I moved to the USA!! Moving from the UK on the L1B Visa

Hey guys!
Here is my US Visa story! Any questions please let me know!!

[@rr-jp7kg]

It seems that you made the right move, from what I have read in the news, life in the UK is about to get even worse than it already is. The health service has completely broken down, the transport infrastructure is crumbling and taxes are rising while the cost of living is getting higher. Shrewd move. Good luck!!

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Yes, I was definitely feeling the cost of living sting before I left! Groceries are also super expensive out here, as well as gas prices and we do have to pay for healthcare (although this is largely subsidized by employers) however because US salaries are much higher I am already noticing a healthy difference each month which I am so grateful for!

[@rr-jp7kg]

@@Alexandrasblog_ health care has broken down completely in the UK. People waiting for hours in emergency departments waiting for emergency treatment. People resorting to seeing chemists, yes, chemists in the hope of getting medical treatments because they can't see a regular medic . Unfortunately they are not aware that chemists ARE NOT MEDICALLY TRAINED to treat diseases!!! Obesity rates, diabetes rates, heart disease rates, cancer rates etc are all rising and yet there's no future planning so you can imagine the nightmare that is on the horizon. Happy that you saw the warning signs and fled like I did. Pure punishment.

[@Hellothere-xc5ph]

@@rr-jp7kg You talk like the US is free of its issues. Yea the NHS might be abit rubbish atm but at least it’s free! In the US just having a baby can cost you 20k! Dentists can cost in the thousands! I know which one I’d rather have

[@tabernathy0428]

@@Hellothere-xc5ph stop spreading propaganda. Nobody is spending 20k to have a baby.

[@troytrey]

Our transport infrastructure is still vastly better than The US

[@teejaysitwell3630]

IM FROM SOUTH AFRICA HOW DO I DO IT LIKE YOU ;;;;PLS RESPOND

[@TheJ5fanclub]

my brother moved to Atlanta and he loves it. No way would he be getting the money he is in the US if he had stayed in England. Much more opportunities there. I'm hoping I can get my son to go there as he's getting nowhere in the UK.

[@cianog]

The U.K is in big trouble. Good luck for you

[@yungaJ]

huge huge congratulations! I love this for you as I know it isn't easy! praying its me next!!!

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Thank you! All the best with your journey!

[@lorrainei1622]

Oh Hi 🤗 I’m a black brit living in the USA too! I’ve been here since 2019 I’m in New York City.

[@moonlightbae6365]

which visa did u apply for?

[@GiTRR]

What's it to live in NYC for you? Do you feel like there are more job opportunities?

[@lorrainei1622]

@@GiTRR yep definitely more job opportunities out here and I’ve made more money in nyc than I ever have in England. It’s insane the salary differences between the u.s and u.k. It is more expensive in nyc though so u have to learn to budget and shop wisely. Overall it’s been a great experience for me though.

[@GiTRR]

@@lorrainei1622 Yes life in the city is quite expensive. but i love NY!! I even look at the cost of apartments in Jersey city sometimes, and i picture myself taking the path train to go to work in the city 😂😊. What about taxes on your paycheck? Compared to the UK. Thanks for your reply!!

[@lorrainei1622]

@@GiTRR taxes in the u.s are 22% for those who make a salary of 40k-90k a year so it’s not too bad. In the UK if you earn more than 50K a year you’re taxed 40% I believe.

[@Bonk-A-Lonk]

I was wondering if anyone has any info or if you could even point me in the right direction about getting work out in the States 🇺🇲 as a fully Qualified electrician from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 I'd love to check out what's its like over there and possibly move one day. Any Information would be massively appreciated. Thanks

[@CerciRodriguez]

Welcome to the U.S! Much happiness & prosperity to you!🇺🇸

[@matina8135]

Thanks for the info, great video. I have my L1-A interview next month and if all goes well, will be moving to Raleigh. Also originally from the UK.

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Oh great! All the best with the interview!

[@lorrainei1622]

I’m a Brit living in NYC. Good luck with your interview!

[@sixtexdegaming4449]

Hey Alex ! That was such an inspiring video and very informative as well .. I am currently working for a big4 and I do have aspirations of moving to the US. Also within the controls and compliance team I guess I can relate to your story ... In one of the previous comments you mentioned global assignments and networking which I think is the most crucial factor of them all ... A strong network is definitely a key component to give you this extra boost and also confidence that you need in order to pursue this dream (and let's not fool ourselves it's not an easy task) .. I sincerely hope that it works the best way possible for you .. A question that I do have (which relates to most big4 I know), is that most of the roles require some sort of CPA accreditation or ACCA/ACA. Did you have to go for any of that ? Thanks and all the best ! Evangelos x

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Hey there!! Thank you so much! It’s been a journey for sure lol! So I actually don’t have an accounting degree/ qualification. My background is law and maths and economics and then 12 years of regulatory experience which includes knowledge of the US regulatory and compliance landscape. I also worked at 2 big US firms doing compliance in London before moving to a Big 4. Also for my specific role as advertised it was only a bachelors degree that they were after in law/ finance or economics

[@ange_109]

Wow thanks for breaking this down. Quick question did you get support from your UK office with this process or did you do it mostly alone?

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Hi! Great question. So my UK office helped to a degree, in that we have a legal team who help to prepare the visa case and documents and file on your behalf, however I had to do the work of writing my case and proving that I qualified for the visa which they then reviewed and asked questions/added further information as necessary. In terms of booking the visa appointment and completing the DS160 I had to do this myself.

[@BHOAT]

i am a british citizen, hold a masters degree in social work with a 4 years working expectance. i'm planning on relocating to US with my pattern. How do i find a job and a sponsor in US?

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Hey there! As I’ve only ever worked in the financial services world I’m not sure what the route would be for a social worker so apologies I can’t answer to that! There is however the diversity visa lottery program which opens in November each year so it might be worth looking into that!

[@Inquisitivemind-z2u]

I really like the fact that there is no class discrimination and discussions racism and issues around race, racism & ethnicity are less taboo there. I also like that there is a strong emphasis on Christianity.

[@thijshamersma]

I'm halfway into my bachelor in software engineering and starting to realize the Netherlands (home) isn't for me. I want to do a master in AI and get a job at an international company here in Europe and ask for transfer to the USA. I just hope artificial intelligence is niche enough to be considered specialized knowledge.

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Hi there! So just wanted to clarify that the specialised knowledge test isn’t about the type of work you do but it’s about proving that the knowledge that you need to perform is specialised and that not a lot of people have it in your company. They look at the tools, methodologies and processes that you are using specifically within your company and that is of benefit to the US market to determine it. This should help www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/l-1b-intracompany-transferee-specialized-knowledge

[@thijshamersma]

@@Alexandrasblog_ Ah, makes sense. Thank you!

[@sensei9213]

hey, congrats on the move. Im a recent university graduate who’s applying for jobs with the top 4 (EY, Deloitte, PWC & KMPG). im hopefully going into a tech consulting role. Just wondering when I’d be eligible for a transfer to let’s say america? would there have to be a job opening or would I just be able to transfer upon request? im 21 years old so id be around 22/23 when I request transfer. Im a British citizen. Thanks :)

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Hi there! So I think each firm will have a different process. In some instances there might be a need from someone from the UK office to have to transfer to another global office or there could be an opportunity that fits your skills and expertise that you want to apply for. My advice would be once you’ve joined the firm speak to HR/ research whether the firm has a global assignment or exchange programme and then network to see whether there’s anyone else within your team that has moved from overseas or has done a stint abroad so you can understand the process better. From there you can try and set out a plan as to where you’d want to move, the job you’d want to do and when you’d like to move.

[@biyumusic]

Don't apply for KPMG, you will regret it. I worked as a tech consultant for them

[@rajanyt7343]

will you marry me..

[@mrsscjm5778]

Wow, what a journey. So proud of you. Miss you so much Al ❤️ All the best darling xx

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Thanks Shey 🥺♥️♥️

[@daniellaotuagomah7546]

This is such an informative video, so inspiring! So proud of you!

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Thank you! ♥️

[@mstackzz3236]

I’m happy for you wish you all the best on this journey ❤

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Thank you!

[@nso5625]

Aw this is a lovely story, Alex! I'm also a black British gyal trying to move to the US! My girlfriend is actually from Greensboro NC so we'll be moving to either Charlotte or Raleigh hopefully :) Really hope you're settling in and keeping well. Nat xx

[@Alexandrasblog_]

All the best with your move! And thank you ☺️

[@MoodysLife]

Just read your comment and I’m hoping to move to Raleigh with my boyfriend who lives out there and I was wondering if you’ve moved yet?

[@deborahmensahhesse3590]

Please am holding Italian passport,can you please help me out.thank you

[@citrises]

This is my dream. I want to move to the US

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Keep working towards it! It can happen! I’m going to share my journey soon on how even when it seemed impossible to move doors soon opened for me to get here

[@citrises]

@@Alexandrasblog_ thank you

[@Sona77.]

What are the biggest differences you notice? Do you like usa better than uk? What do you think of the health system? Congratulations on the move!!

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Hey! Just uploaded a video covering some of this 😊

[@Sona77.]

Yay!!

[@ryandrummond5464]

Hi Alex, great Video! I hope you’re loving life in the states. My company are going to sponsor me for an L1 b visa. I was wondering how long the immigration lawyers took to prepare your case and paperwork before you could send your application off? Agin great vid 😁

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Hey there! So I was eligible to apply for the visa 5th July and they had sent me the questionnaire to build out my case around a month or so before. They then reviewed it after the 5th July and it took them approx. two weeks to get the pack prepared and sent to me. I then took that pack to the US embassy for my interview which was on the 22nd July

[@ryandrummond5464]

@@Alexandrasblog_ thanks Alex that’s really helpful :)

[@UFPANZER2]

This video was soo helpful, I am so grateful to you for going into details, got my appointment coming soon for L1B also

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Glad it was helpful! All the best!!

[@andrewsappiah7298]

Hello Big Sis please approximately how much money did you use in all the process for getting the L1B including the flight ticket

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Hi there! So my company paid for the majority of the visa processing costs and I'm not sure how much that was. There was one cost I had to pay which was for a fraud detection fee at the US embassy which was around $600 (may be less I can't remember) and then my flight ticket was $1,200. I received a moving bonus which covered my flight and initial furniture costs also.

[@orlaghclaire]

This is super informative and reassuring, thank you! I'm hoping to relocate within my company on an L1B visa but nervous about the visa interview - did you face lots of questions at border control once you landed in the states? Also nervous that the L1B is only for five years and seems difficult to extend beyond this - I'd want to hopefully stay indefinitely so sounds like you can within your company which is great!

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Hi there! No, I didn’t face lots of questions at border control, it was a possibility and so I had all my paperwork ready just in case. And yep I can’t stay indefinitely on the L1B because as you mentioned it’s only extendable up to 5 years but there are alternative options that my company is currently looking at.

[@spxrz2892]

Nice video - I also want to move to the US from the UK but I don’t have a degree of any sort. I have specialised knowledge and 5 years of working in the related field and will also have a job lined up in the US. I may not be eligible through H-1B due to the degree but how important is that for L-1B?

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Hi there! I am not sure of all of the requirements and can only speak from my experience of having a degree however this link might be useful www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/l-1b-intracompany-transferee-specialized-knowledge#:~:text=L-1B%20Intracompany%20Transferee%20Specialized%20Knowledge.%20The%20L-1B%20nonimmigrant,to%20the%20United%20States%20to%20help%20establish%20one.

[@islaw1898]

This is really interesting as I currently work for a large bank and I’m studying accountancy in the UK. I had always thought about moving to the USA. I do wonder how hard it’d be to prove that you have specialist knowledge especially if you’re fairly early on in your career and have a degree that many others have as well. Do many people in the big 4 make the move and if so are they quite advanced in their roles? :) xx

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Hi! So from experience I know a few people who have transferred within the big 4. Most of have 2-5+ years experience. The US immigration rules also require that you’ve done at least 1 year outside of the US firm before transferring across

[@islaw1898]

@@Alexandrasblog_ ah ok thank you very much for that information :) hope life is still treating you well out there!

[@charliegoff8125]

So shocked when you said Charlotte North Carolina, I will be moving there in a couple of weeks on the exact same visa! how are you finding it?

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Amazing!! So I actually did a video on how I'm finding it so far, it's been a very interesting but great move!

[@GiTRR]

May i ask why did you decide to move to the States? your videos are really helpful! thx

[@Alexandrasblog_]

There were many reasons but ultimately - personally, spiritually and professionally it made a lot of sense!

[@GiTRR]

Thank you Alexandra! Wish you all the best!!

[@MoodysLife]

How did you find your job?

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Hi! So I have just uploaded a video talking about my career journey and some of the decisions I made so hopefully its helpful for you :-) Essentially I was headhunted for my company and then did an internal transfer.

[@willrobinson4976]

Congrats.

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Thanks!

[@Jia-Tan]

Hey! Thanks so much for doing this video it was really enlightening :) I have a question, could you expand a little bit (without revealing anything personal) on how and why you came in to a position within the company where they were willing to transfer you? Was this something you sought after yourself or that they headhunted you for? Did you apply for your role in the UK with this in mind and if so, did you let the company know that this was something you were aspiring to do? Many thanks in advance! Subscribed :)

[@Alexandrasblog_]

Hi there! So I think you will find my video on my journey moving to the US (posted in Jan) helpful as it answers the majority of these questions. But ultimately, I knew that I wanted to move to the States and so was strategic about my choice of company to work for. Thankfully after joining I was able to work on a project that made the transfer possible. And yes, I did let the company know that international experience was something that I wanted to do at some point and my management were very supportive of that.

[@Jia-Tan]

@@Alexandrasblog_ Thank you for getting back to me - I'll definitely check out that video now! That's great to hear, as a 3rd year Computer Science student I'm currently making up a list of such companies to research myself. Any tips on what to look for in a company, aside from the obvious that they're a multinational and have offices in the USA? I've heard certain companies are more or less inclined to transfer people, so if anything helped you in that search I'd love to know! Keep up the awesome vids

[@Alexandrasblog_]

@@Jia-Tan no worries! Yes so when looking into the companies aside from making sure they had international offices I also did some research on their home pages around secondments and international programmes for employees. I was also fortunate to have some connections on LinkedIn who already worked at the companies I was applying to so I also reached out to them and asked them for some info on internal global opportunities and whether it was an option. Even if you don't have connections currently you can still reach out to people on linkedin anyway, most ppl are pretty helpful and friendly.

[@Jia-Tan]

@@Alexandrasblog_ Got it, thank you!

[@eviebutland8673]

@@Jia-Tan hey! I’m in a similar position and wanting to move to US as a UK citizen! I am a web developer but no degree so L1B seems like my only option! Good luck - I hope it works out for you!!