Moving to Reno on an L-1 visa
 

Hi guys,

I'm currently going through a job application process to move to a Reno-based office of the same company I currently work for. It's looking really promising so I'm going on the assumption that I should look into the pros, cons and pitfalls of moving stateside.

I am just looking to gather as much information as possible really, so I can make an informed decision as to accept the job or not and how much salary I should be looking for.

My info:

I'm currently on ~£30k (~$45k) in Manchester and have next to no living expenses (I live in my brother's spare room). However, I am heavily in debt and as such have < £200 per month spare after my re-payments are taken.

I'm 30, and have a full UK driving licence with 6 years no claims discount. I have no dependents and will be moving over alone.

I have family in San Diego, California who can help with whatever I need (obviously in terms of support and small temporary loans etc).

My company are going to be taking care of all the visa applications for me - both applying for the L-1 and the green card downt he line.

Many thanks for whatever help you can offer,
John.

:thumbsup:

Re: Moving to Reno on an L-1 visa
 

If you carry on paying off your debts from stateside, you'll never make it on £200 pound a month that you have left over (if they transfer your salary)

Re: Moving to Reno on an L-1 visa
 

This site seems to have salary rates for specific jobs, although they will probably differ by location. I think the salary is going to be the kicker, because there's no way you're going to survive here if you're getting an equivalent wage and you need to send most of it out of the country:

http://jobstar.org/tools/salary/sal-prof.php

Re: Moving to Reno on an L-1 visa
 

Reno doesn't do a great deal for me, but if that's what's offered then it's your only deal.

(1). Nevada doesn't have a State income tax (you will pay Federal income tax) so your tax-take may be less than you experience in the UK.

(2). Car insurance is going to be expensive, probably circa $200 pcm initially (you will need to get a State driving licence)

(3). You will find it hard to get a credit card in the early days - no US credit history.

(4). Ensure your company will pay your medical Ins - circa $500 pcm for a singleton otherwise.

(5). Accommodation and many things to be found on craigslist http://reno.craigslist.org/apa/ - this should give you and idea of cost.

good luck, don't blow all your cash in the casinos

Re: Moving to Reno on an L-1 visa
 

You can use the following cost of living calculator which may give you an idea of cost of items if you compare San Diego and Reno.

http://www.bankrate.com/calculators/...alculator.aspx

As someone earlier mentioned, your driving record from the UK is not used to determine your auto insurance cost.

Although I don't care much for Reno, you aren't that far from Lake Tahoe for fun at the ski slopes/bars.

Re: Moving to Reno on an L-1 visa
 

Thanks for all the info guys.

I'm hoping they will boost my salary from what I'm currently on otherwise I'd have to politely turn the position down. I'm quite fortunate in that the company has some kind of medical benefits whereby it just costs me $10 each time I want to see a doctor, but I'm sure I'll hear more about that further down the application path.

In terms of car insurance, does the car size matter as much as it seems to in the UK? When I first starting driving over here I couldn't afford much more than a 1.1L Fiesta, mostly due to insurance costs.

To be perfectly honest, my plan is to use my current company to get a green card in the USA and then look for software jobs in San Diego near my family - an L-1 transfer visa just seems to be the only way into the country for now...

I'm sure that no matter how many questions I ask it's still going to hit me like a 10 tonne truck, but at least you guys can help me fit a crash helmet! :p

Cheers,
John

Re: Moving to Reno on an L-1 visa
 

Is that for a specialist and not just your MD/GP? What about ER, surgery co-pays, annual deductible and prescriptions? Also bear in mind come Jan 1st this will probably change and cost more...in some cases a lot more.

Get it in writing about the Green Card...your company will be well aware that as soon as your receive PR status you can move employers. It's cost them a lot of money to transfer you to the US and apply for your GC...so it's in their interests to drag their feet.

Re: Moving to Reno on an L-1 visa
 

I probably came across all wrong there. I don't mean to use my company, get the GC and then bugger off... It might work out and I might stay there longer. My ultimate aim (at the moment) is to end up in San Diego county, but that could change.

The medical thing is a little bit complicated, I have to contribute every 2 weeks (about $46 I think) and then it costs me $10 a time to see the doctor. There are other costs too for various things, but I think it's subsidised by the company.

John

Re: Moving to Reno on an L-1 visa
 

I didn't mean to suggest you were thinking of leaving once you had a GC...just pointing out that a few members have had problems when their employers have promised a GC and haven't followed through. So it's best to get it in writing if possible. What if your visa can't be renewed or there isn't enough time left to get the GC? We have had a few people who have had to return to the UK because they were out of status and had no GC.

If you have healthcare cover via your employer then yes you will get subsidised treatment. It's best if you know exactly what you will be paying for...otherwise it can come as quite a shock to the old pocket book if you are ill or have an accident. I think my questions come under 'There are other costs too for various things'. ;)

I'm just trying to point out the pitfalls that may occur.

Re: Moving to Reno on an L-1 visa
 

No that's cool, and I do appreciate the concern and input. The relocation officer lady has told me that they'll sort out the L1 visa and start the Green Card procedings as soon as I'm settled, definitely within the first 6 months, so as to try and get it sorted before my L1 expires.

On the medical stuff, I've been given a pdf with a list of how much I'd need to co-pay for various things on the subsidised medical insurance - so hopefully no pitfalls! :thumbsup:

I had an e-mail yesterday which said that the interview process went well, and that I fit the job description "like a glove" and so, essentially, it's all down to gaining a visa... needless to say I slept quite well last night! :)