Moving to the USA

Moving to the United States requires careful planning. This guide covers visas, housing, healthcare, cost of living and essential steps for relocation.

Warning: This guide provides general information only. Always consult an immigration attorney for your specific situation.

1. Visas and Immigration

Common Visa Types

H-1B - Skilled Workers

• For highly skilled professionals (tech, engineering, finance)
• Requires Bachelor's degree minimum + employer sponsor
• 3 years, renewable up to 6 years
• Annual quota: 85,000 (lottery in April)

L-1 - Intracompany Transfer

• For employees transferred from foreign company
• Requires 1 year seniority
• No quota, no lottery

F-1 - Student Visa

• For full-time students at accredited universities
• Can work on-campus (20h/week)
• OPT: 12 months work after graduation (36 for STEM)

Green Card (Permanent Residence)

• Through employment, family, or diversity lottery
• Allows permanent residence and work
• Path to citizenship after 5 years

2. Finding Housing

Rental Process

• Credit check: Required (difficult for newcomers)
• Security deposit: 1-2 months rent
• First & last month: Often required upfront
• Proof of income: Usually 3x monthly rent

Average Rents (2026)

• San Francisco: $3,500-$4,500/month (1BR)
• New York City: $3,000-$4,000/month
• Austin: $1,800-$2,500/month
• Midwest cities: $1,000-$1,800/month

3. Healthcare

Health Insurance

• Via employer: Most common (employer pays 50-80%)
• Private insurance: $400-$800/month
• Deductible: $1,000-$5,000/year before coverage

Costs Without Insurance

• Doctor visit: $100-$300
• Emergency room: $500-$3,000+
• Hospitalization: $1,500-$10,000/day

4. Cost of Living

Monthly Budget (Single Person)

• Rent: $1,000-$4,000
• Utilities: $100-$200
• Groceries: $300-$500
• Transportation: $100-$300
• Health insurance: $200-$600
• Total: $2,000-$6,000/month

5. Banking

Opening a Bank Account

• Passport + visa + proof of address
• SSN required for full account (can open without, then add later)
• No fees with minimum balance usually

Credit History

• Start building credit immediately
• Get secured credit card if needed
• Pay bills on time
• Credit score crucial for loans, housing, etc.

6. Social Security Number (SSN)

Essential for:

• Working legally
• Filing taxes
• Opening bank accounts
• Getting credit
• Driver's license

How to get: Apply at Social Security office with visa documents and proof of work authorization.

7. Transportation

Driver's License

• State-specific (each state has own rules)
• Written test + road test
• International license valid 3-12 months only

Car vs Public Transport

• Car needed: Most of USA (suburbs, rural)
• Public transport viable: NYC, SF, Chicago, Boston
• Car costs: $300-$800/month (payment, insurance, gas, maintenance)

8. Taxes

Federal Income Tax

• 10-37% progressive tax
• File annually (April 15 deadline)

State Income Tax

• 0-13% depending on state
• No state tax: TX, FL, NV, WA, TN, SD, WY, AK, NH

Other Taxes

• Social Security: 6.2%
• Medicare: 1.45%
• Sales tax: 0-10% (varies by state/city)

9. First Steps After Arrival

1. Secure temporary housing (Airbnb, hotel)
2. Apply for Social Security Number
3. Open bank account
4. Get US phone number
5. Find permanent housing
6. Get driver's license
7. Setup utilities (electricity, internet, etc.)
8. Register with employer

10. Resources

• USCIS: Official immigration website
• IRS: Tax information
• SSA: Social Security Administration
• Zillow/Apartments.com: Housing search

Important: Immigration and tax laws change frequently. Consult qualified professionals for your specific situation.

Related articles:

• Working in the USA
• Studying in the USA