Strong Qualifications to Pair with Experience for H-1B Visa

[Boiler 45,522]

Certainly a work visa has many advantages in that it is the Employer and their Lawyers who do the heavy work, quite simple form an Employee's perspective.

[igoyougoduke 1,656]

On 1/1/2020 at 3:25 PM, ConorDavies said:

Good evening all,

 

Hope you had a great new year.

 

I am reaching out to try and get some help in what direction I may be best taking in my career, after hours and hours of extensive research I believe I’ve narrowed my options right down now so I would appreciate any insight,

My circumstances are that I am a UK national living in the UK, I would like to move to the US. I don’t have a formal degree however I have a good work experience background in that I run a large scale project for a top UK bank as a contractor/ ‘Head of Site’ with experience in quality assurance and a few years in Operations & Senior operations Management experience. I also have Prince 2, a few R0 exams passed and currently finishing APMP studying.

 

I’m looking for a way to move to the US by being offered employment and applying for a H-1B visa, I know I have what it takes in a practical Senior Operations Management/ Head of Site role, however I am finding it hard to translate to the US marketplace as job offers are very specific in requirements.

I believe I need to study to prove a clear direction and set of expertise to an employer,I also need to keep in mind most job requirements state a Bachelors degree or equivalent, whist I have a lot of experience I don’t have this formally to prove.

 

I considered CFA given it’s seniority/ demand in the US marketplace, however I don’t feel this compliments my experience in Senior management and may be a waste of time/ money unless I want to work in asset/ portfolio management, also if I pass CFA I will be deemed the bottom of this ladder and may struggle to justify a US visa with this qualificaiton only.

There is PMP, which would compliment my existing experience which I am considering.

I could consider an MBA studying part time in the UK for 2 years (there are ways to bypass not having a bachelors degree) however as this won’t be from a top rated school I feel this could be a waste of time/ money in the US job market place.

 

Are there any other study at home qualifications that are US (or Canadian as my second option) recognized which can be translated to the equivalent to a Bachelors/ Masters degree and I could use with my senior management experience to put me in good light to secure a job in the US and pass the visa requirements to justify being brought in to the US, aside from CFA or PMP? In the UK we have CMI Level 6 (Bachelors equivalent) and Level 7 (Masters equivalent) however from my research this isn’t a hugely recognized global qualification and may again turn in to a waste of time & money.

I will fully invest in whatever option I choose, I just need to get the right option first to begin my journey!

Thank you in advance!

If you have 800,000 US dollars spare than you can buy yourself a green card through the Eb5 investor program.

[ConorDavies 0]

On 1/3/2020 at 12:27 PM, Boiler said:

Have you discussed this with prospective employers?

I'm in the process of reaching out, I appreciate it'll take some time to find the right employer so I was keen to get the ball rolling on the qualification side as I have all year to study, so I was keen to understand if 'Bachelors equivalent' would pass, and what are the best exams to take (CFA, PMP etc.) if that makes sense?

[ConorDavies 0]

On 1/3/2020 at 3:03 PM, designguy said:

I dont think you would qualify for an EB1. You can check the requirements here https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-first-preference-eb-1

 

From what I could tell the CMI Level 6 would not qualify. Bachelors are generally 4 year degrees so they would want to see something at the same level.

 

 

FYI its not for you to really check out anything on the visa side. Your focus needs to be on finding an employer. They are the ones who will be responsible for everything on the visa side (Up to the NVC step). Your biggest hurdle is going to be trying to find an employer to sponsor you without an existing relationship

Thanks designguy, your responses have been very, very helpful. I'll take everything you've written on board and use it in my ongoing research, thanks again

On 1/3/2020 at 5:37 PM, Boiler said:

Certainly a work visa has many advantages in that it is the Employer and their Lawyers who do the heavy work, quite simple form an Employee's perspective.

Yes absolutely agree!

On 1/4/2020 at 6:20 AM, Donald120383 said:

If you have 800,000 US dollars spare than you can buy yourself a green card through the Eb5 investor program.

Unfortunately I don't but if investments pay off it's one to keep in mind - thanks!

[Boiler 45,522]

I think you need to focus on what prospective employers are looking for.

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

3 hours ago, ConorDavies said:

I'm in the process of reaching out, I appreciate it'll take some time to find the right employer so I was keen to get the ball rolling on the qualification side as I have all year to study, so I was keen to understand if 'Bachelors equivalent' would pass, and what are the best exams to take (CFA, PMP etc.) if that makes sense?

Have the CFA prerequisites changed? You used to need a bachelors degree as well as the cfa exams to get the charter. 

[ConorDavies 0]

On 1/5/2020 at 8:34 PM, Boiler said:

I think you need to focus on what prospective employers are looking for.

Yes you are correct. Unfortunately my experience with this is limited hence the post but I am in the research phase so trying to better understand.

 

Thanks for your response!

On 1/5/2020 at 11:36 PM, SusieQQQ said:

Have the CFA prerequisites changed? You used to need a bachelors degree as well as the cfa exams to get the charter. 

Not any more I don't believe, form what I've researched anyway it doesn't seem that I need a bachelors degree

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

7 hours ago, ConorDavies said:

 

 

Thanks for your response!

Not any more I don't believe, form what I've researched anyway it doesn't seem that I need a bachelors degree

And the required years of investment experience? That’s your field?