(Collaborative) Moving to the USA is something many of us dream of. Sometimes, this becomes a reality where it’s a case of moving for work or to be with a spouse. But, as many of us won’t be moving from one country to another we don’t really know what it entails. Have you ever thought about What You Need to Know When Moving to the USA? Or, any other country for that matter. Moving from one country to another can be a daunting task and we have various options available when searching for information. We can look to obtain information for free but risk missing something or opt to use an immigration lawyer and make sure everything is covered.
What You Need to Know When Moving to the USA
So what are the things you need to consider to help you get you move to the United States?
A Visa
You need a visa to live in the USA. Visa can be granted for various reasons including employment, studies, investments or family. If you are looking to move to the USA to live with your spouse you are going to need a K3 visa. This allows a spouse to move from a foreign country to the USA to live with their spouse for up to two years. During which time you can apply for a permeant resident card. The initial visa can take up to a year to get hold of so it’s best to get the process started as soon as possible.
Arranging Health Insurance is Important
The US healthcare system isn’t like the one we have in the UK. There is no NHS so you will need to make sure you have a suitable health insurance to cover you. You may be able to get hold of one through your work if you are able to transfer from a UK to US office. Otherwise, do your research to find one suitable for your age and any preexisting illnesses if you have any. A stay in hospital can be very expensive so make sure you have a good insurance to cover anything you may need.
Where Will You Live?
If your partner is from the States then they may already have somewhere for you both to live. If they don’t have accommodation there already you’ll need to arrange something for when you arrive. You might want to visit America to find temporary accommodation firstly to allow you to get a feel for certain areas and then have the option to rent or buy when you decide whereabouts you want to live. Leases are normally for 6 to 12 months so you would have plenty of time to look around and find a suitable property.
Shipping Your Household Furniture
If you have already set up a home in the UK then you will have plenty of furniture to furnish a rented or new property. Sometimes it’s an idea to sell it and start afresh but it may be much more cost effective to simply ship it over especially if you have expensive or sentimental items that you would rather keep. There are plenty of companies that ship household furniture to America so take your time choosing and check reviews before you decide who to choose.
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Getting A Credit Card
Once you move to the USA your credit drops to zero. This makes it hard to build up credit. You’ll need to look for a credit card company that looks at applicants in a different way. A company that provides credit cards for expats. These companies look at potential not just credit history so will look at previous and current employment. These can be applied for in advance so it’s ready when you start your job in the USA.
Driving in the USA
What you are allowed to do as a foreigner will depend on which state you you go to. Some US states allow you to use your existing license for up to twelve months as that’s how long a foreigner can hire a car. To get an American license you’ll need to pass both a theory and practical test. Once you have this the license can be used as an ID card which you’ll need to have available if required.
American Life
There are all sorts of things to be aware of when you move to the USA. Costs wise it varies depending on where you live. The weather tends to be better. Employers don’t have to pay for annual leave. They love to celebrate holidays in a bIG way. Americans love to dine out. Beware some portions are enough to feed a few people. Tipping is an unwritten rule. Look to tip around 20% of the bill or more if you can as wages can be very low. Be aware of sales tax which is added at the till. This will vary from state to state but if you know about it you won’t get a nasty surprise.
Are there any additional suggestions you’d add to my What You Need to Know When Moving to the USA post?
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Have you watched the Real Housewives series? I’ll stay here thanks! 😉 Some seriously handy tips though, it can be tricky getting a green card for moving to the USA. My parents did it about 20 years ago and I recall all the hoops they had to jump through. Still, better weather than the UK!x
Ha, no I’ve not seen that. The weather there sounds like it is sooooo much better!
I would love to move to the US but sadly I don’t think it will be happening any time soon! Having travelled to the US for a holiday I know how overwhelming planning and preparing all the necessary documents were for that so your tips are so helpful and will save people looking to move there so much time.
I can’t even start to imagine how different it would be moving over to the USA! So much to prepare for before you go, it is good to have a list of musts!
I think this is such an awesome guide for anyone looking to move to the States. And yeah, we do love to celebrate holidays in a big way. LOL
I did not know that about your credit score. Good info to know for sure.
Having lived in the USA all my life I take for granted what it takes to live here. So smart to discuss health care because it is a big issue.
I think the health care is one of the most important items on this list!
I’ve lived in the US for my entire life, but my husband moved here when he was a young child. So I think the adults did everything for him.
I got plans in moving to another country years from now, your article is so helpful!
Thanks for the heads up. It’s great to be prepared when moving to another country.
It is important to go through the process properly to avoid issues.
This is wonderful information. Moving to the USA is in our plans as a family so I found this post helpful.
Some super useful tips for anyone planning a relocation. I love the sound of the US portions when dining out!
When I was younger I always wanted to live in the USA. I don’t have that dream anymore however I would love to tour it in a camper van!
Great tips!
My cousins moved from Canada to the US. Although there was not much adjusting to do, I am glad that they found a good neighborhood where they were able to raise their families. I am sharing this post to other relatives who are seriously considering moving to the US for good.
It is a big step moving country. It does help to be prepared.
This post is really informative though I never lived in another country before.
Same here but many do seem to want to more to America. Always good to know what is necessary.
I don’t know if I will ever want to move to America. Visit yet, but move there… maybe not. This guide is however very useful to people who want to make this big step. I can imagine there are many reasons for why some would choose to move to America.
I’m not sure if I would either although having visited Florida I think I’d love it there.
I have never thought about the credit score dropping to zero. It can be tricky to build credit, a secured card helped me when I was first starting out.
It can be a problem so it helps to use a credit card company that caters for it.
As someone who live in the US already I had no idea there was this much stuff to worry about before moving here, especially the credit. wow
I know, it is shocking and hard to build up if you can’t get a credit card.
This is great information to have. I know it is something many need to be aware of.
These are definitely good things to know. I’ve lived in the U.S. my whole life. I don’t plan on ever leaving either. I love it here.
Last year we moved from one country to another and it wasn’t easy at all. Some more tips before moving is always welcome!
As an American, I think all of these are great tops and areas of consideration. A couple of things I’d like to add:
HEALTH INSURANCE. For a large percentage of Americans, this is available through their employer. The employer pays a majority of the benefit and the employee pays a premium. At most, I think it may be 30% of the total cost paid per pay period by the employee. Do read everything carefully when it comes to your health insurance policy. On top of per pay period premiums, you may also have to pay per visit to a medical professional or facility. These are called co-pays but they are usually reimbursable expenses. The Affordable Care Act is also available as a health insurance option as is Medicare and Medicaid for income-restricted people.
WHERE YOU LIVE. The cost of housing (and even the availability of housing) varies depending on where you live. In the major metropolitan areas, especially inside the city limits of the bigger cities, housing tends to be incredibly expensive. The suburbs do offer some reprieve but transportation may be an issue…either poor public transportation or nightmarish traffic. I strongly recommend doing extensive research on the cities of interest to you and paying close attention to the suburban area surrounding those cities. Do keep in mind different factors such as property taxes, sales taxes, municipal/state income taxes, schools, and public services.
This is a great list for my American Dream haha. Thanks for coming up with this post.
I’d love to go but not sure if I’d stay. I’d miss family and friends.
I’d have no idea where to start if I was moving abroad. I know my friend married an American citizen and spent such a long time trying to get a green card so her and her kids could move there to be with him, and then COVID hit and she’s had to reapply all over again x
oh no, I hope it all worked out. I know a few that have moved country, as long as you do the research and get professional help where required it can really make a big difference.
I don’t think I’d ever leave the UK but I’d definitely love a holiday there!! Some really great tips for anyone jumping ship though x
Very informative, I wish I had all this information back in the time when I moved here, but I will share with my family overseas
Moving to another country is quite a big move. Great tips for those coming over!
Even visiting for a long period, these details are just as important. specially insurance
Some great tips here for those planning to move the the US. Tipping was a big surprise to me as we don’t tip in the UK, also the food portions was so huge that I had to share with my friend when we ate out
It is a big undertaking to move to a new country, especially if you are not familiar with how things work. These are so useful to know about.
These are great tips, I have moved from Sweden. I didn’t carry anything except my luggage.
Health insurance is so important! It can end up costing you so much more in the end, and people aren’t always prepared.
I can’t imagine moving to another country as I love living in the UK, there is certainly a lot to think about if you move.
It is a good idea to be aware, you never know what tomorrow will bring.
My bestie’s sister is moving to the USA with her family! I’ll share this post with her. She’ll def find these tips helpful 🙂
Certainly a lot to think about moving abroad
There can be a lot to think about.
These are wonderful tips for when moving to the USA or anywhere when moving abroad ;). It is a big deal and it can see like a lot to handle but the. its done you are somewhere new with a fresh start!