The United States is vast, with many opportunities for people from different backgrounds. If you plan to migrate to the U.S., you may be filled with questions about where, when, and how.
We assume you have your visa lined up because moving from one country to another is difficult! Even so, in some ways, America is like any other country. There are lots of things to consider before making the leap.
Suppose you’re thinking about migrating to the U.S., whether for a couple of years or forever, there are several things you should know in advance. This article covers everything you need to know if you plan to become an American resident or citizen.
You should check with your employer and an immigration attorney. Still, you’ll likely need to bring the following items from your native country to the U.S. You may need to have these documents translated and apostilled if they are not in English. Make sure to bring all your crucial papers with you.
The following is a list of things you need to know when migrating to America:
Paperwork
Passport, which must be valid for at least six months, and, if applicable, your ID card
visa applications
- CV and employment contract signed
- All of your dependents’ papers, including your marriage or divorce decree and birth certificates for your children, etc., as pertinent
- Academic credentials
- Health insurance plans
- Investment records and bank statements
- Driving permit (international license if available)
- Documents of vaccinations, medical histories, and certifications
- Religious documents, such as baptismal records, are relevant.
The Work Culture is Highly Centric
The U.S. work culture may appear to outsiders as intense work, work, work. Still, it truly depends on the particular business. There is no rule dictating the maximum number of hours one may work per week, unlike in other nations. A full-time worker typically puts in 8 hours each day, or 40 hours per week. Working long hours might be considered inefficient in some regions of the world. Yet, in the U.S., it might be regarded as standard practice. The typical American way of working could be highly individualistic in some countries. In the U.S., encouraging teamwork among employees is a top priority. However, in other cultures, it might merely be taken for granted.
Request a Social Security Number (SSN)
A federal program called Social Security offers social insurance to American residents. A U.S. SSN is a nine-digit number assigned to identify U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents and temporary workers with a social security account and accurately record their income or self-employment earnings. When a person accepts employment in the USA, the Social Security Administration establishes this account on their behalf.
When traveling to America, if you are eligible, applying for a Social Security number as soon as you land is crucial. This is because you’ll need one to obtain other government services, find employment, and collect Social Security payments.
Open a Bank Account in the U.S.
Some U.S. institutions permit U.S. non-citizens to create U.S. bank accounts without SSN or remotely before arriving in the U.S. You will need to open an American bank account to pay your bills and collect your salary after moving to America. Additionally, you ought to open a checking account with a debit card so you may make purchases without constantly carrying cash. The procedure for creating an American bank account will vary depending on the type of U.S. residence status you already hold.
Driver’s License
A driver’s license is a requirement if you’re considering moving to the USA, so you should apply for one as soon as you get there. In addition to being required for driving in America, a driver’s license doubles as the primary form of local identification.
You can apply for a license by going to a DMV location close to your home or place of employment.
Usually, non-citizens must provide these while applying for a driving license:
- Depending on the state, proof of Social Security Number is required. Some states don’t need verification of SSNs, passports, or other identification documents.
- a utility bill or bank statement serving as proof of residency in the state
- Photograph
American Healthcare System
The U.S. has commercial medical insurance and two government-run programs known as Medicare and Medicaid. Unlike many other industrialized nations, universal healthcare offers all inhabitants a baseline level of coverage.
The cost of healthcare is high in the USA. Most of the time, Americans pay for their medical care directly or indirectly through their health insurance. As a result, before coming to the U.S., ensure you have a solid medical coverage plan.
The four main types of health insurance plan offered in the U.S. are as follows:
- Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
- Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs)
- Point-Of-Service (POS)
- Plans Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)
U.S. Credit History
Your creditworthiness in the U.S. is determined by your U.S. credit score, which will play a significant role in your financial situation there.
It is crucial to establish and maintain your credit history in the U.S. Ideally, you should improve your credit as soon as you land in the U.S. Starting with a U.S. credit card is the best and most straightforward approach to establishing a credit history there.
Do you want to know more about legally migrating to the U.S.? You can have them addressed by U.S. Immigration lawyers in our network.
