jpspringall

Hi,

I’m UK citizen employed in the UK having been in continuous employed since graduation from university in 2002, but looking to the US for my next opportunity.

I've looked at the NIW Visa, but I think that's out, as I don't live in the US, or have any publications and the fact that it would be rather difficult to get references from people who don't know me.

So I was looking at the exceptional ability visa which I believe doesn't require a job offer, my qualifications are as follows:

• Bachelor’s Degree From a UK University
• 11 Years’ Experience in IT
• Progression From Software Developer To Systems’ Architect
• Worked with Several Blue Chip Companies, most of whom are of American Origin
• Member Of The British Computing Society (Paid For Membership, However There Are Entrance Requirements)
• Proof Of Salary Higher Than Most 33 Year Olds

I've also attached my Resume, with personal information, in case that helps, with advice.

Looking at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/usc...00b92ca60aRCRD

Their Criteria for exceptional ability, of which you need three are:

• Official academic record showing that you have a degree, diploma, certificate, or similar award from a college, university, school, or other institution of learning relating to your area of exceptional ability
• Letters documenting at least 10 years of full-time experience in your occupation
• A license to practice your profession or certification for your profession or occupation
• Evidence that you have commanded a salary or other remuneration for services that demonstrates your exceptional ability
• Membership in a professional association(s)
• Recognition for your achievements and significant contributions to your industry or field by your peers, government entities, professional or business organizations

I've got a Bachelor's degree, and 11 years experience. So that in my head is two out of three covered

I would say that I have commanded a Salary to show my exceptional ability, but that is obviously subjective.

I'm a professional member of the British Computer Society

I could get my current CEO, to giving me a good reference to my contributions to my current company, though the fact that he is my current CEO and the fact that it was for my current company would count.


The other thing I find rather confusing is that according to Pulaski's guide, unless you live in US, Recruiters won't look at you. So how are you meant to get your first job over there in the first place?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks

James

Noorah101

Hi and Welcome to BE.

EB-2 is not a Visa, it's a preference category. I believe the visa is an H1B (although don't quote me on that).

Are you talking about an O visa?

I'd say most get it by networking with others in your field.

Rene

DavidLemon

You have connections through IT companies that have US origins. Have you thought about approaching them? If you are as good as you say you are then they will jump at the chance to get you.

dice.com, jobserve.com and monster.com are good sites to use. Whilst in general presence is key, it is possible to network and be successful in securing employment (or atleast interviews) from across the waters. Telephones and Video Conferencing are wonderful inventions.

jeffreyhy

You're right about that, but in all fairness to the OP, the web page that he references uses "EB-2" as both a preference category and a status (visa category). I believe the correct status is E-21.

The web page goes on to incorrectly state that E-21 is the associated status for a spouse and E-22 status is for children under the age of 18. Actually, the spouse would be E-22 and the children E-23.

This is what happens when web pages are written and edited by web developers rather than immigration people.

Regards, JEff

jeffreyhy

Work the contacts you made with those companies.

Regards, JEff

scrubbedexpat099

EB2 would lead I think to IR1.

It would need a sponsor, a job.

H1B is used as an interim as it is usually quicker.

Sounds you have plenty of networking opportunities.

jpspringall

Hi,

Many Thanks for all your replies

I've looked into the networking option, and sadly, the contacts I have in US wouldn't have a need for my skill set.

I've also got to be a bit careful, about how much networking I do that respect, as it wouldn't be too long before my CEO found out, which wouldn't exactly be ideal.

Think i'll keep looking at Jobserve, Monster et al. I'm getting quite apt at applying for jobs at the moment. But think I might also start looking at Australia as though would appear to be a bit easier.

James

Michael

Have you considered applying with companies in the UK that have branches in the US with the condition that you will be transferred to the US after one or two years using the L-1 company transfer visa? Your greatest possibility will likely be Silicon Valley companies or foreign companies that have branches in the Silicon Valley.

christmasoompa

I would say that they will look at you, if you're worth it. My husband is headhunted by people in the US every week, but he's well known in his field and has a good network in the US. So if you're having to apply for jobs it'll be much tougher.....get specialist enough skills to have them come after you!

Good luck.

Steve_

Yes it does, unless you'd get in with a national interest waiver which sounds unlikely given your qualifications, and it doesn't sound as though you qualify for EB-1 which I think is what you are getting confused by.

So the answer to your question is "no".

You might be able to get in some other way though, e.g. O-1 or H-1B and then you've got an employer so then you could get them to petition you for EB-2.

Steve_

I get headhunted by people in the US every week, as does everyone else on LinkedIn who has anything to do with IT.

But it's pretty much automated spam.

christmasoompa

I mean proper headhunting, not Linked In spam.

le10

Without wishing to be disparaging....

.NET developers, even very good ones, are pretty commonplace in the USA

I think you probably need some proprietary specialization.

markwm

The best way to do what you want is to come over and look for a job (which you are allowed to do, I believe). Employers/agents will not waste their time unless they at least see a US address/phone number unless you have very niche skills (which you don't).

You can find plenty of roles on Dice.com and some on JobServe.com.

Is that your real Resume? If so, it is not very well structured and would not catch anyone's eye. You can find plenty of tips on the interweb for writing a good resume. There are some good articles on CodeProject.com which might be helpful (Search on "Contracting for Dummies: The CV/Resume"). CodeProject is also a good place to network and get to know people in the same line of work as you in the US.

Also, most US companies seem to want a cover letter when you apply though get to your hotel, find some jobs on Dice and call the employer/agent direct.

Of course, you could just meet and marry an American...

Good luck.

markwm

Not actually found that to be the case.