Just a few questions

[Jonara 0]

I'll answer the LIVING MONEY question: If you will be based in the North East, target a $4,000/month budget. This is to cover apartment rent, to drive a car, to purchase car insurance, utilities, to eat. Check the unemployment rate for the state you will residing. I have to agree that IT jobs are still all over the place but there still are unemployed web developers these days and you will be competing with them to get the job. What's your specialization?

(Hehe, I feel like I'm posting for a job app ) I've had about 5 years experience over pretty much the whole range of web development. I can create decent graphics template layouts, although I'm mainly a programmer. I've worked with a decent amount in terms of languages, ASP, ASP .NET, PHP, AJAX, JavaScript, HTML / CSS, MySQL, Access, SQL Server. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science and I've been programming for almost 15 years now (just not professionally)

I kinda felt after I posted my questions were as though I'm snooping I just happen to be in the web development field myself but not as a programmer and certainly not as R2D2sh as you are.

I'm not sure if having had worked in a corporate/company setting carries a weight in the hiring process. If I were you, I would start brushing up my curriculum vitae, and refine it to achieve a great level of competitiveness. If you're not signed up for LinkedIn, do so. It's a great job networking site where your previous clients can vouch for the quality of your work. As one of the advisers here implied, do not worry too much about injecting your fiancee's bank account to show support. There are ways to get around proof-of-enough-dough to support an unemployed web developer.

[rsn 135]

I'll answer the LIVING MONEY question: If you will be based in the North East, target a $4,000/month budget. This is to cover apartment rent, to drive a car, to purchase car insurance, utilities, to eat. Check the unemployment rate for the state you will residing. I have to agree that IT jobs are still all over the place but there still are unemployed web developers these days and you will be competing with them to get the job. What's your specialization?

(Hehe, I feel like I'm posting for a job app ) I've had about 5 years experience over pretty much the whole range of web development. I can create decent graphics template layouts, although I'm mainly a programmer. I've worked with a decent amount in terms of languages, ASP, ASP .NET, PHP, AJAX, JavaScript, HTML / CSS, MySQL, Access, SQL Server. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science and I've been programming for almost 15 years now (just not professionally)

If you want to increase your chances of getting a job in the IT/SE here, you will definitely want to consider learning some "backend" langauges like Java, C#, or any other managed langauge. Non-managed lanauges, specifically C++, might be useful too in some cases.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

I'll answer the LIVING MONEY question: If you will be based in the North East, target a $4,000/month budget. This is to cover apartment rent, to drive a car, to purchase car insurance, utilities, to eat. Check the unemployment rate for the state you will residing. I have to agree that IT jobs are still all over the place but there still are unemployed web developers these days and you will be competing with them to get the job. What's your specialization?

(Hehe, I feel like I'm posting for a job app ) I've had about 5 years experience over pretty much the whole range of web development. I can create decent graphics template layouts, although I'm mainly a programmer. I've worked with a decent amount in terms of languages, ASP, ASP .NET, PHP, AJAX, JavaScript, HTML / CSS, MySQL, Access, SQL Server. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science and I've been programming for almost 15 years now (just not professionally)

If you want to increase your chances of getting a job in the IT/SE here, you will definitely want to consider learning some "backend" langauges like Java, C#, or any other managed langauge. Non-managed lanauges, specifically C++, might be useful too in some cases.

Off topic, but it never ceases to amaze me how the silicon industry keeps making advancements in capability and speed of processors, and how Microsoft keeps changing software development so that the latest and greatest CPU runs as slow as my first 486. I really miss assembly language, and the joy of banging on the hardware.

Non-managed languages are still used extensively for everything below the application layer, and even for many commercial applications. Managed languages still don't have the performance needed for many applications. Even Visual Basic outperforms C# and .NET by a pretty wide margin.

Anyway, web applications are a whole different animal. It sounds like the OP has the proper skill set for a gig as a web programmer.

[rsn 135]

I'll answer the LIVING MONEY question: If you will be based in the North East, target a $4,000/month budget. This is to cover apartment rent, to drive a car, to purchase car insurance, utilities, to eat. Check the unemployment rate for the state you will residing. I have to agree that IT jobs are still all over the place but there still are unemployed web developers these days and you will be competing with them to get the job. What's your specialization?

(Hehe, I feel like I'm posting for a job app ) I've had about 5 years experience over pretty much the whole range of web development. I can create decent graphics template layouts, although I'm mainly a programmer. I've worked with a decent amount in terms of languages, ASP, ASP .NET, PHP, AJAX, JavaScript, HTML / CSS, MySQL, Access, SQL Server. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science and I've been programming for almost 15 years now (just not professionally)

If you want to increase your chances of getting a job in the IT/SE here, you will definitely want to consider learning some "backend" langauges like Java, C#, or any other managed langauge. Non-managed lanauges, specifically C++, might be useful too in some cases.

Off topic, but it never ceases to amaze me how the silicon industry keeps making advancements in capability and speed of processors, and how Microsoft keeps changing software development so that the latest and greatest CPU runs as slow as my first 486. I really miss assembly language, and the joy of banging on the hardware.

Non-managed languages are still used extensively for everything below the application layer, and even for many commercial applications. Managed languages still don't have the performance needed for many applications. Even Visual Basic outperforms C# and .NET by a pretty wide margin.

Anyway, web applications are a whole different animal. It sounds like the OP has the proper skill set for a gig as a web programmer.

For device drivers, software that runs on embedded systems, apps such as video editors, and other low-level software, you are correct: unmanaged languages are the way to go. However, for most everything else, managed languages are the way to go. Advancements in garbage collection algorithms, for instance, have put languages running on the java VM on par as far as efficiency is concerned with non-managed languages such as C++ in some cases. Improvements in VMs and the steady increase in processing power make managed languages much more appealing as well, not to mention the fact that they are much easier to work with. In my own industry I'm seeing C++ go the way of the dinosaur and Java is quickly taking the lead - rightfullly so. There are some things that managed langauges (especially Java) can do much better than unmanaged langauges. For instance, I do a lot of backend development of fault-tolerant distributed systems. A million times easier to do this sort of thing with a managed network architecture like Jini versus any unmanaged langauge I am aware of.

As you said, though, totally off-topic. Ok, I'll shutup now (maybe).

Edited August 30, 2009 by rsn

[stlouis 3]

On almost related topic and maybe also of interest to OP: Did anybody with K1 here continue working remotely for their employer (of the country they immigrated from) after moving to US while waiting on EAD? I did not research this yet, but it seems to me it is legal to do so -- to continue working for company in your country while waiting on the permit to work in US. What do you think?

Edited August 30, 2009 by stlouis

[Jonara 0]

For device drivers, software that runs on embedded systems, apps such as video editors, and other low-level software, you are correct: unmanaged languages are the way to go. However, for most everything else, managed languages are the way to go. Advancements in garbage collection algorithms, for instance, have put languages running on the java VM on par as far as efficiency is concerned with non-managed languages such as C++ in some cases. Improvements in VMs and the steady increase in processing power make managed languages much more appealing as well, not to mention the fact that they are much easier to work with. In my own industry I'm seeing C++ go the way of the dinosaur and Java is quickly taking the lead - rightfullly so. There are some things that managed langauges (especially Java) can do much better than unmanaged langauges. For instance, I do a lot of backend development of fault-tolerant distributed systems. A million times easier to do this sort of thing with a managed network architecture like Jini versus any unmanaged langauge I am aware of.

As you said, though, totally off-topic. Ok, I'll shutup now (maybe).

Aww don't be so hard on yourselves. I don't think it's truly out of topic. We USCs are throwing ideas on how to be competitive when he joins the land of the free. Besides I love tech-talk. It's music to my ears next to Mozart

Edited August 30, 2009 by Jonara

[damianGray 0]

Thanks for all the advice everyone

On almost related topic and maybe also of interest to OP: Did anybody with K1 here continue working remotely for their employer (of the country they immigrated from) after moving to US while waiting on EAD? I did not research this yet, but it seems to me it is legal to do so -- to continue working for company in your country while waiting on the permit to work in US. What do you think?

This is an excellent question, can anyone confirm that? If I could continue working my current job then that would be amazingly helpful.

[rsn 135]

Thanks for all the advice everyone

On almost related topic and maybe also of interest to OP: Did anybody with K1 here continue working remotely for their employer (of the country they immigrated from) after moving to US while waiting on EAD? I did not research this yet, but it seems to me it is legal to do so -- to continue working for company in your country while waiting on the permit to work in US. What do you think?

This is an excellent question, can anyone confirm that? If I could continue working my current job then that would be amazingly helpful.

I've done quite a bit of searching on this one. Everything I've seen starts with "this is a gray area". I would recommend contacting an immigration attorney about this.

[Nik+Heather 121]

Thanks for all the advice everyone

On almost related topic and maybe also of interest to OP: Did anybody with K1 here continue working remotely for their employer (of the country they immigrated from) after moving to US while waiting on EAD? I did not research this yet, but it seems to me it is legal to do so -- to continue working for company in your country while waiting on the permit to work in US. What do you think?

This is an excellent question, can anyone confirm that? If I could continue working my current job then that would be amazingly helpful.

I've done quite a bit of searching on this one. Everything I've seen starts with "this is a gray area". I would recommend contacting an immigration attorney about this.

All over these affidavits it says income from the beneficiary is accepted if it will continue. If the OP will have an Australian job paid with Australian dollars from an Australian company but simply performs his job remotely, it seems to fit the bill to me. The whole idea behind restricting working in the US isn't that we want immigrants to be idle, we just want to give American residents and citizens the first shot at American jobs. The only thing I worry about this rationale is that "income" can mean earnings from a job, OR earnings from investments, which have different connotations.

A good place to check is with the US consulate in Sydney - "Can I keep my Australian job and work remotely from the US? If so, may I use that income to self-sponsor my K1 visa? "

[damianGray 0]

All over these affidavits it says income from the beneficiary is accepted if it will continue. If the OP will have an Australian job paid with Australian dollars from an Australian company but simply performs his job remotely, it seems to fit the bill to me. The whole idea behind restricting working in the US isn't that we want immigrants to be idle, we just want to give American residents and citizens the first shot at American jobs. The only thing I worry about this rationale is that "income" can mean earnings from a job, OR earnings from investments, which have different connotations.

A good place to check is with the US consulate in Sydney - "Can I keep my Australian job and work remotely from the US? If so, may I use that income to self-sponsor my K1 visa? "

I just got a reply from them on the subject.

Dear Sir:

It depends on the job you’re doing and where you are paid from. However, the fact of the matter is, you are not allowed to work in the U.S. until you have a permit.

Sincerely,

Immigrant Visa Unit

U.S. Consulate General, Sydney (RST).

Have to hand it to them for ambiguity.

[rsn 135]

All over these affidavits it says income from the beneficiary is accepted if it will continue. If the OP will have an Australian job paid with Australian dollars from an Australian company but simply performs his job remotely, it seems to fit the bill to me. The whole idea behind restricting working in the US isn't that we want immigrants to be idle, we just want to give American residents and citizens the first shot at American jobs. The only thing I worry about this rationale is that "income" can mean earnings from a job, OR earnings from investments, which have different connotations.

A good place to check is with the US consulate in Sydney - "Can I keep my Australian job and work remotely from the US? If so, may I use that income to self-sponsor my K1 visa? "

I just got a reply from them on the subject.

Dear Sir:

It depends on the job you're doing and where you are paid from. However, the fact of the matter is, you are not allowed to work in the U.S. until you have a permit.

Sincerely,

Immigrant Visa Unit

U.S. Consulate General, Sydney (RST).

Have to hand it to them for ambiguity.

Looks like yes, no, and maybe.

[Nik+Heather 121]

All over these affidavits it says income from the beneficiary is accepted if it will continue. If the OP will have an Australian job paid with Australian dollars from an Australian company but simply performs his job remotely, it seems to fit the bill to me. The whole idea behind restricting working in the US isn't that we want immigrants to be idle, we just want to give American residents and citizens the first shot at American jobs. The only thing I worry about this rationale is that "income" can mean earnings from a job, OR earnings from investments, which have different connotations.

A good place to check is with the US consulate in Sydney - "Can I keep my Australian job and work remotely from the US? If so, may I use that income to self-sponsor my K1 visa? "

I just got a reply from them on the subject.

Dear Sir:

It depends on the job you’re doing and where you are paid from. However, the fact of the matter is, you are not allowed to work in the U.S. until you have a permit.

Sincerely,

Immigrant Visa Unit

U.S. Consulate General, Sydney (RST).

Have to hand it to them for ambiguity.

Useful answer.

Sorry to not be more helpful

[stlouis 3]

All over these affidavits it says income from the beneficiary is accepted if it will continue. If the OP will have an Australian job paid with Australian dollars from an Australian company but simply performs his job remotely, it seems to fit the bill to me. The whole idea behind restricting working in the US isn't that we want immigrants to be idle, we just want to give American residents and citizens the first shot at American jobs. The only thing I worry about this rationale is that "income" can mean earnings from a job, OR earnings from investments, which have different connotations.

A good place to check is with the US consulate in Sydney - "Can I keep my Australian job and work remotely from the US? If so, may I use that income to self-sponsor my K1 visa? "

I just got a reply from them on the subject.

Dear Sir:

It depends on the job you’re doing and where you are paid from. However, the fact of the matter is, you are not allowed to work in the U.S. until you have a permit.

Sincerely,

Immigrant Visa Unit

U.S. Consulate General, Sydney (RST).

Have to hand it to them for ambiguity.

This should be in some comedy. Hm... I was hoping that someone actually did this.

[Jonara 0]

All over these affidavits it says income from the beneficiary is accepted if it will continue. If the OP will have an Australian job paid with Australian dollars from an Australian company but simply performs his job remotely, it seems to fit the bill to me. The whole idea behind restricting working in the US isn't that we want immigrants to be idle, we just want to give American residents and citizens the first shot at American jobs. The only thing I worry about this rationale is that "income" can mean earnings from a job, OR earnings from investments, which have different connotations.

A good place to check is with the US consulate in Sydney - "Can I keep my Australian job and work remotely from the US? If so, may I use that income to self-sponsor my K1 visa? "

I just got a reply from them on the subject.

Dear Sir:

It depends on the job you’re doing and where you are paid from. However, the fact of the matter is, you are not allowed to work in the U.S. until you have a permit.

Sincerely,

Immigrant Visa Unit

U.S. Consulate General, Sydney (RST).

Have to hand it to them for ambiguity.

This should be in some comedy. Hm... I was hoping that someone actually did this.

With such ambiguious answer, let's try to read it between the lines. Getting paid by an Australian company charged to your Australian social security. You're not working in the US for a company that requires you to have employment authorization. You are working remotely from the US. Hence it's ok?!?