Electrician in USA

[emmi7cali]

Does anyone know if it is possible to transfer UK qualificatication for electrician to the USA

[Bevdeforges]

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

As far as a straight transfer is concerned, I don't think that will work - unless some state has reciprocity with the UK. However, electrician qualifications are handled in the US on a state-by-state basis, so you need to take a look at what is required for a state license in the states you may be interested in. Google "state electrical licensing" and you should turn up LOTS of links to state licensing boards and information about qualifications, exams and whatever else you need.
Cheers,
Bev

[synthia]

What do you know about 120 volt wiring? I imagine that if you have the right to work in the US, you would then have to pass the licensing exam, and where there are strong unions, possibly get into a union. I don't think we had an electrician shortage even during the construction boom, and now that that is over, I can't imagine you would have much luck finding work.

Consider Australia. They have been screaming for people in the trades.

[Rachel_Heath]

Sadly I think you're going to strike out here.

First of all, electricians are probably not going to be classified as a skill that will enable you to obtain a H-1B visa. The usual requirement is that the field of work has a corresponding degree that can be studied under.

As Bev stated, Electricians here are regulated at the State rather than Federal level which would make any job hunt exponentially harder.

Finally most electricians here, like the UK, are small or 1-man shops and as such the chances of finding an organization willing to go through the paperwork and cost of hiring an H-1B worker would be negligible, especially given that many electricians tend to work at companies for shorter periods of time.

I'd agree with synthia on this, and suggest you try your luck elsewhere like Oz; at least they have much the same voltage etc. as the UK and Europe.

[synthia]

To me the big advantage of going to a country with a point system is that you don't have to find an employer before you go. That is so hard to do long-distance.

[carly26]

HI, you guys answered this question . My boyfriend is an electrician in the UK -with decent experience. Will it be impossible for him to find work here in the states? This is a first for me- never had a long distance like this and we would like to make it work, but all this visa and finding a job thing is very disheartening! Doesnt seem as if things wil be possible : ( Any advice?

[Bevdeforges]

Carly,
OK, nothing is impossible - but electricians in the US are a "licensed" trade, which means he would have to satisfy the state licensing requirements in terms of training and experience before he could even look for work.

You might want to contact your state licensing agency for electricians to find out the specific requirements and see how likely it is he could meet them once he gets there.

There's always the fiancé visa, if things are that far along.
Cheers,
Bev

[Rachel_Heath]

Carly,

As I indicated earlier, an electricians job is one thats highly unlikely to be covered by an H-1B visa so you're only two choices are a B1/B2 visa (which would enable him to stay here for up to a year at a time but would not be allowed to work) or the K1 fiancé visa as Bev mentioned.

An immigrant getting a job here is not the problem - it's having the legal right to have a job that is the major issue.

[synthia]

There are also county licenses. Try contacting your local government and see what they have to say. Assuming you are going the marriage route, that is.

I did some googling, and it seems a lot of the exam is based on knowing local code.

[carly26]

Thanks for the response. I am sure though that say if my UK boyfriend comes in on a B1/B2 visa , he could find under the table work in bars or something.

I dont know what else to tell him. My uncle is an electrician and i will prob ask him what the deal will be. But i have heard that yes it is hard to find work here as one coming from the UK.

Also, maybe it is feasible that he went to school or a training school here on a student visa, he then might be able to work legally part time. (He is not a college grad which would prob hinder him more as well)

ahhhh long distance relationships !!! Hope something gives!