johntmanic

Good afternoon.

Moving and working in the US has always been a dream of mine so my question is (and sorry if it has been covered elsewhere) but what is the ideal way to approach this...

Try and set up a job before going or try and move over there and then set one up?

I'm sorry if this is a very vague post but I was just wondering how other people have done it on here?

Thanks a lot.

John

Noorah101

If you're trying to work in the USA, you must first find a US employer willing to sponsor your work visa.

The other option is to first work for an employer outside the USA that has offices in the USA, then after a year, ask for a transfer.

You can't first move to the USA then find a job. You can visit the USA using the VWP in order to job hunt, but that's it.

Rene

ian-mstm

This! For most employment-based visas, the sponsoring company must start the paperwork on your behalf... so you must have a job first with a company that's also willing to sponsor you for a visa.


Generally, not possible - since you have no basis on which to get the visa. There is no "chicken/egg" comparison here.

Ian

johntmanic

Not a problem at all. Thank you for your replies.

I'll have to start putting some feelers out then to see what is around in my field of work and start to speak to some agencies too for their opinions.

catlover3

Not true. My husband and I both obtained green cards without a job lined up. If you meet the criteria for EB1A (and get a good lawyer), it's possible. Now we're here, we are in a better situation than many people with visas that lock them into their jobs.

mikelincs

This where to start, you need to ensure that you have the qualifications that will allow you to get a visa first, then worry about agencies, however an agency might well tell you they can help you get a job even though your qualifications/field would make it impossible, because that is how they make their money.

Pulaski's Ways: How to Live and Work in the USA : British Expat Wiki

Pulaski

Do you know what "most" and "generally" mean?

You were lucky enough to have the qualifications and experience to get your own visa independence of an employer. You are in a tiny minority of immigrants to the US.

catlover3

Hmmm. I *think* I know what those words mean...
Since we don't know the OPs situation, probably best not to provide them with incomplete information.

ian-mstm

Your specific situation notwithstanding, I almost never make a definitive statement. So, when you say that it's "not true" (which, by the way, is a definitive statement) you ignore the fact that I used the words "most" and "generally" - as Pulaski noted. Regardless of the OP's specific situation, it is still generally true that for an employment-based sponsor you can't get to the US without first having a job with a company willing to sponsor you.

Ian