Moving to the US

Well-known that the visa is an issue for a European willing to move and find a spot in a US-based HF.

Should I avoid at all trying to move there?

Four effective ways that I do not intend to follow would be

a) do MBA in the US

b) work for the European office of a US-based and then ask to relocate

c) get golden visa

d) marry a US partner

Applying directly to offices in the US could bring me anywhere or is that just a waste of time? 3.5yrs of experience as equity analyst on the buyside (2 in a L/S equity HF).

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Regarding the bullets that OP posted:

a) re/MBA: I don't think HFs want to deal with anyone who has less than a Green Card ... not worth it with the high turnover. Might be different at asset managers or long-only funds. Not sure. Also, you don't want to risk getting fired while on an H1B. I think you only get so many weeks to find a new job, before getting deported.

b) re/ L1: If the firm supports this, sure. However, I'd be surprised if there was much global mobility at HFs. It causes them overhead and you're a replaceable resource. Note that you won't be able to switch employers unless they get you a Green Card (again, good luck in an industry that doesn't care about employee development & happiness).

c) re/ golden visa: I'm not up-to-date on this.

d) re/ marriage: This is the fastest and most reliable way.

Besides, you can start in a more stable career that is more open to sponsorship, then lateral once you get the Green Card. Of course, this is a long process, and HFs may no longer want you then.

 

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