How to Move to the United States

US Visa Options

The United States offers several work and immigration visa categories, each with distinct requirements and timelines. The H-1B is the most common employer-sponsored visa, requiring a specialty occupation and bachelor's degree, with an annual cap of 85,000 (including the US advanced degree exemption). The O-1 visa targets individuals with extraordinary ability and has no annual cap. The L-1 enables intracompany transfers for managers and specialized knowledge workers. For permanent residence, the EB-2 National Interest Waiver allows self-petitioning without employer sponsorship. The E-2 Treaty Investor visa requires a substantial investment in a US business but does not lead directly to a green card. The F-1 student visa includes OPT work authorization for 1 to 3 years after graduation.

• H-1B lottery runs March each year with a 65,000 general cap plus 20,000 for US advanced degrees
• O-1 visa has no annual cap and no lottery requirement
• L-1A intracompany transfer offers a direct path to EB-1C green card
• EB-2 NIW allows self-sponsorship without an employer
• E-2 investor visa requires treaty country nationality and substantial investment
• Premium processing available for H-1B and O-1 (15 business days)

Cost of Living in the United States

Cost of living in the US varies dramatically by location. The median household income is roughly $75,000 per year according to Census Bureau 2024 data. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 in mid-tier cities like Austin, Denver, and Raleigh, but climbs to $2,500 to $4,000 in San Francisco, New York, and Boston. Groceries and dining are moderate by global standards, but healthcare costs are significantly higher than in most developed countries. A single person can live comfortably on $4,000 to $5,500 per month in most cities outside the coasts, including rent. In major tech hubs, budget $6,000 to $9,000 per month.

Language Requirements

There is no formal English proficiency exam required for US work visas or green cards. The immigration system assumes that employer-sponsored applicants have sufficient English for their roles. English proficiency becomes formally relevant at the citizenship stage, where USCIS tests basic reading, writing, and speaking during the naturalization interview. Applicants over 50 who have held a green card for 20 years, or over 55 with 15 years, are exempt from the English requirement. International medical graduates must pass the OET or equivalent as part of ECFMG certification, separate from the immigration process.

Credential Recognition

The US has no single government body for credential recognition. Instead, NACES member organizations like WES (World Education Services), ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators), and FCSA handle foreign degree evaluations. Most employers and USCIS accept evaluations from any NACES member. Regulated professions have their own licensing requirements that vary by state. Doctors need ECFMG certification and must complete a US residency. Lawyers must pass the bar exam in their target state, with only a few states allowing foreign-trained lawyers to sit directly. Engineers can pursue PE licensure through NCEES. Start credential evaluation early, as it takes 4 to 8 weeks and is required for most visa petitions.

Visa Application Process

US visa applications follow different tracks depending on the category. H-1B petitions are filed by the employer with USCIS, starting with the electronic lottery registration in March. If selected, the full petition must be filed by June, with employment starting October 1. O-1 petitions are filed year-round with no lottery. L-1 petitions require blanket or individual approval from USCIS. All employment-based petitions require a Labor Condition Application (LCA) certified by the Department of Labor. After USCIS approval, applicants outside the US attend a consular interview at a US embassy. Bring the I-797 approval notice, a valid passport, DS-160 confirmation, and supporting financial and employment documentation. Premium processing ($2,805) guarantees a 15-business-day decision for eligible categories.

Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

The green card (permanent residency) can be obtained through employer sponsorship (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 categories), family sponsorship, the Diversity Visa lottery, or investment (EB-5, requiring $800,000 to $1,050,000). Employer-sponsored green cards typically require PERM labor certification, an I-140 petition, and an I-485 adjustment of status, a process that takes 1 to 5+ years depending on your country of birth due to per-country caps. Indian and Chinese nationals face the longest backlogs. Citizenship requires 5 years of permanent residency (3 years if married to a US citizen), physical presence of at least 30 months, and passing the civics and English tests. The US permits dual citizenship in practice, though it does not formally recognize it.

Your First Days in the United States

After arriving in the US, your priorities are obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN), which is required for employment, banking, and tax filing. Apply at your local SSA office within the first week. Next, open a US bank account, which requires your passport, visa, and SSN or ITIN. Find housing through apartment listings or relocation services. Register for a state driver's license or ID at the DMV within 30 to 90 days depending on your state. Expect the full setup process to take 2 to 4 weeks.

Moving with Family

Most US work visas allow dependent spouses and children under 21 to accompany the primary applicant. H-1B holders' spouses receive H-4 status, and those with an approved I-140 or in certain H-1B extension situations can apply for H-4 EAD work authorization. L-1 spouses (L-2) receive automatic work authorization. O-1 dependents (O-3) cannot work. Public schools are free for all children regardless of immigration status, from kindergarten through 12th grade. School quality varies significantly by district. Childcare costs range from $800 to $2,500 per month depending on location and type of care.

Healthcare in the United States

The US does not have universal public healthcare. Most residents obtain coverage through employer-sponsored insurance, which typically costs $100 to $600 per month for the employee's share (employers cover the rest). Those without employer coverage can purchase plans through the ACA Marketplace during open enrollment (November to January) or within 60 days of arriving. Silver plans average $400 to $700 per month without subsidies. Emergency rooms must treat all patients regardless of insurance or immigration status under EMTALA. Prescription drug costs are higher than in most countries. Budget for healthcare as a significant monthly expense, especially if self-employed or on a visa type without employer sponsorship.

Taxes in the United States

The US taxes residents on worldwide income. Federal income tax uses progressive rates from 10% to 37%. Most states add their own income tax (0% to 13.3%), with Texas, Florida, Washington, and several others charging no state income tax. Social Security and Medicare taxes add 7.65% for employees (15.3% for self-employed). Tax residency is determined by the Substantial Presence Test, which counts days present in the US over a three-year period. H-1B holders are generally treated as tax residents from day one. The US has tax treaties with many countries to prevent double taxation. Filing is mandatory for all residents and is due April 15 each year.