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Offer of a move UK to US
I have been tentatively approached by my employer regarding a move from the west of Scotland to CT. This was sprung on me at the start of the week and it’s very early in the process so I don’t have a lot in the way of detail. My mind is completely spinning with this as it’s completely unexpected and whilst I think it has the potential to be a great opportunity, I’ve a lot of concerns/questions. Does anyone have any thoughts/advice on the following:
1. We are a married couple in our mid 40’s with two children, 17M and 12F. I can’t help but think the children essentially make this pretty challenging? Son is about to enter his final year of high school here, and is considering university. There are no tuition fees in Scotland, so we don’t have a university fund that would be sufficient to cover the cost of a degree in the US. I’m a bit less concerned about my daughter at this point as I don’t know the permanency of this possible move, but it is a factor as we’d have to be resident in Scotland for 3y again for her to be eligible for free tuition. Has anyone made the move with similarly aged children and how did it work out? 2. I appreciate that I will need proper financial advice but to help determine whether this is even a possibility, what’s the tax treatment of rental income? We have a rental property already and would likely rent out our house too. Do we have to pay tax in the UK AND US? 3. My husband works for a further education college and I’m not sure how easy it would be for him to find work - presumably he’d need to recertify or something? 4. Pensions - if we were to start contributing to pension in the US and we have UK ones too, what happens at retirement? 5. insurance - I cannot get my head round deductibles and co-pay? Is the deductible almost like the policy excess? You have to pay up to that amount before insurance kicks in? What’s the co-pay element? 6. is there any info around on what typical relocation packages cover/what we can negotiate on? I saw reference to a wiki but I can’t find it, and the wiki’s I did find were largely blank when I clicked on them! Thanks in advance! |
Re: Offer of a move UK to US
Hi, welcome to BE.
1. I moved with kids age 16 and 18. It worked out great for us, our daughter had just finished her A Levels and she came to the US with us and had a gap year before returning to the UK for university. Our son went to the British School for his last two years of schooling so he stayed on the same curriculum and kept things familiar (i.e. was still able to do his Gold DofE award), and he's returned to the UK for uni as well. They love splitting their time between the two countries, they spend 5.5 months a year in the US and 6.5 in the UK. Both are paying standard tuition rates, but that's because we were on a fixed term expat assignment and there is an allowance for kids who are accompanying a parent working abroad if it's not a permanent move. For my son, moving here was fabulous and he absolutely thrived and grew so much in confidence. We couldn't have afforded private school in the UK so that was a big benefit of the move for him, it made such a difference. 2. Nope, you'd just pay tax in the UK as you do now, as it's income from a UK source. You do have to declare it on your US taxes but nothing should be due. Get good tax advice before your move though (ideally before you accept the position - your company should provide it). 3. Depends on your visa, not all will allow your husband to work. Do you know which you'll be on yet? 4. As a very general overview, you'd get both. But there are nuances and you'd need to look in to it carefully, for example you have to pay in to SS for 10 years to get it back, so that's something to factor in. As above, good advice is essential before you move. 5. I've lived in the US for nearly 3 years and I still haven't got my head around it! Yes, deductible is basically like the excess, you pay that before insurance kick in. Unless you have amazing healthcare through your company, you'll likely have to contribute a fair chunk so do make sure the salary increase will account for that. It costs a LOT more to live in the US, you do need a very good salary to live here, so make sure it's going to be enough whatever they are offering you. 6. Is yours a fixed term move, or a permanent one? We got 40ft shipping container, lump sum to cover incidentals, flights, pet transport, 2 weeks car hire/meals/accommodation after arrival, tax advice and a week long recce before accepting the position, probably other stuff I can't remember now. But we were a 2 year fixed expat assignment so also got the standard stuff for those as well - house paid for, schooling paid for, car allowance, cost of living adjustment (paid monthly, grossed up so not tax paid on it), a 'foreign service bonus' (ditto), flights home each year, flights for kids at school overseas back to us, full healthcare (no co-pays etc for us), annual tax filing both sides of the Atlantic. Probably other stuff I can't think of as well. As I said above, make sure it's a really good package as it's crazy expensive here and it'll cost you a lot to get set up in a new country. And I would strongly recommend you negotiate the company getting you green cards asap too - that was a condition of my husband accepting the job, we wouldn't consider a move without them as our kids were older so it would have really impacted them. So the company started the process whilst we were still in the UK. We weren't sure we'd get the green cards that quickly, but it only took 5 months and so we entered the US as permanent residents rather than on temporary visas. Your kids will 'age out' at 21 if they don't have them, and also won't be able to work which isn't fun for a teenager. So they'll need to get green cards underway for you asap. Hope that helps a bit, best of luck. |
Re: Offer of a move UK to US
Originally Posted by christmasoompa
(Post 13341774)
Hi, welcome to BE.
1. I moved with kids age 16 and 18. It worked out great for us, our daughter had just finished her A Levels and she came to the US with us and had a gap year before returning to the UK for university. Our son went to the British School for his last two years of schooling so he stayed on the same curriculum and kept things familiar (i.e. was still able to do his Gold DofE award), and he's returned to the UK for uni as well. They love splitting their time between the two countries, they spend 5.5 months a year in the US and 6.5 in the UK. Both are paying standard tuition rates, but that's because we were on a fixed term expat assignment and there is an allowance for kids who are accompanying a parent working abroad if it's not a permanent move. For my son, moving here was fabulous and he absolutely thrived and grew so much in confidence. We couldn't have afforded private school in the UK so that was a big benefit of the move for him, it made such a difference. 2. Nope, you'd just pay tax in the UK as you do now, as it's income from a UK source. You do have to declare it on your US taxes but nothing should be due. Get good tax advice before your move though (ideally before you accept the position - your company should provide it). 3. Depends on your visa, not all will allow your husband to work. Do you know which you'll be on yet? 4. As a very general overview, you'd get both. But there are nuances and you'd need to look in to it carefully, for example you have to pay in to SS for 10 years to get it back, so that's something to factor in. As above, good advice is essential before you move. 5. I've lived in the US for nearly 3 years and I still haven't got my head around it! Yes, deductible is basically like the excess, you pay that before insurance kick in. Unless you have amazing healthcare through your company, you'll likely have to contribute a fair chunk so do make sure the salary increase will account for that. It costs a LOT more to live in the US, you do need a very good salary to live here, so make sure it's going to be enough whatever they are offering you. 6. Is yours a fixed term move, or a permanent one? We got 40ft shipping container, lump sum to cover incidentals, flights, pet transport, 2 weeks car hire/meals/accommodation after arrival, tax advice and a week long recce before accepting the position, probably other stuff I can't remember now. But we were a 2 year fixed expat assignment so also got the standard stuff for those as well - house paid for, schooling paid for, car allowance, cost of living adjustment (paid monthly, grossed up so not tax paid on it), a 'foreign service bonus' (ditto), flights home each year, flights for kids at school overseas back to us, full healthcare (no co-pays etc for us), annual tax filing both sides of the Atlantic. Probably other stuff I can't think of as well. As I said above, make sure it's a really good package as it's crazy expensive here and it'll cost you a lot to get set up in a new country. And I would strongly recommend you negotiate the company getting you green cards asap too - that was a condition of my husband accepting the job, we wouldn't consider a move without them as our kids were older so it would have really impacted them. So the company started the process whilst we were still in the UK. We weren't sure we'd get the green cards that quickly, but it only took 5 months and so we entered the US as permanent residents rather than on temporary visas. Your kids will 'age out' at 21 if they don't have them, and also won't be able to work which isn't fun for a teenager. So they'll need to get green cards underway for you asap. Hope that helps a bit, best of luck. In terms of the visa, I believe it will be an L1 but I’m not currently clear on if it’s a or b as the role spans both sub-categories. Green card is an interesting point as the L1 visa is time bound, but our international relocation policy suggests that they won’t get involved in any subsequent immigration matters beyond the initial relocation! The policy also notes that moves are permanent so a point to clarify. I’ve also been provided with high level relocation policy info: - one way flights ​​​​​​- £5k for general expenses such as contract cancellations, mail redirections, passports - 3 months temp accommodation ​​​​​​- air freight allowance - shipping/insurance for a 40ft container and up to 3 months storage costs - first tax return (US and UK) support Sadly there’s no support to visit CT beforehand, and only 2 days paid time off to settle in. The university point is interesting so I will have a look into whether a work related overseas posting for me would impact my son’s eligibility for free tuition in Scotland - it hadn’t even occurred to me that that might be an option! I can’t find any US T&C around annual leave and payroll allowances in our handbook so I’ve at least got a whole raft of initial questions to discuss before I decide if this is something that is feasible to progress with. |
Re: Offer of a move UK to US
Originally Posted by wishfulthinker_1
(Post 13341776)
In terms of the visa, I believe it will be an L1 but I’m not currently clear on if it’s a or b as the role spans both sub-categories.
Green card is an interesting point as the L1 visa is time bound, but our international relocation policy suggests that they won’t get involved in any subsequent immigration matters beyond the initial relocation! The policy also notes that moves are permanent so a point to clarify.
Originally Posted by wishfulthinker_1
(Post 13341776)
I’ve also been provided with high level relocation policy info:
- one way flights ​​​​​​- £5k for general expenses such as contract cancellations, mail redirections, passports - 3 months temp accommodation ​​​​​​- air freight allowance - shipping/insurance for a 40ft container and up to 3 months storage costs - first tax return (US and UK) support Sadly there’s no support to visit CT beforehand, and only 2 days paid time off to settle in. It seems support for a family setting up abroad is a bit lacking though, surely they should be paying for a recce trip? I've never heard of a company not doing that. How can you be expected to all move blind without even looking at schools/areas?! I'd push back on that. And they should be providing a relocation consultant as well to help you find a home and get you familiar with the area. If you've been approached about the move then they clearly really want you, so you're in a good position to negotiate these things.
Originally Posted by wishfulthinker_1
(Post 13341776)
I can’t find any US T&C around annual leave and payroll allowances in our handbook so I’ve at least got a whole raft of initial questions to discuss before I decide if this is something that is feasible to progress with.
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Re: Offer of a move UK to US
Hi and welcome to BE. I grew up in New York State just outside of Connecticut. CT is a lovely state with many great cities and urban areas to settle in. There are several things to bear in mind when considering their offer and the first and foremost is financial. It is going to be costly to live on CT. If you were planning on buying a house you're looking at over $500K for a modest home in a decent area. Schools are considered 'good' in CT and don't warrant having to send your child to private school (at least in my opinion). Will your salary reflect the higher cost of living in Connecticut or will you still be compensated at the equivalent of what you are earning at the moment. I don't know what employment your husband has as he works in whatever is a further education college. Is he a clerical worker? A teacher? The janitor?
Think very carefully about this move. Connecticut, as I said, is a lovely state with many wonderful cities to live in and some very good schools. But it is very expensive. If you are not being compensated with a large increase in salary, you would be downgrading your life style. |
Re: Offer of a move UK to US
Originally Posted by Rete
(Post 13341790)
Hi and welcome to BE. I grew up in New York State just outside of Connecticut. CT is a lovely state with many great cities and urban areas to settle in. There are several things to bear in mind when considering their offer and the first and foremost is financial. It is going to be costly to live on CT. If you were planning on buying a house you're looking at over $500K for a modest home in a decent area. Schools are considered 'good' in CT and don't warrant having to send your child to private school (at least in my opinion). Will your salary reflect the higher cost of living in Connecticut or will you still be compensated at the equivalent of what you are earning at the moment. I don't know what employment your husband has as he works in whatever is a further education college. Is he a clerical worker? A teacher? The janitor?
Think very carefully about this move. Connecticut, as I said, is a lovely state with many wonderful cities to live in and some very good schools. But it is very expensive. If you are not being compensated with a large increase in salary, you would be downgrading your life style. No exact salary has been quoted for the role yet. I am on the equivalent of approx $110k incl bonus, but I expect this will be a min of $180k (excl bonus) to reflect the promotion and the local pay benchmarking. H earns about $65k equivalent so realistically we would want him to be earning too!! Job is in the general area of Greenwich/Stamford so appreciate that it’s expensive there!! The best way to describe his department is that it would be close to what is a trade school in the US. He teaches a trade. He has a vocational qualification and also a further education teaching qualification, but doesn’t have a degree. The house purchase cost is in line with our UK house, but we’d definitely need to sell here to afford to buy in the US, and I don’t know if we’d want to do that until we knew for sure that we wanted to stay permanently. |
Re: Offer of a move UK to US
Do you work for Gartner by any chance?
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Re: Offer of a move UK to US
Originally Posted by destone
(Post 13341817)
Do you work for Gartner by any chance?
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Re: Offer of a move UK to US
CT is much more expensive than Scotland, so I'd say that $110k (I guess £85k?) to $180k is low. I'd be looking for around $200k+ at least considering the disruption and also spouse may not be able to find work/work of the same earning potential. For the East Coast, that's not an unreasonable salary.
Are you looking at L1B or L1A? That can have greencard implications (as in, the criteria for EB-1(C) is quite similar and is *much* faster than an EB-2 or EB-3 PERM GC). Especially important given your children's ages. |
Re: Offer of a move UK to US
Originally Posted by postbox134
(Post 13341824)
CT is much more expensive than Scotland, so I'd say that $110k (I guess £85k?) to $180k is low. I'd be looking for around $200k+ at least considering the disruption and also spouse may not be able to find work/work of the same earning potential. For the East Coast, that's not an unreasonable salary.
Are you looking at L1B or L1A? That can have greencard implications (as in, the criteria for EB-1(C) is quite similar and is *much* faster than an EB-2 or EB-3 PERM GC). Especially important given your children's ages. The visa point is also a question that I have asked. Technically the role would qualify for either, but I think L1A would be the preferable option. I’ve also asked if my employer would support the subsequent GC application. I’d certainly hope so given it has been described as a permanent role with relocation support, but the formal policy is woolly on this point (probably intentionally and it’s a negotiating point rather than something set in stone. Whilst we have an international presence, international relocations are not common so I don’t have any contacts that I can reach out to to ask). |
Re: Offer of a move UK to US
I worked in Stamford, CT for several years and my part of Westchester County, NY bordered Greenwich, CT. My eldest daughter had several friends whose parents were in well placed jobs and owned homes in Greenwich so I am familiar with them and their financial situation. Some lovely towns around Stamford, CT and the bordering Westchester County NY area to look for homes. I'm not familiar with trade schools in that area. I'm sure there are some. Expect much would depend on what your husband's field is. Why because lets face it electrical work in the UK is the not the same as in the US so would have skill be transferrable for employment?
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Re: Offer of a move UK to US
Originally Posted by Rete
(Post 13341831)
I worked in Stamford, CT for several years and my part of Westchester County, NY bordered Greenwich, CT. My eldest daughter had several friends whose parents were in well placed jobs and owned homes in Greenwich so I am familiar with them and their financial situation. Some lovely towns around Stamford, CT and the bordering Westchester County NY area to look for homes. I'm not familiar with trade schools in that area. I'm sure there are some. Expect much would depend on what your husband's field is. Why because lets face it electrical work in the UK is the not the same as in the US so would have skill be transferrable for employment?
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Re: Offer of a move UK to US
Green card is an interesting point as the L1 visa is time bound, but our international relocation policy suggests that they won’t get involved in any subsequent immigration matters beyond the initial relocation! The policy also notes that moves are permanent so a point to clarify.
Your company must certainly stay involved with your application for a Green card - their support and your ongoing position is vital for the application. It's your company which applies for the Green card on your behalf........ With regard husband's job in a further education college and teaches a trade, while most states have their own requirements for certifying new teachers etc and you would have to negotiate these requirements, with the push these days for more trades education I would have thought colleges would welcome his skills. |
Re: Offer of a move UK to US
Originally Posted by wishfulthinker_1
(Post 13341792)
Thanks for this!
No exact salary has been quoted for the role yet. I am on the equivalent of approx $110k incl bonus, but I expect this will be a min of $180k (excl bonus) to reflect the promotion and the local pay benchmarking. H earns about $65k equivalent so realistically we would want him to be earning too!! Job is in the general area of Greenwich/Stamford so appreciate that it’s expensive there!! The best way to describe his department is that it would be close to what is a trade school in the US. He teaches a trade. He has a vocational qualification and also a further education teaching qualification, but doesn’t have a degree. The house purchase cost is in line with our UK house, but we’d definitely need to sell here to afford to buy in the US, and I don’t know if we’d want to do that until we knew for sure that we wanted to stay permanently. Renting until you're sure you want to stay definitely makes sense, and helps you work out where you might want to buy too. Plus it's a lot less hassle and you'll have enough of that to start with without worrying about paying property tax, etc, as well! Good luck. |
Re: Offer of a move UK to US
Originally Posted by wishfulthinker_1
(Post 13341776)
I’ve also been provided with high level relocation policy info:
- one way flights ​​​​​​- £5k for general expenses such as contract cancellations, mail redirections, passports - 3 months temp accommodation ​​​​​​- air freight allowance - shipping/insurance for a 40ft container and up to 3 months storage costs - first tax return (US and UK) support Sadly there’s no support to visit CT beforehand, and only 2 days paid time off to settle in. There is a massive variance between companies who relocate employees (and individual relocation types) as to what they provide - from basic lump sum allowances that lean on you to do most of the research and organisation yourself, to very generous fully supported and managed packages that include home search, school search, settling in support, spousal support (to help them find a job or other opportunities), family support to help you navigate a relocation with children, car hire etc etc. I'm assuming the 3 months temp accomodation aims to allow you to complete the home search for a longer term rental once you've arrived. As someone else mentioned it would be worth asking if Home Finding support is provided to help you navigate the slightly different market and understand the areas that are best suited to you. Similarly, is there any School Finding support that would help you fully understand the impact of the different options on your childrens future paths too. This service can often start before the relocation and if it is one that they provide might be a conversation that you can have as part of your decision making process? re: the 2 days for settling in - also worth asking if there is settling-in support provided e.g., to help guide you through setting up bank accounts, utilities etc. You could also ask your employer if there are any other expat colleagues they could put you in touch with to chat through the potential relocation to help you decide. |
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