What You Should Know When Moving to the U.S.—Are You Really Prepared for the Transition?
What you should know when moving to the U.S. goes far beyond filling out visa forms or booking a flight.
Are you ready to start a brand-new life—financially, emotionally, and practically?
Most people think once they get a visa, the hard part is over. But that’s just the beginning.
The real challenge starts when your feet touch the ground and everything—from how to buy groceries to navigating health insurance—feels unfamiliar.
This guide breaks it down so you can avoid stress and settle in with confidence.
Absolutely! Here's the revised section rewritten into clear bullet points for easier understanding under the updated header:
What Are The Things You Should Know Before Moving To The U.S.?
Before making the move, it's important to get the basics right. Here are the key things you need to know:
1. Know your visa type and purpose: The U.S. offers different visas—tourist, student, work, and immigrant. Each has its own limits:
Tourist visas don’t allow employment.
Student visas require enrollment and only permit limited work.
Employment-based visas may require employer sponsorship.
2. Understand your visa rights and limitations: Every visa has rules:
How long you can stay
Whether you can work or not
When you must leave or renew
3. Explore long-term immigration options if you plan to stay: If you’re a skilled professional, researcher, or entrepreneur, consider the EB-2 NIW for Software Engineer or other fields.
It allows you to apply for a green card without employer sponsorship.
You must prove your work benefits the U.S. (e.g., healthcare, science, education, or tech sectors).
4. Check your eligibility to work legally:Even if you have a visa, you may need an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work.
5. Plan ahead for renewals or status changes: Some visas are short-term. Know when to renew, extend, or apply for another visa if your plans change.
Understanding these essentials helps you avoid legal issues and feel more prepared before your transition.
What Documents Will You Need After You Arrive In The U.S.?
Once you arrive, you’ll need certain documents almost immediately. Without them, you can’t work, open a bank account, or rent a home.
Here’s what to prioritize:
Social Security Number (SSN): You’ll need this to work or file taxes. Apply at your nearest SSA office.
State ID or Driver’s License: This becomes your primary ID for everything.
Proof of residence: Lease agreements or utility bills help establish your U.S. address.
Medical records and vaccinations: Especially important if you’re enrolling children in school.
Credit or financial history: If you have an international credit report, bring it.
If you've lost your legal permanent resident card before moving or while abroad, make sure you start the lost green card replacement process through USCIS Form I-90 as soon as possible.
How Can You Find The Right Housing In The U.S.?
Housing looks simple online but gets tricky fast. In the U.S., landlords ask for a credit score, income proof, and often a hefty deposit.
Here’s what you’ll face:
Renting is faster but often more expensive in urban areas. Many require a 12-month lease.
Short-term housing can be found via Airbnb or extended-stay hotels while you settle.
Buying a home is rarely a first step unless you already have financing and legal status.
Let’s say you move to Houston with no credit history. Even with savings, landlords may decline your application. In that case, you might need a co-signer or to pay several months upfront.
Neighborhoods also vary drastically in safety, transportation access, and school zones. Research local forums, and check Google Maps or crime statistics before signing anything.
What Should You Know About Jobs And Employment In The U.S.?
Even highly skilled workers face challenges landing their first U.S. job. Employers want “local experience” or references—even if you’ve worked internationally.
To find work efficiently:
Use platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn.
Focus on industries hiring immigrants: healthcare, tech, construction, hospitality.
Learn how to write a U.S.-style resume—no photos, no personal data, and concise summaries.
Know your visa status. Some visas require work authorization cards (EADs).
If you’re qualified for the EB-2 NIW, you could bypass the job hunt entirely and pursue permanent residency based on your credentials.
How Does The Healthcare System In The U.S. Work For Immigrants?
The U.S. doesn’t have free public healthcare. Without insurance, even a minor doctor’s visit can cost hundreds.
For example, a simple ER visit averages $1,220 in the U.S. That’s not something you want to risk without a plan.
Here’s how to handle it:
Get private insurance through the Healthcare Marketplace or your employer.
If you're low-income or on a specific visa, you may qualify for state-based Medicaid.
Urgent care centers are more affordable than hospitals for minor injuries or illness.
Immigrants working in public health often qualify for EB-2 NIW for Public Health Experts, which can provide permanent residency and employer-sponsored benefits, including healthcare.
What Should Families Know About The U.S. Schools And Childcare?
Public education is free in the U.S. and starts with kindergarten at age five. Where you live determines your child’s school. That’s why families often choose housing based on school districts.
Here’s what to prepare:
Bring school transcripts and immunization records.
Check if English language support (ESL) is offered.
Explore options like Head Start for free preschool.
According to U.S. Department of Labor the childcare costs can be high. A typical daycare center costs about $1,230/month per child.
Consider after-school programs or family daycare providers as alternatives.
How Can You Adjust To American Culture And Social Norms?
U.S. culture values direct communication, personal space, and punctuality. It’s casual, but structured in ways that surprise many newcomers.
If someone says “let’s hang out,” it doesn’t always mean they want to meet. If someone invites you to dinner at 6 PM, show up on time—not late.
To adapt faster:
Join local immigrant or community groups.
Use apps like Meetup or Bumble BFF to find events.
Practice English often—even imperfectly. Americans rarely judge accents.
Every culture has its rhythm. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when things feel confusing.
What Should You Know About Transportation And Driving In The U.S.?
Unless you’re in a major city like NYC or San Francisco, you’ll likely need a car. Public transportation isn’t consistent everywhere.
You can usually drive with a foreign license for a limited time—30 to 90 days, depending on the state.
To drive long term:
Apply for a state-issued driver’s license.
Buy car insurance (mandatory in all states).
Understand basic U.S. driving rules: right turns on red, four-way stops, speed limits.
If you don't want to drive, cities like Boston, Chicago, and Washington D.C. offer subway systems and ride-share options like Uber and Lyft.
How Does The U.S. Financial System Work—And How Can You Build Credit?
Credit is king in the U.S. It affects your ability to rent, get a phone plan, buy a car, or even land a job.
To build credit from scratch:
Get a secured credit card and pay it off monthly.
Report your rent payments to credit bureaus using tools like RentTrack.
Open a bank account with banks that support newcomers, like Chase or Bank of America.
Understanding U.S. taxes is also key. Even if you don’t earn much, you’re still required to file a tax return every April.
How Can You Mentally Prepare For The Big Transition?
Culture shock is real. Many immigrants go through a honeymoon phase, followed by frustration and homesickness.
Let’s say you moved to Chicago from Nigeria. You miss the food, the weather, the language—even the noise. It’s normal.
To cope:
Stay in touch with friends back home.
Celebrate your traditions and holidays.
Look for counseling through community centers or immigrant organizations.
Your mental health is part of your immigration journey. Don’t ignore it.
Are You Ready To Move to the U.S.?
Moving to the U.S. is more than just packing and booking a flight. It’s about setting up your life from scratch.
When you understand what you should know when moving to the U.S., you make smarter choices and avoid costly mistakes.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. If you want to immigrate permanently and believe your profession qualifies, we can help.
Contact Robinson Immigration Law today and let’s evaluate your background and see if you’re eligible for the EB-2 NIW green card—so you can make your move with confidence.
