Visa to work in Houston
Hi there- or should I say howdy?
First of all, thanks very much to anyone who helps me out here- I really appreciate it. I have spent hours on visa websites until my eyes bleed! I am looking to come across and work in Houston. I have had several interviews with various employers who offer to bring me across on a permanent visa- social security number etc. I am looking to work in the area for 2-3 years minimum, but depending on how it goes I may well consider staying- I have travelled the US before, although admittedly not texas, for 6 months and absolutely love the place. I am a young professional, 23 years old, and as such would probably look to live in midtown as I hear this is the place to be? Suggestions welcome! I just have a few questions: 1) What type of visa is it that I will likely be on? I think its an E-1? How long would i have to stay/ what would i have to do to gain nationality/permanent residency? My understanding is that if i leave my job, I have to leave the country as the visa is tied to my employer, whilst I cannot see myself leaving them for at least 2 years, I would be interested to know what other options I have for the future. 2) I have a girlfriend who I would like to come with me. I have been told that whilst my employer can get me a visa, they can only get one for her which would mean she cannot work- basically a no go as she would drive herself, and then me, mad. What options does she have here? Can she come over on a VWP and then job hunt? Or does she have to secure a job first like I have? 2) What does this visa entitle me to? Obviously guessing cannot vote, but can I own/shoot a gun? Realise I have written an essay here, so sorry for the eye strain, any help you can give me would be amazing. Thanks |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Originally Posted by DoubleDD
(Post 10059616)
1) What type of visa is it that I will likely be on?
How long would i have to stay/ what would i have to do to gain nationality/permanent residency? My understanding is that if i leave my job, I have to leave the country as the visa is tied to my employer, whilst I cannot see myself leaving them for at least 2 years, I would be interested to know what other options I have for the future. What options does she have here? Can she come over on a VWP and then job hunt? Or does she have to secure a job first like I have? What does this visa entitle me to? Obviously guessing cannot vote, but can I own/shoot a gun? Ian |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Originally Posted by DoubleDD
(Post 10059616)
I am looking to come across and work in Houston. I have had several interviews with various employers who offer to bring me across on a permanent visa- social security number etc.
1) What type of visa is it that I will likely be on? I think its an E-1? How long would i have to stay/ what would i have to do to gain nationality/permanent residency? My understanding is that if i leave my job, I have to leave the country as the visa is tied to my employer, whilst I cannot see myself leaving them for at least 2 years, I would be interested to know what other options I have for the future. In general, though, if you want to become a US Permanent Resident, your employer will have to apply for you. Get that in writing, as part of your hiring documents, and have them give you a specific date they will apply for your green card. Without that, the employer can change his mind, or take so long with the decision, that you run out of time. If you stop working for your sponsoring employer (before they apply for your green card), then you have to leave the USA 2) I have a girlfriend who I would like to come with me. I have been told that whilst my employer can get me a visa, they can only get one for her which would mean she cannot work- basically a no go as she would drive herself, and then me, mad. What options does she have here? Can she come over on a VWP and then job hunt? Or does she have to secure a job first like I have? Yes, she can come for a VWP to job hunt, and see if she qualifies for a work visa based on her own merits. Yes, she would need to secure a job first, in order to get a work visa. 2) What does this visa entitle me to? Obviously guessing cannot vote, but can I own/shoot a gun? Rene |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Hi there, and thanks very much for the replies.
My employer has said it is a E-1 or a B-1 (sorry I could not make out thanks to the phone line), obviously before I accept anything I will need everything in writing, but as we are just at interview stage I dont have any documentation yet. I know that I will be set up with a social security number, bank account, and be able to freely travel the US, if that is any help to you? Sounds like I need to get them to apply for me to have a green card as part of the job offer. I presume there are costs involved here that they have to pay? RE my girlfriend, am I right in thinking then that she could come over on a VWP, bring a copy of her CV and actively job hunt with american companies- who would then have to sponser her to 'convert' to a permanent visa? I am speaking to them tonight, if you need any further info about the visa (or if you have advice as to what questions I should be asking my employer) that would be MUCH appreciated. Again- thanks so much for your help here, if I do get myself over to Texas I will definitely buy you a beer! |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Originally Posted by DoubleDD
(Post 10059722)
My employer has said it is a E-1 or a B-1 (sorry I could not make out thanks to the phone line),
I know that I will be set up with a social security number, bank account, and be able to freely travel the US, if that is any help to you? Sounds like I need to get them to apply for me to have a green card as part of the job offer. I presume there are costs involved here that they have to pay? RE my girlfriend, am I right in thinking then that she could come over on a VWP, bring a copy of her CV and actively job hunt with american companies- who would then have to sponser her to 'convert' to a permanent visa? I am speaking to them tonight, if you need any further info about the visa (or if you have advice as to what questions I should be asking my employer) that would be MUCH appreciated. Rene |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Originally Posted by DoubleDD
(Post 10059722)
My employer has said it is a E-1 or a B-1 (sorry I could not make out thanks to the phone line)...
... before I accept anything I will need everything in writing, but as we are just at interview stage I dont have any documentation yet. I know that I will be set up with a social security number, bank account, and be able to freely travel the US, if that is any help to you? Sounds like I need to get them to apply for me to have a green card as part of the job offer. I presume there are costs involved here that they have to pay? ... actively job hunt with american companies- who would then have to sponser her to 'convert' to a permanent visa? I am speaking to them tonight, if you need any further info about the visa (or if you have advice as to what questions I should be asking my employer) that would be MUCH appreciated. Ian |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Hi there,
again thanks for all the replies. I have been told I will be over on an E-2 visa... looks like I was completely wrong with what I heard the first time! From what I can see on the internet this seems to involve some sort of investment... which is not what I would be doing. I will be working as a senior sales consultant for a large international company- but not one I am working for currently. Just trying to work out if this is a 'good' visa, and if it allows me to start the process for a green card. I am looking at a basic of 55-60 thousand dollars, with commission on what i earn on top of this, do you think this basic salary is enough to give me a comfortable life in midtown/downtown/galleria? I am looking at renting an apartment with a pool and a gym, and renting a car (which seems to be between 2 and 400 dollars a month?). Any help would be much appreciated! |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Originally Posted by DoubleDD
(Post 10062103)
Hi there,
again thanks for all the replies. I have been told I will be over on an E-2 visa... looks like I was completely wrong with what I heard the first time! From what I can see on the internet this seems to involve some sort of investment... which is not what I would be doing. I will be working as a senior sales consultant for a large international company- but not one I am working for currently. Just trying to work out if this is a 'good' visa, and if it allows me to start the process for a green card. I am looking at a basic of 55-60 thousand dollars, with commission on what i earn on top of this, do you think this basic salary is enough to give me a comfortable life in midtown/downtown/galleria? I am looking at renting an apartment with a pool and a gym, and renting a car (which seems to be between 2 and 400 dollars a month?). Any help would be much appreciated! It does have the advantage of indefinite renewal as long as you carry on working for them. It is not dual intent however. |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Originally Posted by DoubleDD
(Post 10062103)
Just trying to work out if this is a 'good' visa, and if it allows me to start the process for a green card.
Rene |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Renting in Houston is very expensive. See har.com for rental prices.
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Re: Visa to work in Houston
Firstly, I wouldn't go down the Car Rental route - I did it myself and 200-400 is not realistic. I was paying between 600-900 per month and that was for a tiny little car.
Secondly, renting is not cheap - apartments are fairly expensive - but they do include taxes etc... I was paying $920/m for a 1-bed 800sq ft apartment in Katy (about 30miles outside of downtown). If I was you, I'd ask your employer about vehicle leasing plans - if they offer any assistance or even car rentals - but try to get them to help with it. |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Originally Posted by DoubleDD
(Post 10062103)
I am looking at a basic of 55-60 thousand dollars, with commission on what i earn on top of this, do you think this basic salary is enough to give me a comfortable life in midtown/downtown/galleria?
Would depend on what the health insurance situation would be like too I suppose. |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Originally Posted by Bob
(Post 10062211)
if you're the sort to do hookers and blow, less so
|
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Hello and welcome to BE.
Just a cautionary note. There are plenty of scam artists who are willing to take advantage of someone looking to work in the US, some of them have fancy web sites. You should be extremely wary of any 'employer' asking for any kind of fee, including fees purporting to pay for visas. I am not saying the companies you have dealt with so far are fraudulent, I know nothing about them. I am just highlighting some of the darker areas you may have to traverse. Good luck on your quest.
Originally Posted by DoubleDD
(Post 10059616)
..I have spent hours on visa websites until my eyes bleed!...
Originally Posted by DoubleDD
(Post 10059616)
...I have had several interviews with various employers who offer to bring me across on a permanent visa- social security number etc...
Originally Posted by DoubleDD
(Post 10062103)
....I have been told I will be over on an E-2 visa...
|
Re: Visa to work in Houston
It depends on what you call comfortable? When I lived downtown I was on $90k + bonus. I did have money to do what I wanted but I also had a company car and fully paid medical which meant neither of these were coming out of my paycheck (and these are both fairly hefty expenses). I think $55-60k is on the low side to afford downtown prices tbh.
As pointed out HAR.com is a good place to look for rentals. You'll have no credit here in the US so be prepared to pay for a lot of things in cash or with hefty deposits. $2-400/month is not realistic force rental. A midsize will cost you $1k+/month. |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Hi there, again thanks for the answers/welcome/tips.
Package i have been offered is 55k, full medical- dental, eyesight etc, agreement to apply for green card after 6 months, mobile phone, visas, flights, and help with car rental/lease- but iam not sure what this means. They have said that they do not offer a car as part of the package, but perhaps they can co-sign a lease with me or use some sort of leverage to get a better deal? My job is all about commission and I should double what I earn on a basic salary in a year. I am also being offered a perdiem, which I understand is 180 dollars a day in texas, tax exempt, as part of the salary package. My understanding of how this works is 180x number of days I work in a year, and minus this amount from my basic salary. The number left over is what I pay federal tax on, the rest is tax free. They have quoted me a price of 2-400 for car rental, maybe this is because they have some sort of deal but they have not explicity said this- i am yet to see the written contract. Obviously understand I will have zero credit so need to speak to them again to see what they propose here. Interested to know what people think about this, they are offering to pay for my first two weeks of hotel/car to get me settled also, which i think is a nice gesture, but as I have never been to Houston I want to see how far this basic salary will go? (i.e can it fund a good flat (pool and gym, nothing outrageous but good kitchen etc), decent car (golf/polo equivalent), a few drinks and a meal on a fri/sat night and a trip to the beach/lakes/baseball every now and then. Im young, and this is my first time doing something like this so Im just trying to make sure I dont get off the plane, look down, and realise ive got a gunshot wound in my left foot... |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Originally Posted by DoubleDD
(Post 10063768)
I am also being offered a perdiem, which I understand is 180 dollars a day in texas, tax exempt, as part of the salary package.
My understanding of how this works is 180x number of days I work in a year, and minus this amount from my basic salary. The number left over is what I pay federal tax on, the rest is tax free. Ian |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
55k isn't a lot to be able to live on in Houston, no. Have you looked at HAR.com yet as rent is going to be your biggest outgoing?
We were given what we thought was a massive housing allowance and it turned out to not be enough to rent a house with in Houston. |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Originally Posted by DoubleDD
(Post 10063768)
agreement to apply for green card after 6 months,
My job is all about commission and I should double what I earn on a basic salary in a year. Re: the second bit - that sounds like a very shaky proposition to base a move like this on. What happens to you if you don't double your basic in year 1? (apart from them potentially firing you). |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
They can go down the EB3 route for the E2.
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Re: Visa to work in Houston
hey. I work for a relocation company and I myself am moving from London to Houston next month. Now I am going on an L1 visa due to my current employment with the same company.
An E2 visa would be a strange one as this is an investor visa...and requires you to make a substantial investment that you will be controlling whilst in the US. I would verify this if I were you? Definitely request tax support as it's complicated enough doing your tax returns out there, but with your package, it seems even more so. Cost of living in Houston is fairly cheap compared to London (I wasn't sure where you were relocating from so presumed London). However, for a salary of 55k, you'd be limited on properties and you may end up having to live in one of the more unsavoury areas...the galleria area would cost you roughly $1000-$1200 per month for something decent...but if you think you can rely on your commission, this should be ok. I think the most important thing for you now is to clarify the visa situation and see more in writing, because without the right visa, it's going to be impossible and trust me, I speak from experience, even in straight forward immigration cases, the USCIS can make it difficult to make sure they're letting the right people in. :) Also, remember that the company will have to show that they cannot find such a skilled person in the US.... |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Originally Posted by newtohouston
(Post 10064258)
An E2 visa would be a strange one as this is an investor visa...and requires you to make a substantial investment that you will be controlling whilst in the US. I would verify this if I were you? |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
true...but he's not transferring, he's being newly hired...
|
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Originally Posted by Noorah101
(Post 10062140)
I do not believe the E-2 visa leads to a green card, no.
Rene E2 trader treaty investor to green card is. |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Originally Posted by newtohouston
(Post 10064308)
true...but he's not transferring, he's being newly hired...
|
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Also consider whether your salary will meet the DOL LCA requirement for prevailing wage in your fielddepending on which visa you get. 55k sounds pretty low for any transfer/relocation type job. Bonuses arent taken into account with the LCA unless they are guaranteed income. Speak to the attorney they will appoint for you.
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Re: Visa to work in Houston
Originally Posted by Boiler
(Post 10064250)
They can go down the EB3 route for the E2.
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Re: Visa to work in Houston
One query that keeps coming to mind as I read this thread -- OP, are you in direct contact with the company that will employ you? You aren't dealing with any kind of agency or middleman?
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Re: Visa to work in Houston
Originally Posted by DoubleDD
(Post 10063768)
Package i have been offered is 55k, full medical- dental, eyesight etc Makes a difference from $0-1K a month in cost...though likely to be in the $100-200 range at a guess. |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Originally Posted by DoubleDD
(Post 10063768)
. I am also being offered a perdiem, which I understand is 180 dollars a day in texas, tax exempt, as part of the salary package. My understanding of how this works is 180x number of days I work in a year, and minus this amount from my basic salary. The number left over is what I pay federal tax on, the rest is tax free. |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Start in 6 months.
Why not? |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
hello all,
thanks again for all the replies. lots to talk about here. ok 1) Tax expert- so I need to seek some legal advice on this then, is it common for companies to help me pay for someone to do this? Not something I have considered but an excellent point, any further advise would be appreciarted 2) Commission- please dont worry about this, my basic here is 25k and I earnt 48k last year (that was in my first year also, so some months were spent training, I am good at what I do) and I like to be in control of what I earn. 3) E2 visa- my research (i am no expert) has told me this is investment related, judging on what people are saying here it is possible for it to work in my case, not sure how however- perhaps they will hire me on a UK payroll (they have offices here) for a month and then shift me over to the US. Re other american applicants, they have interviewed plenty and not found what they need- they hire brits for this role all the time according to them. 4) EB3- I assume this is a route to greencard? as in, a subdivision of E2 which leads to green card status? Appreciate my language here may be hazy, will research it now, any more info is appreciated 5) Clarification on visas- I am seeking this, I have yet to see anything in writing and will not be accepting anything until I do. 6) Agency or direct contact. I am going through an agency but I have had direct contact with the client through telephone interviews. What are your suspicions around this if you dont mind me asking? 7) Medical package- again, not seen a written contract so dont know the details, what am I aiming for here? I am not entierly sure how it works in the US, I see it working as an insurance policy with an excess? Is this wildly incorrect? 8) Perdiem- yorkshireabroad, yes that is how it has been expalined to me ($180 a day tax free out of my salary for everyday I work) and it sounds outrageously good. I dont know if I have to claim this back or if it is already accounted for. Common theme here is that I have not seen anything in writing. I am not naive and I will not be accepting anything until I have the answers to all my questions, and until I know exactly what my outgoings will be every month, so I can provide a comparison to my setup at the moment. My worry, as is every salespersons, is that I am getting sold the dream. However, talk is cheap and I will not base a decision on anything other than what is in the contract. The advice people can give me on here is much appreciated for its impartial opinions, please dont worry and think I will make a rash decision here. Further help would be much appreciated folks. Cheers |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Here's my concern - convincing USCIS that a US based company needs to import any kind of commission-based salesperson (versus hiring one from the domestic applicant pool - or should that be 'ocean') is potentially something of a stretch.
I have been both sponsor and beneficiary of L1-A, B1, E1 and H1-B and established two successful businesses here. Much as I'd have liked to, hiring UK based sales people to come over and work in the US just was not an option. I am deeply suspicious about this concept, I'm afraid. When you mentioned the "A" word (agency), that tipped me over the edge. Has anyone asked you to hand over any money yet? |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Originally Posted by DoubleDD
(Post 10068726)
6) Agency or direct contact. I am going through an agency but I have had direct contact with the client through telephone interviews. What are your suspicions around this if you dont mind me asking?
I would take out the middleman "agency", and deal directly with the US employer. If the US employer has hired foreign workers before, then they should have an immigration attorney working for them who handles the visa situation. Since you have direct contact with the employer, I would stop dealing with the agency from now on, and just continue on with the employer. Rene |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Originally Posted by DoubleDD
(Post 10068726)
1) Tax expert- so I need to seek some legal advice on this then, is it common for companies to help me pay for someone to do this? Not something I have considered but an excellent point, any further advise would be appreciarted |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Originally Posted by DoubleDD
(Post 10059616)
1) What type of visa is it that I will likely be on? I think its an E-1? How long would i have to stay/ what would i have to do to gain nationality/permanent residency? My understanding is that if i leave my job, I have to leave the country as the visa is tied to my employer, whilst I cannot see myself leaving them for at least 2 years, I would be interested to know what other options I have for the future.
2) I have a girlfriend who I would like to come with me. I have been told that whilst my employer can get me a visa, they can only get one for her which would mean she cannot work- basically a no go as she would drive herself, and then me, mad. What options does she have here? Can she come over on a VWP and then job hunt? Or does she have to secure a job first like I have? 2) What does this visa entitle me to? Obviously guessing cannot vote, but can I own/shoot a gun? The gun question is interesting, the DoJ basically forced ATF to change the rules recently, if you enter on a non-immigrant visa (as opposed to a non-immigrant category) then you must have a hunting licence issued by any State in order to legally possess a firearm (generally, there are other exemptions but the hunting licence is the only relevant one). To buy one, you need to be a resident of the State where the acquisition is made, usually. |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Originally Posted by Steve_
(Post 10074228)
From the sounds of it you need to get a a job with a US company abroad and then transfer in on L-1B. That is the only category that would satisfy your requirements from what you've said there that you would be likely to get. Plus you would need to marry your girlfriend for her to get L-2 and be authorized to work.
The gun question is interesting, the DoJ basically forced ATF to change the rules recently, if you enter on a non-immigrant visa (as opposed to a non-immigrant category) then you must have a hunting licence issued by any State in order to legally possess a firearm (generally, there are other exemptions but the hunting licence is the only relevant one). To buy one, you need to be a resident of the State where the acquisition is made, usually. The application period has closed now for most things you would want to shoot, it is a lottery but you get bonus points for previous missed applications. |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
Medical insurance, you are incorrect about how it works.
1. Your employer may or may not cover the cost or they may cover a %. That could mean $0-$1000+ a month from your pay. 2. The policy may not cover things. That could mean essentially an unlimited cost to you should something unexpected happen. 3. Even if it does cover most things, it may not kick in until you pay a certain amount or it may require you to pay a % of every charge. At $100 or so per doctors appointment, several thousand for basic emergency care and tens of thousands for serious emergency care, it can add up quickly with a poor policy. Health insurance will be the single moat complicated thing you have to deal with so spend the time researching it and how the healthcare system works. |
Re: Visa to work in Houston
I smell a large, particularly odoriferous rat here.
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