Recent Grad trying to get a job and stay in the U.S. [Archive]

Major Smasher

06-29-2007, 05:20 PM

Hi guys,
My name is Chris and I am a long time lurker, finally plucked up enough courage to join the forum and post.

Well a little about me. I graduated Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in December with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. I moved here with my folks in 1997 when my Dad got an E-2 visa, so I have done High School and University in the States. Right now I am trying to get a job in the U.S. (preferably Florida….I love it here) and get sponsored to stay in the U.S. permanently.

To be honest the more I look at the immigration system over here the more I think I am not smart enough to understand what I am supposed to do. I am on my O.P.T. (optional practical training) which expires Feb 13 next year. Just wanted to say hi and get your guys opinion on what I should be doing as I don’t know if I will be able to get an H1B within my time constraints. Any advice you guys can give would be much appreciated.

Oh and HI

byjove

06-29-2007, 05:30 PM

Hey :welcome: Chris!

Also any advice you can give on being the "child" of an E2 holder would be valuable I am sure, you know, experiences and such like!

Tried NASA!?

Major Smasher

06-29-2007, 05:41 PM

peter gold

06-29-2007, 05:44 PM

Chris
Assuming you are now over 21
You will have to get sponsored and do a PERM application http://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/perm.cfm
then adjust to a green card status. As you are here on a nonimmigrant visa as a student this may prove difficult to do and you may have to leave the US and re apply.
I have always said to people in your shoes, keep studying till YOU FIND A US WIFE

byjove

06-29-2007, 05:45 PM

We have friends there too!

HMMMMMM E2? We are E2 too! We have 2 kids. How did you avoid "age out?"

Major Smasher

06-29-2007, 05:59 PM

Just before I turned 21 the immigration people at the international students services (ISS) at embry-riddle (ERAU) told me to apply for a change of status to F-1 that way I could stay in school without having a huge number of hopes to jump though. Being at ERAU was a little harder to because they do flight training and after 9/11 security for all flight school was ramped up in a big way.

Kriz1

06-29-2007, 06:07 PM

Being a child of an E-2 is interesting. Definitely learned some things we wish we knew before hand, especially when it comes to scholarships and such for college. I was denied presidential scholars and bright futures because I had not spent enough time in Florida schools to be qualified as an in state student.:mad:

As for applying at NASA I have friends working there and it takes around a year to get a background check for security clearance. This makes it difficult for them to hire foreign nationals because they cant use them for a whole year.

Its my husband field before going into telcoms..he has top secret clearance in the UK to work on foreign programs...to do with space and defense in the UK....but that does not seem much help over here...so are your friends English...because if so maybe he'll try again...

DEE F

06-29-2007, 06:23 PM

Hi Chris and a very warm :welcome: from me,hope you get sorted and realise your dreams,and like Peter says you can always marry a USC lol,btw sorry Annie and I are spoken for :D :D :D :D :D

Love Dee xxxx

Kriz1

06-29-2007, 06:29 PM

I have been trying to marry off my daughter...:)

DEE F

06-29-2007, 06:30 PM

Why did I know that that was the next posting :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Love Dee xxxxxxxx

kirtida8

06-29-2007, 06:33 PM

Hi Chris and :welcome: as the parent of a 17yr old E-2 dependent - I am really interested in how you funded your college education? How many years to you have to be here for the Bright futures scholarships?
Will keep my eyes and ears open for you.

Major Smasher

06-29-2007, 07:48 PM

Hi again,
I was incredibly lucky my folks have pretty much sacrificed everything to get me through school on their dime. To earn my degree at Riddle cost in the ball park of $140,000, they are still trying to get my little brother through Stetson he has one semester left and his scholarships all expired so we are trying to get money together for that too.

As for paying for school for most people it depends a lot on the accepting institution from my experience. Public schools like UCF and such are local and are not as fussy about taking state scholarships. ERAU denied my scholarships on account of me being an international student and therefore not elligible for state monies. Stetson on the other hand were more than happy to help my little brother out for his first 4 years.

Hope that helps

Bayfield

06-29-2007, 09:07 PM

The 2 usual routes are:

H1 - get your OPT to Sponsor you?, earliest you could start is October 2008 so you would be out for 8 months or so. Make sure they agree to also sponsor you for a GC.

Marriage - the more certain of the two, H was oversubscribed this year so could be a bit of a lottery.

Kriz1

06-29-2007, 10:59 PM

Why did I know that that was the next posting :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Love Dee xxxxxxxx

What!!!.What!!!

I'm just saying I have a daughter at home...who could become an American if that will make her worth more....whats wrong with that...:p :p :rofl: :rofl:

OberonSH

06-29-2007, 11:15 PM

I had planned on marrying my mother's best friend's son, who moved out when I was 7 ( re-inforced by the fact that when I visited 15 years ago he was growing inot a striking young man). Unfortunately he decided to deprive the female half of the population, and started dating Jeremy....

Bang goes my green card, guess I'll have to do it the hard way..... :-)

Munish

06-29-2007, 11:16 PM

Hi Chris. :welcome:

I know what you are going through, being a former F1/OPT visa holder myself. I am back in the UK for now and may come back to the USA but nothing is certain at the moment. Are you currently working on your OPT and if so aren't they willing to sponsor you (if you don't know talk to them)?

To be frank the H1-B is not a good route. The quota for this year is already gone. The lucky few who got that visa won't start work until October 2007. As Bayfield pointed out the earliest you could now start if October 2008 and that is if you are lucky. This year 150,000 applications were made for 65,000 H1-B visas (although that is not counting the additional 20,000 visas available for certain masters degree holders). That means a hell of a lot of people with employers ready to sponsor them could not get the visa. This year's cap was reached in three days. I would not be surprised if next year's cap it reached in one day - and then only 65,000 people plus 20,000 masters degree holders could get such a visa in any given year so it's not turned into a lottery since demand for these visas by employers is so high. However, there are certain exemptions so a cap is not applicable in certain cases. For example, educational establishments are not subject to quotas. I referred to it somewhere so have a look around the forum, and may be the articles section.

You have many other options to get a nonimmigrant visa. I would suggest reading up on various immigration, USCIS and Embassy sites to get some more ideas to see if anything else is desirable and I am sure one of many of us can respond to your questions about the specific visas.

Your second set of options is the immigrant visa route, either through work or family. If you luckily get an employer to sponsor you for a green card directly then that would be great and the H1-B visa is no longer an issue. However, statistically this is very unlikely unless you are an expert in your field or already working for the employer who would sponsor you (which is why Bayfield (and I) asked the above questions regarding whether you are employed on your OPT). If not get a job pronto as this could be your best bet. The alternative family-based visas include, among others, visas based on being married to a USC (which is not subject to wait times) or a green card holder (which is subject to wait times). Seriously, speak to Kris1 about her daughter - she's serious :rofl:

The last option is to overstay your visa and become illegal. By the stories I've been hearing you might get treated better than many people on this forum such as free healthcare.

DEE F

06-29-2007, 11:36 PM

Nice one Munish!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dee xxxxxxxxxxx

tillyberry13

06-29-2007, 11:39 PM

hi and a warm welcome

Major Smasher

06-30-2007, 12:37 AM

Susie

06-30-2007, 12:52 AM

You guys have been so helpful,

To answer your questions i am unemployed on my OPT. A few companies been really wanting to hire me but as soon as the immigration issue is broached everything gets quiet. I do have two companies that I am talking with right now but nothing concrete yet. Fingers crossed, and thanks again for all your kind words and help.

Hi and a very warm welcome to our site

Thank you for being brave enough to start posting. The first problem is getting the job offer and the second is getting the visa.

For a H1B even if you have a job offer today, the visa numbers are taken for the year as there is a limit of 65,000 pa . If some offers a job today then they can put your visa application in around 1stApril 2008 for a start date of Oct 2008. It is very likely that all visa's will be taken within a couple of days

I am sure you must have read that we are trying to get an amendment ot the CSPA to give protection for E dependant children, legislation has been passed to Washington on this very subject and waiting to here back with a positive result

Not sure how old you are but you could always marry a USC, he, he

britcan

06-30-2007, 03:04 AM

With your qualifications you can try Boeing...at least that way you get to say in USA, then you can move back to Florida when you have got green card sorted out...

anniefromessex

06-30-2007, 03:27 AM

Hi and a very warm welcome from the Annie Dee referred to!!! I really hope things work out for you - long road to hoe but hopefully worth it in the end!!!

Me and Dee will just have to dry Mun's tears round the back of the bike sheds!!!!! Are you man enough Mun?!!!!

Love Anniexxx

Munish

06-30-2007, 07:52 AM

JulieC

06-30-2007, 02:17 PM

I presume staying on and doing grad school is out of the question? Easier to get H1b and more time in America and then another OPT to sort yourself out, got to be more work opportunities too. My son is F1 and we have resigned ourselves to paying for grad school for him. Pity the new act has been ditched, didnt that double the amount of OPT for science students??

Re carrying on education on F1 after age 21, Kay, there are no scholarships available for them and no help at all with paying the international students fees that kick in the minute they turn 21 and change status to F1. We are currently paying 17,000 dollars in fees a year. You can get student loans but only if a GSC or USC will act as guarantor.

There are huge problems in bringing a kid here on E2 and staying here until they are adult and I hope that this thread has highlighted it. As I just posted on another thread, going home to do a degree instead isnt a real option due to having to pay international students fees there as failing to fulfil the residency test and also getting equivalency of qualification in these days where the grade entrance level for universities is very high.

Kriz, Matt has first call on your daughter!!!

Munish

07-01-2007, 08:45 AM

Just to add to your post Julie, I think you an only get a second OPT on you next degree if that second degree is at a higher level than the previous degree on which you also had an OPT. For example a masters students aoppied for and got an OPT. Then they subsequently did another masters. This time will not be able to have an OPT and their visa expires shortly after the end of their course. However, if that student subsequently does a doctorate or a PHD then they could apply for an OPT.

One option is law school. If you do a JD at a good law school and get goos results the firms would sponsor you anyway. However, it is a very expensive route.

Sharon

07-02-2007, 05:16 AM

Major Smasher

07-03-2007, 02:25 AM

Again guys I can't thankyou enough for your input, I am now looking at some options in Canada with Bombardier. I figure the immigration issue may be a bit easier. Not given up on the States though. Going to be a busy couple of days going around cap in hand begging for a job. Its a shame they don't do American mail order brides...not that I could afford one anyway. Have a day
chris

JulieC

07-03-2007, 10:30 AM

I am not sure Canada is terribly much easier but I do wish you all the luck as said before my son also previously E2 could be in the same position in a few years. Keep telling him to find a wife ( i am sure they do if you know where to look, Chris!!) Am hoping that in my sons field of physical therapy he wont have the same problems finding work as they have a huge shortage and there arnt the same security clearance problems. Do stay in touch and keep us informed as to how it goes, we would all be interested. Good luck again.

Bayfield

07-03-2007, 04:39 PM

Its a shame they don't do American mail order brides...not that I could afford one anyway. Have a day
chris

www.eharmony.com

www.match.com

Major Smasher

07-04-2007, 11:42 PM

Happy 4th of July Y'all. It is raining hard here so were staying indoors with the folks. Spoke with my old roommate who is working for an engineering firm in Texas, he said his boss asked him if he knew anyone so I am sending him my resume. They have a load of internationals working for them, so fingers crossed. This whole getting a full time job thing is a full time job, plus the whole immigration thing. Its like I am working two jobs and paying money. Those dogs wont hunt monsignor.

anniefromessex

07-05-2007, 01:14 AM

Hi Chris, welcome from me too. I really hope you achieve your dream - it is sooo stupid that you can go through your training here and then, when you have so much to offer, they discard you. Makes no sense to me at all, especially whilst the economic climate of this country is not too good. Hey what do I know!!!!

With regard to Dee and myself, yes we are taken but are open to offers - she is shy about saying so!!!! As far as Kriz's daughter is concerned - go for it, she may be older than Dee and I as we are mere babes, but obviously Kriz has a need to get rid of her, ha ha!!!!

Love Anniexxx

DEE F

07-05-2007, 02:41 AM

:D Hi Chris, welcome from me too. I really hope you achieve your dream - it is sooo stupid that you can go through your training here and then, when you have so much to offer, they discard you. Makes no sense to me at all, especially whilst the economic climate of this country is not too good. Hey what do I know!!!!

With regard to Dee and myself, yes we are taken but are open to offers - she is shy about saying so!!!! As far as Kriz's daughter is concerned - go for it, she may be older than Dee and I as we are mere babes, but obviously Kriz has a need to get rid of her, ha ha!!!!

Love Anniexxx:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D every word Annie has said Chris is true:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Love Dee xxxxx

Oh and a happy 4th July to you,say that like it actually means something to me :D :D :D :D

Munish

07-05-2007, 08:31 PM

Competition Annie, competition. If I had a job I deserved I'd be working in a law firm in NY earning major bucks - but then so would millions of other people. There are thousands of degree holders applying for very few jobs. For example, a law firm in London took in 1,000 application. only 90 got interviewed. 40 got invited to the assessment day (a 7 hour day of interviews, groups tests, presentations and writing tests). 10 got the offer. I was in the top 20, but not the top 10 (imagine my frustration, particularly as the starting salary for a Solicitor is £90,000 and earning little over a quarter of that. LOL). But that's the world we live in - you gotta compete and project yourself to be better than everyone else.

If you got any kids in school with aspirations to get a professional career, make sure they are pushed hard and head straight to no less than the Ivy League or a top 15 school in the US. Once in make sure they are aiming for straight As. I know many people who spend $150,000 getting educated in law school and are worse off than before they started - their GPA was too low to make it worth it - Bs are not enough today for many places - not event to get interviews.

Major Smasher

07-16-2007, 10:09 PM

Hey guys,

Only Chris. Well I just had a telephone interview with a really really nice woman, and the interview was going really well up to the point they asked me about my OPT end date. The second she heard this she sounded genuinely disappointed and told me that there was pretty much nothing she could do for me. Bummer. The job was pretty much a custom fit too. This whole thing is a pain in the ass. At least I have an interview in Houston coming up this week. Hopefully they will be able to sort something out. If not I think I am going to have to work out what organ to sell to go back to school. Have a day

Chris

anniefromessex

07-17-2007, 02:21 AM

Hi Chris,

It sucks!! Good luck though, something will turn up I'm sure.

Love Anniexxx

JulieC

07-17-2007, 10:18 AM

So many jobs around where they say you must already have the right to work in the US. Such a shame. Yep a post grad course and another OPT could be the way to go and then contact that firm right at the beginning of the second period. Hope you manage to sort it out.

OberonSH

07-17-2007, 11:11 AM

As the great blue philosopher Dory says...

'Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...' Have you tried some of the online cv places like Monster? Long shot, as most of them are inhabited by agencies, but it's worth a try. Both my last 'proper' jobs (i.e. before I started working for mysel) came from monster.co.uk, I recall they have an international site, - like I said a long shot, but every little helps.

Major Smasher

07-17-2007, 05:56 PM

Dory is one of my favourite philosophers too. A bit deeper than nietzsche. And I am practically a troll on Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com. Thanks for the heads up though.

Anywho...Last night after the other interview went belly up I kind of panicked. I sent all my immigration info to the lady setting up my flight. I was polite and slightly apologetic about the whole thing. She sent me back a really nice email telling me that at this point there was no point going through the expense of flying me out there. Which to be honest is the main reason I told them all of that. I did not want to go there and then be told there is nothing they can do for me and them be all annoyed I did not tell them earlier.

So here is plan Q...Grad School is too expensive. I am going to chat up some of my profs see if I can work my way through or something. IDK. But I remember being told that Secondary Institutions like Unviersities have no H1B caps. If so, could I go to work part time at school or even full time, and get an H1B that way. I know my alma mater has a discount tuition program for employees. Might be able to defer some of the cost that way. I am having trouble finding out if schools have the same deadline and financial year start times as "normal" jobs. Any help you guys could provide would be greatly appreciated.

OberonSH

07-17-2007, 06:42 PM

I'd just bug the hell out of anyone and everyone I knew. Are there any networking events that you can get to that might provide an opportunity? I get to as many as I can - I've picked up some very useful contacts on the path. Trade events etc. are ideal - the fact you're there means you are being pro-active about finding a job. Could be worth writing to firms direct, especially international ones, as they should have a better idea of the ins and outs of hiring international employees. Don't forget to check out your own uni's notice boards, and the job section of the upmarket papers.

Wouldn't go as far as running down the street naked with 'Gizza Job' on your chest, but might be worth thinking on after a few beers :D

Other than that, I'd relax a bit - I've noticed that like a lot of things in life, things happen at very unexpected moments. Gorgeous guy walking in when you're wearing paint splattered sweats with a 'boiled lobster' sunburn and greasy hair, job offers when you least expect it. Don't forget to take care of yourself in all this stress - getting run down and ill won't help your chances. And you never know - that guy you get chatting to in the bar over a bowl of peanuts might be the chance you're after.

Sharon

07-18-2007, 06:02 AM

Hi Chris and a belated welcome

Just a thought could you apply for some sort of speciality job in the millitary? I think you can get a green card once you have served a couple of years

Kriz1

07-18-2007, 01:49 PM

Hubby got his USA job after we made up our minds to live in the UK and not move country...had hubbys job been safe in the UK we would not of looked at it...but the same week as the job came up.. we found out he would lose 20k a year because the boss was giving on call to his son who know sod all...the company was being sold again..which is never a good sign..in fact it closed about 9 months after we left...

Major Smasher

07-18-2007, 08:44 PM

Hey guys,

Again thanks for your kind words and advice. I am pretty much running out of options fast. I am looking at taking a job with OCPS (orange county public schools). Maybe that will work out. If not I am looking at grad school. It is a truly daunting idea though. I am sure I have forgotten a lot of what I am supposed to know. I mean I had trouble remembering how to do a partial differential equation the other day and that should be bread and butter stuff. Anywho...I spoke with the immigration lady at school she was very helpful and reminded me that there is a boat load of people in my....well...boat. Misery loves company I guess. Have a day guys.

Chris

JulieC

07-18-2007, 10:15 PM

Once again good luck. Were you at UCF? I found the immigration lady there to be very helpful. Stay in touch and let us know how it goes. So many people on E2 on here have kids, it is a bit of a forewarning to them of the problems those kids could end up facing in a few years time.

Major Smasher

07-19-2007, 02:52 PM

No I am/was not at UCF. I graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 7 months ago. I have probably forgotten most everything by now. I should make a project for me to sharpen my brain.

Bayfield

07-19-2007, 03:58 PM

Trouble is the earliest you could start is Oct 2008.

Would a school wait that long? And pay the Visa costs?

Major Smasher

07-26-2007, 04:39 PM

Bayfield,
Your correct that I cant start working for them on H1B full time untill October 2008. School on the other hand should be a little easier. I am still on F1 status and getting back in would not be too hard I am hoping. Trying to pay for grad school is going to be the problem. A big problem infact, considering between me and my little brother my folks have spent clost to $300,000 on our schooling.

Alternate plan for the minute is to see if I can get a teaching position in the Orange County Public School system. I dont think they are affected by the H1B cap. BTW do you guys know if the dates are different for excempt organisations. They have a program called transition to teaching which seems to be designed for people with degrees just not in education to get teaching. I am still looking at non-profits and government research orgs too. Pretty much leaving no stone unturned. Although, I am fed up of fighting, especially when you see them letting pretty much anyone across the border if they dont speak English and want to violate laws. ****ES ME RIGHT OFF.

So in summation. Number of months out of school 7. Number of months searching for jobs 12. Number of applications sent out 100+. Number of interviews 12. Number of times they have said they dont want to deal with me because I require sponsorship 5. Number of job offers rescinded due to immigration status 3. Number of times I have watched bleeding hearts fight for the plight of illigeal criminal aliens TOO BLOODY MANY. Whats next, fighting for the plight of pedophiles, no those criminals affect Americans directly.

Well folks have a day. I am going to go and fight the system again. Its like the Somme except not as one sided.

Chris

peter gold

07-26-2007, 04:42 PM

Chris
This is well meant advice based on many years living here and seeing your type of problem.
Stay in school as long as you can and MARRY A SEPTIC TANK.

JulieC

07-26-2007, 05:28 PM

A lady on another forum just got a teaching job in Hillsborough and did so from the UK with a UK qualifications. She is starting next month and didnt get the job till a couple of months back, so seemingly you are right about not being affected by the cap.
I am glad you posted the cost to your parents of your and your brothers schooling. A lot of e2 people dont think about it or put their heads in the sand and hope it will go away, it doesnt. Start saving now!!

Bayfield

07-26-2007, 06:02 PM

A High School would be effected by the cap, a Uni is not. Generally.

I think there are also some non profits not subject to the cap.

Did she get a job, or a job and a visa, if so which and at what type of school?

JulieC

07-26-2007, 10:12 PM

As far as I know she is teaching small kids so it definitely isnt a high school or a uni. She got a job and HIb approval, Ray will know more if he reads this. Ray!!

Munish

07-26-2007, 10:33 PM

An exemption applies where a person "is employed (or has received an offer of employment) at an institution of higher education (as defined in section 1001(a) of Title 20), or a related or affiliated nonprofit entities"

The trick is where a school is not a university as such but is related or affiliated to one, they are cap exempt.

Here is an interesting article (http://www.ilw.com/articles/2007,0215-cordon.shtm) on the subject, which I am sure is one of many.

Bayfield

07-27-2007, 01:43 AM

That makes sense.

But probably does not help the OP?

lxh11

07-31-2007, 09:19 PM

Chris, definately try OCPS, there are always big teacher shortfalls and school starts on August 20th, with the teachers going back August 13th - so all schools will definately know by then where they need to fill gaps.

I was one of the few people a year or so ago who encouraged the lady on the other bb to contact schools, due to the newly introduced plan to attract foreign teachers to central Florida. There are many many instances of this happening, and with you already here, you are able to get in front of these schools and get a face to face. With so many foreign teachers being hired the school system is probably quite experienced with the ins & outs of visa application.

There is indeed some sort of program regarding people wishing to transition from "outside" the regular education field into teaching. The OCPS website is very comprehensive and you should find some answers there. www.ocps.net

Bayfield

07-31-2007, 11:12 PM

By the sound of it he is employable, the issue is a work visa.

OCPS would need to file for a H. And if you look at their pay scales, not that likely for what seems prety crap pay.

Major Smasher

08-01-2007, 05:10 AM

Hey guys,

Christopher again, got back from my job interview in Deland late yesterday, it went really well I am going to have to right a thank you note. I was told to expect to hear back from them in two weeks (fingers crossed). spent most of today looking into using strain gages in a novel way for a project I am working on to keep the engineering side of my brain busy. got to love pooring through 3 text books the internet and so far 12 pages of calcs for no apparent reason other than abject boredom. anywho.

While in Deland I drove up to Daytona Beach where the school is located to dig up some more leads and pick up forms. Grad school is 30 credit hours at $1060 a credit hour, so that would be more than $30,000. That is not taking into account books or living up there. There are assistanceships and such but I need to have my ducks in a row before November 1(deadline for Jan start date). To be honest I dont think I have another degree in my, especially a Masters. I have also been looking at doing a bachelors in mechanical engineering, compliments the stuff i like doing and gives me a few new tool sets. Again that is $1060 a credit hour, and I have not sat down to work out what new courses I would have to take (..sigh..). I am going to have to write to UCF tommorow to find out if they would classify me as an international student there...if not I qualify for ~$260 tuition. They have masters program but I dont have any contacts and the school does not have the same standing as Riddle in my mind.

As far as becoming a teacher...its like taking another degree. I just dont know if I have it in me. One problem with being an engineer....your taught to consider all options and weigh them cost benifit analysis all the time. I am looking at all these options and well I dont like them, I dont like them at all. One option is to start a new degree and if I get a solid job offer and they are willing to sponsor me stay in school until I can start. But hey...good news that means all I have to do is start looking through scholarships, grants, and federal funding crap too. JOY.

Sorry for the long post guys. Been working with numbers all day. Nice to use letters that arent variables. Have a day.

Chris

JulieC

08-01-2007, 09:14 AM

If you are on F1, UCF will class you as an international student. They will not even accept E2 dependants as instate, only LPR and USC.

Major Smasher

08-06-2007, 05:17 AM

Well guys,

Its been a hellacious (sp) week. Weather has been...well floridian. Super hot and super wet. Took my mum to the doctors again, thankfully she is doing better, still a ways to go. Anywho, got some more companies to look at although they are governed by ITAR an arms treaty. So I am looking to see if I qulaify. I am half tempted to just send things in and see if they accept me. Fire my arrow and see where it lands.

The other thing with the orange county school system is to see if I can qualify as an alien on training kind of thing. stay in the country that way. If I have already going through this sorry. Brain is moving slower than molasses down a hill in winter. ALright folks, have a day.

Chris

JulieC

08-06-2007, 06:47 PM

I wonder if you could get a job with Disney, internship, serving chips in Harry Ramsdens in Epcot sort of thing, I know it is not your lifes ambition but it would get you a J visa and keep you in the country while you are looking for other things as it is all about "being there" I think. I am not sure if you have to be living in Britain to apply but you are still a Brit arnt you??... Just thinking out loud.

Major Smasher

08-06-2007, 09:47 PM

JulieC,

Funny thing you mentioned that a friend of mine I was talking to today suggested the very same thing. I am looking at the program now, only problem is there is nowhere to sign up for it in FL. However, the program co-ordinator and all appear to be in Lake Buena Vista (about 15 min drive) may go see them. The program lasts a year, and I would be cheap not needing transport or lodging.

Another thing my friend said is to start a business. Can I even do that. I am not sure. I guess I could design model planes and sell plans and parts. Then again I would have to make sure its not single intent.

Thanks for the advice I am on it like a cheap suit. Have a day.
Chris

peter gold

08-06-2007, 10:00 PM

Not may go and see them. Visit face to face NOW

JulieC

08-06-2007, 11:16 PM

Starting your own business puts you on the same E2 route your mom and dad are on, not ideal as you know, we want to get you a green card!! However if E2 is in the frame, I suppose you have investigated the possibility of E2 employee? I dont know what your mom and dad do or whether they could make a case for you??? It is well and truly second best however.

lxh11

08-07-2007, 03:17 AM

Good luck Major Smasher - I'm not 100% sure, but my understanding is that all the young "ambassadors" working in the various pavilions at Epcot are Internationa Students, all here on a years internship. These "kids" are all on enrolled in various hospitality industry related degress back in their original countries. I don't know of any local people that are employed in those positions.

I think it's part of yet another avenue to get cheap labor and justify it in a "give back" kind of way.

JulieC

08-07-2007, 08:48 PM

A lot of the students may be hospitaloty students but being one certainly isnt a pre requisite.
These are the pre-requisites for a Disney internship giving a J visa.
International College Program, participants must:

Be at least 18 years old
Be a student enrolled in an accredited degree-issuing college or university or recent graduate
Have good conversational English
Have an outgoing personality
Be willing to share a bedroom

Also must be a national of a participating country and England is there. Unfortunately while Major Smasher is a local, USCIS dont regard him as such which could work for him on this one.

kirtida8

08-07-2007, 08:49 PM

I say go for it Chris - you have nothing to lose

OberonSH

08-07-2007, 09:36 PM

Got nowt to lose but the time spent applying.

Major Smasher

08-08-2007, 02:05 AM

WOW,

what can I say. Thanks guys. I am taking mum for a doctors visit on Wednesday to see if she needs spinal decompression. So I am trying to get things set up for late this week early next week. Again you guys are awsome. Have a day

Chris

Major Smasher

08-21-2007, 11:07 PM

Hey Guys,

Only me. Sorry I have not been around for a while but between moving my little brother back to university, helping set up his internship, running my mother around to the doctors etc, and dealing with a very very bad ear infection I have been feeling pretty lousy.

There is however a silver lining. On the 14th I got an email and a phone call from a company I have been hoping I could work at. So I am in the midst of setting up an interview with them and then I am back to the same old problem timing.

So while I was a little feverish I came up with a straightforward'ish solution. Work with them untill december. go back to school in january. work with them as an intern throughout the summer. go back to school in the fall and start working with them in the new year. I hope they go for it. As far as I have read it seems legal. Now all I have to do is get an interview scheduled, go there, do really good, get a job offer and hen pull this off. Why am I feeling a little like Wile E. Coyote with a fresh shipment of Acme products.

Anywho...Have a day guys.

Chris

Sharon

08-22-2007, 06:59 AM

good luck Chris. Seems you have a very good head on your shoulders. Try not to worry though as it will get you nowhere. If at first etc., try, try and try again

TeaPot

08-22-2007, 02:11 PM

Well done in actually having a plan - that is half the battle.....good luck and keep us all posted on your progress!

Do hope your Mum is OK now.....

Take care. :D

Major Smasher

08-30-2007, 08:10 PM

Hey guys and gals,

Chris here. Thought I would let you know what is going on and punctuate that with a question (or two). Here we go.

One of the companies I had interviewed with a while ago got a hold of me a few days ago and asked if i was still interested in working for them. YES I replied trying not to sound too desperate, and they want me to talk with them in the next few weeks to talk turkey as it were. At the same time though I have been talking with another gent about setting up an interview at a company I really really like. So I was wondering:

Should I tell the guy I am trying to set the interview up with that I now have an offer in the works and would like to interview ASAP to try and get with them quickly.

And when I land a job will (because my opt does not run out till FEB 08) I be able to just run back into schooling from jan-april (maybe working for them part time or something) and then intern with them over the summer while I wait for my H1B to be approved. and then pick up with them in october. I dont know if that is legal.

I am asking you guys because your advice has been both heart felt and sage. In my experience it is only when a group of people have a common trial are they bonded in such a way, and your opinion really does matter to me.

Thank you all for the help you have rendered me. Have a day.

Chris

p.s. just read my post back to myself, sounds like I am leaving well I am not. Least not yet :)