Re: [ARSCLIST] Foreign Credential question

[Bev Lambert <BevLambert@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

For most jobs they have to hire an American if there is one with equal
qualifications. Otherwise the employer must show that you have a
specilaity or experience that they cant find there.  To be entititled to
work in the US you need a work visa, usually its for one year to start,
to be renewed (which always takes more time than they predict -so you
may be in limbo during the waiting time) for a longer period if
eligible.  The employer works with you to get this - it can cost a lot
of money -depending on how badly they want you.  You are essentially
buying a job. Then, you must make sure you can actually live on the
salary they offer you, because the visa is only for the one job.  You
are not allowed to take on other work, and your spouse will not be
eligible to work, unless they too are going through this process. ( I
believe educational institutions have it a bit easier.) I suspect it may
be even more difficult since 9/11.  Although depending which country you
are from, and how big the company/institution you are going to work for,
may make a difference. 
 Good Luck.  If you are from Canada you may have better luck in
Commonwealth countries.    

>>> stevenc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx 9/7/2006 1:09:53 AM >>>
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Adam Girard" <adamgirard@xxxxxx>
> Has anybody here had experience applying for jobs with Foreign 
> Credentials within the US?
> 
> The policy of the American Library Association (ALA) states:
> 
> "The master's degree from a program accredited by the American
Library 
> Association (or from a master's level program in library and 
> information studies accredited or recognized by the appropriate 
> national body of another country) is the appropriate professional 
> degree for librarians."
> 
> Obviously this means that it is up to the employer to decide if an 
> applicant is qualified. Does anybody have personal experience about 
> what that means in practice?
> 
Well, all I've GOT is experience (looking after about 40,000 78's,
including setting up databases to catalog what I own...compiling
the standard reference guide for looking up dates...etc.)...one
unrelated degree (B.A. in math ed.) and 98.6 degrees from
Fahrenheit...and it seems to mean something approximating
the reciprocal of infinity...

Steven C. Barr