Neil_blocker

3rd thread for me guys and gals.

If offered a job in the US whilst based in the UK what sort of notice / prep time would one expect to sort things out ie house schools etc.
Also moving to a new company what sort of relocation package would you negotiate

Noorah101

Have to point out that you are a USC, so others reading this thread know that you don't need visa sponsorship.

Rene

Noorah101

I wouldn't say there's a set time. It depends when your employer wants you there, when the school year ends/ begins, if you want your future wife to travel with you, how much time you need to give your current employer, etc. Lots of factors involved.

Normally I'd say they pay for shipping your household goods and furniture, if you want to take it with you, maybe have them pay a month or two of hotel or rental while you house -hunt, I assume you're moving to the USA permanently since your future wife will be getting an immigrant visa so you don't need repatriation.

Rene

Neil_blocker

I agree, however if one was to move a large distance within their own country they would expect some form of relocation package. The fact that I have USC does not omit this as part of a job package. And the fact I have spent 30+ years in the UK does not eliminate me from posting threads.
I haven't requested visa sponsorship info, simply relocation info

scrubbedexpat097

You are not eliminated from posting . It makes it easier on everyone if they know your situation so not to bombard you with "what visa are you getting" etc.

Noorah101

I know, that's why I mentioned you are a USC, so others reading this won't start asking you about visas. I'm helping you get the most out of your post.

Of course you should ask about relocation packages, who said you shouldn't? I have given you my input as to what to expect or ask for. Others will chime in, too.

Rene

fbf2006

It typically depends on the company and/or if the move is employer or employee driven. There are many cases where people move across the country for a new or different employer, due to their own personal request and not the employer's request, without any relocation package. I believe if you're in the C suite or high up at a company, you're much more likely to get the package, regardless of the reason for the move.

This is not to say some companies are not more lenient and that you shouldn't expect a relocation package. Definitely push for one that includes a trip out there to house hunt, temporary accommodation and car rental for at least a month. I highly doubt there'll be any help with paying for schools.

SanDiegogirl

A lot depends on who approached who about the move.

If the employee applied for the job, then the employer may offer only a basic relocation package.

If the employer approached the employee for the move, then the employer would, usually, offer incentives for the employee to make the move.

A typical re-location package where the employer approached the employee to move, would include shipping of household goods, couple of months rental in new location, couple of months car rental, a lump sum for incidentals, an agreement for repatriation if the job does not pan out ......

As said, for moving overseas some people get a one time visit to look at areas for rentals etc.

Paying for schools is not usually included and needs to be negotiated.

tom169

Dude, you need to calm down.

kins

Well... my husband was offered a job around end Feb I think. He moved end April but that was too soon for the rest of us to follow (we had to sell the house, get a visa for me, etc). We ended up leaving end of June.

We probably could have gone sooner if we hadn't been waiting for my visa to come through.

We didn't manage to complete on the sale of the house before we left, so we left it empty with enough money in the bank to cover a year's mortgage payments. As it turned out we sold it in Nov/Dec I think.

We asked for $15k for removals costs and to cover expenses like putting down a deposit for a rental house and utilities, costs involved in selling/buying car, flights. I believe others often ask for and get more.

kins

Forgot to mention, because we moved end of June, we didn't have to decide where we were going to finally settle till early Sept which was when school started. Here, if you live in the town, you go to the local school, so it was really a case of finding a house in the right town.

ian-mstm

I suggest you go back and read what was actually written... and not what you think was written. Then you need to adjust your attitude a bit and apologize to Rene - who is likely the most helpful person on BE.

Ian

petitefrancaise

You are in a different position to those of us that moved here through work. Visa requirements mean that we had already been employed for at least a year by the current employer, usually longer. The employers knew that moving us to the USA was going to involve a hefty relocation package.
Since presumably you are applying for a new job in the USA from the UK and applying for a job open to US citizens already in the country, you may not get anything much. Flights and furniture shipping if they really want you.
Relocation packages are pretty similar across the board and increase in generosity the more senior your position in the company. Most large companies that move people regularly will have a predetermined relocation package for each pay grade with not much room for negotiations.
If I were you, I'd figure out how much it would personally cost you to move and see if your new employer is willing to pay it.
In terms of time, if you want to sell your house before you move, I'd say that is what would hold you up. Many of us sell after we moved.
It's better for kids if the don't start high school in the middle of the year but younger age groups can start any time and I've heard that it might even be better for them to start mid year when its not as busy in the class as at the beginning of the year.
We moved in 8 weeks from getting the new job, to being in the USA but we fitted in a visit to choose a house and school and needed to get our visas done.

kirstyp

Does your employer have a fixed relocation policy where you have pre-determined allowances or is it a case of nothing as standard but they are likely to cover some expenses if asked?

Every company is different, but most common relocation policies include some or all of the following: Household Goods Shipping (and sometimes a small urgent airfreight allowance), Temporary serviced accommodation while you house hunt, Home Search programme, Education assistance (if you have kids that need schooling), Orientation / Settling in assistance. Some also provide a lump sum allowance to cover incidentals.

Hope that helps.

petitefrancaise

Honestly kirstyp I think if he's competing for a job with other US based candidates, he needs to be careful about asking for too much. The package you are suggesting from the UK to the USA would be offered to a current relocating employee or a very senior new hire.