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How to move to the USA

The USA is an alluring destination for expats looking to start an exciting life abroad. Whether you settle in a laid-back sunshine state like Florida or California or opt for the big-city hustle and bustle of New York or Chicago, America is so vast and varied it's like having fifty countries to explore in one!

After a decrease in immigration during the COVID-19 pandemic, expats are once again flocking to America. As of 2025, 51.9 million foreign-born people made their home in the US. Expats now make up 15.4% of the US population (source: Pew Research Center).

How many immigrants are in the US*?

 

There are

51.9M immigrants in the US

(Source: Pew Resear Center)

*as of 2025

Things to know when moving to USA

 

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Quick facts about the USA

States 50
Capital Washington, D.C.
Population 340.1M
Most populated city New York City
Official languages None, English (de facto)
Area 3.8M mi² (9.8M km²) - 3rd largest in the world 
Currency U.S. Dollar (USD) ($)
Form of government Constitution-based federal republic
GDP (total) $30.5T - 1st in the world
GDP (per capita) $89,105 - 7th in the world
Human Development Index (HDI)  0.938 - 17th in the world

(Sources: holidu.co.uk, census.gov reliefweb.int, insidermonkey.com, realestate.usnews.com, businessinsider.com)

Whether you settle in a laid-back sunshine state like Florida or California or opt for the big-city hustle and bustle of New York or Chicago, America is so vast and varied it's like having fifty countries to explore in one!

 

Time zones in the United States

USA time zones diagram

 

Someone Filling A US Visa Application

 

The US immigrant visa process explained

To move to the United States, you must first apply for permission, detailing how long you want to stay and your reason for moving. Be aware that the American visa process is complicated and takes time. Your most likely method of getting a visa is to be sponsored, either by a family member or a US employer.

 

Couple applying for a US visa

 

US visa processing time

US visa processing time and the required application steps depend on the country you currently reside in. If you are outside the US, you must undergo a medical exam. But, if you are already living there as a nonimmigrant, you will not.

If an American company wants to hire you, they will petition the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf. If approved, you can live in the US permanently and will receive a green card.

If you don't have an employer willing to sponsor you, you can ask a family member who is a US citizen to do so. They can petition for your stay by completing an I-130 form on your behalf. Priority is given to spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21. If approved, you will then begin processing in your home country.

 

How to apply for a work visa in USA

To apply for a work visa in the USA, gather the required documents, complete form DS-160 online, schedule a visa interview, pay the fee, attend an interview, and await processing. For detailed guidance, visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

The essential documents you'll need to provide include:

  • A valid passport with at least six months remaining
  • Birth and marriage certificates
  • Employment information
  • Your CV

Remember to print the confirmation page, as you must present it during your interview.

The State Department's National Visa Center (NVC) will invite you to an interview once they have processed your application. Please note, depending on which type of visa you have applied for, your wait could be months or even years.

Before your interview, your local embassy will assign you tasks, including a medical exam for immunisations and fingerprints. During the interview, an embassy official will review your application and ask related questions.

Types of US pin

Types of US visa

While an employer or family member sponsorship is your most likely way to gain a visa, there are other options:

  • Self-petition visa: if you have remarkable achievements in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics, you can apply for a green card via an EB-1 form.
  • Nonimmigrant work visa: a temporary visa that allows you to live and work in the US for a specified amount of time. Nonimmigrant visas are for people in specialised occupations that require at least a bachelor's degree or for those with extraordinary ability. Your employer can submit an I-129 form on your behalf.
  • Visitor visa: there are two types of US visitor visa — Business (B1) and Tourism (B2). The maximum you can stay is capped at 180 days, but this is at the discretion of the consular officer who interviews you at the US embassy in your country. If you apply for a Tourism Visitor visa, you cannot undertake any form of work.
  • Student visa: student visas are categorised as F (university, high school, conservatory, etc.) or M (vocational or non-academic institutions). Ask your school whether you qualify and the USA student visa application process.

 

Global US visa interview wait times

The graph below shows some estimated waiting times for receiving an interview about a work visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in destinations around the world. Do note these times can change weekly depending on incoming workload and staffing.

Find the complete list on the US Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

 

Interview wait times for a US visa

What is a permanent resident card?

A permanent resident card, or a "Green Card," is an official document issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS distributes Green Cards to foreign nationals who have been granted lawful permanent stay in the United States. The card is usually green in colour, hence the nickname.

How does a Green Card work?

A Green Card is an identification document that grants expats moving to the United States the right to live and work there permanently. Known officially as a Permanent Resident Card, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issue Green Cards to foreign nationals who meet specific criteria.

Here's an overview of the process:

  • Eligibility: there are various Green Issuance of Green Card categories to apply through, including family-sponsored, employment-sponsored and refugee/asylum status.
  • Application approval: once approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the National Visa Center (NVC) receives your case for processing.
  • Biometrics and background: USCIS will investigate your background to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. You will then undergo a series of biometric services, including fingerprinting, a photograph and an interview.
  • Issuance of Green Card: if your application is approved, USCIS will issue your Permanent Resident Card. Green Card holders must continue to reside in the US, abide by its laws, and renew their Green Cards before expiration.
  • The "five-year rule" for citizenship: after five years of continuous residency, as a Green Card holder, you may be eligible to apply for US citizenship. However, if your spouse is a US citizen and you applied through marriage, you may be able to apply for citizenship within three years.
Two hands holding United States passports

Types of US pin

US immigration numbers by year

The graph below shows the number of people who immigrated (in millions) to the United States between 2011 and 2024.

There was a significant dip during the COVID-19 pandemic, but with borders reopening, numbers have risen again.

Graph showing US immigration numbers 2011-21

(Sources: USA Facts, census.gov)

How long is the Green Card process?

The Green Card process takes anywhere between seven and thirty-three months to complete. Wait times depend on your application method, suitability, location of the processing office, demand, unforeseen delays and more.

 

How much does it cost to apply for a Green Card?

The cost to apply for a Green Card depends on your application method and current processing stage. Some mandatory payments include petitions, applications, support, medical examinations and administration fees.

Please reference the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website for the latest information on fees and the application process.

 

What is the Green Card Lottery?

The Green Card Lottery, officially known as the American Diversity Immigrant Visa program, hands out up to 55,000 permanent visas annually — but gaining one of these visas depends on luck! Millions apply, so the likelihood of winning is not favourable.

To qualify, you must live in a country with a low emigration rate to the US and have graduated high school or have specific work experience. Entry is free, but if you win, there will be a fee to pay in person at your US Embassy. The list of countries that cannot enter the green card lottery changes yearly based on current immigration levels.

Does Alaska pay you to live there?

As of 2025, the Alaskan government pay eligible residents living in the state $1,702 (£1,257) annually via the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). You must reside in Alaska for a full calendar year and leave for no more than a total of 180 days.

In 1976, former governor Jay Hammond introduced the PFD to give the Alaskan people a social wealth fund paid for by oil revenues. The widely popular dividend has helped a large cross-section of the population, including mothers with young children and Native American women.

 

Houses in the USA

 

Renting vs. buying a property in the US

Once you've decided on a city or town to move to, you'll need to determine whether buying or renting a home is best. Leasing a property in the States lets you acclimatise to your new surroundings without committing to a large purchase like a house. After all, you might have a change of heart and want to return to your home country or try a different area. Research local hotels and Airbnb rentals to find a temporary place to stay while house hunting.

 

Another option is hiring a realtor who can use their extensive knowledge of the local area. It can be costly, but it's a welcome relief to have a helping hand on arrival.

Typically, the documents you'll need to provide to rent a property in the US include:

  • Personal information such as your name, date of birth, etc.
  • Your Social Security number (SSN)
  • Your driver's licence number
  • Employment details, including proof of income such as a payslip or an employment offer that states your salary
  • References

Renting property in America

Before arriving, research your chosen area. Consider prices, how long your work commute will be, schools, crime rates, parks and local amenities. Search online using popular letting sites such as Zillow, Avail, Apartments and Craigslist. But avoid closing on a home based on images and text alone, as there will likely be discoveries when you see it in person. Then, line up as many viewings as possible, leaving enough time to travel between appointments.

Another option is hiring a realtor who can use their extensive knowledge of the local area. It can be costly, but it's a welcome relief to have a helping hand on arrival. Once you've picked a suitable home for you and your family, there's usually a written application you can fill in online.

Before moving in, you must sign a lease (also known as a contract). Typically, leases last for a year and cover your responsibilities as a tenant, such as paying for utilities and whether or not you can have pets. It will also include your landlord's contact details and their duties, like repairing appliances. Read your lease carefully and ask for your own copy. Pay close attention to when your rent is due and how much the security deposit is.

Once you move in, set up utilities in your name, such as electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable. Websites like Powerswitch and Make the Switch can help you determine your cheapest options.

Buying a house in the States

Start by working out your budget and researching US states with the lowest property taxes to ensure you have enough to afford a mortgage. Then, check your credit score on sites like Experian or Credit Karma to determine your likelihood of being accepted. Such valuable resources can suggest adjustments to increase your credit score, improving the mortgage rates banks offer.

Next, apply for a pre-approved mortgage at your bank or local credit union. Doing so gives you a clear idea of what you can afford and your interest rates. Then, search for a licensed real estate agent who can help you find properties within your budget, negotiate offers and guide you through the process.

Once you find a home you love and the seller accepts your offer, hire a professional to assess the property's condition and conduct a title search to ensure there are no ownership issues. If applying for a mortgage, you must make a downpayment (deposit) of 3% to 20% of the house price.

Before closing on a deal, you'll pay various fees, including a down payment, closing costs, and any other expenses associated with the purchase. So, ensure you have enough in the bank to cover these, too!

 

Couple Buying A Property In America

US property prices: most and least expensive states*

 

Hawaii

$840,256 avg. house value

 

West Virginia

$146,578 avg. house value

(Source: Raleigh Reality)

*as of 2025

 

How to open a US bank account when emigrating to America

To open a US bank account, visit a few banks close to your new home, if they have brick-and-mortar locations, and do some online research. Popular national banks include JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Citibank.

Checking account: for everyday transactions such as buying groceries and paying bills. Services you can access with this type of account include ATM withdrawals, account transfers, and more.

Savings account: for storing funds to use at a later date. These accounts have higher interest rates than checking accounts, so you can earn more on top of the money you've saved.

You'll need to provide identification such as proof of immigration (visa, green card, etc.), a valid passport and a Social Security number if you have one. Some US banks, such as HSBC and Barclays, operate worldwide. They can help you set up a US account if you already bank with them.

Dollar sign pin point

What to do with money when moving to the USA

There are a few options available to transfer your money from outside the US into your new bank account:

  • Bank wire transfer: this is where one bank directly transfers money to another bank. The process is secure but could involve high fees.
  • Online money transfer: platforms such as PayPal, Wise and Revolut allow you to send money online and often have lower fees than traditional banks.
  • Money order or cashier's check: choose this method if you would sooner send your new US bank physical paperwork. It is also typically cheaper!

 

Woman Getting A Job

 

A land of boundless opportunities: working and getting a job in the United States

With more than nine million vacancies across the US, it's no wonder it's considered one of the best countries to live and work. As an expat looking to settle in the US and get sponsorship from an employer, your best chance of securing a job is an in-demand role.

As long as you have finished high school, there are plenty of high-paying jobs for drivers, technicians, and, with a bit of experience, management roles. There's also good news for those with qualifications. As well as being more likely to receive sponsorship from a US employer, there is always demand for nurses, sales reps and general managers.

 

Start by researching the US's biggest industries, such as healthcare, education and tourism, and searching for in-demand roles that fit your skills.

How to get a US Social Security number 

You need a Social Security number (SSN) to secure a job in the US. If you have a working visa, you can apply for a Social Security card once you arrive in America by going to your local Social Security office — with 12,000 in the country, there's sure to be one nearby! Find the address of your closest office using the Social Security Office Locator.

Take with you a completed SS-5-FS form and the following original documents:

  • Proof of birth (birth certificate)
  • Immigration status (visa, green card or employer authorisation document)
  • Proof of identity (passport)
  • Proof of employment (contract offer or HR certificate)
  • An I-94 arrival record form

Top tip: take your original documents plus photocopies to speed up the process.

 

Tips for job hunting in America

Start by researching the US's biggest industries, such as healthcare, education and tourism, and searching for in-demand roles that fit your skills. Utilise job listing websites like Indeed and Monster and connect with potential employers on LinkedIn, a social media platform for professionals. Other job-hunting options include:

  • Attending networking events and career fairs
  • Checking your desired employer's website for vacancies
  • Registering with recruitment agencies
  • Cold emailing companies directly with your CV (it's called a resume in the States!)

To stand out from other candidates, tailor your CV to the American job market, write a well-crafted cover letter and highlight your achievements and relevant experience during interviews. Finally, finding employment in the United States requires persistence and resilience — keep searching and sending out applications, and you'll land your dream job in no time.

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USA employment statistics 2025

Avg. weekly working hours 34.3
Avg. annual income $66,622
Full-time employed 135M
Part-time employed 28.4M
Vacancies 7.44M

(Sources: tradingeconomics.com, Demandsage, Statista.)

 

Top 10 jobs in demand in the USA

The top 10 jobs in demand jobs in the USA are registered nurses, truck drivers, shift managers, delivery drivers, owner-operator drivers, sales representatives, restaurant managers, dental assistants, direct support professionals, and assistant general managers, according to Indeed's 2025 figures.

However, the American job market is constantly evolving due to changing demographics, technology and societal needs.

Chart showing popular jobs in the US

How much annual leave do you get in America?

Unlike most countries, US workers are not entitled to paid annual leave. It's at your employer's discretion how many days off you receive. Over three-quarters of companies typically give their employees ten paid days off annually after a year of service. Plus, you can request unpaid time off if needed.

 

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American history timeline

 

1600s

In 1607, the Jamestown Colony (near present-day Williamsburg, Virginia) became North America's first permanent English settlement. And in 1620, the Pilgrim Fathers joined the settlers, arriving on the Mayflower.

 

1700s

Increasing unrest over English control led to the American War of Independence (1775–1783). After freeing themselves from British governance, the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.

 

1800s

Simmering tensions between northern (the Union) and southern (the Confederacy) states triggered the American Civil War (1861–1865). Fighting ceased in 1865, resulting in the abolition of slavery in the USA.

 

1900s

With two world wars, the Great Depression, JFK's assassination, a moon landing, the signing of the Civil Rights Act, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the fall of the Berlin Wall, the 20th century was a busy time for the States!

Camper Van Driving Through The Grand Canyon

 

American culture: values, traditions and more!

Depending on the country you're moving from, life in the US might be a bit of a culture shock. Perhaps less so if you're used to living in the UK, Canada or Australia, but there remain significant differences:

  • Guns are legal: each state has its own laws on who can and cannot possess a firearm. But, across the country, it's relatively easy to obtain one. Some states, such as Alaska, Idaho and Ohio, have an open carry rule, meaning anyone over 21 can have a gun on their person without a license.
  • Get used to the imperial system: while most countries have switched to metric measurements, e.g. metres, kilograms, etc., the US still uses imperial units. Expect to see speed limit signs in miles, maximum baggage amounts in pounds, and heights measured in feet and inches.
  • Check your plugs: in the USA, electrical items have one of two plug types, A and B. Plug type A has two flat parallel pins, while plug type B has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. You can temporarily use plug converters, but using them for an extended period is unsafe. We recommend replacing your appliances on arrival.
  • Americans love the Stars and Stripes: expect to see the US flag raised outside homes, police stations, public buildings and even barber shops! Important holidays include the 4th of July, which celebrates the USA's independence from the British Empire in 1776. Plus, Thanksgiving, which traditionally marked the end of the harvest, but is now more focused on family.
  • Embrace multiculturalism: the home of the free and the brave has welcomed immigrants for centuries. As such, the country has a diverse population, which includes people from virtually every corner of the globe. Expect to find a wide range of cultures expressed in everything, from how people talk and dress to music and food.

Top 10 surprising facts about the United States of America

  1. Americans don't call their home's street level the "ground floor". Instead, it's known as the "first floor".
  2. Stick shift driving is on the way out, with 96% of Americans today driving automatic cars.
  3. Almost everyone tips for service (even for a takeaway coffee!), with a gratuity of 20 to 25 per cent on top of the bill (before sales tax) being the standard.
  4. Although still separated by a distance of 6,604 km, Hawaii is moving closer to Japan at a rate of more than 4 centimetres per year due to tectonic plate shifting.
  5. The Library of Congress, a domed granite building in the Capitol, Washington D.C., is the largest in the world. It has over 838 miles of shelves, holding more than 38.6 million catalogued books and printed materials in 470 languages.
  6. The Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., is the largest library in the world. It houses over 838+ miles of shelves filled with over 39 million books.
  7. Montana, a mountainous state in the west of the country, is a vast farming land with three cows for every person!
  8. The White House, the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, has 132 rooms (including 35 bathrooms!) over six levels, separated by 412 doors and detailed by 147 windows and 28 fireplaces.
  9. Americans have a talent for creating buildings out of unusual materials! Don't miss the Paper House in Rockport, Massachusetts, built from glued-together old newspapers, Texas's Beer Can House, made from aluminium cans and green bottles, and the Corn Palace in South Dakota, an a-maize-ing attraction constructed entirely from grain.
  10. The US is a nation of pet lovers — there are now more dogs than children under 18 years old.
The home of the free and the brave has welcomed immigrants for centuries...
Collage Of American Images

We recently moved our youngest back to the US after a year abroad in London. Seven Seas Worldwide was professional and timely on all of their responsibilities — whether dropping off boxes, answering questions (silly or not), or providing updates on status.

Dave

Seven Seas Worldwide made the move back to the USA as easy as possible. I was able to communicate with the agent handling my order and figure out what worked best for me. I was also able to adapt the number of boxes, my shipping address, etc. with ease.

Josh

I used Seven Seas Worldwide to move a small number of personal goods from Australia to the USA. The cost was good, the communication was prompt and clear, and delivery and collection on both ends were exactly as promised.

Kate
Family packing boxes to move to the United States

 

How to move belongings and furniture to the United States

Seven Seas Worldwide have been safely shipping home removals worldwide for over 25 years. From Michigan to Mississippi, we'll transport your household belongings wherever you settle in the US! Our expert team, free packing supplies, complimentary storage and multilingual customer service, support you at each step.

 

Another benefit of using our international removals company is that we handle the customs process.

What is the MoveCube® moving pod?

You can ship household goods using our secure moving pod, the MoveCube®. It acts as your very own shipping container, ready to be filled by you with furniture, boxes, bikes, musical instruments and more. Don't forget to declutter before you pack! 

With each MoveCube® order using our removals to USA service, you'll receive a free Starter Pack to help box your belongings. Inside, you'll find a measuring tape, a box cutter knife, a marker pen, a roll of parcel tape, and a tape dispenser. Plus, three plastic floor sheets so you can determine what you can load inside a Large, Medium or Small MoveCube®.

You can order as many MoveCubes® as needed, depending on the size of your home. Please note: if you order more than one MoveCube®, they may arrive on separate days. Start your exciting journey to the US today with a free instant quote, which includes a transparent cost breakdown of each step.

Another benefit of using our international removals company is that we handle the customs process. However, there are a few things you should be aware of when shipping to the US:

  • Like all countries, the States has a list of items banned from importation to protect its people and environment. Check our Prohibited Goods page before packing to avoid delays or fines.
  • You must be present in the United States when your household items arrive.
  • Complete all online documents and ensure your inventory accurately matches what you have packed.
  • Upload scans of the shipment owner's passport clearly showing the picture and signature pages.

For a full breakdown of the customs process in the US, including duty-free rules, read our Importing into the USA page.

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Transit times for shipping to the USA

Estimated transit times for transporting one Large MoveCube® by sea from the capital city of our ten most popular routes to Washington, D.C. in the US:

 

Origin country Transit time*
Australia 138 days
China 117 days
Hong Kong 98 days
Ireland 163 days 
Malaysia 123 days
New Zealand 141 days 
Singapore 123 days
South Africa 163 days
Thailand 126 days
UK 116 days

*as of 2025; dependent on global shipping circumstances.

Woman filling in a US customs form

What is a 3299 form?

A 3299 form helps the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determine that the items you are importing comply with American customs laws and regulations. Similar to the UK's Transfer of Residence (ToR1) form, it's a legal requirement when shipping unaccompanied used personal goods not for resale that arrive at a different time than you. Or if you are moving to the US permanently. Typical goods include household furniture, clothing and sports equipment.

It's sometimes called the Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles.

A CBP form 3299 is easier to complete than it might seem at first. There are seven sections, three of which you can leave blank:

  • Part 1: the importer's basic information, including name, DOB, arrival date and their address in the States.
  • Part 2: statement of eligibility for free entry of articles, indicating whether the imported goods are used or for sale.
  • Part 3: for U.S. Army personnel and evacuees only, leave blank.
  • Part 4: a detailed list of everything you're importing, describing all effects, including their respective value.
  • Part 5: carrier's certificate and release order, leave blank.
  • Part 6: certification for persons seeking free entry, put an "X" next to "B" as the importer.
  • Part 7: CBP use only, leave blank.

Failure to complete your CBP 3299 form accurately could lead to fines, delays, or even confiscation of your goods. Please visit the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for the most up-to-date information.

How many people immigrate to the US every year?

 

In 2021, over

1.5m people moved to the US

(Source: USA Facts)

FAQs about moving to America

Animals entering the US are subject to regulation by USDA APHIS and other federal agencies. Generally, your pet must be microchipped, vaccinated and fit to travel. However, there may be additional requirements depending on the state you're moving to and the animal you wish to take with you.

For more information, including specific conditions for dogs, cats, birds and ferrets, please reference the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

While moving to the USA without a job is possible, you must meet specific criteria and have sufficient funds available for your stay to be eligible.

However, employer sponsorship is the easiest way to get a visa to live in the US. Other options include being sponsored by a family member or spouse. Fast-growing job roles in the US include nurses, wind turbine technicians, security analysts, software developers and statisticians.

Moving to the United States is relatively straightforward, but depending on your circumstances, it can take time, so patience is vital! For example, if an employer in the US sponsors you for an in-demand role, your visa application might get fast-tracked. However, there's a significant demand for entry to the US, so you could be waiting months or years.

Another option is applying for the Diversity Visa Program (also known as the Green Card Lottery). While the odds of winning are low, your chances are better if you arrive from a country with low immigration and have completed high school or have suitable work experience.

The US has expats from hundreds of countries living in all 50 states of this diverse and welcoming country. But, the highest concentration of immigrants is on the east and west coasts: Washington D.C. and New York, and San Francisco and Los Angeles.

When moving to USA, it's important to understand the legal requirements and practical aspects of relocation. Familiarise yourself with the American immigration process and how to obtain the necessary visas or permits. Research health insurance policies, financial systems, and educational opportunities to ensure a smooth transition. And be aware of the country's diverse cultural landscape and open to embracing the unique experiences that come with living in the United States.

The USA visa processing time varies depending on the type of visa and the specific circumstances of each application. Other factors impacting the wait include the volume of applications in process at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), staffing allocations and policy changes.

To apply for a work visa in USA, find a visa suitable to your requirements, then contact your nearest American embassy or apply online via the United States Government website. Ensure a smooth application process by thoroughly preparing documentation, including proof of employment, qualifications, and required forms. Pay particular attention to your application fees, which cost several hundred dollars and are non-refundable.

The Green Card Lottery, officially known as the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, is a US government program that provides a chance for individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States to obtain permanent residency or a green card. Participants must enter the lottery during the specified registration period, and winners are selected through a random computer-generated drawing.

Choosing the best city in America for expats depends on individual preferences, career opportunities, and lifestyle. Cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles offer diverse cultural experiences and job prospects but have a higher cost of living. Alternatively, cities like Chicago and Dallas provide a vibrant cultural scene and are more affordable.

The most and least expensive states in the US are Hawaii, where house prices cost, on average, $842,908 and West Virginia, where you can buy property for around $158,103.

To open a US bank account as a non-resident, you must visit your local branch with the required documentation, including a valid passport, visa, and proof of address. Online account opening is also becoming more common, allowing for remote applications.

To get a US Social Security Number (SSN), you must be a non-citizen authorized to work in America. Complete the required application form (SS-5) and submit it at your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office, providing necessary documents such as a valid visa, passport, and proof of work eligibility. Some visa categories may require additional documentation.

The top 10 in-demand jobs in the USA are assistant general managers, nurses, truck drivers, shift managers, delivery drivers, owner-operated drivers, sales representatives, restaurant managers, dental assistants and direct support professionals.

The amount of annual leave you get in America varies widely based on the employer, industry and employment contract. Unlike some countries that mandate a set number of vacation days, the US has no federal law requiring employers to provide paid vacation. Typically, employees negotiate their leave terms as part of their employment agreement, and the average vacation time can range from 10 to 20 days per year, often increasing with years of service.

The top 4 universities in the United States are Stanford University, Mass. Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University and Princeton University.

Common types of American health insurance plans include Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Point of Service (POS) plans. Each plan differs regarding network flexibility, out-of-pocket costs, and the need for referrals.

 

About the author

John Henderson

John Henderson is the co-founder and managing director of Seven Seas Worldwide, a family-owned international shipping company established in 1996. With decades of expertise in international shipping, customs regulations, trade laws, freight logistics, and customer support, he ensures individuals, expats, students, and retirees receive expert guidance at every stage of their shipping journey.