Those who moved to the US - yay/nay?

[acemastr]

Quick responses just to clarify, I'm not actively looking to move. I'm mostly just curious how you moved and found the adjustment.

Those that have moved (acemastr), would you consider it a move for life, or will you move back? I presume you've moved on a H1B like most do? Will you just live on your LPR (green card) or can you see yourself becoming a fully-fledged citizen?

I have no idea what a H1B is haha, I do indeed have a green card (just looked up, F2B visa).

I won't be coming back, life out here is far easier, nicer, more to do... I have to be here for 5 years to become a citizen which I will do when it come around. Green card only lasts 20 years I believe.

 

[dowie]

You make it sound easier than it is. You're not just going to start, then a month later you're in the US.

who mentioned a month?

If you've worked long enough for a company, and are skilled enough that you need to move to the US, rather than that spot being filled by American, and the spot is even available, then yes you might be given a temporary work visa.

realistically, if you're not a ****, then you can find a way

the simplest is probably taking up some managerial responsibilities as you'll have an easier time with visas

source: have worked with several people who moved to the US office in my old firm because they fancied living in the US

 

[DRZ]

I had the opportunity to move to the US (Kansas) but turned it down.

There are so many aspects of US culture that I vehemently despise that I just couldn't live there. It wouldn't outweight the benefits (relatively high salary even before the beneficial PPP benefits for most things) for me personally.

 

[deuse]

I moved to Florida April 2014, spent a fair amount of time here before that though.

The US is big, you can't just 'move to the US', which state?

Healthcare is interesting, but if you need an MRI they'll get you one booked for tomorrow morning.

Workers rights vary, Florida is an At Will working right, basically my employer can say he doesn't like my face and fire me on the spot, however without a legitimate reason he has to pay me unemployment until i find another job. Likewise, I can just tell him I quit and walk out.

Things are cheaper here, income tax for Florida is roughly 10% with no state tax, that can be a killer, California is 9.85%. Sales tax is 7% here on most things, similar to the UK system of not on certain items.

Very much depends on the state you want to go to!

And don't forget the tax on some second hand goods
Florida is ok if you don't like the busy city life. You will need lots of cash(just in case)

 

[Clipsey]

I moved to the US about 8 7-8 years ago now and although I really miss home, I miss family and friends (and some of the culture things), but I couldn't see myself living in England again. Just the accessibility to everything here makes life so much easier and nicer. A lot of people will try and argue this, but it really is cheaper to live here (well 99% of the area).
If you're serious, take a long look in to it and see what options you have, however you'll quickly find, slim to none. Best bet by the sounds of it is to speak with your work.

 

[acemastr]

And don't forget the tax on some second hand goods
Florida is ok if you don't like the busy city life. You will need lots of cash(just in case)

Clearly never been to Tampa or Orlando then Big big cities, not sure about the cash needed though.

 

[Edward78]

I had the opportunity to move to the US (Kansas) but turned it down.

There are so many aspects of US culture that I vehemently despise that I just couldn't live there. It wouldn't outweight the benefits (relatively high salary even before the beneficial PPP benefits for most things) for me personally.

Kansas is in Tornado Alley unless you have been though storms like they have in the midwest, they might be a bit scary, I came here to central NY state from the Midwest 5 years back & the lack of storms here is odd... I miss them really, but the summers here in NY state are nice & cool most times...

 

[Jono]

I tried to relocate to the USA. California or Oregon. My attempt failed and I didn't get kept on at work/transferred to US when they shut down the UK operations. I am still annoyed and sad.

 

[trickycurve]

I visited the US with my American girlfriend for the first time last month. Had a few days in NYC before heading over to the Seattle area to spend a week with her family. NYC (Manhattan specifically) is a tourist city and I definitely wouldn't want to live there. But Seattle and its immediate surroundings...that's a whole different story. It's a gorgeous location and the pace of life just isn't as hectic as it feels here sometimes.

Washington state has no income tax, but does have federal and sales tax (6.5% I believe).

My girlfriend wants to work over there in the not-too-distant future, and I can't say I wouldn't fancy it either. We're hopefully gonna go back at the beginning of April for a bit longer, so I'll be able to see what it's like at a different time of year before making rash decisions.

 

[scorza]

I tried to relocate to the USA. California or Oregon. My attempt failed and I didn't get kept on at work/transferred to US when they shut down the UK operations. I am still annoyed and sad.

Man that is unlucky - Oregon is awesome I'd love to live there though your experience does tie in with in that companies are very reluctant to intra-company transfer staff, unless you're in a low wage economy

 

[deuse]

Clearly never been to Tampa or Orlando then Big big cities, not sure about the cash needed though.

I'm a yank come Brit. I lived in Floral city and Hudson beach FL and most of the east coast and mid west.
Tampa\Orlando etc. just reminds me of brum\Blackpool on a hot day.

 

[D.P.]

Healthcare probably isn't that bad. If you've earning enough to afford healthcare (which I assume you would need to be to get a job which allowed you to get a working visa)

This. I you move there then you will be a skilled worker, and by definition will be getting good health cover.


From my personal perspective I would take the US health care over the UK any day, it is light years ahead of the UK, makes the NHS look like some kind of 3rd world field treatment center.


From an altruistic perspective it is far from ideal, although people tend to paint a worse picture of it than it generally is. You wont get left on the side of the rod to die without insurance, hospitals have to trick the sick. With the obamacare things took a big step forwards.


Workers rights are also liekly not an issue. If you are a professional working for a big company then you have similar rights to what you would get in the UK.






If you want to live and work in the US for a few years, or a few decades even, these things are really of no concern. They do become an issue if you want to permanently live here and become US citizens, then you have to think long and hard about such things from a moral perspective, e.g. will your grandchildren be happy with the situation?




Personally, I love the US. Paid way more, far more job opportunities in high tech, lower taxes, lower living costs, and there is definitely more freedom here. When I lived in Oregon what I loved was all the forest roads (dirt tracks but oc major ones pave) were completely open for the public drive along, because it is public land. Complete contrast to the UK where the Forestry Commission that own public land block access to the public. The flip-side of increased freedom is people are free to own a gun.

At some point we plan to move back to Europe when there is a good job opportunity. Definitely wont be the UK though. We miss a few European things, going to a street cafe, nipping over to Italy for a log weekend, politics hat are only moderate right not far right, historic cities, diverse cuisine, etc.

But I wouldn't rule out that we stay forever. My wife gets around $150K PA, the same jobs but with a higher workload in the UK would barely pay $50K, somewhat similar for my job, we then pay less taxes on his , have a higher standard of living and our house costs 1/3rd of what it would in England.
If we stay in the US long term then we will end up with a ski chalet in the mountians, a big yacht, a holiday flat in Florida and be able to live a real luxury life.

 

[Raymond Lin]

Well, it's not fair compare US private health care to free NHS.

It would be comparable between US Health care to something like BUPA, which I have seen through my dad and how it works. Want a hernia OP on the NHS? 8 months, oh, you got BUPA? How about tomorrow.

Own room, sky TV, a menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner with variety of food to choose from and a lady who push round trolleys with teas and biscuits.

It was like a hotel!

 

[[TW]Fox]

Yeah I never understood the negativity about moving there - if someone really wants to and isn't a total **** then they'll find a way. The most obvious one simply being to go work for a big company US or otherwise that has US offices and transfer over there internally.

The reason for the 'negativity' is because it is genuinely difficult. That doesn't make it impossible - many people manage it - but it doesn't change the fact that it isn't straightforward and that for most people, it generally isn't possible in the way it is for somewhere like Australia or Canada, both of which will take you for simply being sufficiently skilled whereas the USA will not.

Ruling out the investment visa as I'd imagine the capital requirements are outside the scope of this thread you have two general ways in - family who live there or an employer (new or existing) sponsoring you or a significant other. Most of those who bang on about 'how it was so easy' will have been fairly experienced and capable employees of a firm with presence in the US for whom a transfer was a possibility, or very well qualified people with an excellent employment history for whom it was worth the effort and faff of a US firm going through the motions to employ them and get them in the country.

DP is somebody I've argued with about this many times but what he always forgets to mention is that he's exceptionally good at what he does and highly qualified. Which is why he found no shortage of US companies who felt it was worth the effort of getting him there. Most people won't have that experience, because why pick a UK applicant for, say, a DBA role when there are also 20 equally skilled local candidates who can attend an on-site interview at short notice, require no visa processing, no effort, etc?

The reality of it is that most people who wake up one day and randomly decide they want to live in the US without even having visited it (This seems odd, if you've never been what exactly attracts you? Movies?) probably can't.

I think it's a great country - I visit annually for a holiday and have a thoroughly good time each time and have visited half of the states so far. Some of the scenery is absolutely breathtaking and generally the people you meet are warm and welcoming. However generally the corporate culture is very different there - much reduced holiday allowance is one of the main things (They get about 2 weeks generally, obviously there are exceptions before somebody who gets 3 months a year pops up) and people often comment how they are surprised we get the vacation time to do the trips we do. For most people, you can explore more of the US from the UK than you can the US I don't think many people realise how good we have it here in the UK - the UK is a great place to live despite the moaning...

I would suggest you visit several times - to different areas as well - before you consider this any further. You've nothing to lose, as you'll have a fantastic holiday as part of the deal.

 

[Housey]

As Fox says you either need to be a person of value (specialist or working in the right role for the right company) or have some good family connections out there who can help (employment etc). Outside of that it's quite hard. Ive been considering this for 2 years and I am in a position where I have the opportunity through both work and family (Canada and US) but it's a HIUGE decision when you get older (I'm 48) and accustomed to British life. However the more time I spend there the more time I appreciate it and I too visit 2 or 3 times a year at the moment. The corporate culture is overplayed however, work for the right company you get the right holiday allowance but travel is an issue as doing business in the US means flying, lots of flying.

 

[D.P.]

Well, it's not fair compare US private health care to free NHS.

It would be comparable between US Health care to something like BUPA, which I have seen through my dad and how it works. Want a hernia OP on the NHS? 8 months, oh, you got BUPA? How about tomorrow.

Own room, sky TV, a menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner with variety of food to choose from and a lady who push round trolleys with teas and biscuits.

It was like a hotel!

yeah, of course it isn't a fair comparison but for someone thinking of going to the US then they shouldn't worry about health care.

 

[D.P.]

As Fox says you either need to be a person of value (specialist or working in the right role for the right company) or have some good family connections out there who can help (employment etc). Outside of that it's quite hard. Ive been considering this for 2 years and I am in a position where I have the opportunity through both work and family (Canada and US) but it's a HIUGE decision when you get older (I'm 48) and accustomed to British life. However the more time I spend there the more time I appreciate it and I too visit 2 or 3 times a year at the moment. The corporate culture is overplayed however, work for the right company you get the right holiday allowance but travel is an issue as doing business in the US means flying, lots of flying.

You really don't need to be that much of a specialist though. If you are a software engineer with any ability and a bachelor degree then you already have a good shot at getting a visa sponsored. Sure, as Fx says you wont get a visa for being a DBA but I don't think you would want to move ot th US if that is your career.

people seem to forget there is a massive shortage of good software engineers and big companies will fall over themselves to scoop you are. If they are paying 150K a year to have you (you have to factor in-overheads, employer SS taxes, benefits, bonus, health so even a mediocre junior salary will quickly add up). then a one off 6-8K for a lawyer and visa expenses is a drop in the ocean. heck, they will be hiring people through job agencies losing 30-50K + a year for the first 2 years, paying for a foreigner is far cheaper.

 

[V F]

The only way LA would be nice is if you don't live in LA! if you had a multi million dollar mansion up in the hills or a nice house near the sea in O.C. then it probably would be pretty nice. Living in LA itself, eugh!

Most of the houses I saw of those were in gated communities. Minimum £87x,xxx. Yes the programme listed them in pounds. The highest they had with ten pin bowling alleys, swimming pool, home theatre yadda yadda. £50,000,000.

Roads in Orlando are perfect.. because of all the tourists Same with the landscaping, everything looks pristine

What fascinates me is most of the time America looks 2015. Then look back to Britain and just about everywhere looks 1970-90 and deprived.

I moved to the US about 8 7-8 years ago now and although I really miss home, I miss family and friends (and some of the culture things), but I couldn't see myself living in England again. Just the accessibility to everything here makes life so much easier and nicer. A lot of people will try and argue this, but it really is cheaper to live here (well 99% of the area).
If you're serious, take a long look in to it and see what options you have, however you'll quickly find, slim to none. Best bet by the sounds of it is to speak with your work.

I really don't know about American culture apart from a lot of stories and that can be iffy. Is it true you don't knock on peoples doors? Or is that state/area dependant? That and the gun culture...

If I was to go to America I'd be so lost. What you do or don't do.

This. I you move there then you will be a skilled worker, and by definition will be getting good health cover.


From my personal perspective I would take the US health care over the UK any day, it is light years ahead of the UK, makes the NHS look like some kind of 3rd world field treatment center.

Lol! Everything sounds and looks better in America than the UK. America from all the documentaries I've seen really cares about investing and facilities. All UK cares about... I'm not even sure what the UK cares about as we seem to have mainly nothing. All sports people go out to train in America when they become Professional or there about. Heck look at even the shooting. UK teams have to go out to America since it is illegal here.

Plus didn't they not that long ago end the Jessica Ennis stadium to save money... An Olympic Gold medalist for crying out loud.

Any investment here seems to be geared towards football club professionals.

 

[dowie]

You really don't need to be that much of a specialist though. If you are a software engineer with any ability and a bachelor degree then you already have a good shot at getting a visa sponsored. Sure, as Fx says you wont get a visa for being a DBA but I don't think you would want to move ot th US if that is your career.

we sent a support guy over there - sure he had a bachelors degree but that was it, he'd worked at the company for just under 2 years - we could justify it as we wanted to set up a support team there and have him train them/act as team lead

one other guy hired as a consultant moved to the NYC office simply because he wanted to - I mean we had consultants in various offices, they change projects regularly, they work around the world anyway, doesn't make a huge difference to the company if someone really wants to move elsewhere

if someone is working in tech (like lots of this forum) and isn't a complete **** then I don't see the issue - there ought to be various opportunities - in many cases part of your team will be spread out over the globe whether you're in dev, support or you're a consultant

ditto to banks and dedicated consultancy firms etc..you do your 2-3 years in one place, do the usual networking and make sure the guys you work with in the US like you/consider you valuable then you find a way to get moved over there

 

[anything I don't mind]

I would like to move to texas. Well at the least live there for a few years.