Relocating to a different Country (I'm not, but has anyone else?)

Hi all,

I live in the UK but would love to work in another country not necessarily for good but for a new challenge/experience, my preference in Countries would be

1 - USA
2 - Canada
3 - Australia

Has anyone on this forum ever relocated to a different country and could provide advice on how to go about it? What areas of your country do you think are in demand for IT Professionals. I know the USA is probably the most difficult country to get into, followed by Canada. The visa process is obviously the hurdle although companies can sponsor you which help.

What about a business? Has anyone set up a small business in a different state/country which has been a success?

If I gained (which I am hoping to) the MCITP: EA would you say that is a highly thought off/in demand qualification which could help the process? I know experience is crucial too, I have experience 3 years and counting working with Desktop/Servers

I'm at a stage in my life (20 years of age) where I want to push myself to do big things, I have nothing stopping me (no kids etc) and I am determined to push myself and learn as much/get as much experience as possible.

Thanks!

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Comments

Vik210

I think it’s quite challenging and you end up wasting years in the process. Getting sponsorship from a different country is very difficult. I was involved in hiring in my London’s office and to get anyone from a different country will not just cost a lot, it has many formalities. We were making individual cases to prove that we have no one in UK whom we can hire for the job. So, in short, you need someone to help you or you should be exceptionally talented!
Australia has easy point based immigrations system. If you qualify, you can be there within a year but what’s next? Every company prefer localities. If you are from UK and you don’t have to leave the country, don’t do it. Try to take a job in some big MNC, like IBM, HP, Accenture; they will make travel enough!
I am just trying to tell you things from my personal experience. I have switched countries and I got some of the best jobs by doing so but I have struggled enough as well and frankly speaking, I was lucky at times. Otherwise I would be all messed up by now!
Business visa is an easy entry but most of the countries need $200-300k investment.

thronetm

You're right, I think getting into a big company is the best option not even just for a travel reason but on a basis of salary. I guess the bigger the company the more benefits you may receive. I need to build my experience up more and try to obtain some high-end qualifications then take it from there.

nel

Dude, you are only looking from one angle - sponsorship.

I recently moved out to Oz, i wouldnt look back. My visa was $200 and 4 hours later....bam...im in. 12 months working holiday visa with a 6 month restriction per job. Simples. Not everything is always what it seems. Although this is a temporary thing atm, one of the biggest things
is actually being in the country to meet people face to face to get that sponsorship. Sponsorship is now a strong possibility in a faster timeframe. I dont know your background and experience but research your markets before heading anywhere! ive met so many people in oz who underestimate this and sit around looking for work.

Pm me if you need any info i can help with re Oz.

No idea on the states and canada. Check if the canada/US has a WHV too, i know New Zealand, UK etc do.

thronetm

I knew with Oz it's easier. I didn't think it was as easy as you say though! It's good to hear. I knew you didn't need a sponsorship for that country.

Unfortunately the USA don't participate in a WHV and many participating countries actually exclude Americans in response which I find funny. I don't get why they don't do it.

Canada do participate, thanks for the offer for help. I will keep you in mind if I ever think of progressing

Vik210

lfcgeorge wrote: »

You're right, I think getting into a big company is the best option not even just for a travel reason but on a basis of salary. I guess the bigger the company the more benefits you may receive. I need to build my experience up more and try to obtain some high-end qualifications then take it from there.

It’s not always good to be in big companies. As a matter of facts I really run away from them. You do get a lot of benefits, they pay for your certifications, you get a chance to go different countries to work and you normally work for fortune 500 companies. On the other hand you work on a very restricted domain.
When I was with an MNC (around 5 years ago), we had a different teams for storage (doing only backups and restores), email (only exchange), desktop team, database support, server support team and many more. After few years of working there, I found it very difficult to work at a small place because I was expected to know everything. In my last job, I had a team of 5 and we were supporting a midsize office. I was working on firewalls, servers, desktops, routers, IP phones. I loved it and I learned a lot.
Now (again because I switched country) I am going back to an MNC. I personally find it easy to get in but I never enjoy working there. I think you are too young and should give both few years before you make your decision. Whatever I have written is based on my personal experience, yours can be different!

thronetm

Vik210 wrote: »

It’s not always good to be in big companies. As a matter of facts I really run away from them. You do get a lot of benefits, they pay for your certifications, you get a chance to go different countries to work and you normally work for fortune 500 companies. On the other hand you work on a very restricted domain.
When I was with an MNC (around 5 years ago), we had a different teams for storage (doing only backups and restores), email (only exchange), desktop team, database support, server support team and many more. After few years of working there, I found it very difficult to work at a small place because I was expected to know everything. In my last job, I had a team of 5 and we were supporting a midsize office. I was working on firewalls, servers, desktops, routers, IP phones. I loved it and I learned a lot.
Now (again because I switched country) I am going back to an MNC. I personally find it easy to get in but I never enjoy working there. I think you are too young and should give both few years before you make your decision. Whatever I have written is based on my personal experience, yours can be different!

You brought up good points, thanks for the replies. I think I will go for my MCITP and stay with my company for a year or two to see how it pans out, then plan my next certification attempts while getting as much experience as possible

GAngel

I lived and worked in all 3 (just got back from Aus) now back in Canada. For someone without much experience Australia is your best bet for a good start. I know in Aus sponsorship is possible in sydney or Perth not really Melbourne. Still not that common in IT but it does happen mainly in the banking sector. In Canada if you work in a remote area then yes its possible. The U.S is pretty hard in general unless you have some serious skills.

If you have something specific I can answer it I know the Aus and Canadian markets very well. NZ is rubbish you'll be across the ditch in no time anyways.

nel

GAngel wrote: »

I lived and worked in all 3 (just got back from Aus) now back in Canada. For someone without much experience Australia is your best bet for a good start. I know in Aus sponsorship is possible in sydney or Perth not really Melbourne. Still not that common in IT but it does happen mainly in the banking sector. In Canada if you work in a remote area then yes its possible. The U.S is pretty hard in general unless you have some serious skills.

If you have something specific I can answer it I know the Aus and Canadian markets very well. NZ is rubbish you'll be across the ditch in no time anyways.

Yeah from what ive seen NZ seems poor in relation to jobs. I thought that maybe if i cant extend my stay in oz i could jump across until i could again, but boy, there wasnt a single job about for networking for weeks. Shame, as it may have been a good option.

Whats canada like for going there on a WHV? Is there many opportunities for network positions on such a visa?

GAngel

nel wrote: »

Yeah from what ive seen NZ seems poor in relation to jobs. I thought that maybe if i cant extend my stay in oz i could jump across until i could again, but boy, there wasnt a single job about for networking for weeks. Shame, as it may have been a good option.

Whats canada like for going there on a WHV? Is there many opportunities for network positions on such a visa?

Unless you get into one of a dozen companies in Auckland, Wellington is the only place to make money for an IT guy. Aweful weather though and with there money being worthless once you're ready to leave it won't be worth it. Great weather in Auckland though both cities are dead boring after a few weeks if you're from a half decent city. very expensive to live in Auckland about the same as Sydney. There's a reason the best and brights are all up and leaving.

Can't say for coming to canada on a WHV as i'm canadian but plenty of POM's (I kid) and americans work here without too much trouble. Alberta in particular will have tons of work for tech guys. companies out west are begging for workers. Ontario isn't so bad either if you're over 5 years of experience and in it for the long haul.

While you're in OZ cross the ditch and go to queenstown guarantee it'll be one of the coolest places you've ever been.

thronetm

I'd like to try Canada, Oz is too far for me I think. I like the thought of Canada though I been once it's a lovely Country. After one or two years of experience and certs it might well be an option for me. Ontario would be my preferred place as I am a city guy but I'm not too fussy.

nel

GAngel wrote: »

Unless you get into one of a dozen companies in Auckland, Wellington is the only place to make money for an IT guy. Aweful weather though and with there money being worthless once you're ready to leave it won't be worth it. Great weather in Auckland though both cities are dead boring after a few weeks if you're from a half decent city. very expensive to live in Auckland about the same as Sydney. There's a reason the best and brights are all up and leaving.

Can't say for coming to canada on a WHV as i'm canadian but plenty of POM's (I kid) and americans work here without too much trouble. Alberta in particular will have tons of work for tech guys. companies out west are begging for workers. Ontario isn't so bad either if you're over 5 years of experience and in it for the long haul.

While you're in OZ cross the ditch and go to queenstown guarantee it'll be one of the coolest places you've ever been.

Cheers man, i'll keep that in mind. After my 6 month contract i intend to go travelling for a few months whilst im on a WHV. Idea was to head back to WA as there is good opportunities, cash and chance of sponsorship. How did you find the east for work?

Interesting points you have on canada, again if oz doesnt work out it was a runner for what we would do next after oz , abit like new zealand. albeit i havent looked too much into their WHV. As you can tell, im avoiding going back to the UK if i can