Living in the United States
Last reviewed: October 31, 2026
This section gathers the practical guides you actually need before — and shortly after — landing in the United States: visas and ESTA, the green card, housing, work, university applications, healthcare, taxes, retirement, and daily logistics. The aim is to lay out the moving parts clearly enough that you can plan a realistic timeline and ask the right follow-up questions to a qualified professional.
Pick your starting point
- If you do not yet have a visa pathway, begin with Moving to the USA — it covers the main routes and the practical order of steps to relocate.
- If you are coming for a job, jump to Working in the USA for work visas, the job search, pay, benefits, and US labor rules.
- If you are heading to a U.S. university, start with Studying in the USA for application timelines, costs, and the difference between F-1, J-1, and M-1 student visas.
- If you are only visiting, check ESTA and visa-free travel before you book.
- If you have decided to stay long term, read about the green card and citizenship.
Moving to the U.S.
Visa routes, 2026 rule changes, your budget, the first-weeks checklist, housing, banking, and healthcare basics.
ReadWorking in the U.S.
Work visas including the H-1B, finding a sponsor, resumes, pay, benefits, at-will employment, and labor rules.
ReadStudying in the U.S.
Universities and community colleges, the Common App, financial aid for international students, on-campus work, and post-graduation options (OPT).
ReadCost of living
Rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare, plus city-by-city comparisons to help you build a realistic monthly budget.
ReadHealthcare
How U.S. health insurance works: premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, Medicare and Medicaid, and how to choose a plan.
ReadBanking and credit score
Opening an account with an SSN or ITIN, credit cards, the FICO score, and how to build a strong credit history from scratch.
ReadTaxes
Federal income tax, state taxes, sales tax, FICA, the annual filing with the IRS, and common pitfalls for newcomers.
ReadDriving
Foreign license validity, the DMV process, written and road tests, traffic rules, state quirks, car rental, and gas.
ReadUS Visas
Immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, the main categories, fees, the application process, and 2026 restrictions.
ReadESTA and Visa-Free Travel
Who can use the Visa Waiver Program, the $40 ESTA, the 90-day limit, and what ESTA does not allow.
ReadThe Green Card
Family, employment, lottery, and humanitarian routes to permanent residence, plus your rights and duties.
ReadCitizenship and Naturalization
Eligibility, the civics and English tests, Form N-400, dual citizenship, and birthright citizenship.
ReadSocial Security Number
What the SSN is for, who can get one, how to apply, and how it differs from an ITIN.
ReadReal Estate
Renting and buying: leases, deposits, credit checks, mortgages, closing costs, and property taxes.
ReadThe School System
How K-12 works: grades and ages, public, private and charter schools, and enrolling a child.
ReadPhone and Internet
Carriers, prepaid plans and eSIMs without an SSN, home internet, and what it costs.
ReadTransportation
Cars, public transit, domestic flights, Amtrak, intercity buses, and ride-hailing.
ReadWhat this section is — and is not
These pages summarize public information from sources such as USCIS, the Department of State, the IRS, the Department of Education, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They are not legal, immigration, financial, or medical advice — see our Disclaimer. For any consequential step (visa application, lease signing, insurance enrollment), confirm details against the official source or consult a qualified professional.
Going further
Cultural context: Culture and daily life. Political and legal context: States vs federal government. Foundations: What is the United States?.