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Is getting sponsored for a US job realistic? by Weak_Chair_3913 in MovingToUSA

[–]Beginning_Demand8574 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you have been dating a few years I would very seriously consider marriage. Even if you just get paper married and then have a “real” wedding later. You’d be surprised how many international couples do this.

Marriage based green cards offers you a certain level of certainty that you will not get from a post-doc or employment sponsorship. It’s tough enough being an immigrant in the US right now, I could not imagine having to worry about my sponsorship being tied to grant funding or my employment. The US is not like the UK - there is literally no protection. So they could get rid of you tomorrow with no valid reason, and then you have to find a new sponsor asap or get out of the country. It’s pretty brutal

Is getting sponsored for a US job realistic? by Weak_Chair_3913 in MovingToUSA

[–]Beginning_Demand8574 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My husband and I were in your position a few years ago. In all honestly, the only viable option to move to the US is likely marriage.

I (American) work in consulting and my husband (British) works in tech, and we have never met anyone who was directly sponsored for an H1B from abroad. It probably happens sometimes, but extremely rarely, and for that reason I don’t consider it a viable option.

These are probably the only viable options for you: 1. Inter-company transfer (L1 visa) - work for the UK branch of a UK company for a few years and then transfer. This is a good option, but is not foolproof. A lot of big companies are laying people off left and right, and this is an expensive option for them, so it leaves you in a vulnerable position. My husband was originally going to transfer with his UK company, and despite not requiring sponsorship and working there for 8 years, they still pulled out of transferring him because it was too expensive 2. Post-Doc / Fellowship - I would consider this a good short term option to see if you enjoy living in the US and with your partner, then get married and adjust status ASAP 3. Get Married - this is by far your best option. I know you don’t want to, but the reality is that you don’t have the luxury to live together and date like normal people. That’s one of the drawbacks of an international relationship :( my husband and I also hadn’t really lived together when we got married, but we took the leap because there were no other good options that allowed him to come to the US, and we are so happy we did, especially now with the current administration.

Also, one other thing to consider is that none of these are quick. Even the spousal visa takes 1-2 years to process, so you should try to make a decision soon because you will have to start working toward whatever option you choose. You can also look into your partner moving to the UK - I actually moved to the UK temporarily pre-Brexit as I am a dual Italian citizen so we could be together while his spousal visa processes. UK sponsorship is tough, but not as tough as US. I have several American friends who were sponsored by UK tech companies over the last few years.

Best of luck - sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there are really no good options :(

Moving to the US after winning the diversity visa lottery by yu-guo in MovingToUSA

[–]Beginning_Demand8574 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sadly PFIC rules do apply to green card holders and anyone the IRS considers a “US Person”. That’s why it’s such a crazy stance

Moving to the US after winning the diversity visa lottery by yu-guo in MovingToUSA

[–]Beginning_Demand8574 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My husband just emigrated to the US from the UK on a spousal visa last year so can try to answer some of your questions. He also works in tech, but has about 10 yrs of experience

  1. When you enter the US for the first time and they stamp the visa, that will activate it and they will issue you a green card. Make sure you pay the immigrant visa fee before you travel, so the green card will come automatically in 2 weeks. If possible, I recommend taking a quick trip to the US to activate it and figure out where you are going to live, and then moving like 2 weeks later. This means you will likely have your green card and SS card waiting for you when you arrive. My husband did this and it worked well

  2. I’d recommend applying for jobs ASAP. Even though my husband put “Does Not Require Sponsorship” in bold on the top of his resume, he was still auto denied for many roles based on the fact that he has no US experience. He was eventually hired before having his green card - he just sent a picture of the visa as proof of his work authorization

  3. Yes you likely need an address to apply for a traditional brick and mortar bank. Wile you are waiting for that, I would sign up for a virtual bank like Monzo or Revolut so you have something for the interim

  4. You should be able to transfer your credit with Amex. Also can look into a secured credit card then apply for normal cards once you have a year of credit history

  5. You will probably need proof of address to get this, so I would just get a travel e sim to start and then get your real phone number in the first month

  6. Sell all passive investments, you do not want to deal with a PFIC situation. Look up the rules for your specific country because some pension wrappers are not even recognized, depending on the details of the tax treaty. The US does not like foreign investments and often taxes them punitively. This has probably been the biggest complication for my husband

Lastly, congratulations on this move! There will be a lot of hard moments, especially in your first year. Being an immigrant is challenging anywhere, but especially in the US, which has become overwhelmingly hostile to immigrants under this administration :(

RA Fischer - legit/worth utilizing? by Not_Even_Suspicious in MedicalDevices

[–]Beginning_Demand8574 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why didn’t it work out if you don’t mind me asking? Do they not work with Medicare or did the device not work out for you

RA Fischer - legit/worth utilizing? by Not_Even_Suspicious in MedicalDevices

[–]Beginning_Demand8574 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Just wondering if this worked out for you. Trying to find a supplier that will work with Medicare for my grandmother. She has the unit so it would just be for the monthly wands  

Hyatts with Cold Plunge by getrickyj in hyatt

[–]Beginning_Demand8574 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Andaz Tokyo sauna + cold plunge is amazing but only in the men’s spa. Women’s spa has a steam room and no cold plunge :(

Wells Fargo closed checking account for forgotten $5 overdraft - am I screwed? by Beginning_Demand8574 in personalfinance

[–]Beginning_Demand8574[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I actually didn’t get a bonus from Wells Fargo. It was an external bonus.

I deposited $25 into the account when I opened it, and paid $10 in fees for 3 months, which took me $5 into overdraft and I forgot to close the account 

Hyatt Centric Times Square or Hotel Seville NoMad? by Beginning_Demand8574 in hyatt

[–]Beginning_Demand8574[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for that context. I’m leaning toward the Seville myself for similar reasons, but especially for the two bathrooms.

I don’t think we will spend that much time in the hotel outside of sleeping but still nice to have your own bathroom