Moving to the USA: a complete guide to emigrating to the States

Expats are

15.3% of the USA population

(Source: World Population Review)

Things to know when moving to USA

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

Why do people move to the United States?: Pros and cons

People have been emigrating to the United States for hundreds of years, drawn to the country's vast space and wealth of opportunities. However, due to the multifaceted nature of relocating overseas, there are various positives and negatives you need to consider before making the leap and moving to the United States.

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.

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 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.

What are K1 visas?

A K-1 visa allows a fiancé or fiancée of a US citizen to visit the United States and get married within 90 days of arrival. Once married, the foreign national can apply for permanent residence via a Green Card.

(Sources: renthop.com, zillow.com, bestplaces.net, expatarrivals.com, point2homes.com)

From surfing in crystal-clear waters to exploring lush green landscapes, you'll wonder why you didn't move sooner.

How to move to Hawaii

Hawaii, a dream destination for many, attracts expats thanks to its diverse culture, stunning beaches and welcoming "aloha spirit". From surfing in crystal-clear waters to exploring lush green landscapes, you'll wonder why you didn't move sooner.

Moving to Hawaii from a foreign country includes the same processes as settling in any other US state. However, there are a few essential things to keep in mind:

• Do thorough research: there are over one hundred Hawaiian islands. Familiarise yourself with what's on offer to find a home that suits your lifestyle preferences and employment options.
• Check your finance: as a desirable destination in an isolated island location, the cost of living in Hawaii is higher than the US national average. Several factors contribute to the elevated expenses, including housing, utilities and groceries.
• Set realistic expectations: Hawaii might sometimes feel like paradise, but it's not all heaven on earth. There are traffic issues, crime, corruption and all the daily problems that come with living in any populated Western destination.

Does Alaska pay you to live there?

As of 2023, the Alaskan government pay eligible residents living in the state $1,312 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.

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.

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 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!

Hawaii

$842,908 avg. house value

West Virginia

$158,103 avg. house value

(Source: Zillow Home Value Index)

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.

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.

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.

Understanding the American education system

In the United States, children between 5 and 18 must attend school (or receive an education at home). Secure your child's place by contacting your school district's principal office to schedule a meeting to discuss their suitability. To register them, you'll need to provide the following:

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Immunisation records
• Transcripts from their former schools

Education in the USA includes a mix of public and private institutions and is divided into several levels:

• Preschool: optional schooling for children aged 3 to 4. It's an opportunity for kids to learn basic skills such as socialising and play-based learning.
• Kindergarten: optional schooling for kids aged 5. Children learn foundational skills to prepare for school, like reading, maths and social skills.
• Elementary school (grades 1-5): compulsory schooling for kids aged 5 to 10. The curriculum covers fundamental subjects like maths, science and English language.
• Middle school/junior high (grades 6-8): compulsory schooling for students aged 11 to 13. Children learn a broader curriculum, including foreign languages, arts, and physical education.
• High school (grades 9-12): compulsory schooling until age 16 or 18, depending on individual state laws. Students study a wide range of subjects, including personal choices geared towards their plans for higher education.

An overview of higher education in the USA

With 38% of 18 to 24-year-old Americans attending college and a 50.2% rise in masters degrees as the highest award between 2011 and 2021, competition for the best-paying jobs has never been greater. Admission to higher education varies but may include academic performance, test scores (such as SATs), recommendations, and interviews.

Here are some examples of higher education institutions available to students in the States and what they offer:

• Universities: options include undergraduate, graduate and doctoral courses across various disciplines.
• Colleges: generally, the focus is on four-year undergraduate programs plus limited graduate options.
• Community college: students study two-year associate's degree programs, certificate programs and vocational training. Such colleges are often used as an entry point to degrees elsewhere.
• Trade schools: specialised institutions that focus on specific skills, such as automotive repair, construction or cooking.

These are the types of degrees students can study:

• Associate's degree: a two-year program offered by community colleges and technical schools. The average salary for graduates with an associate's degree is $52,260.
• Bachelor's degree: a four-year program offered by colleges and universities. Upon completion, you'll either receive a Bachelor of Arts (BA) for subjects like theatre, music, literature, etc. or a Bachelor of Science (BS) for computing, medicine, economics, etc. The average salary for graduates with a bachelor's degree is $74,464.
• Master's degree: typically a two-year program following a bachelor's degree. It allows students to focus on a particular subject and often involves a significant research component. The average salary for graduates with a master's degree is $86,372.
• Doctoral degree: the highest level of academic achievement in the US. It includes programs like Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and professional degrees like Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Law (J.D.). The average salary for graduates with a doctoral degree is $108,316.

What you need to know about the US healthcare system

Healthcare in the US doesn't include a government-funded option. Instead, it's a complex mix of public and private providers. Many citizens opt for private healthcare via insurance companies or provided by employers. Insurance plans vary widely in terms of coverage, cost and availability, so shop for the best options.

A quick guide to transportation in the US

Prepare yourself for how large the US really is! It's not uncommon to hear people talk about the distance between cities by how many days it takes to travel rather than miles. In fact, the US is so big that some feel there is no need to leave the country, with only 37% of citizens owning a valid passport.

Car travel is widespread, especially in rural states such as Colorado, Maine and Mississippi, where there is less public transport.

The best ways to get around in the USA

Getting from place to place in the US varies due to its vast size and the population of each state, city or town. Public transport options include buses and trains, and in some large urban areas, such as New York City and San Francisco, subways and trams.

Car travel is widespread, especially in rural states such as Colorado, Maine and Mississippi, where there is less public transport. All major cities include airports with international connections and extensive motorways (highways) linking nearby regions.

Depending on the state, you might be able to use the driver's license issued to you in your home country alongside an International Driving Permit for a period of time. However, at some point, you will need to apply for an American licence as a new driver — laws on the application process vary across the country, so thorough research is recommended.

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. Kingda Ka, located at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, is the tallest roller coaster in the world at a head-spinning 139 metres tall and the fastest in North America.
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.

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.

What is a 3299 form?

A CBP 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.

In 2021, over

1.5m people moved to the US

(Source: USA Facts)

Extra resources to help with your move to the US

...points to consider before picking a moving location include the expat population, crime rate, climate and cost of living.

Moving to America checklist

Simplify your big relocation to the United States using this handy checklist:

• Discuss the move with family, friends and other expats: before getting swept up in the excitement of moving to a new country, consider the pros and cons of living in the US.
• Research US visas: learn about the visa application process and choose your most likely acceptance method.
• Visit the States and choose an area to settle in: whether you opt for the remoteness of the American outback or the bustle of a big city, points to consider before picking a moving location include the expat population, crime rate, climate and cost of living.
• Decide whether to rent or buy: instead of immediately investing in a property, it's wise to give yourself time to acclimatise to the move by renting first.
• Organise your finances: open a bank account in the USA and transfer money from your origin country.
• Secure a job in the States: gain an understanding of the US employment system, including how to get a Social Security number (SSN) and in-demand roles.
• Arrange your children's education: enrol your little ones in a suitable school unless you plan to teach them at home.
• Get up to speed on the US healthcare system: consider using an insurance broker to find the best policy for you and your family.
• Ensure you have a valid driving licence: check the driving regulations in your state and what public transport is available in the local area.
• Read up on American history: gain a better understanding of this fascinating country by learning about the US's culture and values, including its foundation, gun laws and multiculturalism.
• Book removals to the US: choose a trusted international shipping company to transport all your household belongings to your new home safely.
• Create a list of must-visit sites: now you're living in the United States, plan the attractions you want to see on your next domestic holiday.