Visa Options for US Relocation

What are the Visa Options Available?

There are a variety of visa options available for those wishing to move to the United States. These include:

Nonimmigrant Visas – This type of visa allows you to stay in the U.S. temporarily. Nonimmigrant visa programs include the following:

Student visas
Business visas
Tourist visas
Certain types of employment-based visas

Immigrant Visas – This type of visa, also known as a Green Card, is available to those who plan to live and work in the U.S. permanently. There are many categories of immigrant visas, including:

Family-based visas
Employment-based visas
Humanitarian visas
Diversity lottery and refugee/asylee visas

Furthermore, obtaining a visa can be an expensive process with fees ranging from $160 to over $300 depending on the type of visa. All these costs must be accurately accounted for and budgeted before relocating.

These are some of the popular visa programs that you should be familiar with to choose the best alternative:

Business and student visas:

B1 and B2 visas- Most business travelers opt for B1 visas to attend a conference, consult with business associates, settle an estate, or negotiate a contract. Tourist travelers visiting the U.S. for reasons like medical treatment, social events, etc., opt for B2 visas.
F1 and M1 visas- Students who intend to move to the U.S. for studies and training opt for these visa categories. F1 visas are ideal for full-time international students pursuing academic studies. M1 visas are ideal for the ones pursuing vocational studies.
J1 and Q visas- This program is also called the exchange visitors program. It is idea for students approved to take part in work or study-based exchange programs. Examples include camp counselors, visiting scholars, or research assistants.

Temporary work visas:

H1B visa– This visa program is for people employed in highly specialized fields.
H1B1 visa- This program is for nationals of Chile and Singapore.
H-2A visa- This visa is granted to temporary agricultural workers from selected countries that the U.S. might be interested in.
H-2B visa- This visa is offered to other types of temporary, seasonal workers who indulge in non-agricultural work.
H-3 visa- This visa is obtained by those who want to take advantage of education and training opportunities.
L1 visa- This is issued to intracompany managers or executives.
O1 visa – This program is ideal for persons with extraordinary abilities in Arts, Science, Business, and other fields and want to temporarily work in their field of expertise.
O2 visa – This is for the assistants of O1 visa holders.
O3 visa – This is for dependents of O1 visa holders.
P visas- These are issued to sportspersons and their coaching teams.
R1 visas- These visas are for temporary religious workers who want to practice within the USA in religious capacities.
TN/TD visas- Citizens of Mexico or Canada who will be working with the NAFTA organization need these types of visas
E3 visas- These visas are for nationals of Australia working in specialty occupations in the US
I visa- This is for representatives of foreign media and journalists part of the press, radio, film, or print industries, visiting the USA to work or participate in educational media activities.

Treaty traders and investor visas:

E1 and E2 visas– The E visas are also called Treaty Trader and Treaty Investor visas. These are for people doing treaties of commerce and navigation in the U.S.

Diplomatic and Official visas:

A1 visas- These are for diplomats or foreign government officials traveling to the U.S. on official duties or representing their governments.
A2 NATO1-6 visa- These are for foreign military personnel who are going to be stationed within the U.S.
G1 and G5 visas- You will need this if you are employed in an international organization in the U.S.

Immediate Relative & Family Sponsored Visas:

F2A and F2B visas- These are for the families of Lawful Permanent Residents. Examples are spouses of U.S. residents, minor children, or unmarried kids aged 21 and above.
IR3 and IR4- These visas are for the kids who are being adopted from other countries by a U.S. resident.
K3 visas- These are for the spouses of U.S. residents who are in the process of obtaining permanent immigration status.
K1 visas- These are also called Fiancé(e) visas. You can enter the country with a K-1 visa and get married there within 90 days of arriving. You can apply for a status modification to obtain a Permanent Resident (Green) Card after getting married.

Transit and crewmember visas:

C visas- These are also called Transit Visa USA.
D visas- These are for crewmembers working on sea vessels or international airlines.

Other immigrant visas:

Diversity immigrant visas- People who are deemed to be ‘diversity immigrants’ come from countries that have low immigration rates to the USA.
S.B. visa or Returning Resident visas- These are for lawful permanent residents of the U.S. who, due to circumstances beyond their control, have been absent from the nation for more than a year or whose re-entry authorization has expired. They can enter the U.S. once more because of the S.B. visa.

What are the Required Documents?

Family-based and employment-based green cards are most opted by the immigrant. Let us understand how to equip ourselves with the right documents to make the application process seamless.

Documents Required for Immigrant Visas

In order to apply for a family-based and employment-based green card in the United States, you will need to submit a variety of documents. These include:

Form I-130 – This is an official application form which must be submitted by the petitioner (permanent resident or U.S. citizen) who is sponsoring the foreign national applicant.
Form I-129F – This form is used by the petitioner to establish their relationship with the applicant and must be signed by both parties.
Affidavit of Support – This is a legal document where the petitioner agrees to financially support the applicant should they become a public charge in the U.S.
Proof of Relationship – Documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and proof of cohabitation must be provided in order to prove the relationship between the petitioner and the applicant.
Medical Examination – The applicant must undergo a medical examination to ensure that they do not have any contagious diseases or conditions which may pose a risk to public safety in the U.S.
Proof of Identity – The applicant must provide proof of identity such as a passport, driver’s license or other government-issued identification cards.
Biometrics Appointment – A biometrics appointment may be required in order to verify the applicant’s identity and collect their fingerprints.
Interview – The applicant may need to attend an in-person interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer prior to the issuance of their green card.

Documents Required for Non-Immigrant Visas

When it comes to nonimmigrant visas, student and work visas are frequently opted for. Here are the documents required for nonimmigrant visas:

Form DS-160 – This is an online application that must be completed in order to apply for a nonimmigrant visa.
Passport – The applicants must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining on the date of entry into the US.
Photographs – Two 2”x2” passport photographs must be submitted as part of the application process.
Proof of Enrollment – The applicant must provide proof that they are accepted and enrolled in an academic program at a US educational institution if applying for a student visa.
Proof of Employment – The applicant must provide proof that they have secured gainful employment in the US if applying for a work visa.
Financial Documents – The applicant must provide proof that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in the US, such as bank statements, tax returns, and other financial documents.
Medical Examination – A medical examination is required with certain nonimmigrant visas in order to ensure that the applicant does not have any contagious diseases or conditions which may pose a risk to public safety in the US.
Interview – The applicant may need to attend an in-person interview with a US consulate office prior to the issuance of their visa.

How to Relocate to the US? Steps

Now you’ve completed your big cross-country long-distance move. The next thing is to take the following steps to ensure a smooth relocation to the U.S. These solutions will help you adjust better in your new life:

Step 1 – Research the State Laws and Regulations & understand the rules and regulations related to your move

If you’re moving to the U.S., it’s important to research the laws and regulations of the state you’re moving to. This will help you understand any requirements that might affect your move, like rules for immigration, taxes, healthcare, and what foreign nationals are allowed and required to do in the U.S.

U.S. immigration policies are a set of laws and regulations that control who can enter the country, stay in it, and leave it. These policies are based on federal laws that aim to prevent any potential threats to national security that might come from non-citizens entering the U.S.

Some of the most important parts of U.S. immigration rules include visas and asylum (which give people permission to enter and stay in the country), citizenship and naturalization (which allow people to become U.S. citizens), and programs like TPS and DACA, which offer temporary protections to some immigrants.

Step 2 – Apply for social security number

The social security number (SSN) is a nine-digit code issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is required for certain types of employment and to receive federal benefits. You should be authorized to work in the USA in order to apply for an SSN.

To apply for an SSN, you must have the following:

An offer of employment
Proof of self-employment
Valid U.S. passport
Other immigration documents

You can submit your application online via the SSA website, by mail to the nearest SSA office, or in person at a Social Security office.

Once you receive your SSN, it is important to remember that you can use it only for the purpose of work or to obtain government benefits. It is illegal to use an SSN for any other purpose, such as obtaining credit or purchasing goods and services.

Step 3 – Get familiar with the payment methods:

The most common payment methods in the U.S. are cash, credit and debit cards, checks, and online payments.

Cash: Cash is accepted nearly everywhere in the U.S. as a form of payment.
Credit and Debit Cards: Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted by retailers throughout the U.S. Additionally, these cards can be used to withdraw money from ATMs.
Checks: Checks are a form of payment that can be used in the U.S., but they are not as widely accepted as other forms.
Online Payments: Online payments such as PayPal, Apple Pay, and Venmo are becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. These services allow for secure payments to be made over the internet.

Step 4 – Find a place to live

When relocating to the U.S., it is important to research neighborhoods and real estate ahead of time in order to ensure you find an area that meets your needs. By researching local housing costs and availability, you can get a better sense of which neighborhoods are most suitable for your budget and lifestyle.

These are a few things to keep in mind while looking for a good neighborhood to live in:

The culture of the area
Economic dynamics of the area
Potential job prospects in the area
Safety and security of the area
Good school and hospitals nearby

Additionally, researching available housing options will help you make informed decisions when it comes to selecting a home that fits your budget and meets your needs. Ultimately, researching the neighborhoods and real estate in the U.S. ahead of time will equip you with the necessary knowledge to settle into your new home quickly and smoothly.

Our agents at Tang Group Real Estate can work with for foreigners to help you find and buy the perfect home for you. Moreover, we can recommend lenders who can provide you mortgage with no US credit history.

Step 5 – Investigate Transportation Options – Look into public transportation systems and rental car companies

In order to make relocating to the U.S. easier, it is important to investigate the transportation options available. Depending on your individual needs and budget, there are a variety of options including public transportation systems and rental car companies.

Public transportation systems such as trains and buses offer affordable solutions for those who are looking for an economical way to move. Additionally, rental car companies provide an option for those who are looking for a more convenient and flexible solution.

Step 6 – Research and find out the best moving companies to help relocate your stuff:

There are a variety of companies that can help you relocate your stuff to the U.S. These include full-service moving companies, such as U-Haul, which specialize in providing packing services and transportation for a fee.

If you are looking for more cost-effective options, there are also self-service moving solutions such as PODS, which allow you to load and unload your own belongings. Additionally, shipping companies like FedEx and UPS can provide international shipping solutions for those who need to send their possessions overseas.

Step 7 – Consider International Banking Options – Open a U.S. bank account before you move:

Another important aspect to consider when relocating to the U.S. is international banking options. It is important to open a U.S. bank account ahead of time in order to ensure that you are able to access your funds while abroad. Additionally, you may also need to set up online banking and bill payment services in order to be able to manage your finances from afar.

Helpful Read: How to Open US Bank Accounts for Non-Residents and Non-Citizens

When selecting a bank, it is important to research the different options available so that you can find an institution that meets your needs and budget. Additionally, make sure to inquire about any fees associated with transferring funds and other services.

Finally, after reaching the U.S., don’t forget to familiarize your new home area. Take some time to explore the new home city or town and find out about the local attractions!

US Relocation Checklist for Moving Day

Start by contacting a shipping or moving company to arrange the shipment of large items like furniture and appliances.
Next, arrange for transportation to the airport or port and book flights to your new destination if applicable.
Pack your personal items, and collect all necessary travel documents such as passports and visas.
Obtain copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, driver’s licenses, and other important documents for each family member.
Purchase travel insurance to cover any costs associated with lost or damaged items during transit. Also, arrange for pet transportation if you have pets.
Gather contact information for friends and family in the U.S. who can assist you with settling into your new home.
Set up a post office box and obtain necessary documents such as Social Security cards.
Prepare a budget for your move and make sure you have enough funds to cover all expenses.
Fill any prescriptions in advance and bring them with you. Also, make copies of all important documents and leave them with a trusted friend or family member back home.
Notify banks, credit cards, and other financial institutions of your move. This will help you keep your payment options open.
Research the local area and set up appointments with doctors, dentists, and other required services.
Take care of any outstanding bills or payments prior to leaving your current home. Cancel any subscriptions and/or memberships you may have in your current location.
Research job opportunities and housing options in the new location if you plan to work or live there.
Lastly, arrange for childcare if necessary.

Following this checklist will help you have a hassle-free moving experience. Make sure to get a quality moving service over any other company or moving consultants.

Tips for a Smooth Transition after Arriving in the US

Following these tips can help ensure a smooth transition as you start your life in the United States.

Expect to pay customs duties based on the type of items brought into the country.
Travelers can bring up to $800 worth of goods duty-free.
Items exceeding this value may be subject to a customs duty fee based on their country of origin and type, quality, and quantity.
Firearms, hazardous materials, and certain food products may have additional restrictions or duties.
Alcohol and tobacco products are only allowed for personal consumption and within duty-free limits.
All items must be declared upon entry into the U.S. to avoid fines or penalties.

What does the Life of an Immigrant Look Like in the US?

The journey of an immigrant to the US can be quite unique, depending on their own situation. However, here are a few experiences that many immigrants may share:

Language Barrier: Immigrants may struggle to communicate and assimilate into the American community due to language barriers. Learning English as a second dialect involves dedication, hard work, and patience; however, with effort, it is possible for immigrants to become fluent in a new tongue.
Cultural differences: Moving to a new land can be daunting with its unfamiliar customs, holidays and social norms that may cause confusion. Immigrants often face these cultural differences which can challenge them in their journey of settling in.
Immigration process: Navigating the intricate and lengthy immigration process needed to gain legal standing or citizenship can be an incredibly stressful and costly endeavor for immigrants.
Job opportunities: Immigrants searching for a better job in the US may experience discrimination or difficulty finding employment due to their immigration status and/or lack of knowledge about how the American job market works.
Housing: Securing affordable and safe housing in the United States can be a challenging endeavor for immigrants, particularly those residing in urban areas with exorbitant living costs.
Healthcare: Immigrants often experience an array of obstructions when trying to access healthcare, whether it be due to language or cultural disparities or a lack of insurance coverage.
Community support: As they create a new life for themselves in the US, immigrants regularly seek out aid from local organizations and religious congregations.

Despite the difficulties that come with living as an immigrant in America, those who put forth their greatest effort and remain steadfast will often find success.