posted 01-02-2004 11:58 AM              

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I've recently been in contanct via e-mail with a couple of companies in the States who have taken an interest in my work on Coroflot.
www.coroflot.com/amchardy

Their mail sounds eager and are interested to know more. However I think the fact when they found out that im British and still living in the UK it is putting them off, even though im willing to travel anywhere!!

How easy is it to get a work permit in America? Is it difficult for a design company to process one for a British designer? Or is it that it is just too much hassle???

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posted 01-02-2004 02:59 PM              

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With so many talented unemployed US designers I doubt that a company will choose to go through the hassle of hiring outside of the US.

I know back in the late 90's when it was tough to find people my company wouldn't go through the hassle dealing with non US citizens.

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posted 01-02-2004 04:18 PM              

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This is a touchy subject and one that i dont think is suitable for this site as you are asking advice from so many americas, many of which will be unemployed and will not want an "outsider" to take anothre opertunity that could have been theirs. while I can apreciate the appeal of working in the states this not the best way to find the info you need, talk to the american embassy in the uk for the best advice on work permits.

happy hunting

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posted 01-02-2004 07:30 PM              

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Thanks for your advice so far. I apologise if i have hit a nerve or that this is a sensitive issue. That wasnt intentional. Didnt really have any idea this was the case. Is there a rift between American and Foreign designers? I ask the question because i am three points off necessary for applying for Canadian Citizenship but I dont know if America and US need separate work permits?

Again, apologies for this posting.

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posted 01-03-2004 12:15 AM              

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You didn't hit any nerves. Its just the reality of the economics right now.

I am pretty sure you need a visa to work in the US if you have Canadian Citizenship.

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posted 01-03-2004 01:14 AM              

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american designers don't want foreign ones to get their jobs, but american consumers buy european and japanese cars, italian furniture and housewares, etc.
They should open their minds instead, put passion while designing, think in the user instead of how many millions of units to be sold. Design is not a matter of nationality or borders, but of creativity and humility.

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posted 01-03-2004 02:56 AM              

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Your employer will need to get you an H1-B visa. My friend from the U.K. just landed a job in the US. In general, if everything else is equal, you will have a better chance getting a job in the US compared to American candidates as you will bring in a fresh perspective in an increasingly global design industry in the US. There are plenty of H1-Bs available so don't be discouraged by negative comments here especially because you have a pretty good portfolio. Good luck!

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posted 01-03-2004 10:32 AM              

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I agree that design should have no boundaries. Thats an excellent comment.

Thanks for the words of encouragement foreign designer in US. I was thinking about Flash MX-ing my portfolio for a little extra umph. Any suggestions/ comments?

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posted 01-05-2004 02:07 AM              

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You have an impressive portfolio. Unfortunately, like others have already said the economy here is in the dumps and many people are looking for work (although things are starting to get better). My advice would be to be patient. One way you may accomplish your goal is to get a job with a multi-national in the UK and stay there until you have the option to transfer to an office in the US. I've seen it happen, and with your portfolio strength you can do it. You may also try the Hong Kong route, aren't there lots of Brits working there?

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posted 01-05-2004 05:50 AM              

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Thanks American Redneck! Good to hear its not my work thats the problem. Was becoming worried. Problem with seeking work in the UK is the number of companies im seeking work in are American owned. Geeze!!!! Do you think this year will be more optimistic?

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