Hi. I am a 28 year old Brit, currently living and working in the London. I am trying to move to New York by year end. I am hoping to get a transfer to NY with my present employers (via an L1 visa). But in case things dont work out with my employers (ie, if they give me a crap offer), I may have little choice but to leave decide to leave. In which case, I would ideally like to get a US bank/company to sponsor me for a visa (as the alternative is that I go and work for another UK multinational bank, but i will have to do 12 months with them before i am able to get a L1 visa with them to take me to NY - which heavily delays my time line).

My background: I am an economist. I did a BSC Banking and International Finance from a London university. I now have 7 years work experience in banking, and have always worked in economics/research division of banks to date. My current employers specialise in emerging markets like Asia, so this is my real area of knowledge. I have travelled alot in the region, with my current employers. I current earn the equivalent of $165,000. I have not yet worked in a managerial position although i'm well beyond grad level - i'd pitch myself in between associate and senior manager.

Given my background, how difficult will it be for me to get a US bank to sponsor me for a visa (or even a green card?), as I'd love to start applying for US jobs now, whilst still in the UK. or will US banks not bother employing/sponsoring me as they can just go and employ a US national, which i guess is the easier option for them.

And does anyone have any tips on how to apply for NY banking jobs (ie, any good websites etc).

Many thanks!