UK to US Career Move
Extremely difficult topic to talk about for many reasons, but would appreciate opinions a lot.
Getting to a crossroads right now - moved to London when relatively young, acquired local citizenship, studied at a target US college (think Northwestern/Duke//Georgetown/Stanford) and came back to London for FT due to inability to get a visa in the US. Classic issue with major not lining up with profession choice - even professors at my college who made their career in London, and now advising on finance careers, pointed to the move to London due to pointless effort vs. the many qualified Americans peers at my college (fair and understood given the sheer difficulty and the amount of internationals desiring to stay).
Having now converted to AN2 at a fast-growing M&A boutique in London with top-bucket pay, I am still starting to feel it's time to explore options for the future. Although extremely happy with my position and learning curve, there is a strong feeling that my background at a top US college is becoming a waste, given I am not able to utilise the network here as it is not regarded; more importantly, though, is the feeling of being surrounded by motivated and successful individuals that I had in college - people who achieved impressive goals and had fun while doing so. I love the local culture in London and the city as the place I grew up in, but a constant feeling of wanting more hasn't left me since I moved back. Having only started enjoying the US towards the end of college, I now realise it may be the best place to advance my career. A sidenote that my wife is a US citizen, which would simplify the legal requirements for the move significantly, and she is keen to move due to both career and personal reasons (as simple as QoL and opportunities in her industry, non-related to finance).
The biggest issue is the choice of exit. Corp Dev in my industry seems most interesting, yet there is no structured process and that throws me off. Growth Equity also feels like a viable option, yet I am too used to having a high level of ownership on workstreams and don't want that to change with going to a GA-type bureaucratic shop. Does an MBA make sense here, helping to break into the US and finding a path that works? A lot of thoughts splurged here, but any insight is appreciated.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and considerations for your situation:
Key Points to Consider:
MBA as a Pathway to the US:
Corporate Development and Growth Equity:
Cultural and Personal Considerations:
Actionable Steps:
Research MBA Programs:
Leverage Your Network:
Evaluate Corporate Development Opportunities:
Consider Timing and Financials:
Consult with Immigration Experts:
Conclusion:
An MBA could be a strategic move to facilitate your transition to the US, providing you with the necessary network, career opportunities, and structured recruitment processes. It can also help you find a path that aligns with your career aspirations in Corporate Development or Growth Equity. Consider all factors, including personal and professional goals, before making a decision.
Sources: To anyone considering an MBA, Is an MBA worth it?, Are MBAs becoming less important?, Q&A: Broke into MM M&A from a non-traditional background and 2 years of networking and internships, Is MBA really the proven path for IB
Get your immigration process sorted out asap, think it will take north of 2 years. Once that’s done you can ask your existing bank for a transfer to NYC (or basically anywhere in the US) or ask your network from the said schools to get you an interview. If this isn’t enough, then go for a MBA but I doubt you’d need it.
File your form I-130 (marriage-based green card) application as soon as possible through USCIS.
You could do this without an immigration attorney if you can follow detailed instructions and have great attention to detail (otherwise expect the processing delays to compound). You may want to use an attorney anyway for peace of mind (plus US phone number and payment of NVC fees via US bank).
This process could take anywhere from 12 months up to 2 years or more. It’s also quicker to obtain the green card from outside the US than within the US via “adjustment of status”.
Once you’re close to having your embassy interview scheduled for marriage-based green card (once through to NVC processing stage, which can take 3-6 months), you should start to apply for US roles and travel there to interview whenever needed under a temporary ESTA. You should not give up your current employment until you have the green card and are about to emigrate. Your wife should not resign from her job before you have the green card either, otherwise you’d need another US citizen who can show that they can support you financially.
Also if you were planning to have a baby with your wife anyway in the short-term, would recommend doing so as it’s the strongest form of evidence for a bona fide marriage.
But what about traditional work visas? Even assuming you work for an elite US boutique (or most bulge brackets), the likelihood of visa sponsorship at your level without proving yourself at the firm for at least 2+ years is very low.
Also, even if you worked at a firm willing and able to sponsor, you’d be in the H1-B visa lottery as you wouldn’t be able to prove managerial responsibility at your level in the bank for an L1-A visa. Also with the H1-B, you’d have to prove specialised knowledge relevant to banking, so your university degree would need to be in Finance, Economics, Accounting or similar.
Hope that helps and good luck!
While waiting for your I-130 to get approved, you can also apply for a K-3 visa.
This could improve your chances of getting a green card sooner, if the latter happens to get processed quicker.
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