Job search before visa is granted?
 

Our I-130 is pending and I'm hoping to move back at the beginning of July. My wife stays at home with the baby now and I'll be quitting my job for the move, so anything we can do to speed of the process of finding a new job for me would be great. I'd like to start applying for things in May, knowing that the turn around time from job posting to hiring is quite long.

From my employment history and contact details it will be obvious that I'm still in the UK. I'd like to let them know that I'll be a permanent resident upon entering the US this summer, but I'm worried that wording it wrong will put them off reviewing my application. Does anyone have any tips on how to deal with my immigration status in my applications and cover letters?

Thanks.

Re: Job search before visa is granted?
 

I'm not sure what you mean about long time between hiring and starting a job - most people have two weeks notice at most here so there is no real wait. You will find people simply don't give you the time of day if you are not here for interviews and with a definite date on which you can start.
Of course there are specialised areas which may work differently, but if you are looking for a general job don't get your hopes up.

Re: Job search before visa is granted?
 

If I were you, I wouldn't start applying for employment until you get to the US. The main reason is that in today's job market, it's very unlikely an employer will hold a job for you until you get to the US (unless it is your previous employer and you left on good terms).

However, you can start putting together your resume/CV and start researching employers in your field and in your geographic area.

Are you returning to NY state?

Re: Job search before visa is granted?
 

No, between when the position is first advertised and when it is filled. Based on my previous experience there (which may be off), applications for jobs that are just being advertised now may not even be reviewed for another month or so. And they may not get around to interviewing people for a while after that. I'm talking about jobs with big organizations - I know smaller places move faster. I'd rather have that lag time happening while I'm in the UK, than when I'm sitting unemployed in the US.

Re: Job search before visa is granted?
 

Sadly this is also often the case when you are here as well.....

Re: Job search before visa is granted?
 

It is really really difficult to say. You are right in thinking it can be months though. Big companies here move at a crawl; they advertise for speculative jobs (which are not there yet), and so on. I can't stress how much it seems acceptable to string people along here in contrast with the UK.

If I was you, I'd do lots of research on your area, find out who is who in the companies, and get some emails/letters out to those key people explaining your situation, skills, etc. If nothing else, it may help when you do get here. Good luck!

Re: Job search before visa is granted?
 

I don't necessarily agree that it always works that way but anyway...
If you have the opportunity to build any kind of network while stuck in the UK get on to it. A large percentage of vacancies are filled through networking here rather than through advertisements. If there is a professional organisation for your field join it or it's online community. Join LinkedIn or similiar and start building a network that way, if you have any kind of contact, no matter how remote, over here then utilise it.

Re: Job search before visa is granted?
 

Yep. Either Upstate or Western depending on jobs.

Re: Job search before visa is granted?
 

Hiring process can take weeks or even months for some places...

Anyway, resume/CV wording, state your work authorised and a greencard holder, or will be from date of...I know they can't ask for your status, but if you make it clear you won't need sponsorship, it'll help, I know it's helping me as otherwise the resume would be in the bin.