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Whether or not you’re able to make the leap and start a brand new life in America otherwise you’re nonetheless determining the logistics, listed below are seven essential issues you must know first.
Do not forget that each case is completely different, so seek the advice of along with your immigration lawyer and the related state division in case you’re uncertain.
1. Medical Insurance coverage is a Should
If you happen to’re coming from a rustic the place nationwide healthcare is obtainable to everyone, chances are you’ll be in for fairly a shock. Moving to the US could imply that prescriptions and medical procedures price much more than they do in your house nation – so ensure you have journey medical insurance.
The value of medicine just isn’t regulated by the federal government and prescriptions are among the many most costly on the planet. In actual fact, the typical US citizen spends round $1,200 on prescribed drugs per 12 months.
Though chances are you’ll qualify for medical insurance coverage through the ACA Market (Obamacare) when you have a inexperienced card (and if employer-sponsored medical insurance just isn’t out there to you), do your analysis earlier than you go.
2. The Price of Dwelling Varies Throughout States
The general cost of living in America varies vastly from state to state.
Except for the hubs of LA, San Francisco, and New York, actual property is sort of inexpensive in comparison with different developed nations. If you happen to’re keen to reside outdoors the town, chances are you’ll be pleasantly shocked by what you possibly can afford.
The price of groceries within the metropolis and rural areas, nevertheless, can range dramatically – that is because of the transportation prices of meals from the farms to the town. If you happen to’re moving to Tampa, for instance, the price of groceries is round 4.5% larger than the nationwide common.
Whereas specialty grocery shops like Entire Meals Market supply all kinds of products, it’s normally cheaper to do your purchasing at shops like Dealer Joe’s.
Public transport also can get dear in cities like New York – count on to spend round $100 on a month-to-month subway go and much more on trains that journey by way of the suburbs.
The price of schooling relies upon in case you select a public or non-public faculty. Many mother and father select to maneuver to the suburbs as a result of the standard of schooling is alleged to be higher than in colleges run by the state.
3. You May Not Want a Inexperienced Card
If you happen to’re transferring to the USA for work functions, you’ll want an employment-related visa, a piece allow, or a inexperienced card.
A inexperienced card gives everlasting residency, whereas an employer-related visa will will let you work for a particular employer solely. To acquire a inexperienced card, you’ll want a US citizen to sponsor you, or your employer can apply in your behalf.
Keep in mind that there’s a restricted variety of inexperienced playing cards issued yearly, and the method can take months or years to finish.
4. It’s Not Straightforward if You’re Unemployed
To maneuver to the US, you’ll want a everlasting visa. Everlasting visas are granted based mostly on investments, household, employment, or research. If you’re transferring to the US for work, your employer can sponsor your software.
If you happen to’re unemployed, you’ll should be accompanied by somebody who’s employed – however watch out for scams. Keep away from jobs that require fee for something upfront and don’t fall for Multi-Level Marketing schemes.
If a job appears too good to be true, it in all probability is. You’ll be able to test The Federal Commerce Fee for extra scams and work-at-home schemes to be careful for.
5. There’s a Lot of Paperwork
Just remember to have all the best documentation with you while you transfer to the US. Hold it in your hand baggage so you possibly can entry it simply.
You’ll want primary paperwork like a passport, ID card, driving license, and visa to enter the USA. In case you have dependents, you’ll want your marriage or divorce certificates, and delivery certificates or ID playing cards for every dependent.
If you happen to’re transferring for work, you’ll additionally want a signed supply of employment, resume, and any educational certificates.
As well as, ensure you have your medical insurance coverage coverage, medical certificates, medical historical past, vaccination data, financial institution statements, funding paperwork, and non secular certificates (if related).
6. You May Get Much less Time Off Work
Within the US, employers will not be obligated to offer workers with any paid time without work. On common, staff are solely granted 10 days of paid trip.
In the case of public holidays, it’s as much as the employer to resolve if any federal holidays warrant a time without work work.
Spiritual holidays like New Yr’s Day, Christmas, Good Friday, Eid al-Fitr, and Yom Kippur are selected a case-to-case foundation – it actually is dependent upon the state and the employer, so test with the corporate you may be working for to keep away from any surprises.
7. The Work Tradition Might Be Completely different
Within the US, there are not any legal guidelines that state what number of hours an worker can work per week. Nonetheless, the hours labored normally rely on the employer. The typical is round 44 hours per week or 8.5 hours per day.
In the case of household life, there isn’t a authorized minimal for paid maternity or paternity go away – it’s normally as much as the employer to award time without work as they see match.
