Personal Planning For A Transfer To The United States

At the time of transfer to the United States, there are many things to be considered. Although the factors affecting a successful and rewarding transfer are numerous, an organized approach can smooth the transition, curb surprises, and help realize the objectives of the executive and the company for the international assignment.

These considerations can generally be categorized as follows:

Compensation Factors

Different approaches to the compensation package should be evaluated. If the company has a specific international assignment policy, this policy should be identified and understood by the executive well in advance of the transfer. The basic objective of an organized approach is to foster a situation whereby the executive is, in fact, compensated at the agreed-upon level. A variety of things can significantly alter the actual value of compensation: different costs of living in different locations; different health, medical, pension, and life insurance benefits; different education costs for children; relocation costs; and different tax burdens.

Pre-departure Activities

Pre-departure “activities” outlined in the checklists can help prepare the executive and his or her family for leaving home and for their stay in the United States. Among other things, these activities clear the way for convenient financial transactions in the United States, such as establishing lines of credit, credit cards, and insurance policies, and can help the executive acclimate to a new position and life-style.

Vital Documents

An important part of pre-departure activities is the preparation of vital documents. The preparation of vital documents, such as visas, wills, powers of attorney, and property deeds, can help assure the executive that all major concerns regarding legal status at home and in the United States are properly handled, including the status of all possessions, guardians for children in case of emergency, and many other vital matters.

Adjustment to the United States

Prior to departure from the home country, the executive should be sent or should otherwise obtain information on the U.S. Company, as well as the city in which he or she will work and reside. Complementing the executive’s self-preparation, the receiving company should prepare receptions and meetings, some of an informal nature, at which the executive, spouse, and children are introduced to their peers.

Repatriation

Specific objectives for the return to the home country after the U.S. assignment should be outlined and discussed when the U.S. assignment is being planned. A mutual understanding of the company’s and the executive’s objectives at the outset should help in the repatriation process. These basic objectives should include the expected contribution that the executive will make to his or her department and the company after the U.S. assignment. During the assignment, lines of communication between the executive and the home company should remain open, both on larger corporate issues and on the executive’s development of his or her own skills which could be valuable to the home company; changes at the home company that can affect the executive should be routinely communicated.