The American Dream is still alive for those who seek to achieve economic success and attain social mobility through hard work and determination. The US offers a high quality of life with modern infrastructure and innovative technology, and a society that embraces individual liberties and freedom of expression. The country also has a globally influential position in politics, economics, and culture, making it a desirable place to live for many people around the world.
Use the opportunity to live in the United States by entering the official US Green Card Lottery!
If you made the decision to start a new life in the USA, this guide will help you on how to get started. When deciding where to move to in the US, we recommend you to research and consider different cities and states based on factors such as job opportunities, cost of living, climate, safety, and cultural diversity. Cities like New York City or San Francisco offer a cosmopolitan lifestyle with a thriving arts and culture scene, but also come with high costs of living. Cities like Austin, Nashville, and Raleigh offer a more affordable lifestyle with a strong job market and a friendly community. Making this decision will not be easy and for this reason we compiled a list of the top 5 most popular US states to live in for immigrants.
Learn moreFinding your dream home in the USA is an important step that you should take care of before your planned date of arrival. You can decide whether you plan to stay in the area for a longer time and buy a house, or if you want more flexibility with lower upfront costs by renting an appartment. There are programs and organizations that can assist with finding affordable housing, such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development and non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity. If you plan to buy a house it is important to have a stable job to qualify for a mortgage.
Buying a home in the USA is mostly a smooth and straightforward process with the right preparation and
resources. In the US there are no federal restrictions on the real estate market. Anyone who has the
necessary amount of money can buy a house, even if you are not a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder.
Homebuyers will need to find a suitable property, secure financing, and make an offer. You can close the
sale with the help of a real estate agent and lawyer. It is important to research and compare various
neighborhoods, property types, and prices to make an informed decision. You should also budget for
additional costs such as mortgage fees, property taxes, and maintenance expenses.
Buying a home in the USA is also a wise investment. The country has a stable economy, making mortgage rates
affordable. Additionally, the real estate market is constantly growing, providing numerous options for all
budgets. Homeownership also offers tax benefits, such as deductions on mortgage interest and property taxes.
Homeowners also have the freedom to customize their homes, making them unique and personalized. Moreover,
owning a house provides you a sense of security and stability, as it provides long-term financial benefits
and acts as a valuable asset.
There are several hurdles when buying a house in the USA. First, the high cost of real estate in some areas
may make it difficult for buyers to afford a home. Second, buyers must also contend with fluctuating
interest rates and potential home value depreciation. In certain areas you should also consider potential
risks associated with natural disasters, such as floods and wildfires. Finally, there may also be unexpected
expenses associated with repairs, renovations, and property taxes.
We recommend you to hire a real estate agent when looking for a suitable property and consult a financial
and legal expert who can give you advice and insights on tax laws, deductions, and credits.
You should also make sure to have sufficient insurance coverage in the event of severe weather, fire,
floods, and other unexpected events. Speak with your insurance provider to ensure your policy covers
different kinds of damages, hazards, and losses that are likely to affect your area.
Renting an apartment can be a great option for you if you are not yet ready to commit to buy a home or you
want the flexibility of moving easily. Renting offers a variety of benefits, such as lower initial costs,
and the landlord typically handles maintenance and repairs. Additionally, apartments can be found in
convenient locations with access to amenities like gyms, swimming pools, and laundry facilities.
A month-to-month rental contract for an apartment allows you to rent the unit on a monthly basis, without
committing to a long-term lease. This means you can remain flexible and avoid unnecessary hurdles when
moving to different places within the US.
Owning a car in the US provides freedom and independence for your travel needs. A car can offer numerous
advantages. You can travel to different locations at your own pace and explore new places that may not be
accessible via public transport. It also saves time and energy spent on waiting for buses or trains.
Buying a car in the US is generally a straightforward process. Once you have found a suitable car, you
should check the vehicle's history and have it inspected by a mechanic. After that, you will need to arrange
financing or pay for the car in full and obtain insurance before you can legally drive it on the road.
To register a car you must prepare the following documents:
Submit these documents along with the appropriate registration fee to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV will then issue license plates and a registration sticker for your car. Make sure to renew your insurance policy and registration annually. You can click here to learn more about the car buying process and how to obtain a driver’s license in the US.
Many newcomers struggle to begin their new life in the United States due to their credit score. The US
credit
score is a three-digit number that represents a person's creditworthiness. A good credit score makes it
cheaper to borrow money and means you will have an easier time renting an apartment, getting better rates on
car and homeowners insurance and it will help you save money in the long run.
It is important to start building your credit history as soon as you arrive in the US. The easiest way to
build your credit history is to apply for a credit card.
The weekly median earnings for full-time wage or salary workers in the United States in the second quarter
of 2021 amounted to $990.
This translates to a yearly income of approximately $51,480.
The real median household income for the United States in 2019 was $68,703. This was an increase of 6.8%
compared to the data of 2018, when it was $64,324.
The median wage per hour in 2019 was $19.33
The 45-54 years age group was the highest income age group in 2021
In 2019, Maryland had the highest median household income in the US, with $95,572. New Jersey and
Massachusetts had the income of $87,726 and $87,707, respectively.
Are you a passionate traveller dreaming of a life in the USA? The Green Card allows
non-Americans to live, work, and study in the United States permanently.
Each year up to 55,000 Green Cards will be given out by the Department of State to a random selection of
Green Card Lottery applicants. Use your chance of winning a Green Card in the Green Card Lottery!
When deciding where to live in the United States it is important to consider not only factors like the cost
of housing but also other factors that can impact the cost of living. This includes taxes, healthcare
expenses, and other daily expenses.
The cost of making ends meet in the U.S. can vary a lot between states. When searching for the ideal place
to live in the United States, we recommend to take a look at the current "Cost of Living Index".
Mississippi has the lowest cost of living at 16.1% savings over the national average while Hawaii has the
highest cost of living that is 88.29% above the national average.
States like California or New York have a much higher cost of living than states like Utah or Idaho.
However, the cost of living also varies depending on which region within a state you live in. Rural areas
usually have a lower cost of living than suburban and urban areas.
So, don’t write off an entire state if it has an overall high cost of living. It is worth digging deeper
into the specific numbers and regions to get a better overview.
There are several US states with particularly high costs of living. One of the most expensive is California, where housing, transportation, and food costs are all above the national average. New York and Hawaii are also notoriously pricey, largely due to their high housing costs. Other states with high costs of living include Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Alaska, where energy and housing expenses can be steep. Despite these high costs, these states are also known for their strong job markets, cultural amenities, and high quality of life.
There are several US states with particularly high costs of living. One of the most expensive is California, where housing, transportation, and food costs are all above the national average. New York and Hawaii are also notoriously pricey, largely due to their high housing costs. Other states with high costs of living include Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Alaska, where energy and housing expenses can be steep. Despite these high costs, these states are also known for their strong job markets, cultural amenities, and high quality of life.
Americans are known of thinking BIG of course also applies to American holidays. American holidays are
known for being big and bold celebrations filled with parades, fireworks, and extravagant decorations.
These include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day,
Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Some holidays, like Memorial Day
and Veterans Day, honor those who served in the military, while others such as Thanksgiving and Christmas
Day focus on family gatherings and traditions. Independence Day is celebrated with parades and fireworks to
honor the country's freedom, while Martin Luther King Jr. Day highlights the achievements of civil rights
activists.
When you arrive in the United States, you should always make sure that you have sufficient health insurance
coverage.
You can obtain health insurance through your employer, by purchasing individual plans through health
insurance marketplaces, or by enrolling in government healthcare programs such as Medicare or Medicaid.
Without insurance, medical care in the USA can be very expensive.
Unlike many other developed countries, the United States does not have a system of compulsory health
insurance. This means that you are not required by law to have health insurance coverage. In the event of a
medical emergency, you would have to pay your hospital bills out of your own pocket if you are not insured.
The cost of medical treatment in the USA is also much higher than in other industrialized nations.
There are government healthcare programs in the US:
It is advisable to have an international health insurance plan for the first few months after arriving in
the United States. After you have settled in, you can start looking for private health insurance.
You can click here to learn more about the American Healthcare System.
As a Green Card holder you have the opportunity to become an American citizen after living in the US for
three to five years.
Becoming a U.S. citizen means you must respect the United States Constitution, be of good moral character
and have sufficient knowledge of American history and government.
Click here to learn how you can become an American citizen.
Once citizenship is obtained, you have the right to vote and you are also allowed to work in federal
agencies. Citizenship provides a sense of security and a feeling of belonging to the American community.
Becoming a citizen is a significant milestone for immigrants who have worked hard to contribute to the
American society.