[Swedie]

Goddag,

I'm planning to move to the US but to do that I need a job and VISA/Work permit/Green Card. To get that I need to find a job where the employer really want me and that can help out sign a petition for the us government to see to speed up the process for getting a work permit in the states.

Another solution is to get a so called "Practice" job, where I would work as an intern at some company.
The special thing about this is that Sweden will pay for 6 months in the states and in that there's rent, pocket money and food included. So if we use this, the employer will not have to pay anything, he will just use my expertice however he like. And if I'm good enough at the job I'm doing we can talk about getting a real job with a real salary and after that get a real VISA that grants me to work like anyone else in the states.

What I can:
I know a lot of computer stuff. I got a bunch of websites to show you what I can. Here is a few of the ones I've made:
www.r1-forum.com <-- of course
www.sporthoj.com <-- swedish bike site
www.demonews.com <-- my first real site founded in 1998.
www.antileech.com
www2.treffen.nu <-- VERY advanced website, works as a community where people can meet new friends, get a girlfriend whatever. But the site has been put on ice because there is no time working on it.
----------------
I got more websites that i've made, but these are the ones I'm most proud of so far.
I've built all these myself, from the ground both graphic/design-wise and also all the coding (mostly PHP, but also know a bit of ASP).
I'm able to put a computer together faster than most can without scewing up. I know a whole lot about the parts themself too. Installations/support/hardware/softare is no problem for me.

But I'm not limited to work with computer stuff only. I'd gladly work at some office doing paper work, security, cleaning or something else that is needed.

I'm up for any job as long as it pays enough for rent, the r1 and food + some pocket money.

I don't drink (just sometimes, rarely), I don't smoke, I don't have any habbits. No crime record.
I'm all through nice.. you get longer in life by being nice.

If you need my Resume, please send me an email.
Looking forward to hear from you.

Please email me: [email protected] or PM me if you want to keep it private.

Thank you.

 

[Tim]

Swede:

I believe the "practice job" visa you speak of is the J-1. You have to find a sponsoring organization (who is not necessarily the direct employer and who is qualified by the USIA (United Stated Information Agency) The J-1 visa is normally used for the non-immigrants to come to the U.S. for: teaching, studying, researching, consulting, demonstrating special skills or receiving training. If you search the web, you may be able to locate qualified organization. If one is found and is willing grant you a visa, the J-1 is great because it is relatively hasstle free.

You should also apply for the green card lotter each year. I forget when lottery opens, if you check either our State Department websit or the INS, you'll find information.

Most other visa (with the exception of the visitor visa (you cannot work (not even for free)), require an employer sponsor (e.g., the H-1B). The steps to a green card are usually a H-1B to Green card.

Another option worth looking into is applying for an international organization (world bank, IBRD, IMF, UN). You'll receive a special visa that is not employer specific. Once in the country, hit the employer up for a green card.

Depending on your circumstances, a green card can take a long time to obtain. Often an H-1B holder will have to renew his or her visa (each period 3 yrs.) in order to obtain a green card. It can take that long...

The above is not exhaustive by any strectch of the imagination. I used to do this immigration, but that was over 5 years ago. The rules and regulation may have changed since then. If you search on-line you can find many useful tips and information that will have you make an action plan. What ever documentation you need, get it together now! Potential employers, especially those who are small or don't have experience with immigration issues, don't like hassles. They may ask you to pay for the visa. An alternative is to have them pay for it and for you to have an earn-out. You sign a promissory note and agree to pay them so much money per pay period or a promise that you'll work for them for a period and for each month works, a portion of the visa costs are earned. If you leave early you pay back the difference. They cannot legally directly diminish your salary below that of comparable US workers, but they can enter into bona fide agreements outside of the direct employment relationship.

 

[EddyR1]

hey

I wonder if you can join the U.S. Military?
we got people from all over the place
my be you should check it out?

the pay is fair you can choose a job you want

it can't hurt to check it out

you got great computer skills
wish I had lucky you


Good luck!

hope to see you riding in the states!


:thumbup

 

[Swedie]

Thank you Tim.

I've found these pages that are of pages with information from the american ambassy in Stockholm.

III.1-D EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRANT VISAS
http://www.usis.usemb.se/Consulate/iv4.html

TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT IN THE UNITED STATES
http://www.usis.usemb.se/Consulate/tempwork.html

It is that "temporary" employment that interests me. It can be only 2 weeks and I'll be accepted to work for a temporary period and while I'm doing that I'm seeking for a greencard or a "real" visa.

Oh, just saw "H-1B" and apparently you talked about this temporary employment.


To have as little hassle for the employer, exactly what paper/documents/info should I aquire and have in my hands asap. I don't know exactly where to go or whom to ask or what to ask or what to get. So if you can help a bit with that it would be great.


If anyone here can list a couple of websites I can look at to find a job it would be nice.
And if you maybe even know of a place that I can work at, hit me with that too.
Like I said earlier, I'm ready for pretty much any job as long as it pays me expenses and leave some money for my pocket/saving.

 

[EddyR1]

you know what

I'm thinking about starting
a web site design studio
here in austin, texas

there is a big need for web designers
here.

I wonder if I could hire you bring you here
to work for me.
since you seem very good at it


would you be interested in living in texas?

I mean what job would you really be happy at?

do you know dreamweaver, java, flash?

 

[Swedie]

EddyR1, my friend. Sure would be happy in Austin, Texas if I just have my R1 and money and a place to live.

I never use pre existing templates or any help programs such as Dreamweaver when I built websites. I only use NotePad and Photoshop to do the design.
I know how to use Java(script).
I know Director pretty well and I've used Macromedia Flash sometimes but never got to really learn it because there were no need for. But if you require me to know how to build Flash sites, I will sure hell learn it! No problem at all!


Austin looks like a small town frm what I could find when I search google.com for some info about the place.

I like big places with lots of options.

 

[Tim]

It’s been a while since I’ve done this work, but I’ll try to help…. Besides the official government websites just search generally for US visa information. There are many attorneys (albeit generally sleazy ones) who provide lots of free and useful information on their websites.

The greencard is not a visa, but a status – residency status. The H-1B, H3, J-1, O and E, etc. are non-immigrant status' and visas.

In general, to qualify for an H-1B you must the equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree and the requisite experience. If you do not have a US bachelor’s degree, you’ll have to obtain a certification that your degree is equivalent. There are many recognized “experts” in the US that will perform this service for a fee, usually about $100.00 or more. I would be a good idea to look into the experts’ qualifications. If you can find a qualified organization, the J-1 is a great visa.

You should obtain your original birth certificates, letter of recommendations from prior employer with you duties and experience (these should be “tailored” (but factually true) to the job you are seeking); a resume, original college transcripts (these should be translated if necessary and have the translation certificate and notarized (the Swedish equivalent)), copies of diploma(s), 2 (or more) passport size photos. Each visa requires different things. You should gather what you need for the green card (sans the finger prints, they must be taken just before obtaining the green card). Keep all originals in folder and only provide the potential employer with legible copies.

Again, you should consider applying for the green card lottery, if your country has not reached its quota and look to international organizations for jobs.

Additionally, since you have computer experience, look to small software companies or tech. companies, they usually have experience with foreign nationals (you didn’t think us American’s with our piss-poor educational system produced all that tech did you?)

The link you provided addressed obtaining the actual visa from a consulate. This is actually the final step in the process. Only INS can approve the non-immigrant status.

Attached are few useful links:
http://www.evisaworld.com/usa/sect3-reference.html
http://www.nolo.com/lawcenter/index.cfm/catID/86F12C86-8753-405E-8A437DA6EE610EDA
http://www.us-immigration.org/
http://www.immigration.com/
http://americanlaw.com/info.html

Also, this is good little book to obtain:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...6727347/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/103-5980197-1319826

 

[mocheeseplease]

If you said this 3 months earlier....

I hired a web developer from another country... Had to do the H-1B visa route....

Had our law firm handled the paperwork and ended up costing the company $3,500.

Good luck in the job hunt

 

[Swedie]

Thank you very much Tim.
The sad thing is that I don't have any prior employer to get merits from since I'm self-educated. Therefore I'm having a pain in the ass hard time getting a job over here. And getting a job int he states without merits will be even harder.
But I think the way I'm looking for a job right now might ease it up a little since you can see, with this site for example and the sites I've mentioned that you can look at that I'm by far a newbie and atleast got some talent. (i hope).

mocheeseplease: that brings tears to my eyes hearing that.
Why $3,500? what if ... I do most of the job .. wouldn't it be a bunch cheaper for you then?

SoCal.. = southern californa. Some kickass place to be.

You're not interested in having me as an intern so I can ge a J-1 visa like Tim has described above. It would be a good starting place and get some merits, if I do a good job that is

This J-1 visa deal will not cost you anything. Everything is payed by the Swedish guvornment (mispelled).

 

[Tim]

The cost of an H-1B is about $3,000 -- $5,000, depending on the complexity of the particular case. You can reduce the cost by doing a lot of the footwork.

Not having prior employer testimonials may not be a problem. However, you'll need to show experience through alternative means. Look around on the web for H-1B information. They'll usually address this point and give suggestions. An example may be that you're a freelancer and you provide evidence of a portfolio or customer testimonials, etc.

Good luck man. If I can help, you can email at [email protected]. Time permitting, I'll help where I can.

 

[mocheeseplease]

The 3,500 seems a lot...It doesn't make sense... I think the lawyers pocket most of it...probably 10% went to filing the forms with the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service).

Just to give you a picture of the market in Northern California / Silicone Valley…Currently there are more tech workers than positions… The economy has hurt many people… Those with H-1Bs are either going home or trying to find another jobs.

Many of my friends have been laid off from DOT.Coms… Companies don’t have the capital to pay tech workers the wages they were paying in the last few years. Really tight here…however it think it is slowly getting better.

 

[Tim]

Actually, in most cases the lawyers don't perform any of the work, experienced paralegal do. The lawyer just review, sign-off and interact with the client (the company). The profit margin on non-immigrant cases is just too small.

 

[Swedie]

thing is mocheeseplease.. that i don't ask for that type of money ($3k-$4k or more).

All I need is money for rent, the bike, food and some pocket money. I'd say around $1500-$2000 would be enough, don't you think?
That is what we're earning over here in average for a tech kind of person.

Tim, might email you later. thanks

 

[EarlThePearl]

Actually...

Austin looks like a small town frm what I could find when I search google.com for some info about the place.

I like big places with lots of options.

In truth, Austin is one of the biggest cities in Texas. It is our state capital. It is centrally located in Texas. It's just a few hours from several other big cities (Houston, Dallas, Corpus Christi). In and around Austin are lots of foothills, making for excellent riding (Austin is part of what is known as 'Hill Country'). I'm sure Eddy can tell you more than me, but if I had to pick a city in Texas to live in, Austin would be it hands down.

Good luck with everything. I think it would be cool as hell if you moved to Texas. If there was anything I could do to help, you know I would. Too bad I'm just a lowly tech support guy. But if you ever need a place to crash in the Dallas areas for a few days, I have a pull out couch.

 

[R1Champ]

Never been to Austin but there's a lot of good music that come out of there! :rock

 

[Swedie]

It would be really cool to meet any of you guys. Have some kind of R1-Forum meeting since I know there is atleast 20-25 from Texas only that are registered members on this board.

EddyR1.. my question is.. when I'm all ready

 

[VoodooDsims]

Swede,

Send my copy of your resume to:

[email protected]

I'm sending you and e-mail privately now!

 

[VoodooDsims]

Swede,

Just sent you a private e-mail! If I can be of any assistance just let me know!! No Promises family but if I can help, im in!!!

There are also other Forum members from the Philadelphia area into computers (he might as well help you get a job..... His 00' R1 is in pieces while he polishes it! lol)

D

 

[VoodooDsims]

Swede,

Give me a minute to touch up that resume with some direction!!! We are getting it to look pretty good (I had to get help! Im a CompSci Major! My English and grammer suck!)

Talked to my Russian Associates that work at ADP here in Philly. The other member from the R1-forum that used to work at the NIS may be of more use but.......

She stated that she got work visa from friend that owns his own company. Plus another girl that works here husband is some big wig in DC!!! (She has pictures of him at her desk with every one from Regan up!)

She suggested that you really look into the lottery thing. She (as did 3 others) stated that the lottery often does not get the "responses" that you think, so alot of Visa go unused.

Also, stated that maybe u should get a guest Visa (kid with her now got one for 1 year). Come here to stay with friends and you have a year to get "decent" job! (hell, you can work part-time at McDonalds......)

She is not sure how these Job's handle hiring people on Guest Visas. But claimed we have some Java Developers from India that did this same thing. She will get (ask) one tomorrow and forward me info!!

Anyway..... Will keep on it!!

D

 

[Swedie]

Oh, didn't see you reply here mate. I was waiting for an email.

I'll look at signing up for that VISA lottery. Not sure how to so I'm going to call..._someone_

Is there anything else I can give you now? I truly hope you can sort something out.