Relocating from UK to San Diego area

[Mr Fowler]

My lovely lady has landed a job based near San Diego (Escondido to be precise) and it all hinges on whether I can go with her. Her place of work has offered her a H1B visa which would make her able to work, but I wouldn't be able to work (legitimately...) on this type of visa. She has requested a J1 visa instead because apparently then I can also work apparently (after 3 months I think)?

Does anybody know if tree companies offer sponsorship or help with getting a work visa? Am I likely to find work?

I have a level 3 qualification in forestry and arboriculture, all relevant tickets (cs30,31,38,39 and chipper) and 3-4 years experience in residential and commercial. Currently working as a crew leader on a council highways contract for one of the larger UK tree firms. I've done most types of work (apart from a crane jobs - never even seen one.) I'm definitely built for pruning rather than removals / massive saws in the tree - small and skinny. I'm sure working in a different country is a bit like starting out new again anyway!

I have emailed Davey Tree to see if they can offer any support or guidance as I have noticed they're a local firm.

Any advice or information would be appreciated, would be great to hear from someone who has made a similar move. Any offers of work would also be great!

Thanks,

James

(jamesfowlerhere@gmail.com)

 

[Sgriff]

Im in San Diego,when you think you will be here? The accreditation/certifications are totally different here,what is your arboriculture qualification? Is it any thing like isa arb cert

 

[Mr Fowler]

Hi there!

Dependant on my partners visa, it will likely be around March / April time.

Initially, I will be on a H4 visa which would not allow me to legitimately work, so I probably wouldn't climb during this period due to insurance and legal reasons

However, if I am able to get visa sponsorship I will go straight to work immediately.

After having a look at google, I think the ISA Arb is the rough equivalent of my Level 3 NPTC City & Guilds Arb qualification.

My other NPTC certification translates as...
CS30/31 - Chainsaw Maintenance, cross-cutting and felling of small trees
CS38 - Tree Climbing & Aerial Rescue
CS39 - Use of a Chainsaw From a Rope and Harness

 

[Sgriff]

Nice,sounds like you know whats up. I am contract climbing as of lately and sometimes its tough to schedule it all. I been steady booked 2-4 weeks out...
I know a handful of owner/operators though,should be able to get something lined up regardless.
What do you make there?

 

[Mr Fowler]

I'm on £11 an hour as I'm working for a large UK firm. It's not a great wage for where I am located (I live in one of the more expensive parts of the U.K.). I don't contract climb as I'm probably not quick enough really and I enjoy just going to work, working hard and then forgetting about work once I drive out of the yard!

If you contract climb in the UK the rates vary between about £100 a day (for a newbie working in the north of England) to £250 a day (for an experienced mega climber bringing saws, truck, rigging stuff etc).

 

[Sgriff]

Interesting,you should be happy with the wages here,depending on what you land. Hurry up and get yur azz over here!! [emoji16] hope it all pans out,not a bad place here, you may like it.