docholywood

Sorry that's my fault


She can be added to my policy but I will have to pay her premium. I don't know as yet what that will be though - but will be sure to find out. Will do a search to find out what a 'reasonable' figure is.

Ok I am being unrealistic - but I really don't want to risk having a finance deal within months of getting there so that's worry.

Ok, sounds fair enough I guess, I didn't expect to have it easy for my salary, and am envisaging 60 hour weeks - I do 45 at the minute or more consistently all year so more hours around financial close is fine.

Yikes they push you hard!

Cool - I get 30 at the minutes in the UK so it's just ok in comparison! I was willing to 'accept' this as a compromise. lol.

I'm in a fairly strong position for a variety of reasons but don't want to be unreasonable as that can make things sour - just what is fair to expect.

Hmm I was budgeting about $2.5k for rent and $1k for car(s), and about $750 for utilities and household bills, and $350 car insurance etc so I am wayyy off base there!

Thanks for the guidance Nicky!

docholywood

Thanks for the pointer I'll check that out after I have gone through the posts on this thread! Cheers Bob!

docholywood

LOL that's my stupidity I should have realised the spelling.

Looks like we are going to have to do the paperwork to get married and have the ceremony at another time - but that would cause more problems than you could ever know!!!

Noorah101

Well, double check with the company lawyers....from what YOU have said, they think it's possible, right?

Rene

meauxna

Jeezaly crow, OP's been to the Wilmore school of quoting.
brb

meauxna

If YOU are coming on an E-2 (employee) visa (is that right?), your dependent can also get an E-2. She would need to apply for a work permit (EAD) once she arrives. However, this would only be available for your spouse.

I read your opening post that your GF is getting her own E-2 (employee) visa and will work for the same company as you, just not on as good a relocation package.

Is any of that right? These things will make a big difference to you eventually.

Sally Redux

I would say that's a decent take-home pay, especially if your fiancee is going to be working as well. Where are you looking to live?

docholywood

LOL at meauxna! Sorry, I messed it up and wasn't sure how to correct it. Thank you!

@ rene - yeah they said it was possible but didn't go into enough detail just kind said they would 'handle all the details with company lawyers" but I obviously need to understand what is happening so I don't get caught out.

@meauxna - I am the E2 (employee) visa - she was classified as my 'dependant' and would be on an E2 (Dependant) visa, but she has no connections with the company at all.

If an E2 dependant visa does not exist, I could have misinterpreted what was said, or my interviewer might have been mistaken. It seems it takes 90 days to sort out after my E2 visa is arranged if that is any help?

@ Sally - I am researching this at the moment but want to be within walking / leisurely cycling distance from 90210 where the office is located. I don't want a huge commute in the first year whilst I am getting to know the city and will make an informed decision about a preferred location further out. I hear Manhattan Beach is a good area, but have no clue about ease of commute or rental prices for 2 bed 2 bath with parking and preferably a balcony and near parkland.

Noorah101

It DOES exist, but you have to be married to get it. Perhaps when you spoke to the interviewer, you said "partner" instead of "fiancee", and he thought you were married?

Rene

meauxna

OK, she is not getting her own 'work visa'. She will be a dependent E-2 and she will be eligible to apply for an EAD/Employment Authorization Document. The EAD may be applied for after arrival, and takes about 90 days to get.
So, you have a combination of good/bad info in your original understanding.

The big issue is that common law spouses/partners etc are not eligible for the dependent visa. Married spouses are.

http://london.usembassy.gov/e.html
Please read the information in the right hand margin.

I'm going to get in trouble with myself. We really prefer that immigration discussions be in their own thread in the immigration forum.

docholywood

Haha, think you need to address the bipolar dissorder M but thank you so much for clearing up my thoughts on the visa situation. I will not discuss it again within this thread and will start another one if I need more advice further down the line. Just have to break it to the family that we may have to get married before her sister's who's is in a few months!! That is the other 'complication' I mentioned let the sisters fight it out methinks.

In terms of other issues about cost of living vs my income etc I would be happy to hear about others experiences and any other discussion regarding package generally.

Infact what about exchange rate fluctuations? What should I consider when it comes to this?

fatbrit

Don't know whether you're planning to stay or just do a few years. Your sponsor holds you by the short and curlys until you get a green card. And it's generally your employer who decides whether to sponsor you or not for residence.

If you might want to stay, it's worth putting in the contract that they will sponsor you for a green card after so many years in the job.

Bob

That's where the suggestion of just doing the registry marriage now, to set you up for the visa situation and going a head with the big ceremony at a later date. The family doesn't even have to know the difference.

docholywood

Oh, eloping that sounds like a black and white movie, but probably what we will do if it comes to it!

We are intending on a long term (even permanent) move, giving ourselves at least 24 months before considering coming back with a back stop of 5 years before we decide that becoming a citizen is the way to go. Unless we are 100% certain either way before that time that it is a living hell or eutopia.

meauxna

You;ll want to discuss it with your immigration lawyer, when things start to get that far along. Don't get married (if you're not ready) until you've had further confirmation of the immigration decisions of the employer.

You'll want to start looking for some tax preparation assistance as well. If you're going to have a huge vehicle allowance like that, and the other relocation costs, you'll want to make sure that's all handled to your best advantage. The first year US returns are a PITA, especially when you're unfamiliar with the system.