I (US Citizen) took a job with a reputable organization in France that sponsored my visa. I have a spouse, kids, and 3 pets (pets alone cost $6k to relocate). We sold our belongings in the US and had all just begun to really adjust. However I was notified last week that my employer is actually getting rid of an entire segment of their business which includes my job.
My employment contract does not contain any job loss protections outside of my trial period which was 3 months, which they had originally specified verbally is standard in France and would only end if I failed to pick up on the job.
I realize I have no legal protections as it was my naiveté to not pursue additional contract language regarding job loss during the trial period. I just never imagined this.
I’ve applied to over 50 jobs in a week and have already recieved rejections for most, as most employers won’t sponsor visas for whatever reason.
Not sure the purpose of the post but to say that when relocating, please protect yourself and truly realize how much you’re putting on the line by accepting a job abroad. My husband has not found work either in France so we’re at the point of having to go back to the US, pay all of the travel costs to do so, and have nothing there for us.
This is horrible.
Expand the search outside of France. Today. Right now.
Start applying aggressively in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, etc. Neighboring countries may be a better fit and quicker to hire. Smaller cities as well—not just the capitals.
Also reach out to your industry headhunters. It’s EOY, but they may have stuff in the pipeline for Q1.
Also speak to a French employment lawyer, just in case. Perhaps they can help get you reimbursed for something else. Could your job not have put you in a different department?
Don’t forget Switzerland as well. They have a very decent French-speaking population.
This. The Netherlands, Amsterdam specifically has lots of ‘international’ options that do in fact sponsor people. Netflix and booking.com come to mind. But there are many others.
Do you see any of this changing with the election? My husband and I just visited and were so excited to behind our search. Now we’re concerned with the rise in anti-immigrant sentiment and proposed plans to cut sponsorship. We don’t know what to do anymore :(
Keep an eye on it. Wilders still needs a coalition to govern and it’s unclear he’ll get enough support. In the event he doesn’t there will be another election. The 30% ruling changes will most likely go into effect next year, make sure you research that.
I’m going to disagree and say there is animosity towards highly skilled workers although far less so than that towards migrants/refugees. We are being blamed for the housing crisis and cost of higher education (when they are actually the fault of the government having an inability to look to the future). There’s also bullying international kids by Dutch kids something to think about if you have kids. There have been so many teens fighting the police have gotten involved. That said it is generally a wonderful place to live but not the utopia you might have seen in your visit.
No I don’t. The anti immigration sentiment is aimed at refugees and low skilled workers. Any job requiring visa sponsorship from an employer is good for the economy and the country. Big business needs these people and any coalition formed will ensure this channel stays open.
Having said that, I wouldn’t be surprised if they cut the 30% tax break/incentive for skilled migrants. As well as upping the visa requirements. But this shouldn’t deter you.
Thank you!
Most Europeans countries suck for legal migration. And companies don’t wanna sponsor visas.
Look for the UK as you won’t have the language barrier.
UK also good as (new) EU hires are on the same footing as OP, versus France/other EU countries will prefer to hire EU citizens with strong, if not perfect, English (and there’s plenty of them) since no sponsorship needed. Further good because UK removed labor market impact testing for visas, which at least some (maybe all? I’m not clear on it) EU countries require.
I was just thinking the same thing about the Netherlands in particular. Lots of English speaking jobs for highly skilled people. Look around the Hague & Amsterdam. Lots of nice places to live within a commutable distance. From what I noticed Americans seem to love it here and I get the impression that the Dutch quite like Americans. Just give it a try before going all the way back to the US. You can then still enjoy long weekends in France as the train journey to Paris from Rotterdam is only two hours. Good luck.
Yes, apply in Luxembourg (financial centre) and the Netherlands. Also apply with techcompanies around Eindoven like nxp, philips and asml! They are looking for good personal.
Do you know if there are school counselor jobs or mental health therapist positions in American schools or english institutions that hire expats?
Unfortunately, the Netherlands is wonderful for those working in tech, pharma, and big corporate. Those of us outside of it have a hell of a time. I work in the human rights / NGO sphere and it’s been so hard to get anyone to sponsor. My wife who is a therapist has struggled for years to get a job in her field. They just either staff them with Dutch or EU, whom they don’t have to pay to sponsor. It’s just not financially attractive for them, sadly.
Try ING bank in the Netherlands.