How to get work in Seattle when relocating from abroad

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February 23, 2011

How to get work in Seattle when relocating from abroad

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By Kristen Fife
NWjobs

Q: I’m British, with an American wife. We are looking to locate to the Seattle area because of familial ties. I work in IT/computers. Obviously, getting a job first would be the sensible thing to do, but it’s a chicken and egg situation: The easiest way to get a visa/work permit is to get a job, but it is much easier to get a job once you have a visa. Any suggestions on how to start?
-GB, UK

Kristen says: Actually, getting legal work status in the States may be easier than you think in your situation. You most likely qualify for a Spousal Green Card, which is basically a permanent residence status that allows you to pursue employment without requiring any employment-assisted visas. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has information on requirements and how to apply from outside the country. Once you start the process and have a timeline in place from USCIS, you can begin applying for jobs. I would recommend starting when you know you are within a month or two of receiving your card and your employment authorization.

The most important thing you will need to do is make sure that potential employers know you will be obtaining a Green Card. I would include this information at the top of your CV/resume near your contact information. Something like: “Employment Status: Green Card pending, expected 6/2011.” This will help potential employers to know that you will not need corporate sponsorship.

If you need relocation assistance, you should probably concentrate on larger companies. Many smaller organizations don’t have international relocation budgets. Companies to explore include Microsoft, Amazon.com, Boeing, Starbucks, Google and T-Mobile, to start; also check out management consulting companies like Accenture, Deloitte and Price Waterhouse Coopers. You want to approach companies with corporate headquarters or a large number of employees in the Seattle area. Wikipedia has a decent list. The Washington Technology Industry Association is a great resource. The Seattle Times has a technology section, and the Puget Sound Business Journal highlights different industry segments. Both can help you identify both existing companies and those that are opening offices in Seattle.

LinkedIn is a great resource to make connections both in the groups and with individual recruiters and hiring managers. Good luck and hope to see you around in the coming months!

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Debby Lewis on February 25, 2011 9:12 AM | Reply

I'm an american citizen, my husband is a spaniard.
We're living in the U.S. Before we came over we went to the american Embassy in Madrid with our newly born son. My husband got the green card right on the spot. The fact that we were married with a child was a plus.
Hope this is helpful. Good luck!

Dana Briggs on February 25, 2011 3:26 PM | Reply

Taking jobs from U.S. citizens? It's bad enough with the outsourcing to overseas.

Kristen Fife on March 1, 2011 2:15 PM | Reply

Debby, thanks for the help.

Dana, with an American spouse and a child with American citiznenship, I would not consider the reader an outsider. Especially in the IT/computer industry, there is still a dearth of highly qualified candidates which is why Seattle has such a highly diverse population.

Swetha on January 11, 2012 10:04 PM | Reply

Hi, I have a similar concern.
I am currently working in Samsung India Software Operations. My husband is relocating from Amazon.com banglore to Amazon.com ,Seattle. So can anyone pls tell me If I will be able to crack a gud job most preferably permanent job. I have 2.6 years developemnet experience . Have gud academic records.
Thanks in advance. Looking forward for reply.

How to get work in Seattle when relocating from abroad

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