It was just the 'post #2' and 'post #3' I was referring to. I've seen moderators delete posts that were made just to enable the PM feature. Giving advice is fine, don't stop doing that.

It was me being nice - because now I've given you your third legitimate post

Thanks....Just attempting to be a little bit positive having been in a similar situation; everyone saying that there was no chance. I'd add that the salary offered is normally a starting point and should be seen as such, unlike many UK company's (in my limited experience).

I know, though I think it was more a message of 'don't be disappointed if it doesn't work out', rather than 'you'll never get a visa' myself.

If you are going to share advice, I strongly recommend that you do it publically so we can all learn from your experience. The people who get "shot down in flames" are the ones who post fanciful speculation; we always welcome reports of real life experiences.

I am certainly intrigued by your visa obtained at "minimal cost", because the fees are what they are, and payable by the employer, so in that sense the cost of an employment based visa is always minimal, and aside from any incidental travel expenses for the interview, should be essentially free for the employee.

You are absolutely right. I wasn't clear due to haste. My intention was to indicate that the Visa process is not expensive (and is paid for by the employer normally?), but for someone (like me) it is easy to believe that it is expensive and the employer is doing you a massive favour. Clearly they are, to the extent that a job will be offered, but that should not influence the individuals acceptance of a low salary, compared to the open US market. Dunc should also understand that he is/will be tied to that Company and that you cannot jump ship to find a better job on arrival. I'm more than happy to be corrected. Regarding specific advice, given the relevance of his situation and mine, it has very little to do with general readers hence the offer of a PM. I have no special secrets!

Actually, the visa process is well into the low five figures, especially if the company hires an outside lawyer. So you have to keep in mind that if they hire someone who needs a visa, they have to be either ten grand better or ten grand cheaper than the local talent. Of course the latter isn't supposed to happen...

The devil is in the details and it's not clear that your specialized skill and the OP's specialized skill are equally attractive to a US employer or if the OP's skill meets the visa requirements as yours apparently does.

Your positions may not be so very similar as you may think.

Regards, JEff

Jeff, that's why I offered to discuss it directly with him. I fail to see why other's interest is relevant.......b#gger, now I'm doing it!

Definitely agree the OP needs to walk into this with his eyes wide open.

The visa is the first hurdle to resolve. And now the OP has some good sources of information thanks to the folks on here.

We all pretty much agree $50k is fairly low for a salary. Again the OP needs to understand this. But there might be other factors, such as per diem we are not aware of.

In terms of housing, not all the kids need to have their own room. They can potentially double up, at least for the short term. That could help with finding a smaller property, and potentially lowering rent.

If the OP really wants to try this, and get a taste of life with the American experience, it can be done (all other factors taken into consideration). It will not be an extravagant lifestyle for sure. But if you do it for a couple of years just to experience it, it can work.

My biggest concern would be the kids. Especially moving a 16 year old. That can be emotionally tough. And you have to consider the effect on schooling for all the kids.

But as a temporary step, it can be quite a family adventure. Just make sure to have a backup plan to be able to move back to the UK if things go horribly wrong. For example, do not sell your property in the UK just to finance this adventure. If renting out the UK property, where will you live if you return to the UK prematurely?

Best of luck!