moving from the UK (San Diego, San Jose: hotel, salary, standard of living)

[bobby_1234]

Hi,

I'm a recent physics graduate from the UK. I would love to move to California, and was wondering if anyone knew anything about the visa system and if this would be something possible for me to do...

I would most likely be looking for jobs in tech/IT

anyone here moved out there from europe? or know anyone that has?

Im struggling finding a website that has grad jobs in california, any suggestions?

[MikeSJ]

Many young foreign professionals apply for jobs under the H-1B visa process. There are a limited amount of new H-1B visas available each year (about 65,000 for 2008) that employers request from the government. A foreign professional only needs to find a company that has those visas available and is willing to hire that professional.

Hopefully the following links will be helpful.

H-1B visa - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

h1 visa jobs sponsors - Database of 20,000 American firms that offered jobs with H-1B sponsorship

H1B Visa - H1B Jobs - Work in America - USA Work Permit - Green Card - H1 Visa - US Work Visa - Immigration USA - H1B - H1-B - H-1B - Live in the USA - Job in USA - USA VISA - Work in USA

http://www.myvisajobs.com/

H1B Sponsors for USA Jobs (IT,ENGG,Medical,Accounting,Teaching)

[bobby_1234]

That's very helpful, thanks.

I can't believe I have to pay just to access the database that lists the H1B companies though, that sucks. Is there no way to do this for free? I was thinking I might just apply to big international companies, surely they would be on the H1B list, anyone know any with their base in California? (I think Boeing, Google?, Microsoft have bases there right?)

Also I am on the right track thinking San Jose is where the tech companies are?

[MikeSJ]

I suspect that the H-1B database sites are a rip off. I think most silicon valley companies (both large and small) will apply for H1-B visas if they need them. Use a site such as monster.com to find the available jobs in the area and indicate that a visa is needed.

You are right, San Jose and the surrounding area contains the headquarters and main development for many hi-tech companies in the US.

[bobby_1234]

thanks again, I will try monster.

what type of salary would a single person need to live comfortably over there? In the UK I'd be looking at £20000( $40,000) -£30,000($60,000) for a grad starting salary in the fields I'm interested in, would this be same for typical graduate jobs over there? and if so would this be enough to give same standard of living there?

[A Blue Window]

Pulaski's Ways: How to Live and Work in the USA : British Expat Wiki

The forums there will give you the information you need.

[Franklyn]

Originally Posted by bobby_1234

What type of salary would a single person need to live comfortably over there?

Re:Cost of Living. My experience after three holidays in London in the last four years is that everyday US prices for similar items are about the same in dollars as pounds. On average. For many, many items. Petrol/Gasoline is obviously in transition right now, and housing costs may differ, but even our hotel rates seemed comparable that way.

Not counting "chips", most items you are used to are available here [except for clotted cream, drat it], but UK branded items cost more here. You will be overwhelmed, though, by the diversity of brands and products - and retail shopping outlets - over here in the hinterlands. It will be an eye opener.

Cheers, whichever way you choose.

[Unkllars]

A lot also look in Southern California, namely LA, Irvine (in Orange County) or San Diego.