Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 4: Obtaining legal clearance to enter the US
• Part 2 of 4: Finding a place to live in the US
• Part 3 of 4: Packing your belongings
• Part 4 of 4: Finding your place

People who want to move to the United States must first obtain legal permission. This permission depends on how long you want to stay in the US and the reason for your move. Once your legal documents are in order, you can start looking for a place to stay in the US and start packing your belongings. Regardless of the country you are moving to, you have a lot of work ahead of you. You must obtain important personal documents before moving and familiarize yourself with US laws.

To step

Part 1 of 4: Obtaining legal clearance to enter the US

1. Let your employer sponsor you. The easiest way to get permission to move to the US is to have your employer sponsor your move. If a U.S. employer wants to hire you, they can begin the process by filing a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Department (USCIS).
   • As an employee you do not start this procedure yourself. Instead, your employer will send you Form I-140.
   • Employer sponsorship allows you to stay in the US permanently. This permanent status is called a "green card".
2. Get sponsored by a family member. Family members in the US can also sponsor you, if this is not possible through your employer. The family member begins the procedure by filing an application Form I-130 with the United States government. Once the application has been approved, there will be consular processing in your home country.
   • A US citizen can directly request the permanent transfer of a spouse, unmarried child under 21, or parent to the US.
   • A U.S. citizen can also petition for a married child, unmarried child over the age of 21, or sibling. However, these are not a priority and have to wait for a visa before moving to the US.
   • If your relative has a green card, they can apply for the immigration of a spouse or unmarried children of any age to the US. In general, however, there is a waiting period.
3. Find other ways to relocate to the United States. You can also obtain permission to live in the US in other ways. If you don't find which one applies to you, talk to a lawyer in your country to discuss your options. Here are some of them:
   • Apply yourself if you have extraordinary skills. People with outstanding skills in the arts, sciences, education, business or sports can apply for a green card.
   • Non-Immigrant Work Visa. This is a temporary visa to stay in the US for a limited period of time. When the visa has expired, you have to leave the country. Non-immigrant visas are available for those in specialized professions, which require at least a bachelor's degree, as well as those with extraordinary skills. Your employer can file Form I-129 on your behalf.
   • Intra-company transfers. A company may transfer managers or officers from a foreign division to a US office. The employer will file Form I-129 to start the procedure.
   • Tourist visa. You can only stay in the US for six months on a tourist visa. A tourist visa is of no use if you plan to stay longer. The same is true if you plan to look for work.
   • Student visa. Talk to your school about whether you qualify for a student visa. They can help you with the procedure.

   Tip: If you are unsure of the best reason for moving to the US, consult an attorney specializing in immigration law. He or she can advise you which visa options are best for your situation.

   
   
4. Apply for a non-immigrant visa. You can apply for a visa by contacting the US embassy or consulate in your country. You can also submit the application online, at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/. You need the following documents to submit form DS-160:
   • Passport
   • Itinerary
   • Dates of your last visits to the United States
   • Resume
   • Form I-129 (if you are applying for a non-immigrant work visa)
   • SEVIS ID (if you are a student)
   • Additional information, if requested
5. Schedule an interview. The U.S. Department of State handles all paperwork. The State Department's National Visa Center will evaluate the paperwork and schedule an interview with you.
   • NVC will schedule the interview when a visa becomes available for you. Accordingly, you may have to wait a long time.
6. Perform all necessary tasks. Before the US issues you a visa, you may need to undergo a medical examination, get your vaccinations, and handle other matters. Make sure you have enough time to complete everything before your consular interview.
   • Now is a good time to check that your passport is valid. You will not be able to travel if this is not the case. Check all passports of accompanying family members and make sure that those that are about to expire are renewed.
7. Go to the interview. The application will be completed at a consulate or embassy. During the interview, you go through your application with a consular officer. This officer will check your medical, financial and legal information (such as any criminal record). Remember to always tell the truth to the consular officer.
   • If you are approved, you will be told when you can return to collect your visa.

Part 2 of 4: Finding a place to live in the US

1. Find housing. Start searching early. Depending on where you are moving to, it may take some time to find something affordable. Housing costs are generally cheaper in the US than in many European countries. However, living in cities like New York and San Francisco is very expensive.
   • Housing is advertised on the Internet. You can find housing on Craigslist or other websites.
   • You can also hire a real estate agent to find housing for you. You may only want to use a real estate agent if you are planning to buy a house or if you want a furnished, large apartment.
   • If you have pets, make sure they are allowed to stay in the apartment. This is not the case for all apartments in the US.
2. Take a look at housing yourself. You can apply for a short-term visa to visit the United States if you want to view apartments or houses for yourself. You can apply for a tourist visa online. Arrange a time with the landlord to view the apartment.
   • Pay attention to how clean and safe the building is. Are the stairs and hallways littered with trash? Is the hall dirty? In that case, the landlord may not be overly diligent about his duties.
   • Take pictures of each house you will see so that once you get home, you can more easily remember what you have seen.
   • Watch the neighborhood. Some urban neighborhoods are safer than others. Look for graffiti on apartment buildings or alley walls. Also pay attention to how many apartments have bars on the windows, a sign of an unsafe neighborhood.
   • If you have children, also check how good the local schools are.
3. Apply for housing. If you are going to rent an apartment, you must fill in an application form. You can obtain this from the landlord when you go to see the place. If you cannot come by, ask the landlord to send you the form by post. A typical application calls for the following:
   • Personal information
   • Social security number
   • Driver's license number
   • Data about your current employment, including proof of income (such as a pay slip or job offer with a salary indication)
   • References

   Tip: If you have not yet moved to the US, you may not have these documents. In such a case, provide an explanation as to why the information is not available.

   
   
4. Go through your rental agreement. The rent (or lease) of apartments usually has a term of 12 months. The rental agreement must state what you can and cannot do during your stay in the apartment. Make sure you read the rental agreement thoroughly and agree to all the terms before signing it.
   • You will probably also be expected to pay the first month's rent and a deposit in advance, shortly after signing the lease.
   • Keep a copy of the lease for your records.
5. Research temporary housing. You can hold off looking for permanent housing until you actually arrive in the US. In that case, temporary housing could be suitable for you. There is usually a good supply of housing in larger cities that is available for the short term.
   • Also consider using AirBnb. This is a marketplace for short term rental locations. You can find and search for rooms on the organization's website.

   Tip: Do not rely on your landlord's explanation of the rental conditions. Find someone else who can explain the rental agreement to you. The landlord is biased and can declare the rental conditions in his favor.

   
   

Part 3 of 4: Packing your belongings

1. Decide what to bring. Unless you are moving from Canada or Mexico, moving large numbers of furniture into your new home in the US can be difficult. Accordingly, you will have to decide what to bring with you. Once you've decided which items to go with, make a checklist so you won't forget them on the day of the move.
   • If necessary, bring clothing and footwear. Don't forget that the USA is a big country with different climates. Hawaii is warm all year round, while the northern states such as Maine, Minnesota and Alaska can have very cold winters.
   • Consider storing items you don't need. Alternatively, you can also give it away. You can buy furniture in the US for less than it costs to ship your belongings.
2. Find movers. If you plan to move furniture or other belongings, then you should research moving companies. Call them and ask for a quote.
   • After comparing quotes, choose a mover and plan a day to come and pick up your belongings.
   • Ask for necessary instructions on how to pack your belongings.
3. Have important personal documents. Before leaving your country of origin, you must collect copies of important documents. You will likely need them at some point in the US. Ask for certified (official) copies of the following:
   • Your birth certificate
   • Birth certificates for everyone in your family
   • Adoption certificates, if you have adopted a child
   • Marriage certificate
   • Divorce certificate
   • Student file of your children
   • Medical and dental records of all family members
4. Change your postal address. Give the post office your new address. Ask if it is possible to forward mail. Also contact companies directly and provide your new address.

Part 4 of 4: Finding your place

1. Open a bank account. Choose a nearby bank and take an account number. You need a checking account and a debit card. Many places in the United States accept both debit and credit cards, so you don't often have to carry cash. With a checking account you can transfer money for your expenses, such as your rent and gas, water and electricity.
   • Each bank will ask for different information from you. Talk to a bank employee and ask what you need. Collect all the data and then return to access the account.
   • In general, you will need to provide your immigration papers, proof of a physical address (such as your tenancy agreement), your passport and a Social Security Number, if you have one.
   • Some banks are located both inside and outside the US: ABN Amro, Citibank, HSBC, Barclays, etc. If you have an account with one of these banks, they can help you apply for a US account.
   EXPERT TIP

   "You have to be a US citizen to apply for a credit card, but you may be able to get one from a 'credit union' if you just moved to the US."

   Make sure you can use utilities. Contact your landlord about which utilities you want to use. You usually have to apply for the following utilities:

   • Electricity
   • Gas
   • Water
   • Heating
   • Phone
   • Internet
   • Cable
2. Register your children with a school. Find the nearest school district and contact the principal of the school. If you don't know which district your kids should be attending school in, visit your city or county office. Children are usually guaranteed a place in their district, based on where you live.
   • In the US, children usually go to kindergarten when they turn five. Many schools now also offer a playgroup for children aged three and four.
   • To enroll in a public school, you will usually need to provide a copy of the child's birth certificate or passport, immunization records, and any previous transcripts. Call the school itself to find out exactly what you need.
   • You can also enroll your children in a private school, for which you will have to pay. You can find private schools by searching online. The application process varies. Since your child will not be guaranteed a place in a private school, you should start this procedure as soon as possible, even before you actually move.
3. Apply for a Social Security Number. A Social Security number is required if you plan to work in the United States. This number is used to indicate how much you have earned and to determine whether you are eligible for Social Security benefits, such as retirement benefits. You don't need the number to get a driver's license or open a bank account.
   • You should have applied for your social insurance card by applying for your visa. Check your application to see if this is the case.
   • If you need to apply in the US, go to the nearest Social Security Administration office. Please wait 10 days after arrival. You must prove that you are authorized to work in the US. For example, you can show a permanent residence permit or another document. You must also show your birth certificate or passport.
   • Call SSA in the US at 1-800-772-1213 if you have any questions.
4. Get a driver's license. You need legal permission to drive in the United States. The permission you need depends on how long you've been in the US. Consider the following:
   • If your stay is short and you live in the Netherlands, apply for an international driving license at the ANWB. The US does not issue these permits.
   • If you become a US resident, you must apply for a driver's license in your state of residence. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for more information on requirements. Go to https://www.usa.gov/motor-vehicle-services and click on your state.
5. Familiarize yourself with US law. In the US, laws can be enacted by the federal government, each state's government individually, and by local governments. You must be familiar with the laws. Remember, ignorance of the laws that apply is rarely a valid argument in a defense.
   • Gambling is one area in which the US differs from many other countries. Gambling is tightly regulated in the United States. Sports gambling is illegal, and other forms of gambling (such as slot machines) are legal only in certain areas.For example, Utah has very strict laws against gambling, but the neighboring state of Nevada is home to Las Vegas, which is internationally known for ubiquitous casinos, slot machines and various other forms of legalized gambling.
   • Learn local regulations, such as whether to clean the sidewalk in front of your apartment or house after a snow storm.
   • If you don't know if something is legal, ask a neighbor or ask a local government office.
6. Get your pet vaccinated. In many places it is required to have a dog permit. Before you can get a permit, your dog must have been vaccinated against rabies. Cats generally do not need to be vaccinated, but consider doing so anyway.
   • Keep the proof of vaccination for your pets. You may need to provide this document to your city or county when applying for a dog permit.
   • You should also remember to neuter your pet. Usually, the cost of a permit will be lower if your dog has been neutered or neutered.
7. Practice your English. The US has no official language. However, almost everyone speaks English and business is conducted in English.
   • It is not a problem if you are not good at English. You have enough time to practice your speaking skills.
   • You can also take classes. There are private institutes, colleges and universities offering English courses.
   • However, the best way to learn English is to just start talking to people.
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Archana Ramamoorthy, MS

   Technical Director, Workday Archana Ramamoorthy is North America Technical Director at Workday. She is a product ninja, a safety advocate and tries to diversify the technology industry. Archana has a bachelor's degree from SRM University and a master's degree from Duke University, and has more than 8 years of experience in product management.

   Archana Ramamoorthy, MS
   Technical Director, Workday

   Be aware of regional accents. Archana Ramamoorthy, Director of Product Development at Workday: “I knew the English I was used to from movies. But I moved to the South of the US I wasn't used to the Southern accent, and it was really hard for me to understand what people said. It took me a while to get used to, and it's important to realize that not all states are spoken like in New York and in movies. "