NJL

Hi All,

This has been a fantastic resource so far, I hope it can add some clarification to my query.

Having spoken via. phone call with senior employee of a firm in NYC, a job offer has been extended to me in a Brokerage firm in NYC.

They have confirmed they will sponsor me for the relevant stockbroker licences required in the USA.

I asked the firm's representative their stance on whether they would sponsor me for a VISA. The answer was not confirmed, partially due to some ignorance on the process from both sides.

Having completed some research, I believe that a H-1B visa would be most applicable for me, although I withdrew from Uni after 1st year.

I would be grateful if anyone could shed some light on this situation. Can I study / train for the Licences previously mentioned under the Visa Waiver Programme, while the H-1B visa is processing?

Will the employer sponsor the VISA process?

Very confused but thank you for your responses in advance!

Awesome Welles

ONLY the employer can initiate a petition for an employment based visa - you would be quite passive in the process.
Unless you have a bachelors degree or 12 years of relevant and progressive experience in the role, an H1-B petition won't succeed.

NJL

Thanks for your reply. Regarding the degree requirement, I noticed the specifics;
'A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent (certified to a US Bachelor's Degree standard if awarded overseas), or at least 3 years of documented experience in the field for each year missing of study'

I have >3 years of sales experience via a UK Ltd. company.

scrubbedexpat099

What sort of time frame are you looking at?

NJL

Ideally ASAP, I would be in a position to move immediately providing I can find rented accommodation. That being said, I am aware the process could take a number of months so I am prepared to wait patiently

scrubbedexpat099

That rules out the H1b.

O1?

Let us know what they propose, different visa's different issues.

PS VISA is a credit card.

kodokan

Visas to start in October 2016 have already been filled - USCIS had over 200k applications during the filing period of 1-7 April, and did a lottery for the 85k H1b visa slots available.

The next filing date is April 2017, for work commencing October 2017.

NJL

Thanks for the info. Is there any other applicable VISA that would entitle me to work with employee sponsorship?

kodokan

Try here: Pulaski Simplified : British Expat Wiki

NJL

Thank you! I looked at the Visa wizard on the gov website. I was suggested a H3 visa;

'H-3: Trainee or Special Education visitor

To receive training, other than graduate medical or academic, that is not available in the trainee’s home country or practical training programs in the education of children with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities.'

I will be sponsored for the Series 7 & Series 63 exams which are FINRA regulated in the USA and not offered (for any practical jurisdiction use) in the UK? Is that a viable option?

kodokan

It doesn't sound like an H3 can lead to a job, though: https://www.uscis.gov/working-united...change-visitor

scrubbedexpat099

I would imagine you could just go over on the VWP to take the exams.
I thought you were looking to work in the US?

NJL

Well, this is the thing? Can I go to the USA to act as a trainee under the VWP until I pass the exams? Apparently one cannot act as a 'stockbroker' by picking up the phone until you are regulated by passing the Exams. After the Series 7 & 63 is passed, you are licenced to smile & dial.

What would the process be to convert the VWP to permanent residency assuming I am physically in the USA?

scrubbedexpat099

Do you get paid as a trainee?

NJL

I certainly wouldnt refuse either