Three priorities to address when relocating to America
Taking up a job offer in America can be an exciting chapter in your life both personally and professionally. There is no denying that The Land of The Free has many opportunities for those lucky enough to move to America and build a new life. However, it isn’t as easy as you might think, even if you are moving for a job offer.
Most people underestimate the time it takes to move to America and the time it takes to pan out all the legalities. It can be a lengthy and, at times, tedious process. So making sure you know what to expect and are organized before you start the process is vital.
Visas
If you are moving to the United States for employment-related reasons, you will be required to get a work visa. A work visa serves the same purpose as a work permit, allowing you to live and work in the United States. As a result, you will not need to obtain further documentation to begin working in the country.
There are different visas for different skills and industries. The most common visa is the H-1B Type Visa. Applying for a Green Card can allow you to follow through for a naturalization status, but this is a strict and lengthy process. Once you have started your application, you can find your green card priority date to know when your application will be processed.
Visa applications can be costly, so you need to ensure you have completed all forms and gathered the correct documentation to avoid delays and extra charges to keep costs as low as possible.
Accommodations
To find suitable accommodation for you in the US, you must first decide whether to rent or buy. Both housing options are viable, but your strategy will vary based on where you live.
Renting an apartment or a house in a big city like New York or Los Angeles is usually the best option. Many ex-pats who are unsure about their stay in the nation prefer this option. Renting allows you to get a feel for the local area and see how you fit in before committing to buying and putting down roots. If you are confident in your location and plan on an extended stay, then homeownership can be right for you.
Healthcare coverage
The US healthcare system is complex. Every year, the government and individuals spend billions on it, but it still causes problems for residents and ex-pats. The regulations governing the system are also continuously changing, adding to the uncertainty.
The US has universal health care, but it is not universal. That’s why private health insurance is so important. The good news is that most employers cover employee health insurance costs. Keep in mind that their plans aren’t always enough, so you may need to pay for more coverage. Other restrictions include your provider only covering payments from approved doctors or services. This means there are restrictions as to who you can receive medical care from.
One thing is for sure; healthcare is becoming increasingly expensive. However, when you finalize your plans to move to America, getting appropriate healthcare insurance is a top priority.
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