Relocating from UK to San Diego, CA

[Mr Fowler]

Hi everyone, I'm new here! HELP!

My lovely lady has landed a job based near San Diego 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 on this type of visa. She has requested a J1 visa instead because apparently then I can also work apparently?

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 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 have emailed Davey Tree to see if they can offer any support or guidance.

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

Thanks,

James

 

[Merle Nelson]

You will be in demand for your ability to work. You just need someone savvy enough to put in their part on sponsorship etc.. That's doable if you get in front of the right person. Perhaps an identical post in the Jobs Finder forum on TreeBuzz?

And welcome to the Buzz.

 

[Mr Fowler]

Hey thanks! I will post on the jobs forum now

 

[Mr Fowler]

Just a quick update. My partner has accepted the job, depending on her visa we'll be heading out to San Diego around March/April.

Initially I will be on H4 visa which means I would be my partners 'dependant' haha! This means I am not meant to work.

Before I go and whilst I am out there if needs be I will be looking for a company interested in visa sponsorship to entitle me to work in the US, I think a H2B visa would be enough for me to stay for 3 years (my partners contract is 3-5 years)

It's become apparent that it's a lot easier to ship our cat rather than me!

 

[RajElectric]

On a serious note I'd suggest withholding some innuendos, know how luck would have it, on arrival to the US they'd check your online activity and discover your "possible intentions" and refuse you entry.....
On the flip side if you were a terrorist with a facebook page outlining an attack plot they would let you in no problem.

 

[JeffGu]

...if you were a terrorist with a facebook page outlining an attack plot they would let you in no problem.

But, they'd hold the cat for interrogation and waterboarding.

 

[TimBr]

Good stuff, Gu.

 

[Mr Fowler]

Sound advice. I will remove the innuendos because I think I would crack pretty easily if I was interrogated. The cat has done some terrible things to other animals so I imagine it could be rightfully detained.

 

[Mr Fowler]

I have sent out 8 resumes / job applications today with covering letters explaining about visa sponsorship. At least half of the places I sent them to were currently hiring / looking for staff so hopefully I'll get something...

 

[Sgriff]

What companies? If you don't mind me asking

 

[Sgriff]

Also,what does a sponsorship entail?

 

[Mr Fowler]

Davey Tree, Arborwell, So Cal Tree Care, New Way, Treeco, Bishops Tree Care, San Diego Tree Care, California Tree Services.

It costs money to petition the government for a visa and I imagine there's a fair bit of paperwork involved. I think only the larger companies would consider it, but I've sent a resume to anyone that looked alright on the internet!

 

[Sgriff]

I worked for san diego tree care over 7 years,2 of my older brothers work there currently. I'm obviously friends with the owner if you want i can say a little sumthin

 

[Sgriff]

Also send one to ,"decorus land enhancements" i was already telling him about you and this guy has a great quality of life moral/ethics

 

[Mr Fowler]

Ah kool. If you could just let him know I emailed, that would be great - I wouldn't ask you to vouch for my work ability etc without ever knowing me, but thank you! I'm guessing if you were there for 7 years it must be an okay place to work?

Also, I have emailed my resume to Decorus, thanks for the contact.

 

[Sgriff]

Lol yeah I definitely can't vouch for your ability but you seem very honest from previous posts, but decorus needs someone like you and yeah San Diego tree care is alright,the owner is super cool guy,really good friend to me. The owner of decorus is a breed apart,far and few between when it comes to guys that really care if you know what I mean

 

[Mr Fowler]

Sounds like a good dude. I've never climbed a palm tree - believe it or not there aren't many over here.

 

[Sgriff]

Yeah it's going to be very different as far as the trees go,alot of spindly,wobbly,lanky type shit goin on here... Alot of close proximity work/urban environment as well

 

[JeffGu]

Not to mention, the Sisters... oh, wait... you're in San Diego...

 

[Mr Fowler]

Not heard anything back as yet. Unsure as to how likely visa sponsorship is going to be! Thought I'd include a picture of me about to attempt using an 880 on spikes...