penguinsix

I think it's also worth pointing out that the H1 visa is NOT a permanent visa. It can be extended but after about six years, you're back on your own, unless you have found some way to get sponsored for a Green Card. This is something you should be remembering from the start as you'll need to be working toward a more permanent solution if that is what you intend long term.

I'm a tad worried about the 'didn't work out bit' for other non-US nationals. It more than likely implies that the individuals went through some of the problems you'll read on this site nearly every day (i.e. homesickness, work culture, etc). But it's also possible there are some issues with this company basically trying to take advantage of non-US employees (lower pay, harder hours) knowing they are beholden to the visa for immigration purposes. Not to scare you, but you might want to dig a bit into this.

sarah_grant

Thanks for all your replies. Steven has his formal interview tonight. So we should know quite soon as to where we stand with things.

With regards to some of the points raised, the company that he is looking to work for use a certain type of web system that my husband is highly trained in, I do understand that they will have to prove that he is the only one out there ie they cant find folks in the usa.

With regards to the other folk that they wanted to employ. The first person didnt realise it meant that they would only be allowed to work for the company that employed them ie that they could leave them and look for another job with out changing to a different type of visa. And the other guy changed his mind and stayed to work in the EU.

My husband has been in touch with this guy for a good few months prior to them looking to hire so its not a totally random person, steven feel like he can trust whats he is saying so we dont think there was a problem visa wise just a problem with the kinda guys they were looking to employ.

Does any one have a check list of whats needs to be done proir to moving, I love my check lists and if I could find one from someone who has already made the move that would be great.

sarah_grant

I look forward to me not being able to work while the kids are young!

Englishtart

Have a look through the wiki section Sarah, I'm sure I have seen people say there are 'lists' in there

Jerseygirl

There's loads of old threads on the subject...also threads about the things to ask the employer for in a relocation package. There's a Search Function tab located in the pink bar at the top of the page...go to Advanced Search and search Thread Titles. Give me a shout if you need help with this.

Neko128

This thread is a month old with no activity, so I don't know what the state of this is, but I just thought I'd throw something out as someone near to the area - Saratoga itself is actually quite expensive to live. It's kindof more of a resort town, what with the big track and all. If you do end up pursuing moving to upstate NY, I recommend looking for a place to live slightly further away - Clifton Park (20-30 minutes south), for example, is a much cheaper location.

sarah_grant

Thanks for the advice, we are actually here in Clifton Park this week, its been great. We have just been up to lake george and see some of the beautiful country side that there is around here. Steven has been offered the job, but we need to work out some more details ie visas, which one to go for. We still think that we would try rent in saratoga to begin with, just so that he could walk to work, it would save the need for two cars right away.

we have a lot of work ahead of us but we are both really excited about the whole move.

sarah

Neko128

Well, if you want to rent in Saratoga, this is actually a great time to be looking for an apartment - the main track season ended September 6th or something, and there's a bunch of people who'll rent an apartment for the summer or just for track season. Lots of places are normally available for sub-letting or leasing right now. Check out Craigslist and - since you're handily here - local newspapers for that type of thing.

If you're in the area, definitely try to hit up Albany for a day, too. Take a look at the Albany Egg - it's a cool building, and they do shows and music there. The USS Slater is docked in Albany, which is a Destroyer Escort restored as a museum. I'd also recommend checking out the New York State Museum, but when I went to look what exhibits were currently showing, their site was down.

I hope you enjoy your time here. And if you have any questions or need any help with the area, please don't hesitate to PM me.