Employment: Working Conditions in the USA
Local validity of professional qualifications
As detailed above for some occupations you will need to be issued with a licence or a certificate. If you are qualified outside the US this will usually involve
taking a test and having your qualifications evaluated, which all costs money. Typically, there will be a fee for the Credentials Evaluation Report, a fee for
the Licence or Certificate application, and also for any exams or tests you have to take. (There is specific advice for: Nurses and Doctors, Working with Children,Massage Therapists,Secretarial and Clerical)
Holidays
Before we talk about employment one key consideration - LEAVE. Holiday entitlement in The USA is considerably less than that in The UK and EU– as little as 11 days per annum with hours typically much longer. Our US counterparts may live the dream but they work jolly hard for it – ensure you get a chance to share in the dream too…
Childcare: Washington is a busy and expensive city. In many families both parents work and therefore the demand for external childcare is very heavy and can be extremely expensive. A comprehensive guide is available from the CLO on“Nursery and Childcare in Washington”. If you are going to be reliant on childcare during your posting it is important to weigh up all the costs and implications including but not limited to:
As detailed above for some occupations you will need to be issued with a licence or a certificate. If you are qualified outside the US this will usually involve
taking a test and having your qualifications evaluated, which all costs money. Typically, there will be a fee for the Credentials Evaluation Report, a fee for
the Licence or Certificate application, and also for any exams or tests you have to take. (There is specific advice for: Nurses and Doctors, Working with Children,Massage Therapists,Secretarial and Clerical)
Holidays
Before we talk about employment one key consideration - LEAVE. Holiday entitlement in The USA is considerably less than that in The UK and EU– as little as 11 days per annum with hours typically much longer. Our US counterparts may live the dream but they work jolly hard for it – ensure you get a chance to share in the dream too…
Childcare: Washington is a busy and expensive city. In many families both parents work and therefore the demand for external childcare is very heavy and can be extremely expensive. A comprehensive guide is available from the CLO on“Nursery and Childcare in Washington”. If you are going to be reliant on childcare during your posting it is important to weigh up all the costs and implications including but not limited to:
- Transport – you are likely to need use of a car to access your chosen child carer as public transport in The US is woefully inadequate.
- Long summer holiday – usually mid-June to end August/September.
- Long waiting lists for infant care are not unusual.
- Expense - it can cost up to about $800 per week for a full-time live out nanny. The approximate cost of a childcare centre is $200 -$300 per week full-time.
Work opportunities for dependents
Dependents on A and NATO visas can apply for an Employment Authorisation Document. You can email BDSUS-SpGp-HR-EADandPassports@mod.gov.uk for help and information.
Health and Safety Issues
www.osha.gov gives useful information for Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia:
Dependents on A and NATO visas can apply for an Employment Authorisation Document. You can email BDSUS-SpGp-HR-EADandPassports@mod.gov.uk for help and information.
Health and Safety Issues
www.osha.gov gives useful information for Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia:
