Oh, thank God for that! I thought you were going to say Catholic.

There is a very large Ethiopian (and Eritrean ) community in DC, so people may well assume that's where you're from.

Welcome to BE

And as others have said, dive right in, if you've got the chance, that's the hardest part, go for it and enjoy it.

Read the forums and the wiki though so you can get some stuff prepared and know what to expect...but enjoy it, no different to moving to another part of the country blind in essence

It is definitely an opportunity that you should take if it is available to you.

One question, though, (and I am surprised that nobody else has asked, since it is a question with which newcomers are usually bombarded by the regulars) - is this a transfer within a company that you already work for, or is it a job with a new company, and what visa are you hoping to get?

Having a job offer is great and already puts you way ahead of most people who want to come to the US, but there is still that crucial detail of the visa without which none of this can happen (unless, of course, you are lucky enough to have US citizenship - but since you didn't mention it I am assuming that is not the case)

The job is as a researcher at a non-profit research institution and they will be applying for an H1-B visa for me. They are pretty confident that this can be done within a month to six weeks and they seem pretty on the ball with the whole process...

Typically all the H1bs go in April. I believe there are some speciality H1s, but not entirely sure.

You might have to wait until next year afore coming over. Arrrr. Shiver me timbers.

Good - provided that they are exempt from the visa quota then you should be OK.

Surrender ye booty to me Octang! Argggggggghhhhh!

a non-profit research organization is likely to be exempt from the quota.

Yup- they are exempt from the cap.

Most likely. I work for a university and we have H1-B Visa's rolling in at all times of the year for research purposes. The university is considered a not-for-profit entity.

Nope she is in the special category. Should not be a problem for her at all if she meets the education/experience requirements.

Must stop clicking refresh and go to sleep! Thanks for your help everyone. Will check back in tommorrow (or in 5 minutes depending on my willpower...)

Sam

Already au fait with the terminology. You are ahead of the game. I think it would be quite something to know you in private life, Clarice.

Avast, Ugger! You keep your mangy hands off my precious booty, you scurvy dog. I'll have you poled afore the night is through and hanging on my yard arm for three tides.

may or may not be...if it's uni related there won't be a quota...but their time frame could be tight that if they want it done so quickly, premium processing might be worth the extra grand...