Are you searching for an international career, a change of scenery or the chance to launch your own business in the USA? The United States provides plenty of possibilities.
Before moving to the USA, there are a few essentials you should be aware of. These include finding employment, securing a visa, and opening a bank account.
Getting a Job
Dreaming of working in the USA is a goal for many people, and it’s one of the primary reasons people move here.
Before beginning your job search in the USA, there are a few things you should be aware of. These include US employment laws, how to find work and which qualifications are necessary for certain roles.
Working in the USA offers you an invaluable opportunity to hone your skills and build an experience that will benefit you later on in life. Additionally, it can provide you with invaluable networking opportunities that will prove beneficial throughout the duration of your career.
Getting a Visa
Employees in the USA can obtain various visas. These include working holiday visas, student visas and refugee visas.
In most cases, your employer will file the necessary petition on your behalf (form I-129). They must demonstrate that you are a permanent employee and plan to remain employed by their company for at least one year before applying for a visa.
Entrepreneurs, sports stars and teachers all qualify for work visas in the USA if they meet certain criteria. But it takes time and there are numerous steps that must be taken before receiving your work visa.
Getting a Green Card
The Green Card is a document that grants you permission to reside and work in the USA permanently. Unlike many other visas, this one lasts your entire life and allows for family reunification.
There are various routes to obtaining a Green Card. These include family reunifications, refugee and asylum status, employment-based immigration, as well as various other special provisions.
The initial step is to ascertain if you qualify for a Green Card in the USA. Depending on your situation and qualifications, you may need to be sponsored by either an American citizen or employer, or it could be possible for you to file on your own behalf.
Getting a Social Security Number
Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number assigned by the Social Security Administration to citizens, lawful permanent residents and some working nonimmigrants. The SSN is required for employment in America and used for various purposes like Social Security benefits, tax reporting and more.
Applying for a Social Security card and SSN is free of charge, and can be done either online or in person at your nearest Social Security office.
Getting a Bank Account
A bank account is an excellent way to safeguard your finances. It also serves as a convenient platform for making withdrawals and transfers, writing checks, and paying bills.
Opening a checking account in the USA can be done either online or at a bank or credit union branch. The process usually goes quickly and smoothly, but you must bring along certain documents.
Banks in the USA typically require you to present your Social Security number and proof of address; however, regulations vary by state. You may also need a valid ID such as a passport or driver’s license in order to complete transactions.