I.T professional - move to USA
Jan 11th 2015, 10:10 pm
#1
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I.T professional - move to USA
Hi everyone,
Recently I've been thinking again about moving to the U.S, specifically California. I'm originally from Cardiff but I've been living in London for a year now. The good thing about the I.T industry is the big certifications (Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA etc) are universal and so I could take them with me. The same applies to the experience and skills gained as you work on the same systems and technology.
However, I do realise there are a lot of hurdles to navigate and it's incredibly hard to move unless you're able to satisfy their stringent entry requirements. As far as I know, the only way to do it is:
a) have a U.S spouse/family member who's a permanent resident
b) have my work visa sponsored by a company
c) have $500,000 to invest in a business
Is my best bet to work for an international/U.S company that would sponsor my visa for a transfer?
Are there any I.T professionals here who've successfully moved from the UK to the US?
Thanks guys.
Recently I've been thinking again about moving to the U.S, specifically California. I'm originally from Cardiff but I've been living in London for a year now. The good thing about the I.T industry is the big certifications (Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA etc) are universal and so I could take them with me. The same applies to the experience and skills gained as you work on the same systems and technology.
However, I do realise there are a lot of hurdles to navigate and it's incredibly hard to move unless you're able to satisfy their stringent entry requirements. As far as I know, the only way to do it is:
a) have a U.S spouse/family member who's a permanent resident
b) have my work visa sponsored by a company
c) have $500,000 to invest in a business
Is my best bet to work for an international/U.S company that would sponsor my visa for a transfer?
Are there any I.T professionals here who've successfully moved from the UK to the US?
Thanks guys.
Jan 11th 2015, 10:13 pm
#2
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Re: I.T professional - move to USA
Yes...transferring with an international company is best IMO. My husband is an IT professional and that's exactly what he did.
Jan 11th 2015, 10:13 pm
#3
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2011
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 6,159
Re: I.T professional - move to USA
Welcome Mr Butt
Read first, come back with questions.
(You seem to have it straight anyway.)
Pulaski's Ways: How to Live and Work in the USA : British Expat Wiki
Many of us did indeed do an internal transfer, for example I was Adobe UK to Adobe US.
Are you working at the moment?
Does your employer have a US presence?
Could you find a job in a company with a US presence?
You can of course apply directly but obviously there's less chance when you're competing with people here but if you have good certifications that would help.
Bulk up your LinkedIn profile...maintain a presence, build contacts, network.
Read first, come back with questions.
(You seem to have it straight anyway.)
Pulaski's Ways: How to Live and Work in the USA : British Expat Wiki
Many of us did indeed do an internal transfer, for example I was Adobe UK to Adobe US.
Are you working at the moment?
Does your employer have a US presence?
Could you find a job in a company with a US presence?
You can of course apply directly but obviously there's less chance when you're competing with people here but if you have good certifications that would help.
Bulk up your LinkedIn profile...maintain a presence, build contacts, network.
Last edited by Hotscot; Jan 11th 2015 at 10:17 pm.
Jan 11th 2015, 10:32 pm
#4
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Re: I.T professional - move to USA
Thanks guys.
Jerseygirl - can I ask what field in I.T did your husband transfer? What was your experience like of applying to move and then the actual move?
Hotscot - thanks for the Wiki, I have read over it. How did your transfer come about?
Yes I'm currently in employment at the moment. Unfortunately my employer doesn't have a presence in the U.S. But I'm looking for another job anyway and actively pursuing a means of leaving (passing exams and gaining certifications). I'm currently in first line support which is nothing special and they would find an American to do this job. But I'm looking to develop professionally and specialise as I gain further experience and certifications. I do have a LinkedIn profile and do my best to network where I can!
Jerseygirl - can I ask what field in I.T did your husband transfer? What was your experience like of applying to move and then the actual move?
Hotscot - thanks for the Wiki, I have read over it. How did your transfer come about?
Yes I'm currently in employment at the moment. Unfortunately my employer doesn't have a presence in the U.S. But I'm looking for another job anyway and actively pursuing a means of leaving (passing exams and gaining certifications). I'm currently in first line support which is nothing special and they would find an American to do this job. But I'm looking to develop professionally and specialise as I gain further experience and certifications. I do have a LinkedIn profile and do my best to network where I can!
Jan 11th 2015, 10:37 pm
#5
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 88,023
Re: I.T professional - move to USA
Thanks guys.
Jerseygirl - can I ask what field in I.T did your husband transfer? What was your experience like of applying to move and then the actual move?
Hotscot - thanks for the Wiki, I have read over it. How did your transfer come about?
Yes I'm currently in employment at the moment. Unfortunately my employer doesn't have a presence in the U.S. But I'm looking for another job anyway and actively pursuing a means of leaving (passing exams and gaining certifications). I'm currently in first line support which is nothing special and they would find an American to do this job. But I'm looking to develop professionally and specialise as I gain further experience and certifications. I do have a LinkedIn profile and do my best to network where I can!
Jerseygirl - can I ask what field in I.T did your husband transfer? What was your experience like of applying to move and then the actual move?
Hotscot - thanks for the Wiki, I have read over it. How did your transfer come about?
Yes I'm currently in employment at the moment. Unfortunately my employer doesn't have a presence in the U.S. But I'm looking for another job anyway and actively pursuing a means of leaving (passing exams and gaining certifications). I'm currently in first line support which is nothing special and they would find an American to do this job. But I'm looking to develop professionally and specialise as I gain further experience and certifications. I do have a LinkedIn profile and do my best to network where I can!
Jan 11th 2015, 10:38 pm
#6
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Posts: 6,159
Re: I.T professional - move to USA
Hotscot - thanks for the Wiki, I have read over it. How did your transfer come about?
I was also in support initially, in a very specific complex area of technology, Level 3 Senior. So because of my knowledge it was requested I transfer...thought I'd go for six months but one thing led to another and 15 years have gone past. Can't wait to get home...
But yes, the internal transfer was very streamlined with the caveat that you make good internal contacts and excel at your job. After all if a vacancy exists someone else internally may also want it.
I was also in support initially, in a very specific complex area of technology, Level 3 Senior. So because of my knowledge it was requested I transfer...thought I'd go for six months but one thing led to another and 15 years have gone past. Can't wait to get home...
But yes, the internal transfer was very streamlined with the caveat that you make good internal contacts and excel at your job. After all if a vacancy exists someone else internally may also want it.
Jan 11th 2015, 10:44 pm
#7
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Re: I.T professional - move to USA
Hotscot - thanks for the Wiki, I have read over it. How did your transfer come about?
I was also in support initially, in a very specific complex area of technology, Level 3 Senior. So because of my knowledge it was requested I transfer...thought I'd go for six months but one thing led to another and 15 years have gone past. Can't wait to get home...
But yes, the internal transfer was very streamlined with the caveat that you make good internal contacts and excel at your job. After all if a vacancy exists someone else internally may also want it.
I was also in support initially, in a very specific complex area of technology, Level 3 Senior. So because of my knowledge it was requested I transfer...thought I'd go for six months but one thing led to another and 15 years have gone past. Can't wait to get home...
But yes, the internal transfer was very streamlined with the caveat that you make good internal contacts and excel at your job. After all if a vacancy exists someone else internally may also want it.
Can I ask why you now want to go home?
Jan 11th 2015, 10:49 pm
#8
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 88,023
Re: I.T professional - move to USA
Hotscot - thanks for the Wiki, I have read over it. How did your transfer come about?
I was also in support initially, in a very specific complex area of technology, Level 3 Senior. So because of my knowledge it was requested I transfer...thought I'd go for six months but one thing led to another and 15 years have gone past. Can't wait to get home...
But yes, the internal transfer was very streamlined with the caveat that you make good internal contacts and excel at your job. After all if a vacancy exists someone else internally may also want it.
I was also in support initially, in a very specific complex area of technology, Level 3 Senior. So because of my knowledge it was requested I transfer...thought I'd go for six months but one thing led to another and 15 years have gone past. Can't wait to get home...
But yes, the internal transfer was very streamlined with the caveat that you make good internal contacts and excel at your job. After all if a vacancy exists someone else internally may also want it.
Jan 11th 2015, 10:51 pm
#9
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2011
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 6,159
Re: I.T professional - move to USA
I came alone but a lovely teacher came to a presentation I was giving, we had coffee and got married. Now I'm dual citizen like many here on the forum.
Why I want to go home.
I miss Scotland so much and in my opinion the cultural/historical variety in Europe is far more stimulating than in the US. I find the US far too homogeneous...just have a 'been there done it' feeling.
Was nice to visit though, been an adventure.
(Ironically it's difficult to leave just yet...got a nice business going.)
Last edited by Hotscot; Jan 11th 2015 at 10:54 pm.
Jan 11th 2015, 11:07 pm
#10
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Re: I.T professional - move to USA
Was originally going to Manhattan but it was winter so I came to sunny CA instead. (Have had too much sun and no-weather now, very boring.)
I came alone but a lovely teacher came to a presentation I was giving, we had coffee and got married. Now I'm dual citizen like many here on the forum.
Why I want to go home.
I miss Scotland so much and in my opinion the cultural/historical variety in Europe is far more stimulating than in the US. I find the US far too homogeneous...just have a 'been there done it' feeling.
Was nice to visit though, been an adventure.
I came alone but a lovely teacher came to a presentation I was giving, we had coffee and got married. Now I'm dual citizen like many here on the forum.
Why I want to go home.
I miss Scotland so much and in my opinion the cultural/historical variety in Europe is far more stimulating than in the US. I find the US far too homogeneous...just have a 'been there done it' feeling.
Was nice to visit though, been an adventure.
In regards to holiday hours in work, I understand on average this is much less in the US than it is in the UK? 10 days?
Jan 11th 2015, 11:14 pm
#11
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Posts: 6,159
Re: I.T professional - move to USA
I love Wales, spent time in the Cardiff area this year, castles and Roman ruins, then a lovely drive up the coast to Aberystwyth...it was like being back in the 60's at the seaside there
Jan 11th 2015, 11:39 pm
#12
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Re: I.T professional - move to USA
How come you're looking to move back? Did you meet many British expats when you were over there?
That's great to hear you met a lovely woman over there, surely not all too bad hehe. I can understand being far away from home for an extended period of time would be very difficult in the long-term. I miss Wales quite a bit and I think I'll return one day. Still, I am leaning heavily towards the U.S and I've always loved the country, I've certainly been quite a few times. I think if you have a yearning to move to somewhere, you have to get it out of your system.
In regards to holiday hours in work, I understand on average this is much less in the US than it is in the UK? 10 days?
That's great to hear you met a lovely woman over there, surely not all too bad hehe. I can understand being far away from home for an extended period of time would be very difficult in the long-term. I miss Wales quite a bit and I think I'll return one day. Still, I am leaning heavily towards the U.S and I've always loved the country, I've certainly been quite a few times. I think if you have a yearning to move to somewhere, you have to get it out of your system.
In regards to holiday hours in work, I understand on average this is much less in the US than it is in the UK? 10 days?
We always wanted to move back but we just got sucked into things here...mainly my husband's job. Always intended to retire back home but our daughter was 11 when we moved...she is now married and has a baby. That's the main tie that keeps us this side of the pond now. Children should be a big consideration IMO...what happens if the marriage breaks down...what if adult kids don't want to move back to the UK? We've seen these scenarios and more time and time again on BE.
BTW my daughter didn't enjoy living in the US and decided to go to uni in Toronto. For the last 12 months we have also been in Toronto...apart from escaping for the winter and spending about 4/5 months in Florida and the Caribbean. I am more settled here than I ever was in the US...hubby wants to go back to he UK.
Visiting is absolutely nothing like living here...I've lost count of the number of times I visited. That didn't prepare me for the culture shock.
Hubby was lucky he retained his UK holiday allowance. When he moved to a new company he negotiated the same allowance.
Bear in mind that for every person who is unhappy there is probably hundreds of thousands who are enjoying their life...instead of posting on an expat forum. On the other hand a saying that is often quoted on here re moving to the US...it's the same sh*t...different bucket.
Jan 11th 2015, 11:49 pm
#13
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Re: I.T professional - move to USA
It'll depend on the employer but highly qualified in I.T. you'll tend towards the generous. In all honestly though there are so many three day weekends where you could take mini-vacations.
I love Wales, spent time in the Cardiff area this year, castles and Roman ruins, then a lovely drive up the coast to Aberystwyth...it was like being back in the 60's at the seaside there
I love Wales, spent time in the Cardiff area this year, castles and Roman ruins, then a lovely drive up the coast to Aberystwyth...it was like being back in the 60's at the seaside there
I'm very envious of you! I've actually never been to Aberystwyth but I've heard very good things about it. I have come to appreciate Wales much more and do miss things like seeing bi-lingual road signs. Cardiff is a fantastic city and my home so we'll see. Although at the moment I'm very eager to switch jobs so I can move back to SW London as it's much nicer, where I am now is a bit of a ****hole.
Do you meet up with any expats in LA?
We always wanted to move back but we just got sucked into things here...mainly my husband's job. Always intended to retire back home but our daughter was 11 when we moved...she is now married and has a baby. That's the main tie that keeps us this side of the pond now. Children should be a big consideration IMO...what happens if the marriage breaks down...what if adult kids don't want to move back to the UK? We've seen these scenarios and more time and time again on BE.
BTW my daughter didn't enjoy living in the US and decided to go to uni in Toronto. For the last 12 months we have also been in Toronto...apart from escaping for the winter and spending about 4/5 months in Florida and the Caribbean. I am more settled here than I ever was in the US...hubby wants to go back to he UK.
Visiting is absolutely nothing like living here...I've lost count of the number of times I visited. That didn't prepare me for the culture shock.
Hubby was lucky he retained his UK holiday allowance. When he moved to a new company he negotiated the same allowance.
Bear in mind that for every person who is unhappy there is probably hundreds of thousands who are enjoying their life...instead of posting on an expat forum. On the other hand a saying that is often quoted on here re moving to the US...it's the same sh*t...different bucket.
BTW my daughter didn't enjoy living in the US and decided to go to uni in Toronto. For the last 12 months we have also been in Toronto...apart from escaping for the winter and spending about 4/5 months in Florida and the Caribbean. I am more settled here than I ever was in the US...hubby wants to go back to he UK.
Visiting is absolutely nothing like living here...I've lost count of the number of times I visited. That didn't prepare me for the culture shock.
Hubby was lucky he retained his UK holiday allowance. When he moved to a new company he negotiated the same allowance.
Bear in mind that for every person who is unhappy there is probably hundreds of thousands who are enjoying their life...instead of posting on an expat forum. On the other hand a saying that is often quoted on here re moving to the US...it's the same sh*t...different bucket.
Will you move to Toronto or Florida then? Canada is an interesting country and I'll be going to Montreal with the family this summer so something to look forward to at least.
Jan 11th 2015, 11:59 pm
#14
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2011
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Posts: 6,159
Re: I.T professional - move to USA
"The three day weekends you mention, are you referring to national holidays/bank holidays?"
Yes, or at least the equivalent.
"Do you meet up with any expats in LA? "
Not really, bit of a loner And very busy running my company/traveling/home projects/spending time with my wife. Apart from being homesick life here has been fantastic in many respects...Fancy a weekend in New Orleans, Las Vegas, hiking Death Valley, Yellowstone etc I just want to go back and do all that in Europe now.
Yes, or at least the equivalent.
"Do you meet up with any expats in LA? "
Not really, bit of a loner
And very busy running my company/traveling/home projects/spending time with my wife. Apart from being homesick life here has been fantastic in many respects...Fancy a weekend in New Orleans, Las Vegas, hiking Death Valley, Yellowstone etc I just want to go back and do all that in Europe now.
Jan 12th 2015, 6:36 pm
#15
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Re: I.T professional - move to USA
my husband was a manager in SAN storage and server management in a large US bank that had offices in London. The opportunity to transfer just came along (he certainly didnt set out for that). he got an L1A visa and a subsequent Green Card.