Annual Expat Explorer Research Study Shows Internationals Flock to the U.S. for Career Progression and an Increase in Income

Expats flock to the U.S. for career opportunities and high income, according to the new Expat Explorer survey released today by HSBC Bank USA, N.A., (HSBC), part of HSBC Group, one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organizations. Nearly half of those surveyed (49%) say that they chose to come to the U.S. to progress their career, which is higher than the global average of 36% and much higher than our neighbor Canada, at only 20%.

In the U.S., almost all expats (92%) said they’ve had the chance to develop new skills since the move. More than half (57%) report being more confident at work and nearly two-thirds (61%) say they are more adaptable.

“Whether through choice or circumstance, moving to a new country brings a host of exciting and often life-changing opportunities,” said Paul Mullins, Regional Head of International Banking for HSBC in the U.S. and Canada. “Our research shows that people don’t just move to the U.S. for career opportunities — they stay because of them too.”

The most popular reason that overseas professionals choose to stay in the U.S. longer than originally planned is to continue to progress their career (49%). As such, more than half (53%) plan to be in the U.S. for 11 or more years. This could also be in part due to 73% being employed full-time, compared to the global average of 64%.

Moving to the U.S. is Paying Off

In the U.S., more than 6 in 10 (64%) of those who relocated here see their income increase, while just 9% have seen a decrease. Six percent of those surveyed earn between $300,000-349,999 a year, the highest percentage of any country in the survey. At $137,826, the mean annual earnings in the U.S. is the highest of any country or territory in the survey and far higher than the global mean of $75,966.

Money Helps

Money can’t buy you happiness. However, according to those who move to the U.S., it helps. Nearly 7 in 10 (68%) agree that the country offers fantastic job opportunities, and 69% agree that it has a vibrant cultural scene with events and exhibitions.

And 63% say their quality of life has improved because they can now afford nicer things such as cars, a bigger house, more clothes and devices.

The U.S. beats the global average for several key measures of home ownership for those who relocate abroad. For example, 43% agree that property in the U.S. is affordable, compared to a global average of 35%.

“While real estate may be more affordable in the U.S., establishing roots isn’t easy. There’s a lot to consider when moving to a new country, regardless of if it’s your first time abroad or you’re a seasoned traveler,” said Mullins. “HSBC’s professional bankers and advisors thrive on helping expat and international customers face big challenges associated with living abroad, such as having financial commitments in both their home and host countries, juggling finances in different currencies, moving money to family abroad, having more money to manage and dealing with complex tax situations.

As the world’s leading international bank, we are committed to helping these customers better understand their finances and make planning for a future abroad simple,” Mullins added.

HSBC Bank USA, National Association (HSBC Bank USA, N.A.) serves customers through retail banking and wealth management, commercial banking, private banking, and global banking and markets segments. It operates bank branches in: California; Connecticut; Washington, D.C.; Florida; Maryland; New Jersey; New York; Pennsylvania; Virginia; and Washington. HSBC Bank USA, N.A. is the principal subsidiary of HSBC USA Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC North America Holdings Inc. HSBC Bank USA, N.A. is a Member of FDIC. Investment and brokerage services are provided through HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., (Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC) and insurance products are provided through HSBC Insurance Agency (USA) Inc.

HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, is headquartered in London. The Group serves customers worldwide across 66 countries and territories in Europe, Asia, North and Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa. With assets of $2,659bn at 31 March 2019, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.

About Expat Explorer

The Expat Explorer survey was open to adults over 18 years old currently living away from their country of origin/home country. The survey was completed by 18,059 expats from 163 countries and territories through an online questionnaire in February and March 2019, conducted by YouGov and commissioned by HSBC Expat. A minimum sample of 100 expat respondents is required for a country or territory to be included in the league table, with 33 qualifying in 2019.

Expat Explorer online:

Report and country comparisons: https://expatexplorer.hsbc.com/survey/ Twitter: @expatexplorer Facebook: /hsbcexpat Expats’ ratings of 33 host countries are available to explore online through the Expat Explorer interactive tool.

Matt Klein Head of Communications Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC USA 212 525 4644 matt.klein@us.hsbc.com

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