Finding American Companies for Overseas Work? 228
markjrubin asks: "After reading this article I became interested in looking for Web work in Europe. I have been put in contact with numerous European companies, but am running into troubles getting companies to sponsor work permits. While my skillset is strong enough to get most of the jobs, the firms that I have talked with are all hesitant to sponsor a work permit. I've been told that the quickest solution is to find an American company to send me to Europe on contract work, but I'm not sure where to start looking, as the majority of the job boards do not offer this search feature. What does the Slashdot community think? Is the right solution to look for an American company? I'd love to hear comments from other Slashdot members."
Roll the dice (Score:1)
I suppose the one last thing -- In all cases, an exchange with someone from somewhere else is the easiest. Most governments have very permissive legislation on exchanges, as its 1 for 1. So, your other choice is to find someone who does what you do and swap jobs.
Good luck
Here's how I did it. (Score:1)
Re:pplies to all EU (Score:1)
Turkey is not part of the EU and unlikely will be in near future.
Taxes (Score:1)
Firstly very few countries tax based on citizenship with the US and Australia the only notable exceptions.
Claiming irish nationality wouldn't make you liable for irish taxes unless you lived in ireland.
Further if you did live in Ireland then along with the UK they have domicile rules, which typically mean that if you weren't born there and don't intend to live there for the rest of your life you aren't liable to tax on income or capital gain which has a source outside Ireland and the UK unless you bring that income or gain into the country.
Of course you will retain a liability to US taxation regardless of where you live, but you may find that the deductions and credits on offer outweigh your liability.
As for moving money around, this is largely trivial and any bank can arrange a funds transfer between countries, although there will be fees involved, typically about $50.
Like all tax systems it is hard to say on an individual case basis which country has high taxes. Some countries in europe have no capital gains tax at all on stocks held over 6 months. Others like the UK allow up to about US$11,000 of capital gain per year tax free (obviously for a US citizen this won't help because the US will then claim their 20% tax instead). In general though a US citizen will find the taxes quite high because they will be required to pay the higher of the higher of the US and local country taxes. If income taxes are you main issue though then you will probably pay more tax in europe than elsewhere unless you can make use of a good tax planning strategy. It will be necessary to remember that such strategies may be fine in the country which you are working, but fall foul of some US legislation.
A sneaky way to avoid work permits (Score:1)
business to business (Score:1)
and vice versa (Score:2)
I am having the same problem getting to the United States. It seems ridiculous to me that the migration laws between the Western industrialized nations are still so draconian. Certainly noone wants an influx of welfare recipients leeching off the system, but i don't see any reason to deny rights to anyone who has identifiable job skills and a good grasp of the local language.
Best of luck, and i'm sorry i can't be of more help!
Re:any other EU nations? (Score:2)
Latin America? (Score:1)
Independent consulting? (Score:1)
Re:Latin America? (Score:1)
So yeah, I think it's for me. You're right that the pay would probably suck, but that's OK.
Re:Jewish, or of Jewish background (Score:1)
They'll give you a bulldozer and pay you to clear Palestian homes to make way for your own.
Re: Not accurate (Score:1)
My current firm is a dutch one that took care of all the paperwork and they have quite a few Aussies here also.
Generally, most firms are skittish about it, but many will go for it. There is also a conception over here that they can't compete for americans because of wage. Although my salary is certainly lower here than back home, my lifestyle is the same if not better.
You just have to keep looking until you make an impression. I got rejected by tons of companies ("Have a Dutch passport? No. Work permit? No. Speak dutch? No. Thanks for contacting us, but...") before I met the right one.
ssh... go easy on them ;) (Score:1)
any other EU nations? (Score:2)
I also can claim citizenship in Israel through one of my grandparents, but all that'll do is make it impossible for me to travel or work in any of the Gulf states...
good principle, but sometimes not helpful (Score:2)
I suppose if one were planning on exiting the country by illegal means you would be slightly less screwed than otherwise if you still had your non-exit-validated passport, but I surmise that is a relatively rare situation...
J
Japan? (Score:3)
I do meet a few Americans here, and they are nearly all coming over to work on the same thing: wireless wireless wireless.
Re:Working in other countries (Score:2)
European looks for work in US (Score:1)
Maybe there could be some kind of job swap web site, people from different continents find each other, with similar skills, and offer to swap places. It would need government support, which means it probably would not work.
Re:Ireland, BAH! (Score:2)
exactly (Score:1)
there's always Israel (Score:1)
1. you can prove some Jewishness
2. you agree with the politics of the state of Israel
3. you don't mind working in a war zone
4. you don't mind taking a pay cut
I imagine a fair number of
http://www.rosok-law.com/memo5.htm [rosok-law.com]
I could work in Israel, but I don't.
I have worked in Eastern Europe, but don't anymore.
At some point I'd like to try NZ or Denmark.
(just random, slightly relevent thoughts.)
UK Job search (Score:1)
It's the largest UK jobs site, and some of the firms on there will sponser work visas.
Re:Work Permits - Double standards. (Score:1)
Re:Wages not as high in Europe (Score:1)
Re:Jewish, or of Jewish background (Score:1)
Yes. A lot of new immigrants DO live in the occupied territories area. No, they don't bulldoze over Palestenian houses, they live in the Israeli settlements. Most of which, by the way, require armed guards at the entrance.
I am sure some of them are tricked into living there. Some of them like the tax benefits and lower home costs (which new immigrants get anyway).
But a whole lot of them are the kind of people who moved 'back' to Israel because it's their Birthright, And it's that attitude that's making Peace be a lot harder to attain (ie, neither side is willing to be adult about this).
--
Re:Jewish, or of Jewish background (Score:1)
What it boils down to is this. The Israeli government (even the current insane one) takes military action, and performs precise military strikes against the actual terrorist factions.
The Palestenian terrorists blow up school busses, ambush teenagers and bash their brains out, and commit suicide in an explosive manner.
How do you deter someone from committing suicide when they are promised all the glories of Heaven in the afterlife if they take enough innocent bystanders with them?
I'm not saying the Israeli Government is right, or that the Palestenians are wrong. I'm saying BOTH sides are wrong. They don't WANT peace. I used to think they did once. Maybe a minority on either side does, but they don't seem to be able to act on it.
My point? Empathize with both sides.
BTW, why do you spell it "Isrial"?
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Re:Jewish, or of Jewish background (Score:1)
The 'occupied territories' were captured from Jordan. If anyone has a right to them, it's Jordan, and they don't want it back.
Israel made this land and it's occupants part of the State of Israel in every way - they got the same infrastructure, they are/were considered Israeli citizens, they could vote for Israeli parliament.
When those lands were part of Jordan, the palestenians were doing the exact same thing. The difference being Jordan would come by with a bunch of tanks and just bomb the crap out of them.
And the current uprising started why again? Because of land-snatching? No. It started because the current prime-minister of Israel visited a site that's holy to both Judaism and Islam, and the palestenians went berserk.
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Well.. (Score:2)
Re:New Zealand (Score:2)
Wellington has cable modems too: Same rates as ADSL, a different 256/128 and 5 Gig plan and a cheaper ($70) 128/128 and 10 Gig plan. The city centre has citylink (100Mbit MAN), but it's a bit pricey for your flat.
There's also a wide collection of wireless and satellite broadbands.
Dave
Re:New Zealand (Score:2)
FWIW I think my standard of living here is _way_ higher than anywhere else I've lived, but I like hills, clean air, no traffic jams, stuff like that.
Computers cost shitloads.
Dave
New Zealand (Score:5)
Loads of work here, easy work permits, and employment agencies that actually seem to do their jobs. Best way is to just punt over and talk to a few people, though you can search with your skillset here [jobstuff.co.nz].
Give me a mail if you actually want to do it and I'll get you set up.
Dave
What is your ancestral heritage? (Score:2)
It is a bit of a shot in the dark, but it isn't too uncommon, citizenship wise. I do remember hearing of Americans conscripted into the Iraqi army because they were in Iraq visiting their parents as the Gulf War broke out.
Re:New Zealand (Score:2)
($99 / $70) Even with the exchange rate, that's pretty harsh... those gigs can go quite fast some months. I imagine if you are doing any work from home via a VPN (maybe via VNC/Exceed/whatever or just file xfer) 5/10GB could vanish quickly, too...
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Re:Jewish, or of Jewish background (Score:2)
The violence has to stop! Let the civilized members of both parties begin the healing process.
Before assuming a dual citizenship, think.... (Score:3)
I don't know for sure, but the thought is a bit scarey so it would pay to be sure. Find out this answer first, obviously.
Would becoming a citizen also make you eligible to be drafted into that country's military service?
Plan on two trips over (Score:2)
There are a ton of IT jobs here in Europe, sign up with jobserve [jobserve.com] email and filter on your favorite keywords. Contact a few of the agencies, and find out which ones will help you arrange a work permit if you were already living near the work site.
Come on over and pretend you are on vacation for a few months, its absolutely critical you tell imigration you are just here for vacation otherwise you may find yourself banned from the country for quite a while. *cough*Britian*cough* is one of the worst for tossing anyone who might try to find a precious job. Make sure you have savings to fall back on during this time. You'll have to chose a city, then find yourself a small cheap apartment to make a base out of. That can be difficult in some countries with heavy bureaucracies, but there's always a landlord who will take cash. Then take some language courses, if necessary, and get out and learn the local culture. Find the bars where ex-pats drink, make friends, and ask how they made themselves legal. Yes, going to bars is a form of job huntings, at least here it is
Once you seem settled, start contacting companies about IT work. Explain how you will be returning from the US soon, and you will need to be sponsored. Just by being physically present shows you have already made a big committment to making a career over here. If you have experience in the US, that used to be a big plus, but since the bubble burst, it slightly less so. Play it up, its something few locals can brag about.
Once you have a job lined up, return to the US and apply for whatever visas are needed, and get the paperwork over there. It will make your life much easier. When you have the papers, buy another round trip ticket and come over and start working.
After you have worked for a few months, you can then head home one last time to bring back all the things you are missing, like CD collections, copies of important papers, etc. I've found that almost every ex-pat here has to go home 1-2 times per year for dealing with bills, taxes, weddings, loans, Christmas. So just start budgeting for occasional trips back and forth. Remember, over here, we all have great benefits, like 5-7 weeks of vacation per year, use them up.
the AC
Re:Don't do it (Score:2)
Re:and vice versa (Score:2)
Re:and vice versa (Score:3)
And the Americans had a major influence in the European theater. They were also the only country to hold out on carpet bombing.
While its fun to pretend the Americans are always bad, this is not real. You must learn to seperate joking from reality.
Re:If you are Irish... (Score:2)
Re:Jewish, or of Jewish background (Score:2)
I am as much worried about the voices of conservative and insane jews over here - who benefit from being over 4000 miles away and are often in a position to financially support conservative groups "over there"
Re:Ireland (Score:2)
A note on the PND changes: it looks like this bill got bottled up in committee in the Dáil (and given how long it's been there, it may never make it out), so there's still time to find someone Irish to marry. See this page on the status of the bill [www.gov.ie].
Disclaimer: I am not an attorney of any sort in either the US or Ireland.
Re:Ireland (Score:3)
Work permit? How about citizenship? If one of your grandparents was born in Ireland, you are entitled to citizenship. See Your Right to Irish Citizenship [oasis.gov.ie].
This lets you live and work, without a work permit, in any member country of the European Economic Area (the EU + Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein).
A warning on the mention of "post-nuptial declaration" in these documents: apparently the law has been changed, and from 2003 will require 3 years' residence in Ireland for the PND to be valid (basically making it only a shorter term for naturalization). If you were married in 2000 or earlier you might get in under the wire if you hurry. However, as the spouse of a citizen of an EEA country, you are guaranteed a work permit anyway.
(US citizen by birth, Irish citizen by PND.)
Re:pplies to all EU (Score:2)
Ireland seconded and a networking pointer (Score:3)
I second the poster above who mentioned Ireland as a suitable location. Germany is also good, with a caveat (will get to that in a second).
Pretty much any EU country is a good choice as many employers are willing to give people a chance without formal technical qualifications. You may have those qualifications, so you may be in a stronger position compared to those going over without them.
The most important piece of advice I could offer would be to network, network, network in your area first. While the job boards are useful to get an idea of what kind of things employers are looking for, your chances of success drop as soon as the jobs are posted in comparison to what you could find on your own in your area. Locally, there is always going to be a smaller range of candidates competing for positions in your area than over the Internet.
Do you have any European languages other than English? If not, are you willing to learn? This will also increase your employability. Don't get me wrong, I know North Americans who have been able to get jobs in Europe without those other languages, but they've faced more of an uphill climb than multilingual candidates. Just keep in mind that companies are looking for well-rounded individuals who not only have the technical nous to do well but some degree of congeniality, openness and adaptability. Other languages, while not the only factor, are strongly indicative of a person's malleability.
Good luck and keep us posted! Your experiences will help others that follow you.
Consider government contract work (Score:2)
Specific companies I know of include Logitech [logitech.com], Mitre [mitre.org], and SAIC [saic.com].
A gourmet choice (Score:3)
Renowned American company, with business open anywhere in the world, you might even choose to work in Moscow or Peking if you like !
Re:Find an American company (Score:2)
United Kingdom has a special program for
"shortage occupations" that allows for quick,
almost guaranteed work permits with a minimum
of paperwork required and no hoops for your
employer-to-be to work through, epsecially
the dreaded "proof of no available local or
EU citizens to take the job."
To give you some idea of how much the situation
has changed in the uk recently, I was told that
if I applied for a job with a local government
agency as a plain-jane sysadmin that they would
sponsor my work permit. That's pretty amazing
in my book - local governments usually want to
hire their own residents, not some guy from
across the pond.
I don't have the link handy, but your can find
lots of info at expat essentials
(expat-essentials.com or
google for "dfee work permit scheme" or
"dfee work permit shortage occupation"
FWIW, I'm staying in the USA now. Go to
homefair.com and run the salary and relocations
calculators to figure out the cost of living:
It's perversely high in europe and IT salaries
are insanely low. You had best be prepared for
financial culture shock.
--chuck
Working in other countries (Score:2)
As someone else pointed out, if you're going to a country where English isn't the native language, you should be able to speak the language, if not fluently, very conversationally. Actually, for technical work, I'd say you'll probably have to speak fluently. Remember, your co-workers are going to talk in their native tongue, and they're going to need to be able to explain fairly advanced concepts and ideas to you.
I speak Spanish well, but I don't think I would have made it as a programmer there. I definately would have had to speak it better. I could discuss regular topics with ease, but discussing programming issues with other programmers in Spanish would have been pretty tough. I would have needed a few months of working there as a programmer to get comfortable with it. (I, obviously, wasn't working as a programmer.)
If you can pull it off, though, do it. It's one of the greatest experiences of my life. I have very fond memories of my two years there and a ton of friends with whom I'm still quite close.
No need for a foreign language (Score:2)
I'm not saying don't bother learning a language, obviously you'll get far more out of your stay if you do, but it's surprisingly easy to get by without one.
pplies to all EU (Score:2)
Carmra.org.uk - Good Beer Guide (Score:2)
Re:If you are Irish... (Score:2)
Anyone know for sure?
Should still count because both are EU Countries.
Indeed politics aside, since Eire became independent in only 1922, most Southern Irish immigrants to the US actually left what was still Great Briton. So they could probably claim which ever they wanted (or possible both). I know that predating the the EU provisions, UK Citizens could work in Eire and vica-versa.
Re:If you are Irish... (Score:2)
just open an account at a Caribbean bank with an ATM card, read up on money laundering [moneylaundering.com], and you'll be set.
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Actually you can search for them... (Score:5)
So, apply for a job at consultant type of company and emphasise you don't mind to travel 100% of time. Such companies as computer associates, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and other are constantly looking for this kind of employees.
You might not end up with constant employment at once place in europe, but you might work 6-24 months per project in single place and then move to further project at some other place in Europe or at other place in the world.
Re:New Zealand (Score:3)
But it generally comes down to, well, would I really want to live anywhere other than New Zealand ?
And I think that once the increased cost of living would probably outweigh the increased earnings, so that when I came back I'd probably be no better off.
Of course, yes, there are things that cost a shitload more than in the states, and importing stuff with the NZ Dollar the way it is (about 42 US cents) currently is expensive. But on the whole the benefits outweight the costs.
So. Yes. Come to New Zealand it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, great people, pretty well technologically connected, and tech jobs a plenty.
---
James Sleeman
Re:any other EU nations? (Score:2)
Au contraire, they just recently installed a "green card" program especially for IT personnel. As for xenophobia, you're safe as long as you don't look non-caucasian. Those Neo-nazis don't have the brain capacity to judge on anything but looks, and they're not all than numerous anyway. Typical Neo-Nazi gathering in Germany: 300 shaved heads with nothing inside, 500 leftist counter-demonstrants and 1000 policement keeping them from killing each other...
Funny to read this kind of article... (Score:2)
Monolithic is the way to go (Score:2)
And unlike one of the previous posters stated, getting a two year stay is pretty typical in Europe.
Large companies are driven by many things. First off, Speaking a forign language is a big time plus. American companies like to have people onsite who speak both english and the host nation language well. They want someone they can talk to about technical issues. But thye also want that person to be able to relay that to the rest of the office.
Second, they want a commitment. They want you there for YEARS not MONTHS. There are a lot of costs, and they expect to make them up.
Finally, selection of a company. To many people are suggesting straight up Tech companies. In this age of cut backs in Tech you may find that US Tech companies aren't as likely to send a new hire over seas.
However, I would suggest other industries that use IT. Ag sector (i.e. Food) is huge, and not matter what the economy is doing, people still have to eat. I'd suggest ADM, or Cargill. And out of those two, I'd preference Cargill since they are a private company (in fact the largest Private firm in the US.)
When you do find work (Score:2)
Re:If you are Irish... (Score:2)
Mmmmm warm beer and pale women, that is in england right?
Re:Latin America? (Score:2)
I would like to do Perl/PHP programming in Latin for a couple years:
#!/usr/bin/perl -Tw
use Latin::old
$denot = alas("Quomo", "fytes");
Find an American company (Score:5)
Here's [budgettravel.com] some information about working in Europe. Hope you'll have some luck finding work over there.
Re:and vice versa (Score:2)
No, it isn't ridiculous. It's evil and deeply offensive, and not just as it applies between Western Industrialised countries.
We have a purported global free market. Which is based on a big lie that is rarely voiced. In a free market, goods, services and labour follow behaviours driven by supply and demand.
In the Global Lie, Goods and to some extent Services move with the markets, but labour is forbidden to do so.
Consider - A works on a TV production line in Europe for XYZ corp. One day, XYZ corp decides to move all its production to, let's say, Malaysia, since the labour is cheaper. The law says no-one can stop them.
Consider - B works on a TV production line in Malaysia for XYZ corp. One day, B decides to move himself/herself and family to, let's say, Europe, since the standard of living is higher...
Don't believe any of this Global Free Market stuff. It's a Global Skewed Market, and it's been very carefully engineered.
I'm not angry about this from any sort of socialist lovey-dovey perspective, I'm angry about this because I believe in the power of free markets to improve everyone's lives. If they're allowed to be Free.
TomV
Actually ... (Score:2)
I moved to Holland a year ago (from another EU country) and it was really easy.
Although i'm not currently looking for any new job, i keep getting work proposals (and this in a downturn/recession in IT) so i guess there is no lack of work in IT around here.
There are at least 3 americans working in my company currently (which will remain nameless), out of about 80 people, and this is a Dutch company.
Strangely enough it's easier to find IT positions in Holland by using international placement agencies/web sites than it is by using the local ones (maybe because the local ones are all in Dutch). I would recommend:
- Jobserve [jobserve.com]
- Planet Recruit [planetrecruit.com]
( and no, i'm not associated with any of them )Try searching with the keywords "Amsterdam" and "Web".
As for the "medicinal stuff" ... well, as long as you don't go around "medicating yourself" while at work, nobody really cares about what you do!!!
Re:If you are Irish... (Score:2)
In a practical case: if your spouse is Irish, she can work anywhere in the EU and you can accompany her enjoying the same rights.
Check this: http://www.europa.eu.int/scadplus/citizens/en/ir/
Keep your Contacts, and your sanity (Score:2)
Also, be careful when you go overseas. Look for a medium to large company, unless you don't mind living in a kitchen with a bed apartment. Asia is expensive, Europe even more so. So, if your company can't provide a good expat package, don't even take the offer. Cause you'll be bitching so much when you get over there, everyone will hate you, your performance will suck and you'll want to go home. K, and this ain't some "American" whiny crap either, it applies to everyone. When people go overseas and live in another country they tend to whine, moan and complain. So, my advice is "shut your mouth", because that's whatever you signed for when you came over Applies to everyone!
[...steps off the soapbox]
Thanks for letting me vent.
Re:If you are Irish... (Score:2)
I *think* that your wife would have had to have registered as a foreign-born citizen before your marraige to take advantage of it.
I'm not positive though, and they might make exceptions.
If you are Irish... (Score:5)
Irish citizenship allows you to live and work in any EU member nation without any restriction. The United States does not recognize this as valid and you cannot travel into or out of the United States on the passport. It does not affect your American citizenship, unless you are a military officer or hold a policy-level federal position.
Note however that you ARE fully subject to any and all European taxes (which are HIGH). Depending on circumstances, you may also be liable for US taxes. Consult a lawyer or CPA who specializes in these matters. It may be very also be difficult to move quanities of cash to and from countries.
This page should refer you to the embassay or consulate you need.
http://www.goireland.com/low/visitorsguide/irem
Canadians in The Netherlands (Score:2)
Go to your local dutch embassy, because the same rule may apply to americans.
Working around the globe is easy (Score:2)
In the last few years i've worked for 4-12 months at a time in the UK, Norway, Greece, Germany, and NYC.
Basically, it really helps if you have a can-do attitude, and don't come across as one of those irritating America-is-best types. (Nothing annoys a European more than 'Gee, isn't this a cute little town|car|historic building' )
Language skills, to be honest, are not that important ( as long as your English is good ). My Greek is non-existant, and my Norwegian limited to ordering food & beer. What's much more important is you willingness to embrace the various cultural and working practices of your host nation.
(BTW: If you work more than 183 days in Germany, you become liable for German taxes, which are a punitive 60%+, so make sure you factor this into any pay settlement, should you work there. Norway (and other Scandinavian countries) taxes are as high is not higher. Also dont forget the much higher rates of indirect taxation over in Europe (petrol|gas duty, VAT etc)
If you are good at what you do (and remember that there are _many_ people around that think they are good, but really aren't...), and can present yourself professionally, you should not have a problem working in Europe.
Best of luck.....
All you need is a cardboard square. (Score:2)
Re:and vice versa (Score:2)
I think if we'd realised you'd use your involvement as an excuse to treat Europeans the way they do, we'd have killed Hitler all by ourselves and left you to Jerry Springer.
Re:and vice versa (Score:2)
Under NAFTA, if you go from the USA to Mexico or Canada to work, your spouse and children can also work. If you go to the USA from these other countries, the same courtesy is not applied to you.
Just because American business can't compete on softwood lumber, they're going to tax incoming Canadian softwood over 100%, because it isn't fair this is costing a few American jobs. The fact that many Canadian industries have been decimated by US business who can do it better? Well, that's the deal, jack. Don't you dare erect your own tariffs.
Under NAFTA, BTW, if you enact a law costing a NAFTA country business, you're liable to pay damages. In fact, when Canada banned a certain substance the US company that created it petitioned for damages, and was paid. California just banned a gasoline additive of which it originally legislated the use. The Canadian company that produces it is entitled to damages. Is it getting any? No way. "Why should we pay them for this product? Rant rant rant this is about American interests rant"
Try dealing with customs if you're coming in to work. Many border guards are outright hostile; and the system treats "guest workers" as anything but. It's the fervent hope of many that this wide-eyed innocent who seems to think other countries should let him come and work with open arms look at the policies of his own country, and realise how good he's got it.
Re:and vice versa (Score:2)
I myself have been known to make nasty comments about Bangalore-based body shops. I want to make it clear, FOR THE RECORD, that my opposition to same is NOT that I don't want non-whites coming in and taking all the jobs unquote, I don't care what colour you are... I oppose exploitation of any kind, whether it's caning a Vietnamese girl to make sneakers faster, or certain large Canadian companies deciding to save a few bucks by paying a tenth of the going rate to Third Worlders, cause they've no leeway to complain.
Re:and vice versa (Score:5)
Re:New Zealand (Score:2)
Even if you don't bring back much money, the ex-pat lifestyle, and the travel opportunities, make it worthwhile. And you come back appreciating just how good we really do have it.
Work in the UK. (Score:5)
If you have an IT degree, or any degree with 1 years IT experience, and the job appears on the shortage occupation list (i.e. almost anything in IT), then the work permit is automatic, and takes about 2 weeks to be issued. The employer can fill out the application themselves, and it doesn't cost them anything. Check out www.workpermits.gov.uk for full details.
I've found that most UK IT recruitment consultants are ignorant of the rules and take some convincing. I even had one consultant who didn't believe me, and so she checked with the immigration consultant firm they usually used. The immigration consultant, the greedy bastard, told her I was lying, and that it was so hard to do that they needed to be involved and it would cost about a thousand pounds. Needless to say, I was no longer considered for the job.
The key, obviously, is to find a good recruitment consultant, one that knows about the rules, and is used to convincing employers to sponsor people. After too many bastards, I may have found a good one in www.abbeywood.com, time will tell, but certainly they're open to sponsoring visas. In general avoid the really small outfits, they're just cowboys out to rip people off. Some of the big internatioanl recruiters should also be used to dealing with visas.
If you are approaching companies directly, try the big international firms, they're used to dealing with permits. Otherwise, be prepared to tell them about how easy it is. I do this by emailing them a completed application form, just to show how easy it is, and give them the phone number of the work permit people to ring and ask verify.
Of course, as some people have already mentioned, if you have English or Irish grandparents, or your spouse has, then you're in like Flynn. The UK will give you a 4 year residency permit, allowing you to work there, and after 4 years, you can claim permenant residency.
The number one IT job search site in the UK is www.jobserve.com, if it's not there, it's not available.
Good luck!
Re:and vice versa (Score:2)
Everyone's a winner.
---------------------------
Consulting might work for you (Score:3)
Cap Gemini Ernst & Young
PriceWaterhouseCoopers
Accenture
KPMG
Arthur Andersen
Arthur D. Little
They all have offices in Europe. Other than that, look for European Companies with an American Presence (Brokat, Trintech, Intershop,
Why Amesterdam is great... (Score:2)
Travolta: Yeah, it breaks down like this: it's legal to buy it, it's legal to own it, & if you're the proprietor of a hash bar, it's legal to sell it. It's legal to carry it, which doesn't really matter 'cause--get a load of this--if the cops stop you, it's illegal for them to search you. Searching you is a right that the cops in Amsterdam don't have.
Jackson: That did it, man--I'm fuckin' goin', that's all there is to it.
Worked for me. (Score:3)
However, this requires strong language skills in the country of your choice. Of course a number of my colleagues were able to work in Great Britain and Australia where language was not a problem.
Good luck! Working in Europe is a truly wonderful experience.
--brian
monster.com has... (Score:2)
Monster.com is very visa-friendly, and the article should give you good tips on how to search for H-1B visas (and others) on it.
I know here in Boston monster.com is a wonderful resource -- found me my job at least.
[1] http://technology.monster.com/articles/us.
~
Re:Don't do it (Score:2)
Re:Worked for me. - Professional Services (Score:2)
--CTH
--
My situation... (Score:2)
That was all good.
The big American company I worked for then bought up a smaller American company and sent me to work there.
That was all good, too.
Then, the big American company that had bought up the smaller American company I was working for was bought up by an even bigger British company.
Still, all good.
Today, I'm a contractor in Paris for the French division of the huge British company that purchased the big American company that had purchased the little American company at which I once worked.
Peace.
(on a serious note, find a multinational, work a while in the States, and get a transfer. Easiest route to take. Further, if you want to come to France, be prepared for a 6 to 12 month tooth-and-nail grudge match to get your work papers. In French. Britian is a cake walk in comparison.)
Re:and vice versa (Score:2)
Easy to get a job in Ireland (Score:2)
This may be an option (Score:2)
I work for one of the "Big 6" consulting firms, and we have many, many international offices (actually, we have an International Team). I'm sure that other firms probably do also. I know that you specfied contract work, but maybe it's worth a look.
I'm not sure if I should give out my companies web address (can you imagine if they figured out that I got them
Re:Been there done that (Score:2)
Anyways I still recommend Canada. I never understood really why I was paying $2 per litre of petrol, but I digress...
It's MSBob who's wrong (Score:2)
Been there done that (Score:3)
If you don't feel like going through this kind of trauma and humiliation go to another [cic.gc.ca] country which actually has a real immigration policy. You can apply even if you don't have a job lined up beforehand. And yes it's quite a bit different from the US of A.
Hope this helps.
Wrong (Score:3)
Man... (Score:3)
You wouldn't be looking for work in Amsterdam, would you? :-)
Re:and vice versa (Score:2)
Working in france (Score:2)
International giants are the way to go (Score:2)
Often, with companies like these, you will also not have a language problem because the spoken language at the company will be English (since a large fraction of the employees come from countries all over the world).
From my experience, if you have solid education background, this sort of thing is pretty easy to do for engineering positions.
Re:any other EU nations? (Score:2)
Unfortunately because of the past, the neo-Nazis always make the news here, although there aren't many of them. Most of the problems are in the former East Germany, where unemployment is high. When the Nazis do march, as -Brazil- pointed out, they are out numbered by the police.
Ireland (Score:2)