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Relocation packages
so everything changes - we were looking to emigrate to Australia, but now my employer is talking about a possible move to California - either Los Angeles or Cupertino.
So my question is, especially given the current financial situation, what sort of relocation package should I be looking for? Moving over would be me, my wife and two daughters, 11 and 9. Thanks in advance for any advice, Dominic |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by Dom and Elaine
(Post 8123913)
so everything changes - we were looking to emigrate to Australia, but now my employer is talking about a possible move to California - either Los Angeles or Cupertino.
So my question is, especially given the current financial situation, what sort of relocation package should I be looking for? Moving over would be me, my wife and two daughters, 11 and 9. Thanks in advance for any advice, Dominic People will want to help, but please don't make them type a book about it when we've done this so many times already. What specific questions do you have? Maybe you can also give us a bit more information about your circumstances (job/industry etc.), which could help. |
Re: Relocation packages
Did you use the search function? There are a bazillion threads on here giving this kind of advice. I work in the software industry, for a US-headquartered company so this would be a move back to one of their head office sites. |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by Dom and Elaine
(Post 8123972)
Yes I did but most of it seemed to be very old advice and given the tightened budgets I wasn't sure if things have changed.
I work in the software industry, for a US-headquartered company so this would be a move back to one of their head office sites. That said, if you want good information, you need to give good information. Knowing a bit more about your circumstances would help to refine the information you receive. Ian |
Re: Relocation packages
In addition, healthcare insurance, reimbursement for transitional period between arrival and finding a place to live, car rental.
The cost of living has NOT changed all that much in the last two or three years in the US and especially for those that are being funded by companies to make the transition to the US who have little or no expenses in terms of setting up households or whose expenses will be reimbursed. Archives are filled with great information as is the wiki.
Originally Posted by ian-mstm
(Post 8124161)
How do you define "very old". There are at least 3 threads I can think of from the past month. There is a search feature on the main page of this forum... try again.
So then, an L-1 visa? In any relocation package, there are 3 things that usually stand out: 1) GC application; 2) all moving expenses including moving back; 3) at least one (some try for 2) planned holiday visits per year. That said, if you want good information, you need to give good information. Knowing a bit more about your circumstances would help to refine the information you receive. Ian |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by Dom and Elaine
(Post 8123913)
so everything changes - we were looking to emigrate to Australia, but now my employer is talking about a possible move to California - either Los Angeles or Cupertino.
So my question is, especially given the current financial situation, what sort of relocation package should I be looking for? Moving over would be me, my wife and two daughters, 11 and 9. Thanks in advance for any advice, Dominic
Originally Posted by ian-mstm
(Post 8124161)
How do you define "very old". There are at least 3 threads I can think of from the past month. There is a search feature on the main page of this forum... try again.
So then, an L-1 visa? In any relocation package, there are 3 things that usually stand out: 1) GC application; 2) all moving expenses including moving back; 3) at least one (some try for 2) planned holiday visits per year. That said, if you want good information, you need to give good information. Knowing a bit more about your circumstances would help to refine the information you receive. Ian They paid all moving expenses, visa expenses, are currently (slowly) doing the GC application. However, we never got planned holidays back and would never have dreamed of asking for them. Unless its a temporary assignment why would the company pay for your vacation back to England? I always think thats rather cheeky. Are you prepared to refuse the offer if they don't pay x or y? Personally we would have taken what we could have got as if we hadn't made the move hubby would have really struggled to get a similar job in England. As far as living in LA is concerned, the economy is screwed, spending in schools is being cut back again, and was already very low. Cost of living is very expensive and its rather unfriendly. The sun is nice though:) |
Re: Relocation packages
Cue Dr Evil.... "One MILLION dollars!". :D
hth |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by N1cky
(Post 8124651)
As far as living in LA is concerned, the economy is screwed, spending in schools is being cut back again, and was already very low. Cost of living is very expensive and its rather unfriendly.
The sun is nice though:) |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by meauxna
(Post 8124717)
Cue Dr Evil.... "One MILLION dollars!". :D
hth |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by tonrob
(Post 8124770)
I'd have settled for a bag of sprouts....
|
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by Dom and Elaine
(Post 8123913)
so everything changes - we were looking to emigrate to Australia, but now my employer is talking about a possible move to California - either Los Angeles or Cupertino.
So my question is, especially given the current financial situation, what sort of relocation package should I be looking for? Moving over would be me, my wife and two daughters, 11 and 9. Thanks in advance for any advice, Dominic Hi There are loads of threads, search through from about June of this year at least (only because i and others asked the same questions before we moved over in the last month). One thing i will say is find out as much as you can about your tax implications here in the US with whatever package you get - as you will be liable for tax on alot of things........trust me, we are just finding out now!!!!:eek: and we thought we knew it all :sneaky: If you dont ask you wont get!!!! is the only other way to look at it..........dont be out of pocket for anything to do with the move if you can help it and good luck with it all T |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by N1cky
(Post 8124651)
They paid all moving expenses, visa expenses, are currently (slowly) doing the GC application. However, we never got planned holidays back and would never have dreamed of asking for them. Unless its a temporary assignment why would the company pay for your vacation back to England? I always think thats rather cheeky. |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by Boiler
(Post 8125326)
The L is a temporary visa, not permanent, so fully justified.
Well done to anyone who manages to get holidays paid for by their company, but I still think its very cheeky. |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by N1cky
(Post 8125353)
I know that, but still don't see how you can justify it when the company are relocating you with GC applications included. The move although on a temporary visa is seen for most people and companies to be a permanent one, the L visa just a step on the way to GC and therefore permanent status.
Well done to anyone who manages to get holidays paid for by their company, but I still think its very cheeky. |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by meauxna
(Post 8124794)
I wasn JUST wondering yesterday where you were. Didn't quite make it far enough to stalk you, but it's the thought that counts.
|
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by N1cky
(Post 8125353)
Well done to anyone who manages to get holidays paid for by their company, but I still think its very cheeky. |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by Jerseygirl
(Post 8125358)
Don't forget some companies promise a GC but that's as far as it gets.
|
Re: Relocation packages
I appreciate it must be tedious for old timers on these boards to see FAQs surfacing time and time again, but as with my electrical equipment post, some people seem very quick to react snippily and point newbs at the search facility. But sometimes you just can't find what you are looking for in the Wiki or old posts and need a real human to respond kindly to at least reassure you that others have gone through what you are going through. It all comes in a bit of a rush when you first hear "yes, you can go".
WRT the OP and the question of relocation packages, it might be helpful if there was a wiki post (and if there is I can't find it but accept that I may be very stupid and therefore worthy of old timer scorn) laying out the rough expenses people incur based on family situation and distance to travel etc. For my case, I am moving from Northants to Seattle area (Redmond) in January and have a wife, two children and a dog to take with me. A rough ball-park figure of what my expenses might be and therefore what a reasonable relocation package might be would be very helpful indeed. My employer has mentioned $10K all-in (they are arranging my visa) plus my hotel fees for a couple of weeks when I first touch down, but I don't think this is going to be enough and need some good data to help with negotiations. I know I will need: - Visa costs for family (no idea) - flights for family (£1500) - moving furniture etc (£4000??) - Cash in hand to pay first month's rent and deposit on rental house - Cash (possibly an advance of pay or something) to buy essentials being left behind (TV, car etc) - Everything else I don't yet know I'm going to need, but that you good people could help with (or just tell me to use the search facility, I can take it) - Expenses at this end either selling or renting our house (hoping to sell) Also, the mentions of my relocation package being taxable are rather worrying. Can someone confirm if this is the case? I suppose it depends at which end the costs are paid, as well. |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by daven65
(Post 8140828)
I appreciate it must be tedious for old timers on these boards to see FAQs surfacing time and time again, but as with my electrical equipment post, some people seem very quick to react snippily and point newbs at the search facility. But sometimes you just can't find what you are looking for in the Wiki or old posts and need a real human to respond kindly to at least reassure you that others have gone through what you are going through. It all comes in a bit of a rush when you first hear "yes, you can go".
WRT the OP and the question of relocation packages, it might be helpful if there was a wiki post (and if there is I can't find it but accept that I may be very stupid and therefore worthy of old timer scorn) laying out the rough expenses people incur based on family situation and distance to travel etc. For my case, I am moving from Northants to Seattle area (Redmond) in January and have a wife, two children and a dog to take with me. A rough ball-park figure of what my expenses might be and therefore what a reasonable relocation package might be would be very helpful indeed. My employer has mentioned $10K all-in (they are arranging my visa) plus my hotel fees for a couple of weeks when I first touch down, but I don't think this is going to be enough and need some good data to help with negotiations. I know I will need: - Visa costs for family (no idea) - flights for family (£1500) - moving furniture etc (£4000??) - Cash in hand to pay first month's rent and deposit on rental house - Cash (possibly an advance of pay or something) to buy essentials being left behind (TV, car etc) - Everything else I don't yet know I'm going to need, but that you good people could help with (or just tell me to use the search facility, I can take it) - Expenses at this end either selling or renting our house (hoping to sell) Also, the mentions of my relocation package being taxable are rather worrying. Can someone confirm if this is the case? I suppose it depends at which end the costs are paid, as well. My company "grossed up" my relocation expenses - in other words they picked up the tax liability that became due. |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by daven65
(Post 8140828)
I appreciate it must be tedious for old timers on these boards to see FAQs surfacing time and time again, but as with my electrical equipment post, some people seem very quick to react snippily and point newbs at the search facility. But sometimes you just can't find what you are looking for in the Wiki or old posts and need a real human to respond kindly to at least reassure you that others have gone through what you are going through. It all comes in a bit of a rush when you first hear "yes, you can go".
WRT the OP and the question of relocation packages, it might be helpful if there was a wiki post (and if there is I can't find it but accept that I may be very stupid and therefore worthy of old timer scorn) laying out the rough expenses people incur based on family situation and distance to travel etc. For my case, I am moving from Northants to Seattle area (Redmond) in January and have a wife, two children and a dog to take with me. A rough ball-park figure of what my expenses might be and therefore what a reasonable relocation package might be would be very helpful indeed. My employer has mentioned $10K all-in (they are arranging my visa) http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Corpor...tion-Australia What's the plan to get a green card, assuming you will want to stay? Do you know that in certain categories, you could have to wait many years? In other words, are you even eligible for the more straightforward GC categories? |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by JAJ
(Post 8140983)
From an Australian perspective, much will also apply to the USA.
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Corpor...tion-Australia What's the plan to get a green card, assuming you will want to stay? Do you know that in certain categories, you could have to wait many years? In other words, are you even eligible for the more straightforward GC categories? As for the green card, not thought that far ahead tbh. Just happy to go for a couple of years at the moment. Current plan is probably to come back when the kids (10, 12) get closer to important educational milestones, but might reconsider when we get out there. |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by daven65
(Post 8140828)
I know I will need: - Visa costs for family (no idea) - flights for family (£1500) - moving furniture etc (£4000??) - Cash in hand to pay first month's rent and deposit on rental house - Cash (possibly an advance of pay or something) to buy essentials being left behind (TV, car etc) - Everything else I don't yet know I'm going to need, but that you good people could help with (or just tell me to use the search facility, I can take it) - Expenses at this end either selling or renting our house (hoping to sell) Also, the mentions of my relocation package being taxable are rather worrying. Can someone confirm if this is the case? I suppose it depends at which end the costs are paid, as well. Moving furniture, mostly waste of money unless it's good stuff, again that has been covered in a few threads about containers, all depends how much crap in cubic feet you'll be filling, get quotes in yourself for nothing else to get an idea how much space you'll need. Rent, look at craigs list for a gist of pricing, where you want to stay I've no idea, that would depend on what kind of schools your after and how long of a commute you fancy. Probably looking for first/last month plus a month as deposit and probably the same again none refundable for the dog. Whitegoods, have a look at amazon/best buy to see what you'll need, chances are fridge/cooker/washer/dryer will be included in a rental. Look at the DMV site for costs on registering/plating/inspecting a car and also cost of drivers license. Relocation money is taxable, but there are some deductions you can make at tax time. Search past threads on the details, Ozzidoc laid out a good list a couple months ago I think it was. $10K is pretty shit, but pretty standard, really depends on the sector your in...high tech or finance could afford to stump $20K plus costs, uni lecturer would be lucky to get a air ticket. |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by daven65
(Post 8140828)
I appreciate it must be tedious for old timers on these boards to see FAQs surfacing time and time again, but as with my electrical equipment post, some people seem very quick to react snippily and point newbs at the search facility. But sometimes you just can't find what you are looking for in the Wiki or old posts and need a real human to respond kindly to at least reassure you that others have gone through what you are going through. It all comes in a bit of a rush when you first hear "yes, you can go".
WRT the OP and the question of relocation packages, it might be helpful if there was a wiki post (and if there is I can't find it but accept that I may be very stupid and therefore worthy of old timer scorn) laying out the rough expenses people incur based on family situation and distance to travel etc. I appreciate that there's a lot of emotion involved in the move and making decisions quickly and it all being strange and foreign. It's just that it is a lot of work to make wiki entries and especially when things change (like the last couple of years, which have been pretty unusual) someone has to maintain it etc. That's why people do relocation services professionally. Additionally, you've jumped on to someone else's thread. So that people can get to know you and your situation, it would probably be best to start your own thread, with Redmond/Seattle in the title, and the Washington folk will come out of the woodwork with specific examples for you. Our cost of living in the PNW is very different from back east, actually, pretty much everything is very different here vs say, New Jersey or Texas. I've also found that people will give you more information when they are a little bit invested in you and your situation, so tell us about yourselves in your new thread. One recent mover got a relo package of $75K, so that should give you an idea that the range can be huge. A wiki entry sounds great.. maybe you can start one? http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=623821 http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=620320 http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=627210 http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=627163 http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=631067 http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=632517 Search: Key Word(s): relocation ; Forum: USA Anyway, here's some more that include Seattle-specific. We could copy this over to your new thread when you make it, so it will be more helpful to future relocators. http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=618341 http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=591791 http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=573869 http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=549886 http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=546945 http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=499996 http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=445188 http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=417309 http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=405544 (yes, I'm just a good searcher :) ) |
Re: Relocation packages
My wife, daughter and I relocated here 3 years ago through a great company. I got L1-A, wifey got L2. 6 months rent, all removal fees, legal fees incurred if we bought a place in the first 12 months, they bought my UK house for FMV, and gave us 20% of my salary as an "inconvenience" bonus. We had a great relocation firm take care of us and help sort all the minor things out like gas, electricity, SSN etc. As I was running one of their businesses here, I know it was in excess of $100k. All companies are different, but ours is an example of what a real good and professional one does.
|
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by Bob
(Post 8142306)
Visa costs, not your issue, company has to pay for them anyway...you might want them to stump for the EAD for the other half if going L1.
....... $10K is pretty shit, but pretty standard, really depends on the sector your in...high tech or finance could afford to stump $20K plus costs, uni lecturer would be lucky to get a air ticket. They'll usually pay your flight and some moving expenses, but none of the "3 months in a hotel, paid annual return flights, car allowance, realtor fees", etc. that you get in the private sector. One positive with academia is the lack of a cap on H-1B visas, though. |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by daven65
(Post 8140828)
I appreciate it must be tedious for old timers on these boards to see FAQs surfacing time and time again, but as with my electrical equipment post, some people seem very quick to react snippily and point newbs at the search facility. But sometimes you just can't find what you are looking for in the Wiki or old posts and need a real human to respond kindly to at least reassure you that others have gone through what you are going through. It all comes in a bit of a rush when you first hear "yes, you can go".
.... What is additionally tedious is newbies who criticise before they have even got to their 3rd post. BE is full of very helpful folks who will go out of their way to give advice to newbies who show a little gumption in terms of helping themselves. Pointing out the Search facility is being helpful, as it saves you waiting for replies, and usually there's a wealth of information already available. By comparison to US immigration, dealing with people on BE is a walk in the park. |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by daven65
(Post 8141328)
Thanks, JAJ, useful points to consider in that list. I'm thinking of going back and ask for a cash lump sum to cover incidentals, rent deposit etc and then ask them to pick up actuals for moving the family and contents over. A friend who relocates people to the UK reckons that 2 months salary is a very common package.
As for the green card, not thought that far ahead tbh. Just happy to go for a couple of years at the moment. Current plan is probably to come back when the kids (10, 12) get closer to important educational milestones, but might reconsider when we get out there. |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by dunroving
(Post 8168632)
By comparison to US immigration, dealing with people on BE is a walk in the park. |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by dunroving
(Post 8168632)
What is additionally tedious is newbies who criticise before they have even got to their 3rd post.
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Re: Relocation packages
You know I have not been around here long but neither am I new and I have to agree with this guy. Some responses here are snippy. Would an adult really respond to another adult's perfectly legitimate question (if face to face)by saying "duh"? I hope not.
People who have just been told they are being moved across the world are often in a state of shock and anxiety. So maybe they could be cut a bit of slack? And to answer the OP's question, from my family's perspective we are getting: all L1 & L2 visa costs - fast tracked, green card application costs, all estate agency and legal fees for UK sale, closing costs for US purchase, 40' container for removals, air freight in addition, storage costs, 4 months temp accommodation until house built, a company pool car for 4 months, 6 flights, a cash lump sum. Hope this helps! |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by Lazzza
(Post 8172930)
You know I have not been around here long but neither am I new and I have to agree with this guy. Some responses here are snippy. Would an adult really respond to another adult's perfectly legitimate question (if face to face)by saying "duh"? I hope not.
People who have just been told they are being moved across the world are often in a state of shock and anxiety. So maybe they could be cut a bit of slack? And it's just general forum netiquette, this forum isn't any different in that regards. You've got enough nonce to google for the forum, ought to have enough to search the actual forum or at the very least read the faq's/stickied threads for a similar question. People are always more willing to help out when they know someone has bothered to at least search out and do some of their own research for a life changing proposition. |
Re: Relocation packages
These relocation question/answer threads are amazing to me. We came over on H1B/H4 visas for a small company (husband is the only H1B they have ever filed for) and our relocation package? $7,500. Nope I am not missing a zero there. It covered flights for husband in summer to visit and meet everyone and a hotel stay, flight for us all in October, some bits of furniture and a really cheap and older car (2002 Kia Sedona) No chance of being able to afford to ship our stuff over. The quotes we got for doing that ranged around the 5,000-6,000GBP.
If you get offered a relocation package of more than that then in my book you are very lucky. (Although I do appreciate that a lot of people have come over on transfers or work for bigger companies than my husband does so they can afford more) Most of the furniture we have in our apartment has been donated to us by other British Expats and friends of said expats. Also we don't know yet if they are going to go down the greencard route but we are hopeful. :fingerscrossed: |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by SarahG
(Post 8173283)
These relocation question/answer threads are amazing to me. We came over on H1B/H4 visas for a small company (husband is the only H1B they have ever filed for) and our relocation package? $7,500. Nope I am not missing a zero there...
And it still didn't cover anything decent :D |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by Bob
(Post 8173317)
blimey, I got more moving from Maine down to Mass :lol:
And it still didn't cover anything decent :D |
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by SarahG
(Post 8173330)
I know it's not a lot of money but it got us all over here and we are happy here. If we want anything new (like a new TV or a Wii for example) we will just have to save for it. Didn't have a lot of money or a big house in the UK so not a big difference here really!
|
Re: Relocation packages
Enter stage left Monty Python
|
Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by tonrob
(Post 8173339)
You got seven-and-a-half grand??? We had to sell one of the kids to pay for the visas and then swim over... :curse:
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Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by dunroving
(Post 8175302)
Eeee, you were lucky, we had to swim over AND tow the QM2 behind us ... :blink:
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Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by tonrob
(Post 8175782)
We got half way across and then realized we'd left the gas on....
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Re: Relocation packages
Originally Posted by Lazzza
(Post 8172930)
You know I have not been around here long but neither am I new and I have to agree with this guy. Some responses here are snippy. Would an adult really respond to another adult's perfectly legitimate question (if face to face)by saying "duh"? I hope not.
People who have just been told they are being moved across the world are often in a state of shock and anxiety. So maybe they could be cut a bit of slack? And to answer the OP's question, from my family's perspective we are getting: all L1 & L2 visa costs - fast tracked, green card application costs, all estate agency and legal fees for UK sale, closing costs for US purchase, 40' container for removals, air freight in addition, storage costs, 4 months temp accommodation until house built, a company pool car for 4 months, 6 flights, a cash lump sum. Hope this helps! I think this increasingly applies to modern society elsewhere ... I say get Over Yourself, it's a public forum and if someone gives potentially useful advice or points out that you could find the information yourself, why spend energy getting your panties in a bunch because you didn't get sweetness and light, or the level of "customer service" you're used to getting elsewhere? Guess what - this is not a charity shop or professional company! If free information comes with other stuff (sarcasm, impatience, weary annoyance), what the heck - take the free advice and IGNORE THE REST!! I'd also say (as Meauxna alluded to), it's just as rude to avoid using the words PLEASE and (especially) THANK YOU. But the Easily Offended often seem to be allergic to these terms. They ask a question, come back to rant because one or two people said "There's a dozen threads on this in the past month", and ignore the half-dozen people who answered their question, and then disappear, forever. Take, take, take. :rolleyes: Now all the Easily Offended say after me, Sticks and Stones May Break my Bones ... ;) |
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