Moving to the United States from Peru

Visa Pathways for Peruvian Citizens

Peruvian citizens need a visa to enter the United States for any purpose. Peru is not part of the Visa Waiver Program ^[1], and there is no E-2 treaty investor visa available to Peruvian nationals ^[2]. This limits visa options compared to some other nationalities, though family-based and employment-based pathways remain accessible.

Family-based immigration.

Family sponsorship is one of the most common immigration routes for Peruvians. US citizens can petition for a spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21 as an immediate relative, which is not subject to annual numerical caps ^[3]. Preference categories for other family relationships (siblings, married adult children, siblings of US citizens) have per-country limits and often involve multi-year waiting periods.

H-1B specialty occupation visa.

Peruvian professionals with at least a bachelor's degree in a specialty field can qualify for H-1B sponsorship from a US employer ^[4]. The annual cap means applications go through a lottery when demand exceeds supply. This is a dual-intent visa, meaning you can pursue permanent residence while holding it ^[4].

Employment-based immigrant visas.

The EB-1 (extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, multinational managers), EB-2 (advanced degrees or exceptional ability), and EB-3 (skilled workers and professionals) categories are available to Peruvian nationals ^[5]. All employment-based categories except EB-1A (self-petition for extraordinary ability) require employer sponsorship. EB-2 and EB-3 require a labor certification from the Department of Labor ^[5].

EB-5 investor visa.

Peruvians with sufficient capital can invest in a qualifying US commercial enterprise. The standard minimum investment is $1,050,000, or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area ^[6]. The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. This is a direct path to permanent residence ^[6].

Diversity Visa Lottery.

Peru is typically eligible for the annual DV lottery, which awards up to 55,000 immigrant visas to nationals of countries with low historical immigration rates ^[3]. Selection is random, and winners must meet education or work experience requirements.

Student visas.

The F-1 visa allows Peruvians to study at SEVP-approved US institutions ^[7]. Applicants need acceptance from an approved school, a Form I-20, and payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee ^[7]. After completing a degree, F-1 holders can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in their field of study ^[7].

Consular processing.

Visa applications go through the US Embassy in Lima. Interview wait times vary by visa class and time of year. Immigrant visa cases may involve waits of months to years depending on category backlogs and per-country limits.

US Tax Obligations

Once you become a US tax resident, you owe tax on worldwide income. Tax residency is triggered by holding a green card or meeting the substantial presence test ^[1]. The substantial presence test counts all days in the current year, plus one-third of the prior year, plus one-sixth of the year before that, with a 183-day threshold ^[2].

No US-Peru tax treaty.

The United States and Peru do not have an income tax treaty ^[3]. Without a treaty, there are no reduced withholding rates, no tiebreaker rules for dual residency, and no competent authority process to resolve disputes. If both countries tax the same income, the US foreign tax credit (Form 1116) is your primary relief ^[4].

Filing as a new resident.

In your first year, you may be a dual-status alien for tax purposes: nonresident for the part of the year before you arrived or obtained your green card, and resident thereafter ^[5]. You file Form 1040 for the resident portion and attach a statement for the nonresident period ^[5].

Peruvian income.

Peru taxes residents on worldwide income with progressive rates. If you earn income in Peru during a transition year and both countries claim you as a tax resident, you may owe taxes to both. The US foreign tax credit offsets US tax by the amount of Peruvian tax paid on the same income, but without a treaty, the credit is your only mechanism ^[4].

ITIN for dependents.

If your spouse or dependents are not eligible for a Social Security number, they need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) applied for through Form W-7 ^[6].

No totalization agreement.

The US and Peru do not have a Social Security Totalization Agreement ^[3]. Contributions to Peru's ONP or AFP pension system do not reduce your US Social Security and Medicare tax obligations. You will pay FICA taxes in the US regardless of your Peruvian pension contributions, and your Peruvian work credits do not count toward US Social Security benefit eligibility.

Healthcare and Insurance

No portable coverage.

Peru's public healthcare system (EsSalud) does not cover you outside Peru. Private insurance plans purchased in Peru also typically do not extend coverage to the US. You need US-based health insurance from the date you arrive.

Employer-sponsored insurance.

If your US employer offers health coverage, enrollment is typically available at hire or during the annual open enrollment window. Most large employers subsidize a significant portion of premiums.

ACA Marketplace.

Lawful permanent residents can purchase plans through healthcare.gov. Depending on your income, you may qualify for premium tax credits that reduce monthly costs. A change in immigration status qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period outside the annual window.

Medicaid waiting period.

Lawful permanent residents are generally subject to a five-year waiting period before Medicaid eligibility, though some states make exceptions for pregnant women and children.

Prescription drugs.

Bring documentation from your Peruvian doctor listing medications by their generic names (International Nonproprietary Names) and dosages. Many medications available over the counter in Peru require prescriptions in the US. Your US doctor will write new prescriptions as needed.

Dental and vision.

These are typically not covered under standard US medical insurance. You purchase separate dental and vision plans or pay out of pocket. Costs for dental procedures in the US are significantly higher than in Peru.

Emergency care.

US hospitals must provide emergency care regardless of insurance status or immigration status under EMTALA. However, the resulting bills can be substantial. Maintaining insurance coverage is critical to avoid medical debt.

Banking and Finances

Opening a US bank account.

You can open an account with a passport and US address at most large banks. A Social Security number is preferred but an ITIN is accepted at many institutions. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all serve immigrant clients. Having a bank account is necessary for receiving direct-deposit paychecks, paying bills, and building credit history.

Building credit.

The US credit system does not recognize credit history from Peru. You start with no score. Secured credit cards, where you deposit cash as collateral, are the standard starting point. Several months of on-time payments build the foundation for unsecured credit. Credit scores affect your ability to rent apartments, obtain auto loans, and sometimes get hired for certain jobs.

Sending money to Peru.

Remittances to Peru are common. Services like Wise, Remitly, and Western Union handle USD-to-PEN transfers. Compare the total cost (transfer fee plus exchange rate spread) across providers. Traditional bank wires are generally more expensive.

Foreign account reporting.

If you keep bank accounts in Peru with an aggregate balance exceeding $10,000 at any point during the year, you must file FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) ^[1]. FATCA Form 8938 applies at higher thresholds for foreign financial assets ^[2].

Social Security.

As a US worker, you pay Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) on earned income. You need 40 work credits (roughly 10 years of covered employment) to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. Because there is no totalization agreement with Peru, your Peruvian ONP or AFP contributions do not count toward US credits.

Currency and exchange.

The Peruvian sol (PEN) to US dollar exchange rate affects the value of any savings you bring or remittances you send. Use services with transparent mid-market rates rather than bank wire transfers, which typically include unfavorable exchange markups.

Moving Logistics

Shipping household goods.

Ocean freight from Peru (Callao port near Lima) to US ports (Miami, Los Angeles, Houston) takes several weeks. A 20-foot container runs in the mid-four figures. Get at least three quotes from international moving companies. Companies like International Van Lines and Allied International service the Peru-US corridor.

US Customs.

Personal belongings owned and used before your move enter duty-free under the personal effects exemption. Prepare an itemized inventory in English with approximate values. New, commercial, or restricted goods may be subject to duties, taxes, or additional inspection.

Food restrictions.

US Customs and Border Protection restricts or prohibits certain food items from Peru, including most fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy. Processed and packaged foods are generally permitted. Declare all food items on your customs form to avoid penalties.

Pets.

Dogs entering the US from Peru must meet CDC requirements, including rabies vaccination documentation and a health certificate. Requirements have tightened; check the CDC's current rules before travel. Cats generally need a health certificate but not a rabies vaccination for US entry. Airlines serving Lima-to-US routes that transport pets include LATAM (cargo) and American Airlines.

Driver's license.

US states set their own requirements. Most require proof of legal presence, a Social Security number, proof of state residency, and passing written and driving tests. A Peruvian driver's license is not directly transferable. Some states allow driving with a foreign license and an International Driving Permit for a limited period after arrival.

Time zones.

Peru operates on Peru Time (PET, UTC-5), which is the same as US Eastern Standard Time. During US daylight saving time (spring through fall), the East Coast shifts to UTC-4, one hour ahead of Peru. West Coast time is always two to three hours behind Peru depending on the season.

Cultural Adjustment

Language.

English proficiency is essential for most employment and daily interactions in the US. The US has a large Spanish-speaking population, and many government services, healthcare facilities, and businesses in states like California, Florida, Texas, and New York offer Spanish-language support. However, professional advancement, formal education, and most institutional communication require English. Investing in English skills before or immediately after arrival is critical.

Peruvian communities.

The US has established Peruvian communities, particularly in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, Miami, Los Angeles, the Washington DC area, and northern Virginia. Community organizations, churches, and cultural groups provide social connections, legal referrals, and practical support during settlement. Peruvian restaurants and grocery stores are common in these areas.

Cost of living.

Housing, healthcare, and childcare are significantly more expensive in the US than in Peru. Rent in major cities consumes a large share of household income. Budgeting carefully during the first year is important. Many Peruvian immigrants initially share housing with family or other immigrants to reduce costs while establishing themselves.

Tipping and service culture.

The US has an extensive tipping culture. Restaurant servers, bartenders, taxi drivers, hairdressers, and delivery workers all expect tips. The standard restaurant tip is 18-20% of the pre-tax bill. This is a significant cultural difference from Peru, where tipping is less standardized.

Weather.

Peru's coastal climate (Lima) is mild year-round. If you settle in the US Northeast or Midwest, expect significant seasonal variation, including cold winters requiring heavy clothing and heating costs. Southern and western states have milder winters but can have extreme summer heat.

Education system.

US public schools are free and assigned by residential address. The school year typically runs from August/September through May/June. English Language Learner programs support students whose first language is Spanish. Higher education is expensive; financial aid, scholarships, and in-state tuition rates (available after establishing state residency) can reduce costs.

Social integration.

Building a social network takes effort. Peruvian community organizations and churches provide an initial foundation. Joining local sports leagues (soccer/futbol is widely played in immigrant communities), volunteering, and workplace relationships help expand your circle beyond the Peruvian diaspora.

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