment websites such as Indeed.com but to no avail. Is there a better tactic than just sending a CV/Cover note?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Jacob
I've been reading several threads and have not found anything that answers my questions so i'm starting my own thread.
Background
I'm a British Citizen born in the UK with British parents and i'm looking to move to the US for work. I have a BA (hons) degree in Media Studies 2:1 - but my working background is all based in Shipping/Logistics. I have over 7 years experience working for freight forwarders and shipping lines between Liverpool and London.
For the last few years I've been looking to move over to the US for work but unfortunately it's not been possible to get a transfer with the companies I've worked for.
I have now decided to make my first steps to move over to the US by travelling out there to stay with a friend in New York in April (on a tourist visa).
Question
I have checked out a few different visas (H1/J1) and believe J1 may be a good option granted this is only a trainee visa with a max stay of 18 months. The programme that I'm looking at using is Cultural Vistas. Does anyone have any first-hand knowledge using them? Or if not just general information about them (that's not on their website)?
What is a 'specialised job'? Does Shipping/Logistics fall under this category?
Is there any other advise anyone can give me? At the moment I have been applying for jobs on recruitment websites such as Indeed.com but to no avail. Is there a better tactic than just sending a CV/Cover note?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Jacob
#2
Re: British Citizen working in US
[quote]What is a 'specialised job'? Does Shipping/Logistics fall under this category? [k/quote]
Probably not in such a broad sense. But if you do something very specialized for the job, something that very few people can do or know how to do in the world, then maybe. But my first guess is no.
Is there any other advise anyone can give me?
At the moment I have been applying for jobs on recruitment websites such as Indeed.com but to no avail. Is there a better tactic than just sending a CV/Cover note?
I'm not sure if a J-1 applies to you, but it would be up to any potential employer to figure out what kind of work visa you need, not you.
Is your friend that you're going to visit a potential love interest? Most people move to the USA via an intercompany transfer through work, or by marrying a USC (or having other USC family who can sponsor them).
Another possibility would be an F-1 student visa to do a Masters degree in the USA, if you can afford it.
Rene
#3
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Joined: Aug 2016
Location: Cascade Mountains, WA
Posts: 1,089
Re: British Citizen working in US
The trouble with applying for jobs is that without the required permission to work in the USA the whole thing is futile. Unless the employer is prepared to shell out thousands for your visa fees and paperwork they are not going to be interested in even interviewing you when Joe Bloggs has also applied for the position and is a US citizen, lives in the same town already and can start work tomorrow at no additional cost to the employer (save the usual background checks, etc).
I understand you *want* to move to the USA to work but employment-based immigration is not based on the wants of the foreignor, but on the needs of the country. If you fancy a change of scenery, why not try one of the EU countries while you still can? No visa required!
I understand you *want* to move to the USA to work but employment-based immigration is not based on the wants of the foreignor, but on the needs of the country. If you fancy a change of scenery, why not try one of the EU countries while you still can? No visa required!
#4
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5
Re: British Citizen working in US
Hi Rene,
Yes sorry for my lack of terminology. I meant a B2 visa which allows up to 90 days in the country. Understand these are applied for online and in general terms easy to obtain.
I had already read the 'Pulaski's guide' which is where I saw the terminology about the skilled jobs. My most recent/current job is 'Vessel Operations' which I didn't think would be very common hence why I wanted to know if it fell under the category.
On the 'Pulaski's guide' it mentions "Recruitment agents will not take you seriously if you are not already in the US". This makes me think applying for jobs online, whilst in the US, is a better option than trying in the UK.
It also states about finding the US equivalent of my degree. Do you know how I would go about obtaining this?
My understanding of the J-1 Visa and having spoken to the company Cultural Vistas is that I qualify for a visa and would just need to seek employment, show them a job offer and they would then do the checks on both myself and the company. There is then a fee involved if both checks are passed. But again, this may be naive which is why I was asking if anyone had first hand experience obtaining a J-1 Visa.
No, not a love interest, but can you explain more about a USC family sponsoring?
Thanks again,
Jacob
Yes sorry for my lack of terminology. I meant a B2 visa which allows up to 90 days in the country. Understand these are applied for online and in general terms easy to obtain.
I had already read the 'Pulaski's guide' which is where I saw the terminology about the skilled jobs. My most recent/current job is 'Vessel Operations' which I didn't think would be very common hence why I wanted to know if it fell under the category.
On the 'Pulaski's guide' it mentions "Recruitment agents will not take you seriously if you are not already in the US". This makes me think applying for jobs online, whilst in the US, is a better option than trying in the UK.
It also states about finding the US equivalent of my degree. Do you know how I would go about obtaining this?
My understanding of the J-1 Visa and having spoken to the company Cultural Vistas is that I qualify for a visa and would just need to seek employment, show them a job offer and they would then do the checks on both myself and the company. There is then a fee involved if both checks are passed. But again, this may be naive which is why I was asking if anyone had first hand experience obtaining a J-1 Visa.
No, not a love interest, but can you explain more about a USC family sponsoring?
Thanks again,
Jacob
#5
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: British Citizen working in US
Get a job with a company that will transfer you.
#6
Re: British Citizen working in US
.... No, not a love interest, but can you explain more about a USC family sponsoring?
Last edited by Pulaski; Jan 19th 2017 at 2:15 pm.
#7
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Joined: Aug 2016
Location: Cascade Mountains, WA
Posts: 1,089
Re: British Citizen working in US
It sounds like you've never even been to the US since you didn't even know about the entry procedure for visitors. So why is it you want to work here? Whatever you are trying to leave behind in the UK will still be here but you'll work more hours with less holiday time for it. It's not all sunshine and theme parks.
#8
Re: British Citizen working in US
Jacob,
It sounds like you may still be confused about the B2 vs VWP for visiting the USA.
The VWP (Visa Waiver Program) allows you to stay up to 90 days in the USA without a visa. To get permission to travel on the VWP, you first apply for ESTA. This is done online by answering several questions. Once ESTA is approved, you can then board a flight to the USA without needing a visa in your passport.
The B2 visitor visa is an actual piece of paper affixed to your passport. This is obtained by applying for the visa online, going to the US Embassy in London, and having an in person interview. The B2 visa allows up to 6 months in the USA, but if you are eligible to use the VWP, it's very difficult to get a B2 visa approved. If it gets denied, you have to declare the denial on ESTA, such can lead to denial of ESTA for some time.
Personally, since you mention 90 days in your post, I think you are referring to the VWP, but you still mentioned B2, so wanted to make it clear what the difference is.
Rene
It sounds like you may still be confused about the B2 vs VWP for visiting the USA.
The VWP (Visa Waiver Program) allows you to stay up to 90 days in the USA without a visa. To get permission to travel on the VWP, you first apply for ESTA. This is done online by answering several questions. Once ESTA is approved, you can then board a flight to the USA without needing a visa in your passport.
The B2 visitor visa is an actual piece of paper affixed to your passport. This is obtained by applying for the visa online, going to the US Embassy in London, and having an in person interview. The B2 visa allows up to 6 months in the USA, but if you are eligible to use the VWP, it's very difficult to get a B2 visa approved. If it gets denied, you have to declare the denial on ESTA, such can lead to denial of ESTA for some time.
Personally, since you mention 90 days in your post, I think you are referring to the VWP, but you still mentioned B2, so wanted to make it clear what the difference is.
Rene
#9
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Joined: Jan 2017
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Re: British Citizen working in US
Hi Rene,
Yes sorry I was confused. I did mean VWP rather than the B2. My parents applied for the ESTA last time I was in the States but I was confused when you mentioned the B2.
It seems as though H1 Visa isn't going to be possible without a company transfer, which is also unlikely with the firm I work for.
When you say you don't think a J-1 Visa applies to me what makes think this?
Jacob
Yes sorry I was confused. I did mean VWP rather than the B2. My parents applied for the ESTA last time I was in the States but I was confused when you mentioned the B2.
It seems as though H1 Visa isn't going to be possible without a company transfer, which is also unlikely with the firm I work for.
When you say you don't think a J-1 Visa applies to me what makes think this?
Jacob
#10
Re: British Citizen working in US
When you say you don't think a J-1 Visa applies to me what makes think this?
Rene
#11
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Joined: Aug 2002
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 38,865
Re: British Citizen working in US
No, you didn't.
What you're describing is the VWP = Visa Waiver Program. There is no visa. The US allows UKCs the visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa.
With respect, you were the first one to mention staying in the US on a tourist visa. Rene simply put the correct name to it.
I suggest you are still confused. An L visa is for a company transfer. You said you read Pulaski's Ways... but did you actually understand what you read? If you didn't, you need to go back and read it again.
Yes - but, to be honest, it'll be a complete waste of time until such time as you actually have a job offer. If you really want to spend the money, though, start at www.wes.org.
Ian
... which allows up to 90 days in the country.
I was confused when you mentioned the B2.
It seems as though H1 Visa isn't going to be possible without a company transfer, which is also unlikely with the firm I work for.
It also states about finding the US equivalent of my degree. Do you know how I would go about obtaining this?
Ian
#12
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Joined: Feb 2014
Location: London -> New York
Posts: 216
Re: British Citizen working in US
To me it seems like your best approach is to find a global shipper or retailer that has localised shipping departments that has offices in the UK and the US who transfers people internationally.
Work for them in the UK, be excellent at your job, then ask to be transferred on an L visa.
This is still a long term plan and has no guarantees - but at least it is a route.
Work for them in the UK, be excellent at your job, then ask to be transferred on an L visa.
This is still a long term plan and has no guarantees - but at least it is a route.
#13
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5
Re: British Citizen working in US
Yes sorry, confused with the different types of visas but I've re-read the guide and have gained a better understanding. It seems most working visas are not possible in my case however I still don't have any answers on the J1-visa.
Does anyone have any experience using Cultural Vistas? or any other J1 programme? My understanding, and I could be wrong, is that I would be valid to work up to 18 months in America, granted the host company found a suitable job etc.
Appreciate any advice on this.
**I have searched J1 visa using the search engine but most of the threads seem to be about Au Pair work or Summer camps which doesn't appeal to me**
Thanks
Jacob
Does anyone have any experience using Cultural Vistas? or any other J1 programme? My understanding, and I could be wrong, is that I would be valid to work up to 18 months in America, granted the host company found a suitable job etc.
Appreciate any advice on this.
**I have searched J1 visa using the search engine but most of the threads seem to be about Au Pair work or Summer camps which doesn't appeal to me**
Thanks
Jacob
Last edited by jjacoba; Jan 20th 2017 at 1:59 pm. Reason: adding something
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2014
Location: London -> New York
Posts: 216
Re: British Citizen working in US
From Wikipedia on J1. I may be wrong - but cannot see you fitting into any of these categories
Different categories exist within the J-1 program, each defining the purpose or type of exchange. While most J-1 categories are explicitly named in the federal regulations governing the J-1 program, others have been inferred from the regulatory language.[2]
Private sector programs:[6]
Alien Physician
Au pair and EduCare
Camp Counselor (summer camp)
Intern
Student, Secondary School
Work/Travel
Teacher
Trainee
Flight Training (J-1 privileges terminated effective June 1, 2010)[7]
Government and academic programs:
Government Visitor
International Visitor
Professor and Research Scholar
Short-Term Scholar
Specialist
Student, College/University
Different categories exist within the J-1 program, each defining the purpose or type of exchange. While most J-1 categories are explicitly named in the federal regulations governing the J-1 program, others have been inferred from the regulatory language.[2]
Private sector programs:[6]
Alien Physician
Au pair and EduCare
Camp Counselor (summer camp)
Intern
Student, Secondary School
Work/Travel
Teacher
Trainee
Flight Training (J-1 privileges terminated effective June 1, 2010)[7]
Government and academic programs:
Government Visitor
International Visitor
Professor and Research Scholar
Short-Term Scholar
Specialist
Student, College/University
#15
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 87
Re: British Citizen working in US
To be honest though, the only reason why I "chose" Cultural Vistas is, because my company used (still uses) them for their trainee/exchange program. I got the contract from my company and then at some point Cultural Vistas contacted me to set up the visa.