If you are planning on leaving everything behind and making a brand new start in the US, you are in the right place!
Choosing the US as your go-to destination to start a new life is not unprecedented.
After all, more than 1 million immigrants arrive in America every year.
This is because it is a cultural melting pot with numerous opportunities to grow and explore your passions.
It is no wonder that people have been flocking to this part of the world in pursuit of what has become known as the American Dream.
So if you are feeling overwhelmed with the prospect of moving your entire life to a brand new country, we are here to offer top advice on what to know before starting over in the US.
All you have to do is follow the guidelines in this article to make your transition a smooth-sailing process.
Get Your Documents In Order
Now that you have decided to move to the US, you need to make sure all your paperwork is in order before applying for the immigrant visa.
This will require time and patience as the visa process can take anywhere between a couple of months to even 10 months, depending on individual cases.
We suggest that you start early on so that you avoid any potential delays, in case you are on a deadline.
A pro tip is to ensure that all your documents have been translated into English to avoid additional delays.
You can make use of professional USCIS certified translation services to get the most authentic English versions of your respective documents.
The immigrant visa process generally involves 12 basic steps, including paying a visa processing fee and appearing for an interview.
So make sure you read all the stated information on the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website before beginning to apply.
Find A City To Live
Choosing where to live is a very personal question that is dependent on individual needs and preferences.
The US is a huge country, having 50 states each with their own kinds of climates, cultures, traditions, and other characteristics.
Some common factors to consider when choosing a state and a city are the following:
Affordability
This involves the overall cost of living plus taxes.
Generally, it includes the rent or cost of buying property, the expenses associated with travel within city limits, the monthly cost of utilities, and average grocery costs.
You may have to run some numbers to see what suits your budget best before deciding on this primary factor.
Climate and Weather
The weather has a strong influence on your daily mood, wardrobe choices, outdoor activities, and overall productivity.
This is why it is important you choose a city that offers you the kind of weather that makes you feel most comfortable.
Make sure to do an ample preliminary online search to find the best places to live in the US depending on the weather.
Employment and Education
Whether you are a student, a bachelor, or have a family, it is critical to factor in the kind of employment and educational opportunities a city or state offers.
This is also important as areas that have prominent schools tend to have a higher real estate valuation as well.
So this is not only beneficial for your kids, it is great from a financial perspective as well.
Similarly, depending on your work industry, you need to ascertain the best possible place you can relocate to in order to benefit from a steady-paying job.
If you plan on starting your own business, the same applies as you need to conduct a market search to find out which area is ideally suitable for your product offering.
Always remember, location is key!
Family, Friends, and Culture
You may want to consider moving to a city or state that is closer to your loved ones if they live in the States.
This can be a source of comfort and support, especially in the first few months of settling into your new home.
It’s also great during the holiday seasons in terms of commuting as you can easily get together and have a good time.
Similarly, culture is highly important in any place you live and call your home.
Whether you are into theatre, museums, sports, nightlife, or food, the culture of the city you live in will dramatically influence your quality of life.
Find A Place To Live And Search For Employment Opportunities
After choosing the city you want to make your new home, it is vital to narrow down the neighborhood you want to live in.
The deciding factors will be the crime rate in a given region, proximity to public transport (if any) and other amenities.
You will, of course, need to factor in rent and utilities when estimating your monthly budget.
Equally important is to search for lucrative job opportunities that pay you enough so that you can easily support your lifestyle.
This may be a tedious process and may involve hundreds of applications before you receive a job offer.
We suggest mentally preparing yourself to put in a lot of effort before you land that dream job you have been searching for.
A word of advice for when you move to the US is to get health insurance.
Mostly, your employer will give you medical insurance but in case that is not enough to cover your costs, consider getting private health insurance by searching on the Health Insurance Marketplace.
This will help you get the coverage at the price you are looking for so that you can avoid any financial burdens in the future.
Additionally, search for the best banks in the US to open an account and be aware of the tax system of the city you live in.
This is very important since maintaining a healthy credit history in the US can enable you to benefit from many perks such as loans for houses or cars.
Parting Thoughts
Remember to enjoy this process of relocating and be mindful of your choices each step of the way.
Try to go with an open mind and be accepting towards people from different backgrounds.
Starting over is meant to be a cathartic experience, and only you can ensure that it is just that.
Wishing you the best in your move to the US!