Post: #1

Hey guys.. After having lived 28 years(my entire life) in Scandinavia, I have decided to look into the possibilities of moving to the US.
What draws me is the American mentality, the weather, and of course the adventure.
I have a university degree in IT/Business, and will have several Microsoft certifications once i decide to move.
Therefor naturally the industry i wanna work in is the IT industry.

I have looked a bit at Houston as my destination, but i was wondering if you guys have any advices, as I dont know anything about the area. Job opportunities, housing, game etc. Would it be a good choice for my career? Or is there other better choices?

I hope i placed this post in the right forum.

Post: #2

(03-14-2017 03:23 AM)Bailando Wrote:  Hey guys.. After having lived 28 years(my entire life) in Scandinavia, I have decided to look into the possibilities of moving to the US.
What draws me is the American mentality, the weather, and of course the adventure.
I have a university degree in IT/Business, and will have several Microsoft certifications once i decide to move.
Therefor naturally the industry i wanna work in is the IT industry.

I have looked a bit at Houston as my destination, but i was wondering if you guys have any advices, as I dont know anything about the area. Job opportunities, housing, game etc. Would it be a good choice for my career? Or is there other better choices?

I hope i placed this post in the right forum.

The only way you can legally get into the US is with sponsorship from an employee or via marriage.

Unfortunately, you're making this decision at probably the worst possible time for trying to get work in America.

I would recommend finding and working for a US company within the EU then parlay that into a US work visa. Sadly they'll send you where ever they need you which most likely won't be Houston.

The other option is to marry an American girl (or guy if that's what you're into). Several downsides to this unfortunately.

Far easier said than done i'm afraid. Good luck!

Post: #3

I hate to break it to you, but IT may be the worst industry for emigrating to the US. You're going to be competing against literally hundreds of thousands of Indians to get an H1B visa. Considering how many people are vying for an H1B visa, you have about a 1 in 3 chance of getting it. And that's assuming you find a company willing to hire you considering the Indians work for peanuts. Add to that what The Beast said about it being the worst possible time for H1B and other work-based immigration.

I would strongly look into emigrating to another part of Europe. I'm assuming you're an EU citizen and therefore should have no problem with work permits in the rest of the EU.

That said, sponsorship from an employee or via marriage are NOT the only way to get into the US. You can self-petition, but that would require you to show either extraordinary ability (granted to big time athletes, artists, and STEM PhDs) or show your work/skills are needed in the national interest.

https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-c...f-petition

Post: #4

Find a master's degree program in IT (preferably a one-year program as you don't seem to be keen on studying) that is in the U.S., I think you have to physically be there for the program so no distance programs. Once you graduate you can work legally in the U.S. for 28 months via a program called OPT, or Optional Practical Training. During which time you can demonstrate yourself to your employer and get them to sponsor you for a green card.

If you have recently graduated from any higher education anywhere, you may be eligible for a J-1 visa as well, but for that you need to have a job offer already in hand and companies tend to avoid offering jobs in this case because your visa processing would cost them time and money. It's still possible though so look into it.

H-1B is a horrible visa, truly broken as Trump says. Hard to get, you're employer locked so you'll get milked at every opportunity, when the term is over you have to quit your job and leave, and it's not even certain that you'll last your entire term as the H-1B program may be abolished at any time now. I'd avoid it at all costs.

Post: #5

(03-14-2017 05:58 AM)the Thing Wrote:  Once you graduate you can work legally in the U.S. for 28 months via a program called OPT, or Optional Practical Training. During which time you can demonstrate yourself to your employer and get them to sponsor you for a green card.

I'd be careful with this. I'll assume OP was born in Scandinavia, so he might be in the clear. The Green Card process can be very long (read: wait over a decade) based on the nation you're born in. In such a case, getting on OPT and then applying for a green card can screw you over if your OPT runs out and you don't have an alternative work visa, such as the H1B, which can be renewed indefinitely.

Perhaps someone else with a different experience can chime in, but I'd be really surprised if employers would sponsor you for a green card while still on OPT. OPT only lasts 28 months as you mentioned (and that too only for STEM majors - I don't know if IT qualifies). Employers typically utilize OPT so they can get you working WHILE they await your H1B visa. Once you obtain an H1B visa are they comfortable sponsoring you for a green card.

Also, to clarify: you don't have to quit your job when the H1B term (of 3 years) is over. You can extend it indefinitely (extend every 3 years). But barring that one point, it's still a horrible visa unless your skills are really in demand and you know you can find another employer in an instant.

ALL of immigration, including ALL of legal immigration, is up for an overhaul. Massive chaos (short-term pain for legal immigrants) is possible in the foreseeable future. Trump has alluded to a merit-based system, which may upend not just the H1B, but OPT and the EB1/EB2 categories.

I only have two bits of advice (as someone who is graduating soon and may go through the legal immigration process himself in the US):

1. Talk to an immigration lawyer in the US. As much as we all like to help here on RVF, I don't think any of us are immigration lawyers and there's a lot of nuance in US immigration policies.

2. Wait it out for a year or two. I can't emphasize that this really is the worst time to consider emigrating to the US. Personally, I have some cash stacked up and I'll most likely be traveling around the world for a bit while waiting to see how the immigration system changes.

Post: #6

Honestly, if you are a foreigner working a salaried job, the best place is in Europe or Nordic countries.

America is great for entrepreneurial spirit thanks to lower taxes and fewer regulations, but being an employee there is not ideal unless you work for the government or the very top company. Work-life balance is poor, healthcare is expensive, and much of your negociation power is taken away by the H1B.

Best is to marry someone over there and start your own business. Being a foreign employee in USA is not glamorous at all.

Post: #7

(03-14-2017 07:50 AM)Dalaran1991 Wrote:  Best is to marry someone over there

Put.... the internet... down. You're drunk, go home.

Post: #8

(03-14-2017 08:11 AM)Phoenix Wrote:  

(03-14-2017 07:50 AM)Dalaran1991 Wrote:  Best is to marry someone over there

Put.... the internet... down. You're drunk, go home.

You know, he's from Scandinavia, so it might not be so bad

Post: #9

I moved back to Europe after spending 10 years in New York and LA. I think this is the worst time for you to go to US, especially when you want to work.

A lot of Scandinavians come to US for like a year, with money, enjoy the long vacation and eventually leave.

Post: #10

Thanks for the advices guys, seems like i need to catch an american tuna and marry it before my adventure can begin.. Might look elsewhere to settle my adventurous spirit

Post: #11

not sure what your question is. why dont you jump on a plane and have a look around.

Post: #12

You can also invest half a mil in the EB5 scheme

Or come in for a fully paid PhD and network with five year visa

Post: #13

(03-14-2017 08:33 AM)Rossi Wrote:  I think this is the worst time for you to go to US, especially when you want to work.

Yeah especially for an IT worker. Salaries of $50k vs $120k with lower taxes is such a Greek tragedy.

But sarcasm aside, I disagree. I don't think there's ever been a better time to work in the US than today. The American economy started growing again and Europe is slowly going to the shitter.

That being said, I'd still go to Asia over America or Europe, way easier to move up the career ladder (sometimes just by not being Asian) and Shanghai is lit af yo!

Post: #14

(03-14-2017 01:26 PM)the Thing Wrote:  Yeah especially for an IT worker. Salaries of $50k vs $120k with lower taxes is such a Greek tragedy.

But sarcasm aside, I disagree. I don't think there's ever been a better time to work in the US than today. The American economy started growing again and Europe is slowly going to the shitter.

I think his point was not that it's a bad time to merely work, rather it's a horrible time to *obtain visa status* so as to work legally as a foreigner. Which, even without all the stuff currently going on, I'd concur with.

Even as a Professional Engineer from Canada, who can work in the US under NAFTA literally by showing up at the border with a letter on company letterhead and paying a few hundred dollars, as soon as companies hear "visa" or any sort of status needed, I may as well not exist. I can only imagine what it's like for people without the benefits I have.

I firmly believe that not all immigration is bad, certain people who integrate well, actually want to live there, and create indirect jobs through things like groceries and property purchases are actually a boon. However, companies use and abuse systems in place (HB1) to hurt local workers, take advantage of foreigners who end up sending all the money away, and all for the benefit of the company.

As Trump says, the system is broken. So as someone trying to secure status, you have the choice of the current broken system, the system that may replace it within the next two years or so, all the while navigating it, and communicating it to employers who will selectively remember the worst of both systems, and maintain a healthy fear of anything immigration the whole time.

Post: #15

Yeah you have basically two options if you want to work in the US:

H1B visa

and

O1 visa

I myself am from Europe and worked in the US for 4 years with an O1.

As the others have said, the H1B is a not a good way to go, since you have no power at all - you are tied to one employer and if they decide to fire you, you have to find a new job within a few weeks time or leave the country. So the employer can basically do what they want and threaten to fire you, knowing that you will then be forced the leave the country.

The O1 route is way better. This is a visa for people with "extraordinary abilities". With this visa you are free to work for whoever you want and you are not tied to one employer. It's not easy to get this visa, but it's definitely doable. I have gotten it, and I know several other people who have gotten it too. You will need to work together with an attorney who is specialised in this subject matter though. You'll need to provide proof of your special abilities, e.g. conferences you were invited to speak at, articles that you published, interviews that you have given to the media, prestigious positions that you held, special achievements etc.

If you are planning to move to the States, I would start asap to build up these special achievements. A good way is to publish articles in newspapers & magazines or speak at conferences. Anything that gives you visibility is good.

Another advantage of working for newspapers & magazines is that you will be able to get a journalist/media visa to the US (visa I). This is NOT a work visa, but it will allow you to stay in the US for 5 years if you have some other source of income. It's quite easy to get this visa - you only need to have a local press pass as well a letter from a local media outlet that confirms that you're working as a US correspondent for them. I had the I visa before I got my O1 visa. It allows you to be in the country long-term and network etc. I found it to be quite useful.

Post: #16

(03-14-2017 03:23 AM)Bailando Wrote:  Hey guys.. After having lived 28 years(my entire life) in Scandinavia, I have decided to look into the possibilities of moving to the US.

Spend more time on this board, and read the articles. You will soon realize the USA is a Titanic looking for an iceberg.

Quote:What draws me is the American mentality, the weather, and of course the adventure.

Where did you get this? Did you get it from our sitcoms and movies? Come visit and then decide for yourself.

Quote:I have a university degree in IT/Business, and will have several Microsoft certifications once i decide to move.
Therefor naturally the industry i wanna work in is the IT industry.

I became a Microsoft Certified Professional in 1998. I became an MCSE in 2000. Microsoft certification isn't worth a shit in the job market here. I honestly can't think of a bigger waste of time and money.

You are also 28 years old, so you are already old. Do you know what working conditions in some IT companies are like?

I hardly know any foreigners from Europe working in IT in this country. If you are from East Asia or India, they will love you. But you are from Denmark, so that will probably work against you.

Working in America sucks. Working in American IT especially sucks.

Quote:I have looked a bit at Houston as my destination, but i was wondering if you guys have any advices, as I dont know anything about the area. Job opportunities, housing, game etc. Would it be a good choice for my career? Or is there other better choices?

Houston isn't a bad choice really. It's better than most cities of comparable size. It is relatively cheap. Texas is a low-tax state.

Post: #17

(03-14-2017 05:24 AM)Genghis Khan Wrote:  I hate to break it to you, but IT may be the worst industry for emigrating to the US. You're going to be competing against literally hundreds of thousands of Indians to get an H1B visa. Considering how many people are vying for an H1B visa, you have about a 1 in 3 chance of getting it. And that's assuming you find a company willing to hire you considering the Indians work for peanuts. Add to that what The Beast said about it being the worst possible time for H1B and other work-based immigration.

This is exactly right. They will choose an Indian over a European every time. They would rather hire Indians than Americans.

I can't for the life of me understand why any European would want to come work in the USA. To call this move drastic would be an understatement. What is so bad about your life now that you would consider coming to America, for goodness sakes? Is your life that bad? This is an absolutely, positively horrible idea.

Post: #18

The US is not nearly so bad as you're making out. Every race in the world is available and dtf. There is money to be made. The major cities are cultural epicentres. Weather is fantastic. And as an immigrant, you're actually given a chance to show merit. This is harder in Europe.

I speak as a European. Maybe as a native, these things aren't as clear to you. Of course I dislike many things about the US, but let's not ignore the positives. Nevertheless, OP can probably make just as much money at home to support a location independent lifestyle, if he wants it.

Post: #19

Get an online business going then visit on a tourist visa. A girl I used to work with seemed to get a 5 year one without too much trouble by doing an interview at the US embassy in London.

You've then got plenty of time to decide if you want to make the move permanent and find a girl to marry and/or have an anchor baby with

Post: #20

(03-15-2017 12:58 AM)puckerman Wrote:  

Quote:What draws me is the American mentality, the weather, and of course the adventure.

Where did you get this? Did you get it from our sitcoms and movies? Come visit and then decide for yourself.

He likely got it from the fact that Americans will be the first people to run into a fire to come save your ass. The undefeatable American spirit is what he's talking about. We're judged as being very optimistic, and I'm fine with that label. Americans can see a shitty situation and then say, "Ok guys, we can get out of this horrible situation."

Americans fix things. I will fix things. Americans get a bad rap because of the idiots in the news. But most of us are some very competent fuckers. And I like it. I will come grab your ass out of a fire any day. Can the rest of the world say that?

Post: #21

(03-14-2017 08:38 AM)Bailando Wrote:  Thanks for the advices guys

My advice: brush up on the grammar topic of uncountable nouns Perfection is not expected but basic errors like this will draw unnecessary attention to your status as outsider. That won't help you in a job search.

Post: #22

(03-16-2017 08:24 AM)ElFlaco Wrote:  

(03-14-2017 08:38 AM)Bailando Wrote:  Thanks for the advices guys

My advice: brush up on the grammar topic of uncountable nouns Perfection is not expected but basic errors like this will draw unnecessary attention to your status as outsider. That won't help you in a job search.

I think that if i were ever to apply for an American company, i would spend more than 2,5 second on writing the application (as opposite to that post).
Luckily to my advantage the jobs i'm looking, doesn't emphasize my spelling-bee contest skills, but rather making computers dance like a coo coo bird.

Post: #23

delete

Post: #24

Do you really want to work 60+ hours a week while chasing 5s and 6s who think they're 10s?

Stay where you are.

Post: #25

(03-16-2017 09:20 AM)Bailando Wrote:  

(03-16-2017 08:24 AM)ElFlaco Wrote:  

(03-14-2017 08:38 AM)Bailando Wrote:  Thanks for the advices guys

My advice: brush up on the grammar topic of uncountable nouns Perfection is not expected but basic errors like this will draw unnecessary attention to your status as outsider. That won't help you in a job search.

I think that if i were ever to apply for an American company, i would spend more than 2,5 second on writing the application (as opposite to that post).
Luckily to my advantage the jobs i'm looking, doesn't emphasize my spelling-bee contest skills, but rather making computers dance like a coo coo bird.

We currently have three new/active threads on the forum with this same mistake in the post title. It's not a spelling issue, not a typo. It's also in your post title. You think the word 'advice' has a plural form, so it's probably part of your spoken English as well. I wouldn't have mentioned it, but you said you were looking for advice about immigrating. Communication/language issues are something that employers do think about when hiring professionals who are immigrants. Good luck to you whatever you end up doing.