Investment banking job?

I just have graduated American liberal arts university in my country and have legaly recognized US diploma (bachelor of arts in Bus. administartion). I started working for the Inv. banking department of a local mid-size bank.
Sevaral months ago I received notification that I've won from the green card lottery. If I get the green card, my dream is to be able to work for one of the largest investment banks in the USA such as Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch and JP Morgan.
In your personal assessment what are my chances of getting a job in such a bank? As I mentioned above I have US siploma, I will have 1 year of experience in the field (though in emerging market) and I intend to try taking at least CFA level I, before I move to the US. But of course I guess that I'll still be a foreigner, regardless of weather permenent resident or non-immigrant visa worker.

I guess it depends where in a ibank you want to work. The largest of the banks have thousands of positions available, but they certainly are sought after.

You will be competing with thousands of others who have a similar background to yours, others who have graduated from U.S.-based universities that are more recognized here, and with people that have more work experience.

You need to find a way to differentiate yourself from the rest - I hate to say it, but honestly, resumes from foreign candidates often all look the same - a university that the recruiter very well may not know, and perhaps work experience for a bank that may not be known either.

Beginning the CFA process is a great start.

You could use to refine your english as well. Sadly, no one will give you credit for mastering your own language and being largely proficient in english as well. They will compare your english capabilities to those of people who know english as their native language (and probably the only language they know).

I'd say, set your goals and figure out what you'd like to do within the ibank specifically. Understand also that these big banks offer a great opportunity to transfer from within to other departments, so if you can get a door open, take it. Plus, with a major US bank on your resume, it'll be easier for you to apply to jobs within other banks.

my advice is to try to first get a job at one of the branches of those banks IN YOUR COUNTRY. (you dont mention where you live, but im assuming its russia? if so, all the major banks have branches there). emerging markets are a very sought-after area, so good experience there will benefit you a lot. after you get experience, then any bank you work for will be more than willing to transfer you to another city/country.....though there are a lot more opportunities for emerging markets (eastern european) in london than in NY....though latin american EM are big in NY.

passing the CFA is a good step.....its a VERY difficult test, and will impress people.

finally, work on your english....its very good, but can always be improved (you spelled "weather" wrong...should be "whether")

good luck!