Here are some considerations:
- Do you like the American accent?
You are going to be surrounded by it, day in and day out, or 24/7, as they’re more likely to say here. If you find the American “twang” (as Aussies might refer to it) offensive to your ears, think twice about moving to the good ol’
U.S., of A.! Living in the States is likely to be an annoying experience, rather than an idyllic move to the “Promised Land”.
If you have children, they will no doubt pick up an American accent (imagine them saying “corrrrn“), as well as some colloquial phrases – “I did it on accident (see title)” is one of my most cringe-worthy (see an example of usage in a title here). These phrases will more than likely become second nature to your little darlings. Luckily, it seems that pronunciation of words like “aluminum” (for “aluminium”) doesn’t seem to be as easily transferable, but good luck being understood by the local yokels!
More words with different pronunciation here…
- Visa Organization
Organizing, and being granted a Visa takes time, effort, and sometimes luck (if you’re relying on the Visa Lottery)!
Australians are lucky to have 10,000 US ‘E3‘ Visas available to them each year. E3 Visas allow both the ‘Professional’ (holding a 4 year degree, or equivalent work experience) granted the Visa, to work, as well as their spouse.
Prime Minister John Howard and President George Bush organized this Visa deal when they were in power. Despite the Bill being passed by the US Senate in May 2005, the paperwork was unavailable for our move in November of 2005 (this is indicative of the sometimes slow government processes). Hence, we began our immigrant status as ‘resident aliens’ on an H1B Visa, which meant, as the spouse of the company sponsored employee, I was unable to work.
TIP If you’re applying for an H1B or H2B Visa, and have a spouse or family, ensure (insure) that you alone are earning enough to cover everyone’s living and medical expenses.
Other, non-Australian, immigrants might not be so lucky. Here, the H1B Visa seems to be the most popular among professionals. However, in applying for an H1B, you’ll be competing against international applicants from many other countries. This must be why there is also a ‘Lottery System’ in place.
The H2B Visa is for temporary (“one off”) non-agricultural workers.
