Finding Work in the US as a Non-US Resident?

America-bound asks: "I'm a senior Java developer living in Europe with the wish to move to the US eventually and live with my significant other. Over here, I have a diverse set of experience working on in-house development and freelance/project work. I don't intend for this to look like a resume or request for work, so I won't go into specifics. Europe, or at least my country, has very healthy prospects for those working freelance, but I'm not sure how things are in the USA (California to be more specific). My timespan for achieving this is realistic; I'm looking at making the move within 2-3 years, giving me time to work on my skills, experience and do more networking, as well as get used to life in the USA. I would like to know if my plans for working freelance, or as my own company, are very realistic in the US. Perhaps there are other good alternatives that I haven't explored yet. Hence, I turn to Slashdot hoping for some clues by others who have either made the switch to living in the US or are working there successfully, as freelancers."

Do your immigration research first

[jo42]

You really need to do your immigration research first. Unless you find a sponsor as far as work visas go, and then go through an extensive process to get a green card, don't even bother trying...

i.e. Been there, done that, back in Canada.

Not so easy

[redelm]

You ask about work prospects. There's lots of work in the US, but there are significant hurdles you have to overcome: Legal immigration is not easy; and healthcare insurance is expensive for those who cannot get it through their employer.

Both of these problems are easiest solved by marrying your significant other. You can get a temporary green card, and if she has health insurance through her employer, it will likely be expandable to cover her spouse (you). These are significant marriage benefits, and one reason GLBT people are requesting legal recognition for their marriages.

Consider marriage and citizenship

[FooAtWFU]

If you marry your aforementioned "significant other" and formally attain US citizenship, intead of just "living with" him or her. You'll probably wind up on a lot more solid ground as far as employment is concerned.

Look North

[zer0man]

Oh boy, where to start. First off, I'm a Canadian, working in the US. In my experience, the US immigration system is very slow, horribly complicated and arbitrary. IANAL but you can't just show up and open up shop. You need a work visa first, and you can't just get that, you need a 'sponsor', and that means that they need to get you the appropriate visa, and that takes time. Something like an H1 is good for a limited time (3 years, extendable once to another 3, IIRC). If you want to become a permanent resident (green card) you'll need to show expertise in a subject, and still need some sort of sponsor. (again, IANAL) If you do make your way over here and pass the legal hurdels, there are still issues with simple things like establishing credit so that you can get a credit card or a basic phone line in your apartment.

As far as I can tell, the easiest way to cut through all this red tape is to marry a US citizen and then after a year or so you'll be set

However might I suggest you try Canada. The immigration process is ridiculously easy relative to the US, as long as you can show that you have the cash on hand to support yourself while establishing your new life. It's just as easy to start your own business in Canada as in the US, and the countries are fairly similar. The bad things are: the taxes are way higher (especially for small businesses) and lower standard of living (aparently Canada fell below Ireland recently.. yikes!). But because of Canada's proximity to the US there is no shortage of business opportunities to pick up 'near-shoring' contracts.

Whatever you choose, good luck!

H-1B Visa and company sponsor

[KarlH420]

Working freelance legally is probably pretty hard, as you have no legal immigration. No residency permit or work permit. Apply for work with companies, some may be willing to sponsor a H-1B visa.

After you have H1, you can start looking at getting the "green card", One of my co-workers did this. Several years after getting the H1, getting the green card. Eventually marrying a US girl, I assume now he's in the US for good. :-)

Beware working with a H1, means the company may have you by the balls. If you stop working there, or they fire you, you may have to leave the country. This means making sure you want to work there, and it is a good company. If you want to change jobs, your only option is to find another company to sponsor the H1.

You said you are into Java. At the moement there are quite a few companies developing java apps for mobile phones, you might want to look in that job sector.

Re:Do your immigration research first

[Anonymous Coward]

It's a route, but not an easy one.

They should start appling now for a fiancee visa so they can marry in the US. After that there'll be a 6-12 month wait for employment authorisation and onger for the green card.

He should speak to a good immigration atorney.