Moved then what?

[jedinite 0]

Just wanted to get an idea of what you guys and gals end up doing once your paper work is approved and it's time to move down. Did you move then look for job? Look for a job first then move? Moved and didn't work? etc.

I know the economy is pretty bad now so I hope all of us getting approved in the next few months can actually find work once the paperwork is completed. I'm hoping some of you that have already had your PR's for a while can provide some guidance and perhaps we can use this thread to network to career opportunities.

[SapphireDreams 71]

I haven't moved yet, but I've already started job research and plan to start contacting potential companies I'm interested in in the new year and discussing the potential for informational interviews. My job is very networking oriented, so I think I'll be okay going down that route to start. I'll have to see what kind of reaction I get and if companies understand my situation (waiting for a work permit).

Our brother company also has a NYC office, so if I get super lucky (i'm not counting on it though) I might be able to get in there. We shall see.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

I started exploring once we settled on Seattle for the move. Focused on 1 university and 1 non-profit. I began sending CVs about 1 month before arrival. I started working at the university in about 6 weeks after we got here.

Check out professional associations in your new-to-be area if you are from a regulated profession; make sure your degrees will be recognized (my Canadian grad degrees did not need to be assessed); and network.

Good luck!

[Galateia 1]

Moved, then went on EI until K-1 expired while AOS/EAD was processing, checked out local job market, talked with people about their recommendations, etc. Didn't apply for anything because I wasn't sure when I would get my EAD and didn't want to be unreliable. Limbo was hell.

As soon as I got my EAD, I went back on EI while I aggressively hunted for a job.

I got my EAD one week, hunted that week, customized and sent out resumes the following week, got an interview and was hired the week after that, and had a week to relax before starting my job. Bob's your uncle.

The EI lady was impressed I managed to get a job so fast.

Unless you find an employer who is willing to risk you being abruptly unemployable for an unknown number of months, you'll be trying to land a permanent job without continual permission to work. Iffy.