Moving to...

UNITED STATES

of AMERICA

What can we help you with?

Visa
Banking & Taxes
Housing & Renting
Healthcare
Transportation & Driving

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VISA & IMMIGRATION

A VISA is a document that allows a person from another country to enter the U.S for a specific purpose, in your case, moving. It is usually stamped in a passport and must be approved by the U.S government.

DISCLAIMER: Having a visa does not guarantee entry; border officials make the final decision

What Visa Do I Need to Move to the U.S.A?

Assuming in your case you do not have any immediate family or connections to the U.S.A, you have a few options when it comes to moving there permanently.

Here are are the main visas you can apply for:

Employment-Based Green Cards

    • Scientists, artists, athletes, business leaders, or researchers with international recognition

    • Multinational executives or managers (must have worked for a multinational company for at least a year)

    • No job offer required for extraordinary ability category

    • People with a master’s degree or higher in a specialized field.

    • People with exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business.

    • You usually need a job offer from a U.S. employer unless applying for a National Interest Waiver (NIW) (if your work benefits the U.S.).

    • Skilled workers (e.g., IT, engineering, healthcare, construction).

    • Professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree.

    • Other workers in labor jobs that U.S. employers can’t fill (long wait times for approval).

    • Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship.

    • People who can invest at least $800,000 - $1,050,000 in a U.S. business.

    • The investment must create at least 10 jobs for U.S. workers.

    • No employer or family sponsor required.

Diversity Visa Lottery

  • Random lottery system for people from countries with low U.S immigration rates

  • 55,000 visas given out each year

  • MUST HAVE A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR 2 YEARS OF WORK EXPERIENCE IN A SKILLED JOB

  • No need for family, job, or investment - just pure luck.

Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs)

  • For religious workers (priests, missionaries)

  • For Iraqi/Afghan interpreters who worked with the U.S. military

How to apply for a VISA?

Now that you know what all the different visas are, and which one you are going to apply for, here is the quick and easy steps on how to apply for one:

Find a U.S. Employer to sponsor you (Your employer must apply for a PERM labor certificate and file a Form I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)

  1. Wait for approval (Processing time depends on your visa category and country of birth

  2. Submit visa application DS-260 (Once your petition is approved, you must fill out that specific form)

  3. Attend a medical exam (get a medical checkup from a doctor approved by the U.S. embassy

  4. Attend a visa interview (go to your U.S. Embassy or consulate for an interview

  5. Receive your visa and move to the U.S.!

The process timeline depends on the visa category you applied for:

  • Employement-based green cards - 1-3 years

  • Diversity Visa (Green card lottery) - 1-2 years if selected

  • Investment-based (EB-5) - 1-2 years

Banking & Taxes

When moving to the U.S, having a U.S bank account is essential for getting paid, paying bills and managing expenses. So here is all the information you need about everything you need to open a bank account and information about them.

What Do I Need for a Bank Account in the U.S?

Here is a quick check list of what you need to open a bank account:

  • Passport (or any other for of government-issued ID, like a Drivers License)

  • U.S Visa or Immigration Documents (if applicable)

  • Proof of U.S. Address (eg., utility bull or lease agreement)

  • Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) - Not always required but is very useful

What is a SSN or ITIN?

    • A 9-digit number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA).

    • Used to track earnings, pay taxes, and qualify for benefits.

    • Needed for jobs, bank accounts, credit cards, and renting an apartment.

    • A 9-digit number issued by the IRS for tax purposes.

    • Used by foreigners who need to file U.S. taxes but aren’t eligible for an SSN.

    • Does NOT give work authorization or access to Social Security benefits

How to apply for an SSN?

If you are applying for an SSN, here is a quick step-by-step guide how to do so:

  • Fill out Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card).

  • Go to a Social Security Office (or do the other ways mentioned above) and provide your passport, visa, I-94 form, and proof of work eligibility.

  • Receive your SSN card in 2-4 weeks.

  1. Download online at the Social Security Administration Website

  2. Visit a local Social Security Office, walk in or schedule an appointment to submit your form in person

  3. Request by Phone: Social Security Administration (SSA) 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a mailed copy

Where do I get an SS-5 Form?

How to apply for an ITIN?

If you are applying for an ITIN, here is a quick step by step guide how to do so:

Where do I get an W-7 form?

  1. Download online at the International Revenue Service Website

  2. Visit a local International Revenue Service Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC), and pick up a physical copy

  3. Request by Phone: International Revenue Service (IRS) 1-800-829-3676 and ask for a mailed copy

  • Fill out Form W-7 (Application for an ITIN).

  • Submit it with your tax return to the International Revenue Service (IRS).

  • Include a certified copy of your passport or visa.

  • ITIN processing takes 6-8 weeks.

Credit Scores & Building Credit

The U.S uses a credit score system, which affects your ability to get loans, rent apartments, or even sign up for a phone plan. So here is how to build one in simple steps as a foreigner.

What is a Credit Score?

A credit score is a three-digit number (from 300 - 850) that shows how trustworthy you are with money. It tells banks, landlords, and lenders how well you pay your bills and handle debt in the U.S.

This matters a lot, this is because your credit score affects:

  • Getting a loan (car loan, mortgage, personal loan)

  • Getting a credit card (better cards with rewards and low interest)

  • Renting an apartment (landlords check it before approving you)

  • Buying a car (lower interest rates on car loans)

  • Getting a phone plan (some companies require a good credit score)

The higher score you have = More financial opportunities + lower interest rates

How can I build a Credit Score?

Here are the simple ways of how you can, as a foreigner build a credit score:

  • Get a secured credit card (deposit money to get a credit limit)

  • Pay all bills on time (even phone and utility bills, EVERYTHING)

  • Use less than 30% of your credit limit

  • Don’t apply for too many credit cards at once

  • Ask for credit history to be transferred (some international banks allow this)

U.S Taxes & Tax System

In the U.S., taxes are collected by the International Revenue Service (IRS). If you earn money in the U.S., you must pay taxes, whether you are a resident or a non resident.

How and What Taxes do you pay?

    • If you work in the US, Taxes are automatically deducted from your paycheck

    • if you are self employed, you must pay estimated taxes every few months

    • If you earn U.S. Income (eg., investments, rental income) you must file a tax return

    • Federal Income Tax, which is paid to the U.S. government (ranges from 10% to 37%, depending on income)

    • State Income Tax, some states charge extra taxes (0% to 13.3%, varies by state)

    • Social Security & Medicare, this is a 15.3% total (split between you and the employer) if working in the U.S. (not required for some Visa holders)

Healthcare

Unlike many countries with free or government funded healthcare, the U.S does not have universal healthcare. Instead, people buy private health insurance or get it from their employer. If you are living in the U.S., you NEED to get health insurance to avoid high medical bills.

Types of Health Insurance

There are two main ways to get health insurance in the U.S.:

    • Many jobs offer Health Insurance as a benefit

    • Your employer pays part of the cost, making it cheaper for you.

    • If your job doesn’t offer insurance, you must buy it yourself.

    • You can find plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace (Healthcare.gov).

    • Monthly cost: $300 - $800 per person (varies by plan & age).

What should I do as a Foreigner?

To put it simply, you need to get insurance if you want to avoid and cannot afford the eventual high bills in the case of an accident.

  • if your job offers insurance, sign up!

  • if not, buy private insurance through healthcare.gov or private companies

  • again, NEVER GO WITHOUT INSURANCE, EVEN A SMALL ACCIDENT CAN LEAD TO MASSIVE BILLS!

Housing & Renting

Finding a place to live in the U.S. as a foreigner can be tricky, but understanding how renting works will help you avoid scams and make the process smoother.

What Do You Need to Rent an Apartment?

As a foreigner, landlords may ask for extra documents since you don’t have a U.S. credit history.

Here is everything you need:

  • Passport and Visa - to prove your identity

  • Proof of Income - this can be pay stubs, job offer letter, or bank statements

  • Bank Account - some landlords may ask for a U.S bank account

  • SSN or ITIN - some landlords use credit checks, but you can explain if you do not have one

  • References - a letter from a previous landlord if applicable

  • Security Deposit - usually 1-2 months’ rent upfront

NEVER RENT RENT WITHOUT A CONTRACT, ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOU GET A WRITTEN LEASE YOU AND THE LANDLORD SIGN.

Mortgage and Purchasing of a home

    • A mortgage is a loan from a bank to help you buy a house. Instead of paying the full price upfront, you borrow money and repay it over time (usually 15-30 years) with interest.

  • Yes, you can get a mortgage but it is a lot harder than for a U.S. Citizen.

    If you are trying to get a mortgage, you will need:

    • A good credit score (or proof of strong financial history)

    • A U.S. bank account

    • A large down payment (often 30-50% of the home price)

    • A valid visa or residency status

    • Foreigners can buy property in the U.S., but most banks won’t give a mortgage unless you have a strong financial record in the U.S.

      Cash purchases are easier.

How to get a mortgage as a foreigner?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how you, as a foreigner, can apply for a mortgage:

  • Build a U.S. credit history (get a credit card, pay bills on time).

  • Open a U.S. bank account & show stable income.

  • Save for a large down payment.

  • Apply with foreign-friendly lenders (some banks specialize in non-resident loans).

  • Get pre-approved (bank tells you how much you can borrow).

If you can’t get a mortgage, consider buying in cash or finding a private lender.

Driving & Transportation

The U.S. is a car-dependent country, especially in smaller cities and rural areas. Public transportation exists, but it is mostly only available in bigger cities, not so much in the smaller cities.

Can foreigners drive in the U.S.?

Yes of course!

But the rules are very dependent on your visa status and how long you stay.

Since you are planning to move to the U.S., you will need a Long-Term U.S drivers license, which applies to students, workers and immigrants.

As a heads up, there are some states that do allow for license exchanges if your country has an agreement with the U.S. so check with the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) in your state.

How to get a U.S. Driver’s License?

Now that you are planning to get a drivers license, here are the simple steps on how to acquire it below:

  1. Visit your local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles)

  2. Bring Required Documents - Passport, Visa, Proof of Address, SSN or ITIN if it is required

  3. Take a written test on U.S. road rules

  4. Take a driving test (unless your foreign license is valid for transfer)

  5. Pay a fee and get your license!

Buying or Renting a Car in the U.S.

    • You can buy a car from a dealership (new or used) or a private seller.

    • You’ll need a U.S. bank account, insurance, and a driver’s license.

    • If financing, a U.S. credit score helps (or you may need a large down payment).

    • Most rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old (some allow 18+ with higher fees).

    • You need a valid foreign or U.S. license and sometimes an IDP. (International Driving Permit)

    • Many foreigners also use “TURO” which is a car-sharing app like Airbnb for cars

Public Transportation in the U.S.

    • New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Boston have trains, buses, and subways.

    • Costs: $2 - $3 per ride, or $80 - $130 per month for a pass.

    • Public buses exist but are less frequent and slower than cars.

    • Many people use Uber, Lyft, or taxis instead.

    • Useful for long-distance travel (e.g., NYC to Washington D.C.).

    • More expensive than buses but comfortable.

    • The U.S. is huge! Many people fly between cities instead of driving.

    • Budget airlines (like Spirit, Southwest, Frontier) offer cheap flights.

Car Alternatives

There are of course other means of getting around if you cannot afford a car or do not need a car:

  • Ride Sharing - Uber and Lyft is widely available EVERYWHERE in the U.S.

  • Biking and Scooters - Many cities offer rental bikes and electric scooter (Lime and Bird)

  • Buses (Greyhound, Megabus) - Cheap for long-distance travel