simsons

Hi,

Like many people who post on the forum I would like to know more about moving to America from England for atleast 5 years or so (not sure if i want to move permanently). I have read the basics and have understood that the only options I really have in obtaining a visa is either through a sponser from a US employer or to marry a US citizen (Which is not an option).

Im 22 and currently studying my masters in mathematical finance in the uk which will finish in september. I have an undergraduate degree in economics and a little work experience. What are the chances of me finding an employer to sponser me?

I have been thinking about applying for the Mountbatten institute internship in new york that lasts for a year. Do you think this will be beneficial in helping me find a permanent job in the US? Has anyone else heard of stories of people staying in america after an internship?

OR

Would it be better to find a job in a US company in the UK and try to transfer after a year? how easy is it to transfer?

I'd appreciate any advice guys

henryh

If you can get the internship, YES this will open many doors.

Beaverstate

Yes, find a job with a US company in the UK then WOW them. Then try for a transfer. (costly for them, hence the WOW them)

Bob

Get a internship after you graduate, look to do a student exchange before you graduate or look for a job with a US presence where you can work towards getting yourself transferred in a few years are your best and most realistic options.

That, or study further in the US, but that could be pricey.

markwm

Internship is a good way to network and may lead to a job.

With your academic background I would suggest one of the US banks in London: I have known many people that were transferred to the US this way. You could start with an internship (GS and JPM have excellent internship programs - apply as early as possible) to see where in the bank your talents best lie. However, with a masters you shouldn't find it too hard to get something - wait a couple of years and then apply for a posting in the US.

Good luck.

simsons

Thank you for the advice guys!

You all seem to be suggesting that getting a job in the uk and a transfer is an easier option. Does that mean im wasting my time in thinking that if i get the New York Mountbatten placement for a year ill have no or little chance of landing a job in the us after or them potentially keeping me on after the year???

is any of this realistic or am i venturing down a path of nowhere? Does anyone know of anyone that has actually done it?

Appreciate the advice

markwm

I don't know anyone who has gone that route but it certainly wouldn't do you any harm. You have a chance that they may offer you a permanent post at the end of the internship or you might meet and marry someone whilst you are there!

Bob

It's a possibility, but realistically, it's rather unlikely.

What you gain is experience in the area and a chance to build up a network of contacts.

The thing is, getting a visa costs thousands and is quite a hassle, especially with start dates, unless it is a company transfer. So realistically, with very little experience, the chances are pretty slim, but it opens up doors in the future and it's a very doable realistic 5-10 year plan.

Chrisdc

I highly recommend spending a year in the US - especially if you can secure the Mountbatten thing. Networking is so much easier if you are here with your boots on the ground. Employers are really only interested in interacting with you if you are actually in the city. You might not swing a sponsorship immediately at the end of the program, but you will have a contact book, leads and some good ideas on how to make your plan a reality.

As an aside, I came over on a 1-year intra-company transfer. My boss told me (before I left London) that I had no chance in hell of staying in the US, so he would see me back there in a year. Perversely I found that incredibly motivating. I began networking like crazy, found a sponsor and managed to stay.

simsons

Thank you for the encouragement and advice guys

@Chrisdc thats pretty amazing that you did that. I feel a little more motivated but i know its gonna be hard and take alot of effort. What specific element do you think it was that got you a sponser?

The mountbatten institute program costs £6000 for the year (get paid £500 a month :s), where as if i started a job in the uk with a US company i would get paid a salary and then a transfer. The kind of jobs im looking at is more based on quantitative analyst/equity trading than general finance roles.

What im trying to figure out is:
what would you guys do? or
which one seems to have a better prospect for long term move to the US?
How long does it take to get a transfer?

Lion in Winter

Not being mean - but watch the typos. Asking anyone to sponser you is likely to lead to your cv being binned.

simsons

lol yeah i agree. Its just me being epically careless.

Lion in Winter

You'll fit right in on BE then.

henryh

Personally I think the internship route is much more likely to get you the contacts you'll need for a sponsorship sooner rather than later. Intra-company transfer is a longer shot IMO. Do bear in mind you'll need to show nonimmigrant intent for the J-1 (though it's usually a formality at the London embassy for such internships).

simsons

Thank you for your advice. Do you think its worth me paying the £6000 but get £500 a month for this internship to attain my goal of a sponser?