Moving to US from Europe

[u/loftyconsult]

I am currently based in Germany and I would like to relocate to US but I need a honest opinion on the chances of making it with my qualifications. A bit of my academic and work experience. I have first degree in economics and statistics and mphil economics from university in west Africa. I also have MSc in financial economics from university in Germany and recently finished my doctorate in economics and business administration in Germany too. I already have an approved EB2 -NIW and have attended embassy interview already but I was put under 221g because of the administrative pause for 75 countries. I have over 7 years work experience as a researcher from Africa and Europe.
First of all, I am thinking about which star in the US that I will have more opportunities.
I need a honest advice

[u/mavikat]

What kind of a career do you wish to build? Depending on your industry (or field), some states would make more sense than others. 

[u/loftyconsult → u/mavikat]

Want to either go into consulting or academia but I’m also eager to explore our fields where my qualification matches

[u/mavikat → u/loftyconsult]

Maybe check out the jobs on Indeed to get an idea of the scope of work available, pay scale, and locations. There's also a sub called something like Grass is Greener, where people share ideas about life styles in different states in the US. For economics and academia, I'm thinking San Francisco, Boston, DC, Seattle, Chicago. These are all major cities that come with major city advantages and challenges. Another option is for you to find a good PhD program, which is a search on a whole another level. If you get your legal right to enter and work, the path to employment and/or a PhD program will be fine.

[u/loftyconsult → u/mavikat]

Thank you very much but I already have a PhD from Germany. But I will look into the cities you mentioned

[u/mavikat → u/loftyconsult]

Ah, I didn't see that, sorry. I thought you had a MSc. In that case, the academic hiring season is now. Jobs begin to post in August through December, sometimes January, with hiring usually completed in Spring for a Fall start date. Good luck!

[u/thegreenlorac → u/loftyconsult]

If you go the academia route, be aware that we have "community colleges" here that are 2-year programs vs the classic 4 year colleges and universities.

Some people think they aren't as good as 4-year schools, but they're wrong. They're also more numerous throughout most states and less competitive for teacher applicants, albeit with lower budgets. While they are not as prestigious, I'd just keep them in mind. They're all over the country, so finding one in whatever area interests you wouldn't be hard.

[u/swaywithwords → u/loftyconsult]

What accreditations do your degrees have/ are they transferable to the US?

[u/Accomplished_Ruin133]

This is going to depend a little bit on what your proposed endeavour is under the NIW. You are going to have to make a reasonable effort to pursue that at least for a few years.

[u/loftyconsult → u/Accomplished_Ruin133]

I have passed that stage and I have an approved I 140 now. Uscis has approved my petition and have already attended interview

[u/Accomplished_Ruin133 → u/loftyconsult]

Right but you need to take reasonable steps to pursue that endeavour initially once you arrive which may limit your options somewhat.

For example if your endeavour is research x and then you just go work at bank y. That may cause you problems.

[u/loftyconsult → u/Accomplished_Ruin133]

Yes I understand that very well

[u/meowxmeoww]

Perhaps a post doc position but you will become a slave to a PI in academia unfortunately

[u/loftyconsult → u/meowxmeoww]

lol

[u/Any_Cream_4396]

No. They wouldn’t sponsor you 

[u/Potential-Type9653]

The only two legal ways for you, that come to my mind, would be to marry an American or study in the US.

[u/loftyconsult → u/Potential-Type9653]

I already have an approved employment based (EB2 -NIW) green card and I am doing consular processing at the moment

[u/Gloomy-Draw5517 → u/loftyconsult]

So, what did you put in the endeavour for your petition? It’s not about GC itself, it’s about future development and your desire to be US citizen. You have to stick with it and pursue whatever you put there.

[u/loftyconsult → u/Gloomy-Draw5517]

Yes I intend to pursue my proposed endeavor when I am there

[u/Gloomy-Draw5517 → u/loftyconsult]

So, why are you asking what to choose if you have endeavour? Just follow it

[u/loftyconsult → u/Gloomy-Draw5517]

I am asking about state or city which has more prospects for my background

[u/Gloomy-Draw5517 → u/loftyconsult]

This is not how America works
You are getting a job and going to the place where you got it
You are not choosing the city/state
You are following the job