Originally Posted by Pulaski

It's interesting how things change. Until about 50 years ago almost nobody who emigrated made a rece visit first. I'm not saying it's a bad idea, but I wouldn't say a rece visit is essential either. It depends on your nature and flexibility as to whether moving "sight unseen" is a good idea.

Originally Posted by Nutmegger

.... there's still a decent life to be had in the UK.

Originally Posted by Teanmontana

Yes you have a very good point, we haven't actually been to Bozeman. We have the option to go and visit before I sign on the dotted line. I believe this is a definite to do before we make such a big decision.
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Originally Posted by Teanmontana

Salary wise i'm being offered 70k which I thought was good but others are saying that's about average. What do you think in your opinion?.

Originally Posted by Teanmontana

The main reasons to go are

1. Promotion into a new higher role.
2. A great life experience in an exciting location.
3. Gain knowledge of a different plant.

Originally Posted by SanDiegogirl

Yes, I'd say 70K was pretty average depending on what industry you are in and where in the country. Is your company an IT/Software company or in the manufacturing arena?

Whereas Bozeman's rentals and property purchase may be reasonably inexpensive, I should imagine heating costs are very high due to the long winter.

You have to forget about the a health system similar to the NHS - medical costs are a factor of living in the US. Just be very sure that your company's insurance coverage is comprehensive and know what the deductibles, and co-pay are (these are in addition to your monthly premium).

Your anxiety is probably due to Bozeman being a complete unknown to you - hence my question as to whether the company would be willing to fly you over for you and your wife to take a look at the place.

This is not an unusual request - they are recruiting you you to move, not the other way around, and you have not even seen the town yet. They also have had difficulty recruiting into this job for some time, so they may well be open to giving you a trip out there in order for them to "sell you the virtues of the place" What have you go to lose by asking them?

One other thing to ask the immigration lawyers about - when would you obtain the Green card based on the fact that you would move on an L-1B?

With your daughter aged 18 you want that Green Card sooner than later and, if, I'm not mistaken getting the card takes longer from the L-1B than an L-1A due to the fact one has to go through Labour Certification.

Good luck to you.

Originally Posted by Teanmontana

I have check the company medical package and it looks good to me - around $500 per month for family cover.

Originally Posted by yellowroom

It sounds low to me. I was in a similar situation to you (employer struggled to fill a role in the US and offered me a transfer). I was also on the same salary, and I started in the US on $90k. The formula my company seem to use is take the UK figure, double it and stick a dollar sign on the front. It's not just the dollar-pound exchange rate to be considered, but the difference in pay scales. In my industry US salaries are a lot higher than in the UK, even taking currency differences into account. You need to do some digging to find out what your equivalent role is worth in the USA, particularly if it's a promotion compared to your current job.

It's not a very British thing to do, but you may want to consider bargaining a bit harder on your other T&C too, particularly if you are considering whether it is worthwhile making this huge change in your life. It's perfectly normal to do so in the US, and your US HR department won't think less of you for doing it. Things I got which you may want to consider asking about:

• A paid trip for you and your family to your proposed new area to explore and decide whether it is for you
• A written agreement that the company will pay your repatriation costs in the event they terminate your employment for anything other than gross misconduct (this is an important safety net - US employment rights are minimal compared to the UK and you don't want to be suddenly having to get yourselves out of rental agreements, car leases etc at short notice and high expense if the company does lay-offs. If you are on L1/L2, your right to stay in the USA ends with the L1 holder's job.)
• 3 months paid accommodation in a furnished flat at new destination
• 3 months paid car rental
• Paid removal of belongings from UK to USA
• A "keep in touch" flight back home to the UK once a year for you and your family (paid by company)
• An extra 5 days PTO for "keep in touch"
• A relocation agent to help navigate settling into a new country/area
• A realtor to navigate through getting a new home

I had a similar decision process - mine was easier as I was single at the time with no dependents. I went by "don't regret the opportunities you take, only the opportunities you don't take." What's the worst that could happen? You don't like it and you come back to the UK, with a whole load of new experiences under your belt.

Originally Posted by Psyman

I've lived in Idaho and Oregon for most of the last 20 years, so have had the "Montana experience" without living there. If you're not into the outdoor lifestyle then you'll find it difficult to fit in in Montana. Outdoors can mean hiking, backpacking, fishing, skiing etc in trendy North Face gear. Or it could mean hunting deer, grouse, bear, ducks etc in camo gear. Whichever, you'll come across both types and not much else. I'm sure you'll find some decent restaurants and a move theater there, but don't expect big city comforts and experiences. You'll have to fly for those to Seattle, for example. Yellowstone is close, but again, if you're not into nature (and that means grizzly bears on the loose!) then you will have little to keep you interested in Bozeman. FWIW a friend of mine worked there and lived in Livingstone which is 25 miles away and a much nicer town apparently.

Originally Posted by Nutmegger

But do you know just what that coverage is? The premium is only the beginning. After that there is usually a maze that can include a deductible (for all on the policy, or per person?), a per-visit fee, out-of-network fees -- all manner of things alien to us as Brits! You really need to see the fine print to understand just how you might be out of pocket after a doctor or hospital visit.

Originally Posted by Teanmontana

..... I have check the company medical package and it looks good to me - around $500 per month for family cover. ... .

Originally Posted by Teanmontana

Yes I have been given the full policey which is about 60 pages long - i'm working my way through it so i'm stating to understand the terms of is.

Just a couple of over view points - $25 copay doctors visit - $1500 calender year deductible. $6000 out of pocket deductible max PCY -

Originally Posted by SanDiegogirl

Ok this means:

- You pay 25 bucks per doctor visit each time.
- 1500 calendar year deductible - your insurance won't kick in until YOU have paid for 1500 bucks of medical treatment
- 6000 out of pocket - your medical insurance does not pay for all of your treatments/procedures (usually a good policy will pay 80% to 90% of costs). So in any one year, depending on how much medical treatment you need you could pay up to 6000 bucks for this shortfall.

Pretty normal cover ......