How many of you guys relocated to the US to work for a company?
polycounter lvl 18
can u share some detail about it?
the process and time it took
what do i need to have in order to make it work?
the process and time it took
what do i need to have in order to make it work?
Replies
http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=72320
Anyway, for the right company I'd drop everything and go there instantly.
i dont have any degree or diploma
thanx, that help, is it the same from other countries too?
In the end it worked out, I got a great job and get to stay in Canada.
US has so many rules and policies, that getting hired by a company is the easy part.
Optaining that Visa is where you will get fire.
I do not know for sure what the rules are around the bacholar degree.
If it is a must, or for some visa types, or they just dont mind if you have a solid job offer.
I dont have one myself so we'll see how fast ill burn.
Canada works with a point system from what i remember, and that will mean you score less in that area, but if you can score higher in other parts it can work out.
I had a good chance on a 9 month contract working on Reach bored through my skull because i was not eligiable to work in the states. Setting up a visa for that position was too much trouble to go through. (Yes, i still cry at night)
At this point i dont even think about what can go wrong visa wise.
Im working my ass off with my portfolio and a job, and 4 weeks from now we shall see what is going to happen. I haven't found much about people doing this step, so it will be fun to report back with my exp.
Like said above, you have to compeet with local artists, and why should a company spend over a 1000 dollars for a visa and a relocation package to get someone overseas.
Do your absolute best and it will happen.
Ill post some more once i read up on some information, or have some to share since im about to give it a shot.
I'm pretty much degree-less, so I'm fucked, I do have plans to actually study again just to get that degree to make it more possible for me to work in the state would I get a job there.
As far as I'm aware, to qualify for a skilled professionals visa (or H1B), you need at least ten years' experience in your field, though the number of years your degree took to complete qualify as part of that criteria, I think.
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/work.html
I would recommend getting a top-notch folio, because without it you won't even be considered (but looking at yours, it's pretty solid). You have to compete against the cavalcade of local talent and you really need to stand out. Approximately 70% of my rejection e-mails were due to me being an international applicant.
Once you get a job offer, it's generally somewhat smooth sailing, only that it takes a bunch of time and money to go through all that paperwork and legal crap.
Best of luck, man!
I almost imagined that they have some sort of beauty contest inside the immigration ministry where all the lawyers dance around and present the bling of their clients to impress the jury, immigration-Idol style.
personally, I gave up on the US. Yeah the big name studios are there, but it's difficult to get in and some of the workplace horror stories (60 - 80 crunch? almost no de-facto vacation) don't make it that appealing....although europe is also going down the drain right now
but moving itself, when I studied there, was super easy. Getting everything set up, bank acct, apartment search, etc. all super easy once you're in.
even if u dont have a degree/diploma?
bleh
and dominance was isnt my style =\
well i guess i only have hope to grab into now
You are guessing here I would say.
Lonewolf, can you ask companys you worked for to write you some kind of certificate of employment or testimonial?
Edit: Unless I'm misunderstanding. Winning a big comp would definitely get you interest from a company that would want to pick you up and help you greatly with immigration - but - the immigration officials themselves don't care.
Get letters stating your work times from the companies you've been with - it couldn't hurt !
It's vastly different. To qualify for the H1B, or Specialty Occupation visa, you must be able to provide evidence of a degree attained from either a United States university or foreign equivalent in addition to at least three years of experience in your field, or in the absence of a degree, preferably a minimum of ten years of relevant experience.
From an official US Dept. of State website:
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/work.html
This is where the years of relevant experience come into consideration - merely having an accredited degree is not enough. Of course, every case is evaluated on its own merits, but between six (if you have a degree) and ten years of experience (if you don't) is usually what is expected from USCIS as an indication of suitable qualification for eligibility.
As you say, immigration lawyers have a great deal of pull with regards to these guidelines, but since it's difficult to apply standardized criteria to a wide variety of professionals and industries, these guidelines should give you a rough idea of what USCIS expect, but every case is different and what may work for one may not work for another.
If you can show that you're an artist with a considerable reputation and standing you can qualify for an O1 visa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O-1_visa
I don't know if this is what peris did but I know a few people who have gotten these. It helps to have written articles about your games and been interviewed in the press. If you can show you're a bit of a rockstar then this visa is for you.
yes but with someone like blizzard in your back you really have more chances then if you just tell any immigration person that you won "uneawhat?"
The non-immigration visas are usually for 24 months (with the option to extend), the immigration visas are valid for 6 years with the option to apply for citizenship at some point down the track. Which is why it can take up to 6 months to get one.
I never thought it would be that difficult.
Is it the same even for people from countries who do not need a tourist visa to enter US? Those people who had issues going into US which countries were they coming in from?
India has great demand for experienced digital talent on the other hand, the industry is booming and they lack experienced mentors in games. Obtaining a visa is relatively easy if you are coming from a European country, Canada or US, although because it is a lot of trouble to arrange for someone's relocation and a big responsibility, a company has to be sure that you are very good and serious at what you do.