snoble

Hi everyone,

I'm in serious need of some advice or help from anyone out there who may have experience or knowledge of immigrating to America.

Here's a quick rundown of my situation: a year ago I met my current girlfriend in England while she was studying there. This past summer, she moved back home. I saved up loads of cash, then came across to the States to try and seek employment so I can stay here with her until she is capable of returning to the UK.

I did some research before coming here and found that having a degree in computers and three years IT experience my only option seems to be the H1B visa. So at the moment I'm staying here with her and trying to approach agencies and employers with my resume. But the going seems a bit hard, and it seems people have a real problem with understanding the visa situation. It seems to me that I'm not getting much interest because people see my requirement for sponsorship and it puts them off. I know for a fact that it has nothing to do with my actual skills and experience, as over the years many agencies have complemented me on my capabilities and background and I never have any trouble getting employment back home.

So can anybody give me some helpful advice or contacts which might help me? My girlfriend and I are serious about being together, yet marriage is not an option - if anything because of how young our relationship is. I'd be eternally in the debt of anyone who could help me stay here .

Oh, and I'm living in Orange, California - just in case anyone has any location specific help.

Thanks in advance - Stu

Ben

If you really want what you want...NEVER STOP TRYING!

You are not the only one who is facing the job problem right now, but
never give up! Make a good resume and send it to hundreds of companies
on the internet using good websites like "Dice.com", "Hotjob.com",
"Monster.com" etc. Then follow up those who are in your area on the
phone. Do keep option of relocating open!

All the best,
--Ben.


snoble wrote in message news:...
    > Hi everyone,
    > I'm in serious need of some advice or help from anyone out there who may
    > have experience or knowledge of immigrating to America.
    > Here's a quick rundown of my situation: a year ago I met my current
    > girlfriend in England while she was studying there. This past summer,
    > she moved back home. I saved up loads of cash, then came across to the
    > States to try and seek employment so I can stay here with her until she
    > is capable of returning to the UK.
    > I did some research before coming here and found that having a degree in
    > computers and three years IT experience my only option seems to be the
    > H1B visa. So at the moment I'm staying here with her and trying to
    > approach agencies and employers with my resume. But the going seems a
    > bit hard, and it seems people have a real problem with understanding the
    > visa situation. It seems to me that I'm not getting much interest
    > because people see my requirement for sponsorship and it puts them off.
    > I know for a fact that it has nothing to do with my actual skills and
    > experience, as over the years many agencies have complemented me on my
    > capabilities and background and I never have any trouble getting
    > employment back home.
    > So can anybody give me some helpful advice or contacts which might help
    > me? My girlfriend and I are serious about being together, yet marriage
    > is not an option - if anything because of how young our relationship is.
    > I'd be eternally in the debt of anyone who could help me stay here .
    > Oh, and I'm living in Orange, California - just in case anyone has any
    > location specific help.
    > Thanks in advance - Stu
    > --

Mark Carroll

In article ,
snoble wrote:
(snip)
    >Here's a quick rundown of my situation: a year ago I met my current
    >girlfriend in England while she was studying there. This past summer,
    >she moved back home. I saved up loads of cash, then came across to the
    >States to try and seek employment so I can stay here with her until she
    >is capable of returning to the UK.
    >I did some research before coming here and found that having a degree in
    >computers and three years IT experience my only option seems to be the
    >H1B visa. So at the moment I'm staying here with her and trying to
(snip)

FWIW, after I did my degree I got a research lab in a large US
university to sponsor me for a J-1 under which I did computer
programming for them. (We also returned to the UK together
afterwards.) So, if the lower pay is okay, consider academic employers
- they'll already be used to sponsoring J-1s, though they're strictly
non-immigrant visas IIRC.

-- Mark