The U.S. labor market, decoded for senior professionals
A complete knowledge hub for experienced and highly skilled professionals: executive compensation and equity, employment agreements, visas and green cards for top talent, taxes, benefits, your legal rights, leadership culture, relocation and changing jobs. For U.S.-based professionals, Italians already working in the U.S., and Italians planning their move.
Italiano? Seleziona il tuo percorso: guide dedicate a chi lavora in Italia e a chi lavora già negli Stati Uniti.
Choose your path
Step-by-step guides to changing jobs, depending on where you work today.
12 topics for senior and specialist professionals
Each topic has its own page with in-depth explanations and practical how-to guides.
Market & executive search
How senior hiring works, search firms, interviews, references and AI screening.
Read the guideCompensation
Base, bonus, LTI, sign-on, sales comp, pay transparency and exempt status.
Read the guideEquity & long-term incentives
RSUs, PSUs, options, vesting, 83(b), deferred comp and clawbacks.
Read the guideExecutive agreements
Cause, good reason, severance, change in control, covenants and D&O.
Read the guideVisas & green cards
O-1, EB-1, EB-2 NIW, L-1, E-2, H-1B, Gold Card and citizenship.
Read the guideTaxes & wealth
Federal, state, SALT, equity taxes, FBAR, PFICs, estate and the U.S.–Italy treaty.
Read the guideBenefits & time off
Health plans, 401(k), HSA, ESPP, disability, PTO and parental leave.
Read the guideYour rights at work
At-will, discrimination, whistleblowing, background checks, AI rules, WARN.
Read the guideLeaving a job
Resigning, layoffs, separation agreements, severance and garden leave.
Read the guideLeadership & culture
U.S. vs. Italian work culture, leading U.S. teams, hybrid work.
Read the guideCredentials & licenses
Degree evaluation and licensed professions: PE, CPA, bar, medicine.
Read the guideRelocation & life
Housing, credit, banking, driving, schools, insurance and Italy ties.
Read the guidePractical guides
Step-by-step answers to the questions senior candidates ask us most.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a work visa?
It depends on the visa: from a few weeks (e.g., E-2 or L-1 with premium processing and a consular appointment) to many months or longer for H-1B (lottery) and green cards. Plan your resignation and relocation around the visa, never the other way round.
Is a U.S. salary really higher than in Italy?
Gross salaries are usually much higher, but you'll pay for health insurance, possibly state and city taxes, and often higher rent and childcare. Your recruiter can help you build a realistic net comparison for the specific city.
Can my spouse work in the U.S.?
It depends on the visa. E-2 and L-2 spouses are generally authorized to work; H-4 spouses only in specific cases. Check before you accept an offer.
Do I have to give two weeks' notice?
It's the professional norm, not a legal requirement under at-will employment, unless your contract says otherwise. Leaving without notice can hurt your references.
What is "open enrollment"?
The annual window (usually in the fall) to change your benefit choices for the next year. Outside it, you can only change plans after a "qualifying life event" like marriage, birth or a job change.
Can I keep my Italian citizenship if I become a U.S. citizen?
Italy generally allows dual citizenship, and the U.S. doesn't require you to renounce it in practice. Confirm your personal situation with the consulate.
What does Cygic do for me?
We match you with U.S. roles at Italian and international companies, prepare you for interviews, negotiate your offer, coordinate start dates with the employer, connect you with trusted immigration attorneys for visa questions, and stay with you through resignation, relocation and your first months on the job.
Talk to us
We place senior and specialist professionals with leading Italian and international companies across the United States, and guide you from first interview to your first 90 days.
Information reviewed September 2026. General information only, not legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Laws change frequently and vary by state and personal situation; consult qualified professionals.