Apply for jobs in the US?

oB1

Hi

Before i go further, yes i am fully aware of the Visa requirements to live and work in the US.

I know about all the types of immigrant visas as well as temporary visas.

I have lived in the US on the J1 and worked for 4 months before.

My question is more surrounding actually applying for US based jobs, while in Ireland. To ultimately gain sponsorship for a visa to live and work over there legally.

I know there is strict requirements for US Employers to hire non-us citizens to fill certain jobs.

just wondered has anyone ever attempted to do this? Has anyone had any luck?

apart from applying for the Diversity Visa lottery (which i have already done) - i cannot think of any other way that i can get back over to live and work in the US Permanently.

It's my dream!

thanks

iusedtoknow

oB1 wrote: »

Hi


apart from applying for the Diversity Visa lottery (which i have already done) - i cannot think of any other way that i can get back over to live and work in the US Permanently.

It's my dream!

thanks

You have to be aware how much visa sponsorship costs. An employer has to spend about $10,000 for costs and legal fees before you can start working. As such, they have to be really sure that you are the only one out of all americans that can do the job.

For my own position that I was sponsored in on the L1 visa, there was 6 months of interviews and paperwork before my job was approved for sponsorship. After this there was more paperwork and costs to go through before I even got to the embassy for my interview. I saw the bill, everything to get me over to work was $14000 before they even paid for my moving costs.

The other thing is, most companies are not aware of the procedures for applying for sponsorship. Most will assume that if you are applying then you are already legal. They won't ask - they will assume, and then when you drop the bomb that you need sponsored, they will run a mile.

Sorry to be a debbie downer, but if it was as easy as you hope...then millions before you will already have done it.

Uno my Uno.

Almost every job application in the US will ask if you are authorised to work in the US, answer no and your application goes directly to the junk folder.

So realistically you need to be in a very niche field with a very specific set of skills that are in high demand. I don't know but I would imagine that most of people sponsored are in financial services at a very high level or the sciences and engineering.

Sorry if that's not the news youre looking for but its the situation on the ground as I have seen it.

oB1

iusedtoknow wrote: »

You have to be aware how much visa sponsorship costs. An employer has to spend about $10,000 for costs and legal fees before you can start working. As such, they have to be really sure that you are the only one out of all americans that can do the job.

For my own position that I was sponsored in on the L1 visa, there was 6 months of interviews and paperwork before my job was approved for sponsorship. After this there was more paperwork and costs to go through before I even got to the embassy for my interview. I saw the bill, everything to get me over to work was $14000 before they even paid for my moving costs.

The other thing is, most companies are not aware of the procedures for applying for sponsorship. Most will assume that if you are applying then you are already legal. They won't ask - they will assume, and then when you drop the bomb that you need sponsored, they will run a mile.

Sorry to be a debbie downer, but if it was as easy as you hope...then millions before you will already have done it.

Uno my Uno. wrote: »

Almost every job application in the US will ask if you are authorised to work in the US, answer no and your application goes directly to the junk folder.

So realistically you need to be in a very niche field with a very specific set of skills that are in high demand. I don't know but I would imagine that most of people sponsored are in financial services at a very high level or the sciences and engineering.

Sorry if that's not the news youre looking for but its the situation on the ground as I have seen it.

thanks for response and feedback.

im definitely aware of the cost it has to the employer and the time and effort for both parties that it will have to get me over to work.

I want it so badly, i would be willing to foot the bill myself, or sacrifice it from my first years salary to cover the cost.

I suppose, im more looking to see if anyone has actually done this before, or has a US Employer ever advertised looking for international applications, and willing to sponsor the visa?

lonestargirl

oB1 wrote: »

thanks for response and feedback.

im definitely aware of the cost it has to the employer and the time and effort for both parties that it will have to get me over to work.

I want it so badly, i would be willing to foot the bill myself, or sacrifice it from my first years salary to cover the cost.

I suppose, im more looking to see if anyone has actually done this before, or has a US Employer ever advertised looking for international applications, and willing to sponsor the visa?

It's specifically forbidden for you to pay any of the costs associated with getting the visa. When did you you finish college and would you consider further education to make you more employable? Either a postgrad in Ireland which would then qualify you for the 1-year J1 and then get your foot in the door or else a postgrad in the US which might help build connections with employers.

iusedtoknow

oB1 wrote: »

thanks for response and feedback.

im definitely aware of the cost it has to the employer and the time and effort for both parties that it will have to get me over to work.

I want it so badly, i would be willing to foot the bill myself, or sacrifice it from my first years salary to cover the cost.

I suppose, im more looking to see if anyone has actually done this before, or has a US Employer ever advertised looking for international applications, and willing to sponsor the visa?

Most companies bring people over for specific jobs or projects, either internally (L1) or externally (H1B, open for applicants in April, have to move in October). My own company has a policy that they will not bring someone over unless the cost of the visa is less than 10% of the persons annual salary.

I'm sorry to say that you have a tough road a head, and your best option will be the green card lottery.

Uno my Uno.

The US is essentially a closed shop for migrants these days. The only exception if for the spouse of a citizen. Nearly all the loop holes have been closed and visas like L1 HB1 and J1 are heavily restricted.

It stinks because so many people are so desperate to come but Thats how it is.

ceadaoin.

oB1 wrote: »

thanks for response and feedback.

im definitely aware of the cost it has to the employer and the time and effort for both parties that it will have to get me over to work.

I want it so badly, i would be willing to foot the bill myself, or sacrifice it from my first years salary to cover the cost.

I suppose, im more looking to see if anyone has actually done this before, or has a US Employer ever advertised looking for international applications, and willing to sponsor the visa?

I think the Irish pub chain ri ra sometimes advertise for Irish staff and sponsor successful applicants to come over.

Unless you work in a very specialised area then your best chance is probably the visa lottery or work for a company that has offices in America and transfer eventually.

yew_tree

Uno my Uno. wrote: »

The US is essentially a closed shop for migrants these days. .

Depends where you are from....sadly for us Irish it is very hard to get to the US to work. The US is taking migrants just not from here.

iusedtoknow

yew_tree wrote: »

Depends where you are from....sadly for us Irish it is very hard to get to the US to work. The US is taking migrants just not from here.

Ah, veiled racism, xenophobia and irish exceptionalism.

The fact is, they don't - The Irish are just on an equal playing field to everyone else. We also have a much easier go of it at immigration (whenever I travel with an english guy that is Indian heritage he ALWAYS gets stuck at immigration getting back into the country). Ireland is a small country with a small population so our pick of the visas is obviously going to be smaller than other places.

The irish also are much higher up the waiting list for greencards (1 year waiting time vs Indian/Chinese where they are currently processing applications from 2004)

Not to mention that we have schemes like the J1 graduate that get people in the door.

The fact is, we had it easy for so long that now we don't like the playing field being equal and so complain.

dave2pvd

iusedtoknow wrote: »

Ah, veiled racism, xenophobia and irish exceptionalism.

The fact is, they don't - The Irish are just on an equal playing field to everyone else. We also have a much easier go of it at immigration (whenever I travel with an english guy that is Indian heritage he ALWAYS gets stuck at immigration getting back into the country). Ireland is a small country with a small population so our pick of the visas is obviously going to be smaller than other places.

The irish also are much higher up the waiting list for greencards (1 year waiting time vs Indian/Chinese where they are currently processing applications from 2004)

Not to mention that we have schemes like the J1 graduate that get people in the door.

The fact is, we had it easy for so long that now we don't like the playing field being equal and so complain.

Well said, iusedtoknow.

When I got my DV-1, the Irish allotment didn't even get filled. J1'ers were applying for it instead of the J1, as the price difference wasn't much, and sure you might be able to go over for a few Summers for less net cost.

So absolutely, it is a fairer allotment now. It was ludicrous up to the late 90's.

ProudDUB

America has a lot of problems of its own. People over here don't get that. It was hit very hard by the world recession too. There is massive unemployment, social problems, civic unrest etc etc in the old industrial heartland cities like Detriot and Baltimore, as the traditional blue collar industry jobs disappear off to Asia. Then there are the millions of illegal immigrants who come across the border from Mexico. That puts a further strain on the countries infrastructure & it is not going to end any time soon.

People over here, who think that the US should still be the land of milk and honey for everyone & that they should open their borders to anyone who wants to head over there, (especially us) are being delusional. Unless you have a skill or trade that is in short supply over there, and/or you work for a company that desperately needs you to do a job that no native born Yank can do, the odds of your getting to move over there are very slim.

Whether that is fair or unfair, or right or wrong, is irrelevant. That's just the way it is.

yew_tree

America indeed as many issues to sort out. Illegal immigration is a huge problem that they have faced for decades and only now are we in Europe having to deal with it on a grand scale again. I am not racist by
the way as was suggested above by iusedtoknow.

Josie_tickle

Hi everyone,

Like the OP I am also interested in finding out what is the real situation in terms of trying to get sponsored out to the US.

What if I did the graduate programme that gives you a 1 year working visa in the USA is this a good way to at least get in and try to get the ball rolling? Has anyone here managed to get sponsored after such a visa/work programme?

My education is in Chemistry I've a BSc Hons in Pharmaceuticals and currently specialising with a BA in Validation/Regulation etc (quite EU based but some US based also).

From people on the ground, does this seem to be a sector open for people or not? I'm finding it hard to source information about this online, was hoping maybe someone in the US had some information.

Kind thanks

iusedtoknow

The real situation is what we already outlined to the OP.

The J1 graduate visa is a good stepping stone, but you have to get your foot in the door first which is the hard thing. For one thing, year long internships are basically not done here, so companies don't understand the motivation for Irish students to do it.

Secondly as already mentioned - most companies don't have a clue about immigration procedures or necessities. Once they see the $10K+ all the paperwork they have to do...they run a mile, especially for a new starter. For example. My company only sponsor you if the cost of sponsoring you is <10% than your annual salary. From the bioengineering area (what my company does) that is post doc or above in research or experienced/managerial in IT or business.

Thirdly, the H1B system is extremely broken. It's turned into a lottery that a lot of companies like Tata play - it is getting harder and harder to get one. That and the company has to apply in April for you to enter the country in October.

suckmyloli

iusedtoknow wrote: »

The real situation is what we already outlined to the OP.

The J1 graduate visa is a good stepping stone, but you have to get your foot in the door first which is the hard thing. For one thing, year long internships are basically not done here, so companies don't understand the motivation for Irish students to do it.

Secondly as already mentioned - most companies don't have a clue about immigration procedures or necessities. Once they see the $10K+ all the paperwork they have to do...they run a mile, especially for a new starter. For example. My company only sponsor you if the cost of sponsoring you is <10% than your annual salary. From the bioengineering area (what my company does) that is post doc or above in research or experienced/managerial in IT or business.

Thirdly, the H1B system is extremely broken. It's turned into a lottery that a lot of companies like Tata play - it is getting harder and harder to get one. That and the company has to apply in April for you to enter the country in October.

Oh wow, that's awful. I always got the impression there were a good few Irish in the US but I must have been totally mistaken.

I was thinking of the graduate 1 year programme not the J1, you need to have your qualification already to take part. I thought it might be useful to test the waters for a year if i don't get sponsored I can at least legally work and support myself till the visa runs out.

But that's an eye opener, might have to consider nailing down a hubby so while over there ;-) just messin

are you still in the US or what I'm just wondering how up to date is the information you're giving is?

Thanks again :-)

iusedtoknow

suckmyloli wrote: »

Oh wow, that's awful. I always got the impression there were a good few Irish in the US but I must have been totally mistaken.

I was thinking of the graduate 1 year programme not the J1, you need to have your qualification already to take part. I thought it might be useful to test the waters for a year if i don't get sponsored I can at least legally work and support myself till the visa runs out.

But that's an eye opener, might have to consider nailing down a hubby so while over there ;-) just messin

are you still in the US or what I'm just wondering how up to date is the information you're giving is?

Thanks again :-)

The J1 is the graduate visa ...there are just different types of J1 (either for grads or for summer jobs)

I am in the US, I came over on an L1a (inter company transfer) and am now a permanent resident. I spent the 2 years dealing with getting our residency, and before that was upto date on the various ins and outs of the visas. Unfortunately one of my colleagues "ran out of time" between his visa and trying to get H1b and had to go back to europe, as they didn't get the "call" in the H1b this year. I also deal with a lot of hiring for my company, so know the policies and work with legal a lot on getting people through (we've hired 1 L1 this year, and it looks like one will get the go-ahead to enter in January)

Hazys

The H1B is a joke of a system, last year it was 1 in 4 odds in getting it, with lots of people gaming the system too and in turn not all of the allocated Visa are used ending up with your odds being less than 1 in 4.

Dave1442397

My company has reduced the number of H-1B visa holders to almost nothing. They now outsource the positions directly to India and can hire three or four workers for what we cost them.

ceadaoin.

Hazys wrote: »

The H1B is a joke of a system, last year it was 1 in 4 odds in getting it, with lots of people gaming the system too and in turn not all of the allocated Visa are used ending up with your odds being less than 1 in 4.

Dave1442397 wrote: »

My company has reduced the number of H-1B visa holders to almost nothing. They now outsource the positions directly to India and can hire three or four workers for what we cost them.

There was an article in the NY times a couple of weeks ago about this

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/11/us/large-companies-game-h-1b-visa-program-leaving-smaller-ones-in-the-cold.html?_r=0

Josie_tickle

This is really grim stuff, what's the L1 is that the lottery? I was going to maybe do the graduate programme, but I don't think I'll bother. It's cheaper to just marry an American citizen instead, and probably easier and more fun :-)

I was about to hear to the USIT info evening tonight on the J1 programme but think I'll just window shop on eHarmony instead.

Thanks for the update!

silja

Josie_tickle wrote: »

This is really grim stuff, what's the L1 is that the lottery? I was going to maybe do the graduate programme, but I don't think I'll bother. It's cheaper to just marry an American citizen instead, and probably easier and more fun :-)

I was about to hear to the USIT info evening tonight on the J1 programme but think I'll just window shop on eHarmony instead.

Thanks for the update!

The L1 is an intra-company transfer visa. Ie you work for, say, Google or Microsoft in Ireland for a couple of years, then they transfer you to a US office. Probably the easiest work visa to get, if your company likes you.

Let's not even joke about marrying for visa reasons please, herein lies immigration fraud and moderator actions....

iusedtoknow

Josie_tickle wrote: »

This is really grim stuff, what's the L1 is that the lottery? I was going to maybe do the graduate programme, but I don't think I'll bother. It's cheaper to just marry an American citizen instead, and probably easier and more fun :-)

I was about to hear to the USIT info evening tonight on the J1 programme but think I'll just window shop on eHarmony instead.

Thanks for the update!

There are 2 types of L1 visa - no lottery involved and no limit in how many are given

L1a - Managerial/executive. You have to go through labor certification but you can be sponsored on your Green Card almost straight away. Valid for 5 years + 2 more

L1b - specialized knowledge (most common one) - no labor certificate needed, application is around 2 months. 3 years + 2 more. Can apply for GC from this visa but it takes longer as you have to go through PERM + adjustment of status (adds 9 months on)


To get it, you have to have worked for european affiliate for 1 year and be doing a job that is considered specialized knowledge or be managerial (not necessary to be a people manager - I was a technical manager and came through that way)

It's an OK visa, but is very limiting. If you find you hate your job, or you lose it - you pretty much have to leave the country straight away.

spideog7

Josie_tickle wrote: »

This is really grim stuff, what's the L1 is that the lottery? I was going to maybe do the graduate programme, but I don't think I'll bother. It's cheaper to just marry an American citizen instead, and probably easier and more fun :-)

I was about to hear to the USIT info evening tonight on the J1 programme but think I'll just window shop on eHarmony instead.

Thanks for the update!

Do the graduate program if you're interested in it. If you're good enough a company will sponsor you, at the very least you'll get a years work experience and find it if you're actually interested in working over here full time.

One thing America has that Ireland and probably most of Europe is lacking in is a positive attitude and tons of self confidence. If you were to come over here with an attitude like that last post you'll get exactly what you deserve, nothing. Nobody succeeds in the US simply because they deserve it.

Josie_tickle

It was a genuine joke, just a line I heard on Big Nang Theory I thought was funny, I'm honestly not suggesting I would do anything illegal.

I'm hearing some mixed stuff but I think I'll just go anyway worst case scenario I've to come back, after a year :-) should be a fun adventure. If it all it takes is confidence well that sounds doable ^_^

Really appreciate all the feedback and Information I know what I must do now. Become super awesome, work hard and keep my dream alive :-)

Thanks again!!

Josie_tickle

Actually I meant to ask, these kind of visas (not the graduate ones) are there possibilities to bring a spouse or is the visa just for the person who got the visa/sponsorship? Anyone have a link where I can find out by any chance? Please and thanks again :-)

iusedtoknow

Josie_tickle wrote: »

Actually I meant to ask, these kind of visas (not the graduate ones) are there possibilities to bring a spouse or is the visa just for the person who got the visa/sponsorship? Anyone have a link where I can find out by any chance? Please and thanks again :-)

H1B and L1 (as well as O1 IIRC) all allow spouses to come - however....the caveat is that only on L1 can the accompanying spouse work (on the L2 visa). H1B holders spouse are put on H4. Some are given Employment authorization under special circumstances. Other than that, spouses can't work.

Josie_tickle

I really can't thank you enough, you've put everything in such a clear language. Many kind thanks for the information, good luck in the future and hope you're enjoying the US :-)

Uno my Uno.

Josie_tickle wrote: »

Hi everyone,

Like the OP I am also interested in finding out what is the real situation in terms of trying to get sponsored out to the US.

What if I did the graduate programme that gives you a 1 year working visa in the USA is this a good way to at least get in and try to get the ball rolling? Has anyone here managed to get sponsored after such a visa/work programme?

My education is in Chemistry I've a BSc Hons in Pharmaceuticals and currently specialising with a BA in Validation/Regulation etc (quite EU based but some US based also).

From people on the ground, does this seem to be a sector open for people or not? I'm finding it hard to source information about this online, was hoping maybe someone in the US had some information.

Kind thanks

Treating exchange visas like the J1 as a stepping stone to residency can be a risky move. Many of them cannot be extended or worse require you to leave the US for 2 to 3 years once the expire. I know more than a couple of people who moved here on exchange visas, put down roots, and thought they would figure it out only to be told they had to leave friends, family and jobs with very little notice in some cases.

Josie_tickle

Wow, heh heh, how fast are your friends that they started a family and made a whole life in one year!? I'm not quite that eager but thanks for the heads up, Ill try not to get a mortgage, baby and husband in those 12 months in case I've to leave them ;-)

I think the J1 could be a good way to get on the ground and hopefully try to network and at least try to get sponsorship, I mean it sure as heck won't happen from my desk in Ireland right It's not the end of the world if it doesn't work out, there's an entire planet to explore. America isn't the be all and end all of life, it would be cool if I could work and live there for a while because I see quite a lot of jobs in my field there, but if it's not meant to be then I'll move on to something else.

Thanks again everyone really appreciate the anecdotes and real examples of what the situation is really like

Uno my Uno.

Josie_tickle wrote: »

Wow, heh heh, how fast are your friends that they started a family and made a whole life in one year!? I'm not quite that eager but thanks for the heads up, Ill try not to get a mortgage, baby and husband in those 12 months in case I've to leave them ;-)

I think the J1 could be a good way to get on the ground and hopefully try to network and at least try to get sponsorship, I mean it sure as heck won't happen from my desk in Ireland right It's not the end of the world if it doesn't work out, there's an entire planet to explore. America isn't the be all and end all of life, it would be cool if I could work and live there for a while because I see quite a lot of jobs in my field there, but if it's not meant to be then I'll move on to something else.

Thanks again everyone really appreciate the anecdotes and real examples of what the situation is really like

Not all exchange visas are 12 months long and some people use them (however foolishly) to join their family in the US in the first place so it does happen. In fact that's entirely my point, it's starts out as "getting their foot in the door," that leads to promises of sponsorship which never materialise and a swift change to a student visa at the last minute followed by more time looking for loopholes and good lawyers, this stage can last years. Suddenly the emigrant realises they have been in the US for 5 years and they dont want to live anywhere else anymore but can't gain residency. They have spent 5 years building a career, a circle of friends, a life and maybe a relationship and they have just been served a notice from the INS giving them them 90 days to vacate the country for a period of not less than 2 years. I've seen it happen to more than one person.

All I'm saying is that exchange visas aren't intended to allow people get their foot in the door so if that's your plan make sure you know that it is something which is even allowable by US law. If there is one going I've learned it's that you need to know the process front to back becaus it is tricky and unforgiving.

spideog7

Uno my Uno. wrote: »

Not all exchange visas are 12 months long and some people use them (however foolishly) to join their family in the US in the first place so it does happen. In fact that's entirely my point, it's starts out as "getting their foot in the door," that leads to promises of sponsorship which never materialise and a swift change to a student visa at the last minute followed by more time looking for loopholes and good lawyers, this stage can last years. Suddenly the emigrant realises they have been in the US for 5 years and they dont want to live anywhere else anymore but can't gain residency. They have spent 5 years building a career, a circle of friends, a life and maybe a relationship and they have just been served a notice from the INS giving them them 90 days to vacate the country for a period of not less than 2 years. I've seen it happen to more than one person.

All I'm saying is that exchange visas aren't intended to allow people get their foot in the door so if that's your plan make sure you know that it is something which is even allowable by US law. If there is one going I've learned it's that you need to know the process front to back becaus it is tricky and unforgiving.

All true enough but that's just life and expecting it to be any different is more of a problem with the person not the system, definitely something for the OP to be aware of though. The opposite can happen too, I came over here on J1 with no intention of staying for more than the year but here I am 6 years later.

Josie_tickle

All great advise and detailed scenarios, perhaps a bit frightening but I think it would be a fun adventure to test the waters. It may not be a fit for me but I won't know unless I have a go, worse case scenario I've to return to Ireland or Europe that's not too bad either :-) thanks again, really appreciate all the help gang ^_^