How feasible is to get a transfer from London to the US?
I am currently a second year analyst at an American Investment Bank based in London. For personal reasons I have always dreamed about living my American dream and having a life in the U.S., especially in NYC, a place that I find 100x more exciting than the gray and rainy London.
I am curious to know what are my chances of getting a transfer to the NY Office and getting my bank to sponsor me a working visa. At what point should I bring this up to my bosses? (Maybe after my 2 years mark? Or is that too soon?) If my employer says no, could I get the move to the US via a lateral move?
I would like to know if any of you have made the jump to the other side of the Atlantic or you know any cases.
It's not impossible but moving UK to the US is probably one of the biggest uphill battles you guys face. Simply put because the talent pool in the US is much greater than in the UK so they don't have to go to the expense of hiring lawyers and waiting for paperwork to be approved by USCIS. If a gap opens up in the US team then definitely approach your managers to discuss it but don't be jumping the gun, if anything I would recommend sticking it out for over the 2 year mark before really tackling it -your firm will likely want to see some commitment and a lower risk profile in you moving jobs.
I was in a similar position but as a Norwegian working in the UK looking to move to the US. I realised the above and rather than looking for sponsorship I went down the route of sponsoring myself as a sole trader setting up a business in the US. The process was super fast doing it this way and I lined up my consultancy contracts and retainers before I headed out there. I've been in Chicago now for going on 5 years and have loved every minute of it. It takes a lot of work but it is possible and it's not a one-size fits all kind of deal.
My career has allowed me to work and live in multiple countries, among them the UK and the US. The BB I worked for argued:
- the people in their firm should have the opportunity to live and work in a different country, this brings diversity of thought across all levels of leadership.
- likewise, there is a remarkable number of US American staff who would like to work in Germany, Switzerland or the UK (or elsewhere) - so HR may play the role of an exchange (I know at least 20+ Americans who are incredibly happy in Europe and who will never return to the US)
- the global mobility team in that company was fairly large and is an essential perk when you work for a larger company. "putting in for a transfer" should be encouraged, and not punished
- many FLDPs have rotation schemes between EU/UK/US locations (less so Canada, afaik)
The transfer visa are less complicated than H1b or similar endeavors, although USCIS will look at all details. Large corporations have really good lawyers that can help you figure these steps out. Their legal team for mobility does this day in and out and they know every trick in the book, let alone the contacts they have from embassies to DHS. I once met a corporate immigration attorney who previously worked for the UN!
As a beginner and expat, things like continuing service with the firm, insurances, bonus schemes and more are important. Likewise, a transfer through a company may allow you to become eligible for permanent residency (green card). Not all visa allow for this avenue.
At the end of the day, it depends on your individual situation. But a US American company should understand why a love of country (the US) is a part of your motivation to work for them. Look through their HR portal, speak to European colleagues who are in the US right now, and see what your network can do for you.
Best of luck.
there was an example for a "self sponsored" visa above - this is possible, but look at the details and see whether you are comfortable living that lifestyle in comparison to corporate gigs.
In summary, it is absolutely possible to transfer from Europe to the US or Canada - it depends on how you play your cards, how to find the right contacts to vouch for you and which mobility programs your firm has. A little bit of luck is also required.
Looking back, living and working in multiple countries is the best thing I have ever done in my life.
Do you know if it is easier or harder to transfer to the US from UK once you are in PE vs IB? (I understand it's firm dependent, but comparing among big firms in both spaces)
Can only speak from own experience, it was easier during FLDP at my BB.
When you are more experienced/older/more settled in your career, HR is hands-off and there are fewer programs or rotation schemes.
Like, I interviewed with a firm recently (about four weeks ago) that was a VC fund - asked during the interview how international the firm is and whether they have mobility programs. line manager was not happy about that question at all. Interview went well, but based on that question alone I didn't get a call-back.
If you really love the US, try moving as early as possible. Very few people are looking for executives in London who want to move to the US as part of their hiring process. They are hiring you because of your local presence, your network and time/effort you can bring at the location of the interview.
There is another thing I noticed, US American firms are "more understanding" if a European wants to move to the US than non-US firms. This is part of the "American exceptionalism" principle. It is also easier to explain to a US American team that you love the US - they will simply believe you. (it is more common to be proud of your country if you are American rather than European. It is less likely to hear from a British or German colleague how proud they are to be in their country)
Having said all of these things, even the most patriotic company needs to have a requirement for you to be in another country. This isn't always guaranteed. If you are the only Swedish or German speaker in a London based coverage team - they may block your transfer.
IF you get a shot, negotiate the green card as early as possible, not just a visa. tell them how committed you are, what you are willing to do, etc. Most companies are afraid to sponsor green cards because you become a "free agent" after receiving it. Many (!) green card receivers quit their sponsoring job and jump ship after for a significantly higher salary... (especially in IT/as a dev or quant) - make sure your commitment is evident before approaching this topic.
you can, of course, walk the other visa avenues to get into the US - but they might be vastly more difficult depending on your situation. The other poster above is a true entrepreneur, building a consultancy business from scratch most likely on E1 or E2. This is a promising and bold person, but building a business is not the way for everyone.
What are some FLDPs you know of with both US and international rotations? I am looking at post-MBA FLDPs.
In the current market - no idea, sorry!
Previously, I have witnessed:
Deutsche Bank CIB TMT/FLDP (mostly between Frankfurt and NYC, but London was also a possibility back then)
Barclays Bank graduate intake programme (mostly to NYC)
Just fyi, it rains nearly twice as much annually in NYC as it does in London in case that was a major decision factor.
Anyone know how doable it is to move to other US cities like Houston or SF?
Most people in those cities have ties to the area (grew up there or went to college nearby) so the group will definitely question you on why you want to be in that location - they don't want someone who will move on in a year or two. Also very space and hiring dependent as those groups are smaller than NYC. Doable but I would make sure you have a great reason.
What firm are you at? GS is anti internal transfers, while Citi very frequently does these. Generally between analyst and associate is a good time to do it, approach staffer or HR about the possibility of moving at your 2 year mark.
Not likely to get a lateral move because sponsorship is a huge mess, they'll deal with it for internal but for an external junior not likely.
Heard BofA is good for them as well
saw multiple ppl do this in my BB in London. Most did it through internal trasfer after being promoted to associate (would recommend this as u will have ur old group backing u for the promotion). They just submitted the paperwork with HR for an ”exchange in NYC” and waited it to happen, could take up to a year back then with the visa and all
Laboriosam ut placeat molestias consequatur. Temporibus quos sequi architecto voluptas est soluta vel. Temporibus dolor deserunt mollitia quaerat. Ullam beatae pariatur officia incidunt voluptatibus et pariatur. Consequatur iure debitis asperiores rem voluptas itaque ea. Ea assumenda cum ipsam ut impedit. Dolore molestiae quibusdam in dolore ad perspiciatis eius eveniet.
Inventore quos rerum vitae voluptatem itaque dolore quia. Officiis ipsum aut assumenda magnam exercitationem. Qui optio quam explicabo animi sed aut deserunt aut. Ullam laboriosam ratione unde a ut nesciunt. Nemo beatae mollitia explicabo alias fugiat quia et. Sed dolore ut voluptatibus. Placeat laborum id a aut velit exercitationem.
Ex totam ex eaque natus fugit. Nulla quasi cupiditate quasi ex laboriosam. Ut pariatur sed est deserunt.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...