Contracting in America

[MikeB]

Hi,
Has anyone had experience of Contracting in America? I'm specifically looking at the West coast, but would really appreciate any practical advice on visas, sponsorship etc from anyone who's done it before.

Thanks,

Mike

[northernladuk]

Load of threads where this question (or similar) has been asked before. Maybe they have some guidance for you...

USA site:forums.contractoruk.com/business-contracts - Google Search

[BigTime]

Hi,
Has anyone had experience of Contracting in America? I'm specifically looking at the West coast, but would really appreciate any practical advice on visas, sponsorship etc from anyone who's done it before.

Thanks,

Mike

Looked at it but not done it. H1B visa (H1B Visa Learning Center | How to Apply - H1B Visa Requirements - Latest H1B Procedures - H1B Visa Fees - H1B Transfer - H1B Visa Status - H1B Extension - H1B Interview - H1B Stamping - H1B Visa 2011 - H1B Visa Quota - H1B Cap - H1B Sponsors 2011 - H) there's a cap on the number they give out and heard of people being shafted by agents taking a hefty cut. dice.com for contracts.

[MikeB]

thanks

[jamesbrown]

Yes. What exactly do you want to know?

If you're looking for employment, then an H-1B might be an appropriate employment visa, subject to meeting the requirements of a "specialist occupation." The H-1B dictates an employer-employee relationship (explicitly since 2010) and it is sponsored by a specific employer, so you're tied to them for the duration. There's an annual cap. In past years, it has been reached very quickly. This year, there were places left some months later. The cap doesn't apply under certain circumstances (e.g. government contractor working full time on a government site, university researcher etc.). The costs are met by the employer.

If you're looking to contract via your own company, that's a different question.

By the way, you can't do any type of "productive work" under the visa waiver scheme. Meetings are fine. Training is not fine.

[Scoobos]

It's really hard to gain a visa, they are super stringent and its been getting worse over recent years.

That said, if you are under (I think) 34 then the best option is to take a working holiday visa, get a job and then try and gain sponsorship once you are there and in a job.

[TheFaQQer]

I know of a few people that have done it before - I can ask them about it if you want.

Bear in mind that many American companies view contracting as a path to permiedom, which they will "reward" you with if you are good enough.

[Lumiere]

That said, if you are under (I think) 34 then the best option is to take a working holiday visa, get a job and then try and gain sponsorship once you are there and in a job.

What working holiday visa!?

Wiki: While most developed countries participate in a Working Holiday scheme with a number of foreign partners, the United States does not.

[BlasterBates]

Is there any advantage to contracting in the US? I heard they pay the same taxes. In other words isn't a contractor effectively just a temporary employee.

[Scoobos]

What working holiday visa!?

Wiki: While most developed countries participate in a Working Holiday scheme with a number of foreign partners, the United States does not.

This one, don't believe everything you see on wikipedia. They are a bit expensive if you take their "flight options" , which is the best way of not getting quizzed on the way in.

US Home page | Work Abroad, Volunteer Abroad, Gap Year, Internships and Visa Services

There's a few ways , but go in on a Kamp scheme if you REALLY have to.

Blaster you are right, but everyone pays the same taxes in the US - the real beauty here is that if you've the noggings (which lots of outsiders dont) then you claim all the tax back on your IRS form as you are NOT RESIDENT FOR TAX PURPOSES .

You're supposed to claim that as "foreign income" when you return to the UK though.

I hope this is right, it used to be (many many years ago)