i would, um, take what they say on the bank websites with a li'l pinch of salt. you will have to be waaaaaaay better than a local candidate to make it worth their while if you require a visa. this is coming from the perspective of someone who has applied for jobs abroad and has recruited people from abroad.

Recently, I got my HSMP approved. I am thinking of moving to UK next month.I have few queries and I shall be appreciative if some body can answer them.Is October the right time to come and look for the job in quantitative finance area ?About myself, I am a Quantitative Analyst with 4.5+ years of experience in Financial modelling/development and well versed with C++,VC++,VBA, PL-SQL, VB programming. I hold a MSc degree in Fin Engg and a B.Engg degree in Comp Science. I am looking for a role more as a quantitative developer than as a quantitative analyst.What range of salary, I should be looking for...... ?

PLEASEEEEE reply if anybody can answer my queries .............Thanking in advance.

You would not recieve a particular answer. It all depends. If you spend 5 years programming in Zimbabwe or in NY, Masters from LSE or local brazil School. What about your English? As I see it market is quite flat, only few bank and hedgefunds are expanding- i.e. barcap, Brewan Howard, Merril ... The majority is filling the gaps after someone left. It's OK to come late in the year, but many people just waiting for the bonuses, quitting right after that, so it will pick up early next year.Salary range- 45-100k+. I would recon your first job would be lower end of the range.

I agree with PlainVanilla, the range is that wide. Lots of variables like what grades you got, and the status of your university, what you've actually done.October is a decent month to come, certainly XMas and summer are bad.You don't say where you're from, and personally I won't care.Alas, an implict question as PlainVanilla says is your English. Political correctness and race laws mean that you won't be actually asked, but if you come from a non English speaking country, that will worry them. Each worry costs you some job chances.My tip is to show your CV to a native Brit. Beyond "correct" English, there are things that mark you as less good with the language.The market is flat, but far from bad.Recently Barclays Capital were recruiting people rather like you for 60-80K.JPMorgan are currently recruiting but around the £60K mark. None of these were quant/dev roles though. That market is rather less liquid, but more profitable.

Quantbroker & Plainvanila, thanks for your replies.I did my MSc (Financial Engineering & Quantitative Analysis) from ISMA (Univ of Reading).As far as English is concerned, I am very comfortable. I do'nt have any investment banking experience but I have worked in financial software houses developing financial applications for investment banks and trading houses.Will you guys mind if I send my CV to you thru private message ? I shall appreciate your feedback.

I plan to apply U.K. for fin engineering/math programmes. But before applying I wanted to know is whether firms are willing to issue work permits for foriegn fresh graduates with no previous experience? I've heard it's difficult to get work permits nowadays. Moreover I'm thinking of going for King's Msc Fin Math programme. Is there anyone here who graduated from kings and got an employer who's willing to file for work permit? Looking forward to replies.Thank u.

I'm not an immigration lawyer, so don't bet your life on this....My understanding is that you might well qualify for the Britain's Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, as such you don't need a sponsor.There's a points system and a calculator Here

Hi there...My Hubby (and subsequently I) came to the UK on the HSMP Visa. We applied during the trial session in Jan 2002 when theVisa was brand new. I have to tell you that the requirements have been quite relaxed since then - do they still ask if you'vewon a nobel prize?Anyway - I would be happy to answer questions1) Once you get your visa, you can do whatever you like- work or not work. At the end of the year however, they will see if you are employed in your field and if not, they will probabally not extend your visa. You will no longer have your 'highly skilled' status if you take up a job as a waiter.2) Forget getting a work-permit / transfer - banks are just not doing it - UNLESS you are a world famous guy who has millions of papers published etc. etc. and even then, I understand they'll employ you locally and perhaps transfer you in time. It has nothing to do with the cost of the lawyer - just the hassle of proving you are not taking someone elses job etc. It is the same in the US - you don't want immigrants to come in and take your job.3) You need to fill out the HSMP in a way that makes it very difficult for the HSMP people to say 'no' and provide full documentation. I've spoken to the HSMP people afterwards and over the past 2 years and presentation is key. It took me about a month to fill out the application, get references, check and recheck because a "NO" is a death sentence. I don't know how much companies charge to help people get their HSMP but I am willing to help anyone here out for 'less' than they'll charge, if anyone here is interested.TIP - LIVING EXPENSES SECTION ---- do *not* underestimate the cost of living expenses like I did... there are huge challenges- my hubby and I came to the UK *before* we found accomodation - we arrived here with no idea of where to stay or how to find an apartment. I could talk for hours about the apartment hunting process alone. Banking - I don't know about now, but in 2002 the anti-money laundering laws made it IMPOSSIBLE for us to open a bank account. No bank account, no references for an apartment. There is a verydifficult cycle that one has to master. Also, if you don't pay 'council tax' or utility bills directly, you will also have a problem opening up a bank account. Job Hunting - recruiters would not take my hubby seriously until after we moved to England. Recruiters ignored hubby's resume' *** Even After he got his HSMP VISA *** until we were here. As it turns out, I got the job first working for a financial newspaper in IT - hubby took 4-5 months to find work. The best time to come here is *now* and then, at the end of Jan with hiring picking up by March. I hope this helps. Remember, if anyone wants HSMP Visa help along with some consultation about life in England and tips about which recruiters to contact for finance positions, feel free to contact me via PM or email cderivatives@hotmail.com.