Every stay abroad broadens the horizon, helps to expand or deepen language skills, and is a clear plus on the résumé. The USA are among the most popular destinations. Over the course of history they have recorded more immigration than any other country. There are many stories about “from dishwasher to millionaire.” Not all are to be taken seriously, but many people have indeed used America as a springboard to a successful career. Before you fulfill your dream, however, you should thoroughly inform yourself about living and working in the USA.
Why choose the USA for a stay abroad?
America used to often be associated with the idea “Nothing is impossible.” Much has changed in the meantime, so that is no longer entirely accurate. However, the USA do offer some advantages over other countries with regard to a professional stay:
- 97.4 percent of Austrian pupils already receive English lessons in elementary school, so the language is generally well mastered
- There is a significant shortage of skilled workers, so international applicants are always welcome
- Rapid development of countless business models, software, and tools; one acquires new knowledge that is often clearly superior to that available in the home country
- You meet people from all over the world, which leads to high intercultural competencies which employers today place great value on
Posting employees to the USA
Anyone who is transferred by their employer to a branch has it considerably easier to establish themselves in the USA. For many foreign companies, such as Binder Austria GmbH plays an important role as a location. Binder Austria is affiliated with the German, owner-managed family company Franz Binder GmbH & Co., which is one of the market leaders in the field of circular connectors. Because the company also has locations in numerous other countries beyond the USA, including China, England, France and Sweden, the possibility of a desired posting abroad is therefore more likely. Companies that offer employees a workplace in the USA must ensure that, as a rule, both a residence permit and a work permit are applied for.
Foreign employers fundamentally have two different options for assigning their employees in America. The term 'secondment' applies if an employment contract already exists with a foreign company, payment of wages is made from there, and the employee is employed in a subsidiary or similar. The second alternative is concluding an independent contract with the US company; the existing agreement in the home country is suspended, terminated, or rescinded. In principle, a visa is required in both cases.
Three possible visa types
Anyone who goes to the USA on their own to earn money naturally also needs a work visa. There are various types, the issuance of which depends on the intended length of stay. The most commonly used visa categories and their requirements are as follows:
- H-1B – skilled professionals, completed specific university-level education, submission of a certificate from the Department of Labor
- H-2B– temporary work permit, only for certain countries, including Austria; certificate from the Department of Labor
- Petition – filed by the prospective employer
Important information about applications
Since job hunting with a tourist visa is prohibited, it must already take place from Austria. Applications are not held to quite as high standards as they are here. The focus is primarily on the cover letter, which may be somewhat eye-catching in appearance. In addition, individual qualifications and interest in the respective company, with a convincing justification, should be included. In the USA most evaluations are conducted anonymously. That means neither nationality, passport photo, name, age, gender, nor religious affiliation are mentioned. In contrast, references from previous employers are of great importance.
