phish

Curious as to where my expectations should be in regards to what I should ask my employer to include for a transfer over to the US from our UK office.

This transfer may be slightly different than usual given that I requested it, though it has been well received by senior management and the consensus appears to be it would be a positive for the company. Unsure if it makes a different to any answers given, but would be an L1 visa.

Thanks!

tom169

Company Relocation Packages US : British Expat Wiki

SanDiegogirl

As it's you requesting the transfer and not your company offering it, then expectations should be lowered.

They might really like the idea of you working in the US, but since they did not come up with the idea, (and, if there is no urgent need for a job to be filled) they might not want to pay a lot for it to happen.

Most relocation packages include:

- initial flights (for all family)
- temporary accommodation (up to two months)
- temporary rental of car
- shipping costs of furniture/personal goods

Make sure you get repatriation costs if things don't work out; and if you really, really want to get a Green Card then get some agreement that your company will support this if job works out.

Bob

Expectations would depend on seniority at the company, how niche your skill/knowledge base is and location.

The wiki, linked above is a good starting point.

ian-mstm

In addition to the information already given, make sure they fork out for health care insurance! Seriously - it's not something you want to pay for out of your own pocket... and keep in mind that a single hospitalization in the US could - quite literally - bankrupt you!

Ian

tom169

I agree with making sure some level of health insurance is included.

Just make sure you understand that monthly (or whatever your pay period) premiums is only the initial cost (Google co-pay and deductibles to get an idea).

Pulaski

Having the company "fork out for health care insurance" does not mean that you won't have some costs yourself - as Tom said, there are copays and deductibles. Somewhat counter-intuitively for someone used to the "all you can eat" approach of the NHS, if you have good, or even average health, the best choice will likely be "high deductible" insurance, which means low premiums but you pick up the cost of basic doctors visits upto around $3,000/person, but the premiums should be so much lower that they pay for most of the maximum deductible cost.

For example my family maximum deductible is about $8,000, but my annual premiums are about $6,000 less than "traditional" health insurance, and I can put $6,800 of pretax money in a Health Savings Account each year to pay for any health care expenses. If I don't use the money I can add to it each year. How your numbers will stack up depends on your employer.

kirstyp

Some companies also include assistance with Home Search and School Search (if you have kids relocating with you) and settling in support (such as setting up bank accounts/mobile phones etc.) but as the other posters have said a relocation package may not be available if this is a self initiated relocation as some companies operate different policies and allowances depending on reason for relocation.

Maybe test the waters by just asking if you're eligible for any relocation assistance?

phish

Appreciate the feedback, that gives me a fairly solid foundation to work from when negotiating.

deadshoppingmalls

When I moved to the US for my company...here was my package

Fact finding trip for me and my wife (2 weeks)
Furniture packing
2 days hotel accommodation before moving day
Moving day flights
Cat relocation
60 day storage on the other end
60 day temporary accommodation (apartment)
60 day car rental
New Location service (apartment finding assistance)
$10K grossed up for out of pocket/incidental expenses
Tax filing service for 1st year in Europe + US

I received a similar package recently moving from one state to the other with a different company

Bob

The grossing up is important. Don't want to get stung by taxes on it come tax time but company should be able to figure it out for you.

To add to the tax filing, especially if this is only temporary but even if it isn't planned as one, to have them also cover final year tax filing as it can be just as fiddly covering a partial year on return as it is coming here for the first time.

Ecto17

Whereabouts will you potentially moving to? I would check out the local housing market just to ensure you don't need support with rent as we were really surprised at the cost of housing in NJ. Additionally l would establish what your salary would be and if you are keeping your U.K. annual leave allowance!
I would also ask for annual flights home.

Jack8602

I requested a move to the US with my company, i was the first one ever to move and went on an L1 visa.

My relocation package was:

$5,000 - paid to me 2 weeks after i got here, and it was also taxed - so i got around $3.2k

I spent the best part of $10k on flights, accommodation whilst finding a place to live, car rental for 2 weeks, initial apartment deposit ($3k apartment deposit because no credit history and no prior rental history) and the one way flight out here

But - i wanted to move, and was happy to pay for my part of it. I know the company shelled out a fair amount on my immigration attorney and visa applications.

I guess realistically - if you asked to move, don't necessarily expect a full relocation package. If you do get one - result!

Nutmegger

Not sure how someone who has requested a move can expect to get all the perks that are totally legit if the person has been asked to move. Why would the company pay for annual flights home under the OP's circumstances?

Ecto17

I am suggesting they ask, not expect. The employer is invested in this move working as well and therefore maybe open to providing some standard relocation options.