I love the US of A
Jun 25th 2007, 3:32 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 10
I love the US of A
Hello,
Every time I go to the US (notably New York), there's always something amazing that I find there. I came back from my last NYC trip a few days ago and it was honestly one of the best holidays that I've had.
I have been doing some research on what it would take to move there, and it seems quite a lot! First and foremost getting a work permit there (H1B visa), which would obviously be my primary concern.
A little about myself:
I was born in Russia, but moved to England when I was 12 and have held a full British passport since 1998. I am 26 years of age, single with no dependants. I have a Bachelor's degree (with Honours! - not that it means anything) in Software Engineering with Computer Systems course and I have worked in IT since graduation in 2002. First I worked in desktop/server support but have now moved to Unix support/administration and software development in a different company based in London. From this I have a modest (read low!) income and have finally got on the property ladder last year and a huge mortgage!!
I understand that to get approved for a limited number of H1B's, I would need to find an employer that would work with me to get the visa. I have browsed through the forums and stories/articles here and elsewhere and have come to the conclusion that it's a relatively hard task to achieve. Nevertheless, I am willing to try it. But how realistic is it really? I understand that people from India would get favoured due to them willing to work for a lower pay than, say, me... especially in IT sector. Oh, and I would have to be something special too.
The problem with England for me is that I don't really feel at home here. Home is in Russia and I don't want to move back there as there are far too many uncertainties there with the coutry going through an awkward "phase". Being in New York makes me feel at home and I love the fact that it's such a huge place and that there's literally something for everyone (think Central Park, beaches, shops, Times Square). It kind of makes London look like a hamlet. Oh and the weather isn't helping me here in the slightest.
Even though I know I have little chance in succeeding, it's obviously possible as people have done it from scratch (my company doesn't have any offices in the US). What would be the best place to start in my situation? I have looked (briefly) on various sites about the H1B visa, including the seemingly scam site known as h1base.com but still somewhat at a loss as to where to start.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
Alex
Every time I go to the US (notably New York), there's always something amazing that I find there. I came back from my last NYC trip a few days ago and it was honestly one of the best holidays that I've had.
I have been doing some research on what it would take to move there, and it seems quite a lot! First and foremost getting a work permit there (H1B visa), which would obviously be my primary concern.
A little about myself:
I was born in Russia, but moved to England when I was 12 and have held a full British passport since 1998. I am 26 years of age, single with no dependants. I have a Bachelor's degree (with Honours! - not that it means anything) in Software Engineering with Computer Systems course and I have worked in IT since graduation in 2002. First I worked in desktop/server support but have now moved to Unix support/administration and software development in a different company based in London. From this I have a modest (read low!) income and have finally got on the property ladder last year and a huge mortgage!!
I understand that to get approved for a limited number of H1B's, I would need to find an employer that would work with me to get the visa. I have browsed through the forums and stories/articles here and elsewhere and have come to the conclusion that it's a relatively hard task to achieve. Nevertheless, I am willing to try it. But how realistic is it really? I understand that people from India would get favoured due to them willing to work for a lower pay than, say, me... especially in IT sector. Oh, and I would have to be something special too.
The problem with England for me is that I don't really feel at home here. Home is in Russia and I don't want to move back there as there are far too many uncertainties there with the coutry going through an awkward "phase". Being in New York makes me feel at home and I love the fact that it's such a huge place and that there's literally something for everyone (think Central Park, beaches, shops, Times Square). It kind of makes London look like a hamlet. Oh and the weather isn't helping me here in the slightest.
Even though I know I have little chance in succeeding, it's obviously possible as people have done it from scratch (my company doesn't have any offices in the US). What would be the best place to start in my situation? I have looked (briefly) on various sites about the H1B visa, including the seemingly scam site known as h1base.com but still somewhat at a loss as to where to start.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
Alex
Jun 25th 2007, 3:35 pm
#2
Vegas Baby
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Liverpool>Fl>Tx>Ca>Nv
Posts: 567
Re: I love the US of A
2009 diversity lottery give it a go you never know 
Jun 25th 2007, 3:37 pm
#3
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 10
Re: I love the US of A
Unfortunately, neither UK nor Russia are eligible for this lottery.
Jun 25th 2007, 3:42 pm
#5
Unmitigated Gall
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: it's still too dark to tell
Posts: 16,162
Jun 25th 2007, 3:49 pm
#6
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,848
Re: I love the US of A
Are you Jewish by any chance?
Thousands of Russian Jews in New York (especially near Brighton Beach/Brooklyn). I'm sure that if you're Jewish you can 'plug in' to the local network in NY and I'm sure someone will find you a job.
Otherwise.....find an American wife LOL!
Check out the New York section of
http://www.craigslist.org
for jobs and classified ads.
Thousands of Russian Jews in New York (especially near Brighton Beach/Brooklyn). I'm sure that if you're Jewish you can 'plug in' to the local network in NY and I'm sure someone will find you a job.
Otherwise.....find an American wife LOL!
Check out the New York section of
http://www.craigslist.org
for jobs and classified ads.
Jun 25th 2007, 3:52 pm
#7
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 10
Re: I love the US of A
Are you Jewish by any chance?
Thousands of Russian Jews in New York (especially near Brighton Beach/Brooklyn). I'm sure that if you're Jewish you can 'plug in' to the local network in NY and I'm sure someone will find you a job.
Otherwise.....find an American wife LOL!
Check out the New York section of
http://www.craigslist.org
for jobs and classified ads.
Thousands of Russian Jews in New York (especially near Brighton Beach/Brooklyn). I'm sure that if you're Jewish you can 'plug in' to the local network in NY and I'm sure someone will find you a job.
Otherwise.....find an American wife LOL!
Check out the New York section of
http://www.craigslist.org
for jobs and classified ads.
Jun 25th 2007, 4:07 pm
#8
Homebody
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: HOME
Posts: 23,182
Re: I love the US of A
Though it has to be said that a lot of H1bs end up being exploited to, eg being promised sponsorship for PR, which then never materialises, or being paid less than they are worth because the employee is entirely dependent on his employer.
I would suspect the OP, even if he is lucky enough to secure an H1b, would be classified as EB3, which means it would take years and years to get to the AOS stage, even if the employer is willing to sponsor.
Immigration Portal is a good site for (prospective) H1bs. Most of the posters seem to be Indian, and they seem to network like crazy.
To get a legitimate employer to sponsor someone for an H1b, the candidate has to offer pretty unique qualities and experience. So my advice to the OP would be to investigate what skills are in demand, and then acquire that kind of skill set.
But I would also advise against focusing solely on the US. It's not a good idea to live entirely for a dream that may never materialise.
FWIW, London offers a lot of the qualities the OP appears to be craving for.
Jun 25th 2007, 4:16 pm
#9
dealing with it
Joined: Feb 2003
Location: DC
Posts: 2,916
Re: I love the US of A
Hello,
Every time I go to the US (notably New York), there's always something amazing that I find there. I came back from my last NYC trip a few days ago and it was honestly one of the best holidays that I've had.
I have been doing some research on what it would take to move there, and it seems quite a lot! First and foremost getting a work permit there (H1B visa), which would obviously be my primary concern.
A little about myself:
I was born in Russia, but moved to England when I was 12 and have held a full British passport since 1998. I am 26 years of age, single with no dependants. I have a Bachelor's degree (with Honours! - not that it means anything) in Software Engineering with Computer Systems course and I have worked in IT since graduation in 2002. First I worked in desktop/server support but have now moved to Unix support/administration and software development in a different company based in London. From this I have a modest (read low!) income and have finally got on the property ladder last year and a huge mortgage!!
I understand that to get approved for a limited number of H1B's, I would need to find an employer that would work with me to get the visa. I have browsed through the forums and stories/articles here and elsewhere and have come to the conclusion that it's a relatively hard task to achieve. Nevertheless, I am willing to try it. But how realistic is it really? I understand that people from India would get favoured due to them willing to work for a lower pay than, say, me... especially in IT sector. Oh, and I would have to be something special too.
The problem with England for me is that I don't really feel at home here. Home is in Russia and I don't want to move back there as there are far too many uncertainties there with the coutry going through an awkward "phase". Being in New York makes me feel at home and I love the fact that it's such a huge place and that there's literally something for everyone (think Central Park, beaches, shops, Times Square). It kind of makes London look like a hamlet. Oh and the weather isn't helping me here in the slightest.
Even though I know I have little chance in succeeding, it's obviously possible as people have done it from scratch (my company doesn't have any offices in the US). What would be the best place to start in my situation? I have looked (briefly) on various sites about the H1B visa, including the seemingly scam site known as h1base.com but still somewhat at a loss as to where to start.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
Alex
Every time I go to the US (notably New York), there's always something amazing that I find there. I came back from my last NYC trip a few days ago and it was honestly one of the best holidays that I've had.
I have been doing some research on what it would take to move there, and it seems quite a lot! First and foremost getting a work permit there (H1B visa), which would obviously be my primary concern.
A little about myself:
I was born in Russia, but moved to England when I was 12 and have held a full British passport since 1998. I am 26 years of age, single with no dependants. I have a Bachelor's degree (with Honours! - not that it means anything) in Software Engineering with Computer Systems course and I have worked in IT since graduation in 2002. First I worked in desktop/server support but have now moved to Unix support/administration and software development in a different company based in London. From this I have a modest (read low!) income and have finally got on the property ladder last year and a huge mortgage!!
I understand that to get approved for a limited number of H1B's, I would need to find an employer that would work with me to get the visa. I have browsed through the forums and stories/articles here and elsewhere and have come to the conclusion that it's a relatively hard task to achieve. Nevertheless, I am willing to try it. But how realistic is it really? I understand that people from India would get favoured due to them willing to work for a lower pay than, say, me... especially in IT sector. Oh, and I would have to be something special too.
The problem with England for me is that I don't really feel at home here. Home is in Russia and I don't want to move back there as there are far too many uncertainties there with the coutry going through an awkward "phase". Being in New York makes me feel at home and I love the fact that it's such a huge place and that there's literally something for everyone (think Central Park, beaches, shops, Times Square). It kind of makes London look like a hamlet. Oh and the weather isn't helping me here in the slightest.
Even though I know I have little chance in succeeding, it's obviously possible as people have done it from scratch (my company doesn't have any offices in the US). What would be the best place to start in my situation? I have looked (briefly) on various sites about the H1B visa, including the seemingly scam site known as h1base.com but still somewhat at a loss as to where to start.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
Alex
The best advice I can give you is to be very patient (these things take time) and get to know as many people in the US IT world as possible...if that means flying to the US and interviewing with companies, then so be it...the chances are though, that once you tell them you don't have a work authorization, you'll not hear from the vast majoirty again.
The problem you face is that the longer term, your potential US employer will have to go through a detailed labor certification process to prove that you have qualifications that are in short supply in the US...thats a tough call for a IT job...
If I were you, I'd cover all my bases, you could try to get a job with a US company in London and then work on them to send you to the US. At the same time, why don't you search for a suitable college course in the US...this will allow you to work a minimal number of hours per week (although college is NOT cheap) and you will be able to live here for a while to decide whether in reality, its as good as you thought it was while you were on holiday.
I lived in New York for a few years, I loved it...but I couldn't spend the rest of my life there...
Good Luck
Jun 25th 2007, 5:09 pm
#10
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2005
Location: USA
Posts: 1,865
Re: I love the US of A
Hello,
Every time I go to the US (notably New York), there's always something amazing that I find there. I came back from my last NYC trip a few days ago and it was honestly one of the best holidays that I've had.
I have been doing some research on what it would take to move there, and it seems quite a lot! First and foremost getting a work permit there (H1B visa), which would obviously be my primary concern.
A little about myself:
I was born in Russia, but moved to England when I was 12 and have held a full British passport since 1998. I am 26 years of age, single with no dependants. I have a Bachelor's degree (with Honours! - not that it means anything) in Software Engineering with Computer Systems course and I have worked in IT since graduation in 2002. First I worked in desktop/server support but have now moved to Unix support/administration and software development in a different company based in London. From this I have a modest (read low!) income and have finally got on the property ladder last year and a huge mortgage!!
I understand that to get approved for a limited number of H1B's, I would need to find an employer that would work with me to get the visa. I have browsed through the forums and stories/articles here and elsewhere and have come to the conclusion that it's a relatively hard task to achieve. Nevertheless, I am willing to try it. But how realistic is it really? I understand that people from India would get favoured due to them willing to work for a lower pay than, say, me... especially in IT sector. Oh, and I would have to be something special too.
The problem with England for me is that I don't really feel at home here. Home is in Russia and I don't want to move back there as there are far too many uncertainties there with the coutry going through an awkward "phase". Being in New York makes me feel at home and I love the fact that it's such a huge place and that there's literally something for everyone (think Central Park, beaches, shops, Times Square). It kind of makes London look like a hamlet. Oh and the weather isn't helping me here in the slightest.
Even though I know I have little chance in succeeding, it's obviously possible as people have done it from scratch (my company doesn't have any offices in the US). What would be the best place to start in my situation? I have looked (briefly) on various sites about the H1B visa, including the seemingly scam site known as h1base.com but still somewhat at a loss as to where to start.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
Alex
Every time I go to the US (notably New York), there's always something amazing that I find there. I came back from my last NYC trip a few days ago and it was honestly one of the best holidays that I've had.
I have been doing some research on what it would take to move there, and it seems quite a lot! First and foremost getting a work permit there (H1B visa), which would obviously be my primary concern.
A little about myself:
I was born in Russia, but moved to England when I was 12 and have held a full British passport since 1998. I am 26 years of age, single with no dependants. I have a Bachelor's degree (with Honours! - not that it means anything) in Software Engineering with Computer Systems course and I have worked in IT since graduation in 2002. First I worked in desktop/server support but have now moved to Unix support/administration and software development in a different company based in London. From this I have a modest (read low!) income and have finally got on the property ladder last year and a huge mortgage!!
I understand that to get approved for a limited number of H1B's, I would need to find an employer that would work with me to get the visa. I have browsed through the forums and stories/articles here and elsewhere and have come to the conclusion that it's a relatively hard task to achieve. Nevertheless, I am willing to try it. But how realistic is it really? I understand that people from India would get favoured due to them willing to work for a lower pay than, say, me... especially in IT sector. Oh, and I would have to be something special too.
The problem with England for me is that I don't really feel at home here. Home is in Russia and I don't want to move back there as there are far too many uncertainties there with the coutry going through an awkward "phase". Being in New York makes me feel at home and I love the fact that it's such a huge place and that there's literally something for everyone (think Central Park, beaches, shops, Times Square). It kind of makes London look like a hamlet. Oh and the weather isn't helping me here in the slightest.
Even though I know I have little chance in succeeding, it's obviously possible as people have done it from scratch (my company doesn't have any offices in the US). What would be the best place to start in my situation? I have looked (briefly) on various sites about the H1B visa, including the seemingly scam site known as h1base.com but still somewhat at a loss as to where to start.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
Alex
You're in for some tough competition if you're an IT specialist and want to get to the US on an H1-B. There's many Indian nationals who get snapped up on just that visa.
Unless you have an outstanding employment history and a first from a well known British university (i.e. one that Americans have heard of), it's going to incredibly difficult to attract the attention of US employers.
Jun 25th 2007, 5:17 pm
#11
dealing with it
Joined: Feb 2003
Location: DC
Posts: 2,916
Re: I love the US of A
You're in for some tough competition if you're an IT specialist and want to get to the US on an H1-B. There's many Indian nationals who get snapped up on just that visa.
Unless you have an outstanding employment history and a first from a well known British university (i.e. one that Americans have heard of), it's going to incredibly difficult to attract the attention of US employers.
Unless you have an outstanding employment history and a first from a well known British university (i.e. one that Americans have heard of), it's going to incredibly difficult to attract the attention of US employers.
I've met British people working on H1B in the US that have lower class degrees from unknown universities...its just not easy
Jun 25th 2007, 5:19 pm
#12
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,172
Re: I love the US of A
Unless you've niche skills, you'd probably need more experience to have a realistic chance....best bet, L1...find a company that has an office in the US, work there for a couple of years and try and get them to blag a transfer for you.
Jun 25th 2007, 9:22 pm
#14
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 10
Re: I love the US of A
Blimey... Sounds like I have quite a task ahead of me. Still, I am willing to try it. If other people have done it, then it's possible! 
What about training type programs? Would these let me into the US and allow me to eventually work?
What amazes me most is how many people in NYC were in employment but hardly speak any English. Of course, these weren't any of the professional jobs (i.e. taxi drivers) but still, they are working, so they must have a permit there.
Elvira, I have lived in London for 3 years while at uni and I can honestly say that I didn't like it all that much. It's a completely different atmosphere from NYC. And the rain! Grrrrrr!
Keep the advice coming!
What about training type programs? Would these let me into the US and allow me to eventually work?
What amazes me most is how many people in NYC were in employment but hardly speak any English. Of course, these weren't any of the professional jobs (i.e. taxi drivers) but still, they are working, so they must have a permit there.
Elvira, I have lived in London for 3 years while at uni and I can honestly say that I didn't like it all that much. It's a completely different atmosphere from NYC. And the rain! Grrrrrr!
Keep the advice coming!
Jun 25th 2007, 9:30 pm
#15
Account Closed
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,266
Re: I love the US of A
Blimey... Sounds like I have quite a task ahead of me. Still, I am willing to try it. If other people have done it, then it's possible!
What about training type programs? Would these let me into the US and allow me to eventually work?
What amazes me most is how many people in NYC were in employment but hardly speak any English. Of course, these weren't any of the professional jobs (i.e. taxi drivers) but still, they are working, so they must have a permit there.
Elvira, I have lived in London for 3 years while at uni and I can honestly say that I didn't like it all that much. It's a completely different atmosphere from NYC. And the rain! Grrrrrr!
Keep the advice coming!
What about training type programs? Would these let me into the US and allow me to eventually work?
What amazes me most is how many people in NYC were in employment but hardly speak any English. Of course, these weren't any of the professional jobs (i.e. taxi drivers) but still, they are working, so they must have a permit there.
Elvira, I have lived in London for 3 years while at uni and I can honestly say that I didn't like it all that much. It's a completely different atmosphere from NYC. And the rain! Grrrrrr!
Keep the advice coming!
Oh, the snow in NY is crazy - different courses.
I'd seriously try to go the L1 route. It is much easier to get in that way, and much less complicated to Adjust your status.