super copywriter

Can U help? Brits that have moved to LA...?

Hi, I am looking to move to Los Angeles, more specifically, the Hollywood Hills or Santa Monica.

I have been researching both for quite some time, but would love to hear from other Brits who have already moved.

I would be doing a junior copywriting job in Advertising.

I would particularly like to hear experiences of/tips about:

Shipping your possessions over

General costs involved in moving

Accommodation to rent

Public transport, particularly in the centre/dowtown of LA

The immigration process for either a HB-1 visa or green card

Learning to drive in the U.S and taking their driving tests

Help regarding any of the above would be great.

Thanks.

d_woo

have you been offered a job or are you just hoping to get one?, i ask as im sure it'll have an affect on people's answers

lisa67

Usually if a company has offered you a job and has aggreed to apply for an H1 visa for you (they apply, not you) then it includes moving expenses...not always though.
Unless you have your job and visa in place there is no use looking into anything else

lisa67

oh...forgot to say "Welcome"
These boards are full of really useful information..have a look through the wiki.

caleyjag

Is LA the new Florida?

AmerLisa

Well I know its not Seattle.....too cold here.....

Although we are supposed to get pretty warm over the weekend.....woohoo!

dbj1000

Frickin' hilarious that the visa question is 5th on the list after such vital questions as the quality of public transport!!!

Based on the information given, there is no direct route to a Green Card here.

As for an H1-B, you have to find a company to sponsor you, and I imagine it will be exceptionally difficult as a junior copywriter. Hell, as a world-renowned copywriter it wouldn't be a slam-dunk!

And living in the Hollywood Hills or Santa Monica on a junior copywriter salary?!? What planet are you on, exactly?

bevinva

I was waiting for your reply.

Ozzidoc

Me too. I must admit that I'm impressed with his staying power!

dbj1000

It's pretty silly me replying to these threads really. I think I'll give it a break. I'm sure they'll live without my endless broken-record negativity!

caleyjag

It's OK, as soon as I saw the thread I PM'd the OP to warn them it wouldn't take long for someone to tell them it straight!

I like your posts. Especially when you explicitly call them a moron (or was that someone else?)

HoosierDaddy

I think the OP, SectionB1977 and PurpleRonnie10 should all get a house in LA together, once they make it over of course.

Sue

Hi super copywriter,

Welcome to BE.

As others have already written it is extremely difficult to move to the USA. I suggest the first thing you do is to take a read of this page in the wiki and see if any of it applies to you.

Sue

super copywriter

thank you (most of you) for the answers. i have done much research into this subject, but was hoping to get some 1st hand accounts to enhance this. i have not yet got a job offer, but have found relevant companies with opportunities.

i am currently reworking my portfolio and then i shall be applying.

so, if anyone can offer me any additional, constructive tips, i would appreciate it.

lisa67

No...that's Houston isn't it??