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How to Handle Relocate to the United States Step by Step
When relocate to the united states leaves you confused, worried, or unsure what it means, a clear step-by-step approach can help you sort the signal from the stress. This guide explains how to understand the situation, reflect on what matters, choose a practical next step, and know when to ask for trusted support.
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Part
1
Obtaining Legal Permission to Enter the US
1
Have an employer sponsor you.
sponsor you. The easiest way to get permission to move to the US is to have an employer sponsor your move. If a US employer wants to hire you, they begin the process by filing a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf.
- Research the different types of visas available (e.g., family sponsorship, employment-based, student, etc.)
- Check if you meet the basic requirements (age, education, work experience, etc.)
- Determine your eligibility for a green card through marriage, family ties, or other means
- Consult with an immigration attorney to discuss your options and create a plan
- Review the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for detailed information on eligibility criteria
2
Decide what you need to take with you.
Unless you are relocating from Canada or Mexico, it may be difficult to transport large amounts of furniture to your new home in the US. Choose items that would be difficult to replace or that have significant sentimental value. Moving these items to a separate space in your home or creating a checklist can make the process easier.
- Make a list of essential items (e.g., clothing, toiletries)
- Consider factors like climate and storage when deciding what to pack
- Start packing non-essential items early to avoid last-minute stress
- Keep valuable or important documents separate from your belongings
- Unless you are relocating from Canada or Mexico, it may be difficult to transport large amounts of furniture to your new home in the US.
3
Find international moving companies.
If you intend to move significant amounts of furniture and other belongings, call several moving companies and ask for quotes. If you don't have a lot of furniture and other oversized items, you might consider using a shipping service instead.
- Research reputable moving companies
- Get multiple quotes and compare prices and services
- Check reviews and ratings from previous customers
- Consider factors like insurance options and customer support when selecting a moving company
- If you intend to move significant amounts of furniture and other belongings, call several moving companies and ask for quotes.
4
Get official copies of personal identification documents.
Before leaving your home country, gather copies of important documents you might need in the US to prove your identity or status. If you're relocating with family, you'll need their documents as well. Get certified (official) copies of the following:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce or separation documents
- Before leaving your home country, gather copies of important documents you might need in the US to prove your identity or status.
Part
2
Finding a Place to Stay in the US
1
Research temporary housing if you want to wait to find permanent housing.
You may want to wait until you actually arrive in the US before you start looking for a place to live. Most larger cities have extensive short-term housing options available. Services such as Airbnb are popular sources of short-term housing. You might also consider long-term hotels.
- Research temporary housing options (e.g., Airbnb, hotels)
- Create a budget and prioritize your needs
- Start looking for housing early to avoid high prices
- Consider factors like location, safety, and amenities when choosing a place to live
- You may want to wait until you actually arrive in the US before you start looking for a place to live.
2
Search for housing on the internet.
Begin the search early. Depending on where you are moving to, it could take you some time to find something affordable. Housing costs in the US are generally cheaper than in many European countries. However, housing in cities like New York or San Francisco is very expensive.
- Use online resources (e.g., Zillow, Trulia)
- Set up alerts for new listings and price drops
- Be prepared to act quickly when you find a place you like
- Consider factors like commute time, schools, and local amenities when evaluating housing options
- Begin the search early.
3
View available homes in person.
You can check out apartments or houses in person with a tourist visa. Work with the landlord to schedule a time to view the apartment, then apply online for your tourist visa.
- Research neighborhoods and local amenities
- Bring necessary documents (e.g., passport, ID)
- Be prepared to ask questions and take notes during the viewing process
- Take photos or videos of the apartment for reference later
- You can check out apartments or houses in person with a tourist visa.
4
Complete a rental application if you find a place you like.
Once you've chosen an apartment or home, you typically must fill out a written application. Some apartments have online applications. If you don't read English well enough to complete the application, you can have someone else help you with it. A typical application asks for the following:
- Personal and contact information
- Employment history and education
- Income and employment verification
- Rental history and references
- Once you've chosen an apartment or home, you typically must fill out a written application.
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References
- https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-employment-based-immigrants
- https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-family-preference-immigrants
- https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-immediate-relatives-of-us-citizen
- https://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/us-immigration/tips-finding-sponsor-employer-work-visa.html
- https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/l-1a-intracompany-transferee-executive-or-manager
- https://www.dhs.gov/move-united-states
- https://www.expatinfodesk.com/expat-guide/organizing-your-departure/calendar-before-you-go/
- https://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/us-immigration/what-happens-consular-processing-permanent-resident-application.html
- https://www.expatinfodesk.com/expat-guide/deciding-on-the-right-country/top-expatriate-destinations/usa/
- https://www.immihelp.com/newcomer/apartment-rental-tips.html
- https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/apartment-application-process/
- https://transferwise.com/gb/blog/how-to-open-a-bank-account-in-usa
- https://www.wnyc.org/schoolbook/guides/enrollment/
- https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10096.pdf
- https://www.usa.gov/visitors-driving
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