Ask HN: How to Find a Job Abroad
I've been thinking about trying to find a developer job in the UK (I'm a U.S. citizen). Anyone have experience with making such a move? Any major hurdles with visas, etc?
Any insight is much appreciated.
Any insight is much appreciated.
Your workable options are:
1)Find a job at a corporate who still has unused quota
2)Find a job in a US company and than get transferred to a UK branch. This isn't constrained by the quota
3)Marry an EU citizen
I hate to be bearer of bad news but this is the current situation.
Finally, the UK has a points-based Tier 1 and Tier 2 visa program for High Value Migrants (Tier 1) and Skilled Workers (Tier 2): http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier1/ http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier2/ (Note that as of April 2011, there have been significant changes to these visa programs, so make sure you have up-to-date information.)
Bottom line, it's easier to get a work visa anywhere when someone already wants to hire you there. It's easier to find a job when you're physically able to attend interviews and networking events. It's also better to spend extensive time determining whether this is something you really want to do before putting forth all the effort for a work visa. You can't actually WORK on a tourist visa, but you can certainly broaden your UK-based horizons in the 6 months they'll give you.
Good luck!
If you're serious about this, I'd recommend getting your ass over here on some of the 6 month visa waiver programme (no work permitted) making contacts and attending interviews. Stick to large multinationals, small companies/startups will be hesitant to sponsor you due to high cost and long waiting periods.