Mudarse a Estados Unidos desde Argentina

Vías de visa

Argentine citizens require a visa for any travel to the United States. Argentina is not part of the Visa Waiver Program ^[1]. All visa applications are processed through the US Embassy in Buenos Aires or the US Consulate in Buenos Aires.

Diversity Visa (DV) lottery.

Argentina is eligible for the annual DV lottery program, which makes available up to 50,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year to nationals of qualifying countries ^[2]. Applicants must have at least a high school education or two years of qualifying work experience within the past five years. Registration is free and online.

Family-based immigration.

US citizens and lawful permanent residents can petition for qualifying Argentine family members. Immediate relatives of US citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents) are not subject to annual numerical caps. Other family preference categories involve per-country limits and multi-year wait times ^[2].

Employment-based immigration.

Employment-based green cards are available through preference categories EB-1 (priority workers with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, multinational managers), EB-2 (advanced degree professionals or exceptional ability), EB-3 (skilled workers and professionals), and EB-5 (investors) ^[2]. Most categories require employer sponsorship and labor certification ^[2].

H-1B specialty occupation visa.

US employers can sponsor Argentine professionals with at least a bachelor's degree for H-1B visas ^[2]. The visa is subject to an annual cap with a lottery selection process. H-1B holders can apply for employer-sponsored green cards while on the visa ^[2].

L-1 intracompany transfer.

Argentine employees of multinational companies with US offices can transfer on an L-1 visa ^[2]. L-1A covers managers and executives, L-1B covers specialized knowledge workers ^[2].

Student pathway (F-1).

Many Argentines enter the US on F-1 student visas ^[2]. After completing a degree, Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides 12 months of work authorization, with STEM degree holders eligible for a 24-month extension ^[2].

Visitor visa (B-1/B-2).

For short-term business or tourism. This visa does not authorize employment and generally cannot be converted to a work or immigrant visa from within the US ^[2].

Obligaciones fiscales en EE. UU.

Once you become a US tax resident, you are taxed on worldwide income ^[1]. Tax residency is established through the green card test or the substantial presence test, which requires at least 31 days in the current year and 183 days over a weighted three-year period ^[2].

No US-Argentina tax treaty.

The United States and Argentina do not have an income tax treaty ^[3]. This means there is no bilateral mechanism to reduce withholding rates on cross-border income or resolve dual-residency conflicts through a treaty tiebreaker. Without a treaty, double taxation is addressed solely through the Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116), which allows you to credit Argentine taxes paid against your US liability on the same income ^[4].

Argentine tax exit.

Argentina taxes residents on worldwide income. Argentina also has specific rules around tax residency cessation. Losing Argentine tax residency requires meeting certain conditions, including establishing tax residence in another country and notifying AFIP (the Argentine tax authority). Until you formally cease Argentine tax residency, you may remain liable for Argentine tax on worldwide income. Consult an Argentine tax advisor about the exact steps to properly terminate your Argentine tax residency.

Self-employment.

If you are self-employed in the US, you owe both US income tax and self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare) ^[5]. There is no totalization agreement between the US and Argentina to coordinate social security contributions between the two countries ^[6].

ITIN for non-SSN holders.

If you have a US tax filing obligation but are not yet eligible for a Social Security Number, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) ^[7]. An ITIN does not authorize employment or change immigration status.

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.

If you later work abroad (including returning to Argentina temporarily for a US employer), you may qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion under Form 2555, which allows qualifying taxpayers to exclude a set amount of foreign earned income from US tax ^[8]. You must meet either the bona fide residence test or the physical presence test (330 full days abroad in 12 consecutive months).

Atención médica y seguro

Argentina's public healthcare system (obra social and hospital público) does not provide coverage in the United States. You must obtain US-based health insurance before or upon arrival.

Employer-sponsored insurance.

If you enter on an employment-based visa, your employer will likely offer a group health plan. Enrollment is typically available within 30 days of your start date. Plans vary in coverage, premiums, deductibles, and copays. US healthcare costs are substantially higher than Argentina.

ACA marketplace.

Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can purchase individual plans through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Depending on your income, you may qualify for premium tax credits. Open Enrollment occurs annually, with Special Enrollment Periods triggered by qualifying life events.

Medicaid waiting period.

Most lawful permanent residents face a five-year waiting period before qualifying for Medicaid. Some states have eliminated this waiting period. The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) may cover children in families whose income exceeds Medicaid thresholds.

Coverage gap.

Between leaving Argentine coverage and starting US insurance, you need a bridge plan. Short-term travel medical policies or international health plans can provide coverage during this transition.

Prescription medications.

Bring documentation of any ongoing prescriptions, including generic drug names (International Nonproprietary Names) and dosages. Many medications that are available over the counter or with minimal prescription requirements in Argentina require formal prescriptions in the US. Controlled substance regulations are stricter in the US.

Mental health services.

Argentina has a strong culture of psychological care (Buenos Aires has more psychologists per capita than almost any other city). Mental healthcare in the US is covered by most insurance plans, subject to deductibles and copays, but access may feel more limited and more expensive than what you are accustomed to.

Banca y finanzas

Opening a US bank account.

You can open a checking and savings account at major US banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) with a valid Argentine passport, a US visa, and a US address. Some banks accept an ITIN in lieu of a Social Security Number initially ^[1].

Building credit history.

The US credit system is entirely separate from Argentina. You start with no credit score. Secured credit cards (requiring a refundable deposit) are the standard way to begin building credit. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you can qualify for an unsecured card. Your credit score affects your ability to rent apartments, finance a car, and qualify for a mortgage.

No totalization agreement.

The US and Argentina do not have a social security totalization agreement. If you work in the US, you pay US Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) regardless of any contributions to Argentina's ANSES system. Your Argentine contributions do not count toward US Social Security eligibility. You need 40 quarters (approximately 10 years) of US employment to qualify for US Social Security retirement benefits.

Currency and transfers.

Argentina's foreign exchange controls and the gap between official and parallel exchange rates make transferring money between the two countries more complex than for most corridors. Moving funds from Argentina to the US may involve Argentine Central Bank restrictions depending on the current regulatory environment. For sending money from the US to Argentina, services like Wise and Western Union offer transfers, though exchange rate considerations are significant given the peso's volatility.

Tax filing.

US banks report interest income to the IRS. Even small amounts of interest earned on your savings account are taxable and must be reported on your federal tax return.

Argentine bank accounts.

If you maintain Argentine bank accounts after becoming a US tax resident, you may have FBAR reporting obligations if the aggregate value of your foreign accounts exceeds $10,000 at any point during the year ^[2]. FATCA Form 8938 may also apply depending on the value of your foreign financial assets.

Logística de mudanza

Shipping household goods.

Ocean freight from Argentina to the US typically ships from the Port of Buenos Aires to a US port (Miami, Houston, or New York/Newark). Transit time is generally several weeks. Door-to-door services including customs clearance at the US end are available through international moving companies. Get at least three written quotes and confirm insurance coverage.

US customs and duties.

Personal effects and household goods that you have owned and used for at least one year are generally exempt from US customs duties. You must declare all items on your customs declaration upon arrival. New or recently purchased items may be subject to duty. Food products, particularly meat and dairy from Argentina, face strict import restrictions.

Flights.

Direct flights from Buenos Aires (Ezeiza International Airport) to the US are available to Miami, New York (JFK), Houston, Atlanta, and Dallas on Argentine and US carriers. Flight time is approximately 9 to 11 hours depending on destination. Connections through other South American hubs are also common.

Pet import requirements.

Dogs entering the US must meet CDC requirements. All dogs must appear healthy, be microchipped with an ISO-compatible 15-digit chip, and meet rabies vaccination requirements that vary by the dog's country of origin and travel history. Check the current CDC classification for Argentina to determine exact documentation requirements.

Driver's license.

Each US state has its own licensing requirements. Most states require you to obtain a state driver's license within 30 to 90 days of establishing residency. Both Argentina and the US drive on the right side of the road. You will need to pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and in most states a road test. An International Driving Permit issued in Argentina may allow you to drive temporarily while you obtain your state license.

Climate variation.

Argentina's seasons are reversed from the US (Argentine winter is June through August). If you move in January, you leave Argentine summer and may arrive to US winter. The climate adjustment depends heavily on your destination city. Southern Florida will feel similar to Buenos Aires summers, while northern cities (New York, Chicago) will require a full winter wardrobe that you may not own.

Adaptación cultural

Argentine diaspora.

The US is home to a sizable Argentine community, concentrated in South Florida (Miami-Dade and Broward counties), the New York metro area, Los Angeles, and Houston. Argentine restaurants, cultural clubs, and social groups provide community connections. South Florida in particular has a large Spanish-speaking population that makes the language transition easier.

Work culture.

US workplaces operate on strict punctuality and treat deadlines as firm commitments. This can feel different from the more flexible approach to scheduling common in Argentina. "At-will employment" means that in most states, either party can terminate the employment relationship at any time. This is a significant difference from Argentina's strong labor protections under the Ley de Contrato de Trabajo.

Housing.

Renting in the US typically requires a credit check, proof of income (usually 2 to 3 times the monthly rent), and a security deposit. Without US credit history, you may need a cosigner or a larger deposit. The US rental market uses 12-month leases as standard, and breaking a lease carries financial penalties.

Food and groceries.

Argentine specialty items (yerba mate, dulce de leche, medialunas, chimichurri ingredients, cuts of meat for asado) are available in Latin grocery stores and specialty shops in cities with Argentine populations. Yerba mate in particular is increasingly available in mainstream US stores. US beef quality and cuts differ from Argentine parrilla culture; you may need to find a butcher who can cut to your specifications.

Language.

Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the US, which gives Argentine immigrants an advantage in many cities, particularly in South Florida, the Southwest, and parts of New York and Chicago. However, professional environments generally require English proficiency. Argentine Spanish (Rioplatense dialect) differs from the Mexican and Central American Spanish most commonly heard in the US. If your English needs improvement, investing in English language training before or immediately after arrival is practical.

Social adjustment.

Americans tend to be outwardly friendly but may be less likely to form the deep, extended social bonds common in Argentine culture (the asado at someone's home, the prolonged sobremesa). Building a social circle takes intentional effort through community groups, sports leagues, and shared activities.

Comparar Estados Unidos

Guías de visa para Estados Unidos