Uk national looking for work in the US next summer!

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Lewis on November 14, 2009 at 1:41pm

The visa requirements are much tougher, and the processing times longer, even compared to last year. As a result, many companies that used to recruit heavily overseas are scaling back in that department. What's more, many of the less desirable jobs are now being filled well in advance domestically, due to the crappy economy. Because of the paperwork hassles that have always been present, companies would rather hire domestic workers, all other things being equal, and they really only hired abroad because they had trouble filling the crummy job positions. That doesn't seem to have been the case this year.

I don't mean to discourage you, but the competition figures to be especially fierce this coming year, especially if The One doesn't manage to pull us out of the recession by then (99.9% probability). You might consider just coming here as a visitor. If you run out of money, there are always day/temporary jobs available, and you can get paid "under the table". This will only work with small and independent employers, though. There are plenty of openings in any resort/park border town, especially after 4th of July as people quit in disgust, or just disappear.

As far as going the "legit" route, you will need a bona fide employment offer before you can get your visa---and employers will be hiring VERY soon--some are already processing applications. The turnaround time can be glacial, so it's time to get started with the online apps ASAP.

But really, though, if I were you, I'd just plan on coming here and seeing more of the country. It's a shame to travel all this way and have the part of the country you see be the inside of a laundry room or the controls of a giant dishwasher. And seasonal grunt work doesn't pay any more than what is necessary to keep you barely alive, not after deductions for housing, meals, uniform, etc. etc. So you wind up with no net gain after it's all over--virtually no money in your pocket, and the memory of a summer spent folding bedsheets or cleaning bathrooms six days a week.

Come visit our national parks for the summer, plan on camping out, riding the bus, eating cheap, and using your communicative skills to get casual work in the park border towns. Thousands of people do just that every summer, as have I, and I think it's vastly preferable to working for a park concessionaire, making nothing, and being stuck in one place.

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Permalink Reply by akscootr on November 15, 2009 at 3:46am

The larger companies such as Xanterra, Aramark, and Princess happily hire from just about anywhere. So will many large hotels and resort groups such as Intrawest, Vail Resorts, and so forth. Keep up with Coolworks.com and start applying in Dec-Feb. Even now some places are starting to advertise. Don't be discouraged by those who say it will be harder to do... Those who never try are guaranteed to fail. Look at all of the national parks and vacation destinations... Good luck. :0) If I can be of further help, I will do my best. Cheers... Akscootr

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Permalink Reply by WilliamChater on November 15, 2009 at 8:52am

Thanks for both the replies! Very differing answers. I would love to come back again and just travel more, however, there is a money issue!! Having travelled last time I like the idea of choosing a good place to stay for the season this time even if I won't come away rich at the end of it. So I will be looking to work this time and will check out these companies you have said about akscootr. Any more ideas are always welcome, any others that have been to the states and worked before from UK??

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Permalink Reply by Keith Larson on November 15, 2009 at 4:28pm

Ranches are typically much smaller and not usually able to use h2b visas. Yosemite National Park does have some stables you might want to check though. If you have wrangler experience...you might also want to check Yellowstone...and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon has mule rides...

The visa rule interpretations have changed recently. Some ski resorts cut their h2b's as a result. It might be a bit more difficult, but there still should be openings...especially in the summer. Have you checked the International section at coolworks?

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