View Full Version : Moving to the US?
Hey all. At the ripe old age of 40, I visited the US for the first time back in April. Spent a week in sunny San Diego and absolutely fell in love with the city, the country and most of the people I had the pleasure to meet. I've been mulling a move from Sweden over for many years now, and I came back home, talked to my wife, and we both felt that this might be the time. So preparations are underway, I'm constantly checking the job listings all over the US (I'm a software developer and team lead for a consulting company), but as you probably know it's quite hard to get a US work permit (I'm in no hurry, this is a long term play) so I just thought I'd post here and ask for any hints or tips from anyone that's already made the move or if any of the US forum members might have any helpful ideas or thoughts they'd like to share?
Jimbuna
06-03-17, 05:39 AM
Only ever been to the US on a tourist basis but the majority of my family have emigrated to Australia and New Zealand so I have a feel for how big a life-changing move you are contemplating.
I wish you and yours every success for the future :sunny:
Onkel Neal
06-03-17, 07:01 AM
Welcome to the US, San Diego is a lovely city, is that where you will be working? I think you will find life here pretty easy. A lot warmer too :)
Welcome to the US, San Diego is a lovely city, is that where you will be working? I think you will find life here pretty easy. A lot warmer too :)
Nothing is decided yet! Can be anywhere as long as it seems to be a good fit for me and the family as I'm currently looking for opportunities. San Diego would indeed be a bit of a dream move to be honest, but I've also looked at Austin, Boston, Denver and a host of other cities. It's a goal, not yet a reality, but it's really something I would like to try before it's too late! :)
Only ever been to the US on a tourist basis but the majority of my family have emigrated to Australia and New Zealand so I have a feel for how big a life-changing move you are contemplating.
I wish you and yours every success for the future :sunny:
Indeed, and it's sort of what we're looking for in terms of our future. A proper change, and a feeling of going outside our comfort zone. See where it takes us!
Commander Wallace
06-03-17, 07:29 AM
It must be difficult to consider leaving one's homeland. Even so, being a software developer, I don't think you will have any issues or problems in finding a position. If you get in with a good company, they will most likely pay to send you for further education if you want that or the company deems it to be necessary.
Good luck with everything.
Welcome to the US!
You may want to move a little more quickly on the work visa situation since the requirements and/or availability may be subject to unexpected change and further difficulties under Trump's immigration schemes; sooner may be better than later...
Have you looked at the San Francisco Bay Area for open positions or the Seattle area, since both are hotbeds of tech activity? The downside is the cost of living is a bit steep in those areas, so be prepared for 'sticker shock'...
Good luck to you and your wife and I hope you have a smooth transition...
<O>
It must be difficult to consider leaving one's homeland. Even so, being a software developer, I don't think you will have any issues or problems in finding a position. If you get in with a good company, they will most likely pay to send you for further education if you want that or the company deems it to be necessary.
Good luck with everything.
Not really, at least not in theory. Sweden's... different now and I'm growing more and more foreign in my own country for various reasons. And one can always move back if things doesn't work out!
Welcome to the US!
You may want to move a little more quickly on the work visa situation since the requirements and/or availability may be subject to unexpected change and further difficulties under Trump's immigration schemes; sooner may be better than later...
Have you looked at the San Francisco Bay Area for open positions or the Seattle area, since both are hotbeds of tech activity? The downside is the cost of living is a bit steep in those areas, so be prepared for 'sticker shock'...
Good luck to you and your wife and I hope you have a smooth transition...
<O>
Indeed, the Bay Area is very tempting! I've looked at quite a few listings and the prices are indeed steep, so that has to be taken into consideration when negotianing salary. :) Thanks!
Eichhörnchen
06-03-17, 09:15 AM
Jeff-Groves is always asking us to go over and help him knock down walls :haha:
California, land of wildfires, mudslides, earthquakes and high prices.
Bostons high tech sector might be a better alternative for you. Better weather too.
California, land of wildfires, mudslides, earthquakes and high prices.
Bostons high tech sector might be a better alternative for you. Better weather too.
Also, turns out I have distant relatives in Boston. :) One of which was a US Marine that died on Iwo Jima. :(
Platapus
06-03-17, 12:22 PM
I hope you enjoy your stay in our country. Like other countries the US has its problems. Some of the problems are common among other countries and some may be unique to the US. But overall, the US is still a pretty good place to live.
The US is big. Not just geographically big, but big culturally. These days there is really no such thing as "an American" meaning someone that personifies the culture of the nation. Depending on where you live we can have drastically different cultures and customs.
We have over 300,000,000 people here. In some places it is really crowded, but in other places the density of people is pretty low. and we have everything in the middle. Having so many people, we have large numbers of jerks, idiots, bigots, and pretty much any other non-desirable group you can imagine, and probably a few you can't imagine. However, those numbers only represent a small percentage of our people. Overall, you will find that Americans are pretty nice, tolerant, accepting and friendly.
Don't judge our country or its people by what you read in the news (they only publish bad news as good news does not sell) or what you read on the Internets Tubes. Our country is a pretty safe and happy society and life is pretty good.
Since you are wanting to work here, I presume you wish to integrate into our business culture as smoothly as possible. If so I would like to recommend two books for you that will help explain our business and to some extent social culture:
American Cultural Patterns: A cross-Cultural Perspective by Edward C. Steward and Milton J. Bennett
Americans at work: A guide to the Can-do People by Craig Storti
Good luck with it. I hope it works our well for you.
I hope you enjoy your stay in our country. Like other countries the US has its problems. Some of the problems are common among other countries and some may be unique to the US. But overall, the US is still a pretty good place to live.
The US is big. Not just geographically big, but big culturally. These days there is really no such thing as "an American" meaning someone that personifies the culture of the nation. Depending on where you live we can have drastically different cultures and customs.
We have over 300,000,000 people here. In some places it is really crowded, but in other places the density of people is pretty low. and we have everything in the middle. Having so many people, we have large numbers of jerks, idiots, bigots, and pretty much any other non-desirable group you can imagine, and probably a few you can't imagine. However, those numbers only represent a small percentage of our people. Overall, you will find that Americans are pretty nice, tolerant, accepting and friendly.
Don't judge our country or its people by what you read in the news (they only publish bad news as good news does not sell) or what you read on the Internets Tubes. Our country is a pretty safe and happy society and life is pretty good.
Since you are wanting to work here, I presume you wish to integrate into our business culture as smoothly as possible. If so I would like to recommend two books for you that will help explain our business and to some extent social culture:
American Cultural Patterns: A cross-Cultural Perspective by Edward C. Steward and Milton J. Bennett
Americans at work: A guide to the Can-do People by Craig Storti
Good luck with it. I hope it works our well for you.
Many thanks for the very helpful reading tips and your own view of what America is! I think that fits my perception of the country and its people quite well. It's also a big reason why I want to make a proper effort of trying life in the US. Sweden is so much smaller by comparison, not just in size, but also in many other ways. As I mentioned earlier, I am feeling less and less at home in the country in which I was born and raised, and few options can be found here in terms of finding a new place for myself here in Sweden, and the sheer breadth of the "American culture" appeals to us, not as much as an escape from what we currently have, but as a foundation upon which we can build a future more in line with what I want for myself and my family. And in a sense I suppose that is the "American way" (or dream). I want that. Warts and all.
em2nought
06-03-17, 06:57 PM
Boston has always struck me as a place I wouldn't mind living for awhile at least. So many "history" things to do and see there. ...and Faneuil Hall for eating. :03:
Boston has always struck me as a place I wouldn't mind living for awhile at least. So many "history" things to do and see there. ...and Faneuil Hall for eating. :03:
Only bad thing about Boston are the Bruins. ;)
Only bad thing about Boston are the Bruins. ;)
You forgot the Patriots...
<O>
You forgot the Patriots...
<O>
Haven't really gotten into the American version of football, so I have that to look forward to. :)
fireftr18
06-04-17, 06:00 PM
Big news to hear. Like others have said, it's a big move for anyone. The United States boasts any kind of climate and ecosystem you can name. Almost everyone is descended from immigrants. There is tremendous differences in culture dependent on geographical location and where immigrants from certain countries settled.
Everyone thinks their area is the best to live in, but the truth is, every area has it's own advantages and disadvantages. You can choose to live in a big city, a small city, in the middle of nowhere, or someplace in between. Often, you can find a small, seemingly isolated town, just a short distance from a population center.
When you make your move, I like to think you will be made to feel welcome.
Best of luck when you do move.
:Kaleun_Salute:
In Boston you'll still see the weather you have in Sweden... but probably not as cold. ;)
Don't live in the city if you can help it. Congested and expensive. Stay away from Philadelphia if that comes up on your list.
Delaware isn't as bad but getting that way in spots. At least we don't have a State Sales Tax..... yet. If you ever get involved with old classic cars we have plenty of car shows and cruise nights here from April to November.
Big news to hear. Like others have said, it's a big move for anyone. The United States boasts any kind of climate and ecosystem you can name. Almost everyone is descended from immigrants. There is tremendous differences in culture dependent on geographical location and where immigrants from certain countries settled.
Everyone thinks their area is the best to live in, but the truth is, every area has it's own advantages and disadvantages. You can choose to live in a big city, a small city, in the middle of nowhere, or someplace in between. Often, you can find a small, seemingly isolated town, just a short distance from a population center.
When you make your move, I like to think you will be made to feel welcome.
Best of luck when you do move.
:Kaleun_Salute:
That last point I have bo doubt about go be honest. It truly is a big move, and just bringing it up with the wife had me a bit nervous. But she was surprisingly open right from the start! Good thing is we're in no hurry to just up and leave so we can look around, talk to people and do research on what we want. One thing we've talked about is for me to find a job that, at least initially, can support her as well so she can focus on getting us settled and helping oir son adjust. We'll see if that is realistic, but as the rules are now, that would make our Visa situation a little easier to handle as long as I can prove that I can support my family on my income. Looning at the software engineer job listings and the quoted salary levels, it shouldn't be impossible even if it is harder than "just" finding any job. Salary levels seem to quite a bit higher in the US even with medicals and 401Ks and the likes. Lots if research to do here!
In Boston you'll still see the weather you have in Sweden... but probably not as cold. ;)
Don't live in the city if you can help it. Congested and expensive. Stay away from Philadelphia if that comes up on your list.
Delaware isn't as bad but getting that way in spots. At least we don't have a State Sales Tax..... yet. If you ever get involved with old classic cars we have plenty of car shows and cruise nights here from April to November.
Yeah, I wouldn't mind the sweet San Diego climate to be honest. :) But Boston would probably feel more like home evwn if we get some really hot Summer weather over here from time to time.
Platapus
06-05-17, 03:44 PM
Stay away from the Nation's capital. Unlike many other countries, where the capital is one of the nicest cities in the country, in the US, the capitol is a craphole. I have been living here for over 20 years and it just keeps getting worse.
Unless you have government work, pretty much anywhere else in the country would be better to live in... even Texas and that's saying a lot. :D
Wildcat
06-07-17, 05:59 PM
If you have money and a successful business, or even better, successful investments and capital, you will be welcomed to the US rather quickly.
If you try any other route you are likely to be disappointed and frustrated.
If you can get a US company to sponsor your visa, that would be the next best way to live there. You would need to have some connections with a company that could advertise a job position that could basically only be filled by you - the company has to advertise the job position but prove to immigration that only you can fill the job's role, and that no US citizen can fill it satisfactorily.
The second option is possible but is getting more and more difficult these days. I don't know what kind of consulting you are involved with exactly, but for example, if you were a programmer with a deep understanding of underwater acoustics and sound propagation you could probably get a visa fairly quickly - IF - you had some contacts within a US company that needed someone with your skills.
Finding a job as just a random programmer though is likely to be very frustrating especially with many US companies using H1B visas to import cheap Indian/Chinese software programmers. Most of them are not very skilled but some of them are brilliant and you are up against them if your field is too general. Now may be a good time to create a show-piece project to prove your value. Considering you're on this site I would advise doing something related to sonar / sound analysis, naval strategy or tactics, logistics, etc. If you can get a niche company interested in your project, they will bend over backwards to make the visa process go smoothly, and the government will likely speed through your application if they see you are being groomed for work in key defense related technology.
If you have money and a successful business, or even better, successful investments and capital, you will be welcomed to the US rather quickly.
If you try any other route you are likely to be disappointed and frustrated.
If you can get a US company to sponsor your visa, that would be the next best way to live there. You would need to have some connections with a company that could advertise a job position that could basically only be filled by you - the company has to advertise the job position but prove to immigration that only you can fill the job's role, and that no US citizen can fill it satisfactorily.
The second option is possible but is getting more and more difficult these days. I don't know what kind of consulting you are involved with exactly, but for example, if you were a programmer with a deep understanding of underwater acoustics and sound propagation you could probably get a visa fairly quickly - IF - you had some contacts within a US company that needed someone with your skills.
Finding a job as just a random programmer though is likely to be very frustrating especially with many US companies using H1B visas to import cheap Indian/Chinese software programmers. Most of them are not very skilled but some of them are brilliant and you are up against them if your field is too general. Now may be a good time to create a show-piece project to prove your value. Considering you're on this site I would advise doing something related to sonar / sound analysis, naval strategy or tactics, logistics, etc. If you can get a niche company interested in your project, they will bend over backwards to make the visa process go smoothly, and the government will likely speed through your application if they see you are being groomed for work in key defense related technology.
Yeah, this is what worries me. Unfortunately I do not have that kind of experience developing specialist software, so it certainly sounds (pun not intended) like a very good idea to start looking into that kind of project. It most definately would be interesting to do. :) Thanks for the advice!
Stay away from the Nation's capital. Unlike many other countries, where the capital is one of the nicest cities in the country, in the US, the capitol is a craphole. I have been living here for over 20 years and it just keeps getting worse.
Unless you have government work, pretty much anywhere else in the country would be better to live in... even Texas and that's saying a lot. :D
lol, I was actually looking at job listings in Austin the other night. :) Some people I've talked to say that Austin isn't really Texas though. :D
vBulletin® v3.8.11, Copyright ©2000-2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.