A move to the United States can open many doors, including access to great employment opportunities and a world-class education. However, it’s important that foreign nationals plan their move carefully, such as choosing the right visa for their needs and assessing whether they have the financial support to sustain themselves.
In this guide, we will review what you need to know about the American immigration process and becoming a US citizen.
Overview of the United States
The United States of America is a large country that spans the width of North America; it’s home to an array of climates and smaller cultures, which range from subarctic Alaska to subtropical Florida. Here, one can find deserts, prairies, swamps, tundras, and even coral reefs, depending on what part of the country you are visiting.
Some of the most well-known cities in the United States include New York City, New York; Washington, DC; Chicago, Illinois; and Los Angeles, California.
Reasons for Moving
People may choose to immigrate to America for many reasons, such as high wages, access to world-class education, and a higher quality of life than in their home country. With a large immigrant population, the US is known as a melting pot and works to promote diversity, helping people from all walks of life feel welcome.
Key Factors to Consider
Before undergoing the visa application process, potential US residents should consider which visa category best suits their needs and whether they meet the eligibility criteria for that specific visa.
Additionally, applicants should consider whether they have sufficient funds to support themselves, as well as how they will handle the challenges of living in a foreign country, such as homesickness and culture shock.
United States of America Visa Requirements
The Department of Homeland Security operates the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, which handles all visa applications and other immigration matters.
As immigration laws can be complex, it is always best to talk to an immigration attorney before applying for a visa or permanent residency to ensure that you have not missed any important steps. There are different types of immigration visas, temporary visas, and residencies, including the permanent resident card, also called a green card.
For any visa, you will need to have a valid passport, fill out an application, attend a consular interview, and pay various fees. You can typically do a visa interview at your local consulate.
Depending on where you are coming from, you may also need a medical exam to test for tuberculosis. Everyone must have bank statements from a savings or checking account that prove they have enough money to cover their needs.
Immigration Visas
An immigration visa is a visa allowing you to stay in the country for an extended period of time, anywhere between six months to 10 years. This can be family sponsorship, work visas, or a diversity lottery visa for those from nationalities with low immigration rates to the United States.
There are different types of employment visas. This includes skilled workers with at least two years of training, those in specialty occupations requiring a Bachelor’s degree, and unskilled workers.
Additional visa categories include those for special immigrants, including victims of human trafficking, religious workers, workers with extraordinary ability, or refugees.
Non-Immigrant Visas
Non-immigrant visas are for those who do not intend to stay in the United States for an extended period of time. There are multiple categories of temporary visas depending on what you are in the country for, including student visas, temporary work visas, and visitor visas.
A non-immigrant visa will have an expiration date, which is generally based on your nationality and your purpose for visiting. A student visa or other non-immigrant status will typically not allow you to work while in the US.
Green Card
Green card holders are permanent residents on track to becoming citizens; they also have other benefits like being able to sponsor family members and obtaining a Social Security number from their local Social Security office.
A green card holder can work, open a bank account, and take out loans. However, green card holders cannot vote in elections, although they can contribute to election campaigns.
There are several different types of green cards, which include employment-based green cards and family-based green cards for those with immediate relatives in the United States. For a family green card, there are different tiers based on the degree of relation of the family member, with preference for spouses and children of citizens.
The green card lottery awards about 50,000 green cards every year to those who have completed the green card application process.
Cost of Living in The US
The United States is the 20th most expensive country in the world, which is due in part to the high wages and low tax rates. The largest expense is housing, while food accounts for about 10% of the average American budget. Transportation costs will vary, but most areas outside of major metropolitan areas require a car.
Regional Variations
The cost of living varies widely across the country. Coastal areas like New York and California are costly, while places like the Great Plains, South, and Midwest are more affordable.
For up-to-date information on a specific region, visitors should search online for cost-of-living comparison calculators, like those from Nerdwallet or Bankrate.
Housing Costs
On average, renting is about 37% cheaper than buying a home, but prices will vary widely. The average rent across the US is about $1,500 per month, while the average mortgage payment is about $2,700.
Living in rural areas is much cheaper; an apartment in Alabama is $500, while the same place in California would be about $4,700.
To rent a home, you will typically need a security deposit, and the landlord may perform a credit check.
Transportation Costs
Most major metropolitan areas have public transit, but those living in the suburbs or rural areas will need a car. Gas about 77 cenis ts per liter, which is much cheaper than in other countries, and there is a well-developed and well-maintained road infrastructure. However, buyers should know that they need to pay for licenses, car insurance, plates, and maintenance.
Food Costs
The average American household spends about $475.25 a month on groceries, which is around $5,700 a year. In general, cooking at home is cheaper than eating out; the average cost of a restaurant meal for one person is about $23.
Other Expenses
One of the most surprising things to those immigrating to the US is the cost of healthcare and education, which are significantly more expensive than in Europe or other countries. Utilities are also quite expensive, and the average American household spends around $430 on utilities per month.
Finding a Job in The United States
The United States is a service-based industry that includes professional and business services, retail, finance, and healthcare. Private institutions make up the majority of employers in the US.
Recruitment agencies are a popular way to find jobs, as they can provide more personalized service and ensure you’re a good fit, but many also use job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, or Monster to find suitable jobs.
US employers significantly focus on an in-person interview, though skills tests and practice assignments may also play a role. Networking and references are crucial elements of getting a good job.
Education in The US
The American education system includes primary, secondary, and tertiary education. There are both public and private options for all grade levels.
In the US, primary education is from ages 6-11; this includes kindergarten through 6th grade. Lower secondary education starts at 7th grade and continues through 9th grade, while upper secondary education is from 10th grade through 12th grade. After graduating 12th grade, many students go on to college, either for a two-year or four-year degree.
While college or university is subsidized, students must either take out loans or pay their own tuition, which can be thousands of dollars per year.
US Healthcare and Health Insurance
Most US residents have private insurance through their employer or purchased through the marketplace. Public insurance is limited, and while there are public hospitals that are owned by the government or associated with teaching institutions, these still charge for services.
Culture and Lifestyle
The United States of America is highly diverse, with many smaller regional cultures. As a whole, the US is known for favoring a strong work ethic, valuing innovation, and prioritizing individualism.
Americans have a “work hard, play hard” attitude and often work longer hours than their counterparts elsewhere.
Moving Process to The United States
Those heading to the United States should consider all the expenses associated with the move, including legal fees and shipping. Pack only the essentials, especially if moving from overseas.
When settling in, making friends with other expats in the area can provide invaluable mental health support. Be sure to explore the huge diversity of the US, but keep strong connections to your homeland, as this will help stave off homesickness.