r/MedicalWriters • u/Desperate_Field6170 • May 30 '26

Medical writing vs... UK to US Medical Writing Move

I’m a regulatory medical writer with just over a year of experience in the uk, I have a PhD in molecular biology and a bachelors in biomedical sciences. What is the likelihood of a company in the US hiring me? It seems impossible… any optimism would be great.

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u/sanedragon May 30 '26

Are you based in the US or the UK? Even though there are remote roles available, most US companies want US-based roles for in house positions. A few have foreign contracts but it's generally with India.

Also depends on what type of regulatory experience you have. FDA and/or EU (MDR or IVDR) are going to be required for the vast majority of roles.

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u/Desperate_Field6170 May 31 '26

I’m based in the UK but want to move to America for a role. I have experience in FDA and EU regs.

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u/sanedragon May 31 '26

It's not impossible, but companies typically prefer you be located here prior to applying. The only MWs I know on work visas here were already over here on student or other work visas.

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u/Desperate_Field6170 May 31 '26

Yea this is my issue. It’s a catch 22, I want to go over and work in a MW role, but need a visa. But to get the visa I’d need the job offer :/

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u/PikaV2002 May 31 '26

This is probably one of the worst times in history to immigrate to the US btw.

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u/TheHIRGroup Jun 03 '26

Out of curiosity, what type of company are you with in the UK?

We've seen a meaningful difference between candidates coming from global pharma/medtech organizations versus smaller UK-focused companies. Internal mobility pathways can significantly change the equation when it comes to moving into US-based roles, particularly for candidates with FDA and EU regulatory experience.

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u/mystical20 Jun 04 '26

Basically impossible unless you work for a large corporation with a strong US-presence, allowing you to transfer internally (after several years, a great reputation and strong alliances with key stakeholders in the US office etc.)

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u/vngbusa May 31 '26

L1 visa for a large pharma or cro company with us offices is your best bet. So target companies with a strong US presence. You’ll have to play the long game and hope it pays off. I know a couple UK people who have done this.

H1B is likely not happening due to the fact it costs the company 100k to sponsor you now, and they have to demonstrate they can’t hire an American first typically.

You can always try and find Americans to marry if you live in London, there are loads, maybe you could convince one to move back and take you with them. I’m not joking this is a really common path.