Just Jenney

I was born in Virginia and have lived here most of my life. I have never lived in Norfolk but I have been there several times and... Well, let's just say that I'm not impressed.

I think it will be quite difficult for a family of five to live on $50k/year in Norfolk. I mean, once they deduct taxes, FICA, health insurance premiums and whatever else, how much is going to be left -- $35K?

That's only $3,000/month. Rent on a place large enough to house 5 people that's not in a totally dodgy area would probably cost at least $900/mo, if not more. Then there are utilities, cell phones, a car payment, petrol, food, expenses related to school, sports, entertainment, etc. That $3,000 will go VERY quickly.

Personally I wouldn't do it. Overtime is not guaranteed, and getting a spousal work visa would probably be difficult, if not impossible, to obtain.

Not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but the OP wanted objective advice. Just my 2 cents!

~ Jenney

Michael

Actually if you use the following federal income tax calculator, he'll get a federal income tax refund of $147 when making $50,000, filing jointly, personal exemption and spouse exemption, and 3 dependents with two eligible for child tax credits.

The reason for the refund is that child tax credits are refundable so not only do they reduce taxes owed but will be refunded to the taxpayer even if no taxes are owed.

Therefore as far as taxes are concerned, it is the FICA taxes (social security and Medicare) that will take the largest chunk ($3,850). It is unknown how much medical expenses will be.

However I agree that it will be tough on $50K.

http://www.dinkytown.net/java/Tax1040.html

durham_lad

I would suggest that in talking to your prospective employer you also get in writing what assistance you will get in the move to the USA, because setting up house for the first time is expensive.

Washer, drier, fridge, freezer, small appliances etc. Plus furniture, unless the employer is willing to pay for all your furniture to be shipped over.

We did it with only 2 children and the costs of the move quickly add up.

scrubbedexpat099

Sounds like the visa issue will kill it.

Dunc81

Well, we'll see what the visa outcome is. I have stated on my resume that I don't have a degree and that my education ended at high school. Don't think it's quite the same as spray painting though......

Dunc81

sorry, sir eccles. Maybe I should have said, Its nice that someone seems to care. I mean that in a nice way with no sarcasm. Not always easy to tell on a computer screen

Bob

No, it's certainly more skilled then that, but skilled does not get a visa.

A job requiring a degree, that fits the category for a H1 visa gets a visa opportunity and then a lot of money and luck gets the visa.

Dunc81

well, thanks to all for your help. best wishes and prosperity to you all for the future.

Footnote

Dunc, some of the advice here is very good however, many contributors love to be righteous and negative. I was in a very similar position to you; I do not have a degree but have a specialised skill, as do you. I did get a H1B visa, at minimal cost, and am about to embark on a new career. Please PM me if you want advice. Sadly, if I post the advice here it will be shot down by negativity.

mikelincs

He won't be able to PM youas you haven't made the required number of posts (3).

scrubbedexpat099

Spammer?

Footnote

No, not a spammer! Recent Military exchange now returning to the US as a civilian.

SultanOfSwing

Nobody said he wouldn't get it, just that it was unlikely. That's just being realistic.

There's no sense in filling his head with big ideas if the odds of actually getting a visa are against him.

SultanOfSwing

Oh, and technically speaking, these two posts may be considered spam. Just a heads up ...

Footnote

How can it be spam if you are just trying to offer advice? I had a 'log in' before but forgot the password (it was a long time ago), hence the new name. The reason that I felt driven to reply to the original post was that in 2008 I received some fantastic advice but some of it was inaccurate, negative and factually incorrect. I'm merely trying to give Dunc advice.....should he wish to want it. Surely that's the point of the forum, not, look how clever I am, I made it and you don't have a chance..