Strange Request From A Potential Employeer In Uruguay

[jeff1234]

Well Arlean, that's what I thought too. I think they were wanting me to apply for residency in Montevideo to avoid having to sponsor me for a work visa. It's all becoming more clear now. This method is much cheaper for them and is a process that is more straight-forward for a Mercosur citizen, but the risks of perpetual residency limbo alone are too great for me.

I told the US HR people that I am only willing to transfer if they are willing to sponsor me for a work visa through a Uruguayan consulate. I've also heard that this is a long, bureaucratic process, but it at least puts the immigration responsibilities and expenses on them and not me.

This is still just a job change. If you make too many concessions and put in too much effort you will seem desperate and they will lose respect for you.
You can let them know that you like them and would like to live in Uruguay and that you'll work with them on the arrangements within reason, but that they must back up their offer with a clear plan for your relocation.
Also, you should protect yourself. I've seen executives terminated mid-relocation or shortly after the kids start the new school. I actually bought a house from one, got a good bargain on it.
This sounds like a risky situation and you should definitely have a backup plan ready or else dont do it.

 

[sleslie23]

Thanks again for all of your comments. They were very helpful.

So, once the proposal got back to the US, and they realized the absurdity of it, they came back with 2 options. I get to choose the one I prefer:

1) I stay in Argentina and they handle the work visa via the Uruguayan consulate. Once the work visa is approved, I move to Uruguay. The handle all expenses, etc. This is what I expected when I started the interview process. My concern is that this could take MANY months.

2) They hire me in the US, I move back for a few (many?) months and all the immigration paperwork is done in the US. This enables me to start the job much sooner, but requires me to leave my apartment here, etc.

Not sure what to do, really. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. My real concern is that I could be stuck in limbo in the US for an indefinite period of time, and in the end, may end up back in the US permanently if the visa never goes through.

 

[Alicia karr]

And so how would you feel ending up back in the US permanently? Could you be ok with that? Because it's a lifestyle change and not just a job change then...