The United States of America
If you're considering emigrating to the United States, you're not alone. The US is one of the most attractive destinations for migrants around the world. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about emigrating to the United States, to help you make an informed decision about your move.
Emigrating to the US
Immigration is a major topic of discussion in the United States of America. Throughout its history, the United States has been a melting pot of different cultures, languages, and traditions. Over the years, the country has seen waves of immigration from various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Currently, the United States is home to millions of immigrants who have come to the country in search of a better life. Immigration has helped to shape the country’s history and culture, but also presents unique challenges and opportunities.
The current immigration climate in the United States is contentious. The country is currently facing a large number of undocumented immigrants, many of whom have been living and working in the country for years. There are also concerns about the security of the country’s borders, particularly with regard to the possibility of terrorism. The Trump Administration has taken a hardline stance on immigration, with policies aimed at reducing illegal immigration and increasing border security. This has included plans to build a wall along the US-Mexico border, ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and increasing the number of deportations.
Immigration remains a complex issue in the United States. While the country has a long history of welcoming immigrants, the current political climate has made it more difficult for people to come to the country legally. At the same time, there are millions of undocumented immigrants already in the country who are contributing to its economy and culture. Finding a solution that balances these competing interests will be a major challenge for policymakers in the years to come.
Understanding the Visa options for emigrating to the US
If you are thinking about moving to the US, there are various ways to do so, whether it is for work, family, visit, business, or settlement. In this section, we will cover all the visa options available for emigrating to the United States. The first point to note is that the visa you apply for will depend on your circumstances and the reason for your move.
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US Work Visas
If you plan to relocate to the United States for employment purposes, it will be necessary for you to seek a work visa. The predominant type of work visa in the US is the skilled worker visa, specifically designed for individuals with advanced skills who have received a job offer within the country. To meet the criteria, you must secure a job offer from a US employer who possesses a valid sponsorship license for skilled workers. Here is a compilation of visas that grant permission to work in the United States:
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa in the United States that allows employers to hire foreign professionals with specialized skills in fields such as information technology (IT), science, healthcare, and other relevant industries.Â
For employees of multinational companies being transferred to the US.
For individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields like arts, athletics, or business.
For individuals participating in exchange visitor programs in fields like education, research, or training.
For investors and entrepreneurs looking to set up or operate a business in the US.
It is designed for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers who seek to permanently live and work in the U.S.
Family visa
If you have family members in the US and want to join them, you may be eligible for a family visa. A US family visa is available for partners, children, parents, and other family members of someone who is a British citizen or settled in the US. Below is a list of family visas available in the US.
For foreign nationals engaged to US citizens.
For foreign nationals married to US citizens or permanent residents.
For US citizens to sponsor their parents to live in the US.
For US citizens to sponsor their siblings to live in the US.
Business Applications
The business visa in the United States refers to a non-immigrant visa category that allows individuals to travel to the US for business-related activities. They include:Â
For individuals traveling to the US for business purposes, such as attending conferences or meetings.
For individuals from countries with a treaty of commerce with the US to conduct trade.
For Australians seeking to work in specialty occupations in the US.
For individuals coming to the US for training purposes.
Visit Visa
These visas are issued to individuals seeking to visit the US for tourism or other non-business purposes. They include:
For individuals traveling to the US for vacation, medical treatment, or other personal reasons.
For citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, allowing them to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa.
The US Visa Application Process
- Determine the type of visa you need: The first step in the visa application process is to determine the type of visa you need. This will depend on the purpose of your trip.
- Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application: Once you have determined the type of visa you need, you will need to complete the online nonimmigrant visa application form DS-160.
- Schedule an interview: All applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 must schedule and attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
- Gather required documents: Before your interview, you will need to gather all the required documents, which usually include your passport, visa application fee receipt, DS-160 confirmation page, and any supporting documents.
- Attend the interview: On the day of your interview, you will need to arrive at the embassy or consulate with your documents and be prepared to answer questions about your trip and your eligibility for a visa.
- Wait for visa processing: After your interview, you will need to wait for your visa to be processed. Processing times can vary depending on the type of visa and the time of year.
- Receive your visa: If your visa is approved, you will receive your passport with the visa attached. If your visa is denied, you will receive a letter explaining why.
When is the best time to start a visa application to the United States?
The best time to start a visa application to the United States of America largely depends on the purpose of travel and the type of visa being applied for. Typically, it is recommended to start the visa application process at least 3 to 4 months before the intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing and any potential delays or issues that may arise. However, for certain visas like the H-1B visa, it is advisable to start the application process as early as possible due to the limited number of visas issued each year. It is always best to check with the US embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country for specific guidelines and requirements.
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US Immigration Resources
Find a job in a US company and easily identify which ones have a sponsor licence.
Add the expiry dates of your documents and set the intervals you want to be reminded. Our bots will do the rest.
Have your documents organised and ready for review and submission for your next immigration application.
Taking Action
If you are an expat currently in the US looking to meet fellow expats in the country, or you are outside the US looking for a job in the US, you have come to the right place. If you are a business currently in the US or a business person looking to set up a branch or headquarters in the US, you have also come to the right place. We’ll show you everything you need to know about sponsorship in the US and guide you through your compliance.Â
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Expat Events & Networking in the US
We keep tabs on all the major and minor events organised by expats for expats and immigrants all over the US. Meet old and new friends; expand your connections.Â
Living in the US
Housing and accommodation
Before you arrive in the US, research and find suitable accommodation. This will help you settle in more
quickly.
Banking
Research the different types of bank accounts available and choose one that suits your needs.
Healthcare
The US has a National Health Service (NHS) that provides healthcare to US residents. Private practices are also of the highest global standards.
List of countries that do not require a visa to enter the US
Citizens of certain countries can enter the UK without a visa. It’s important to check the latest entry requirements before traveling.
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Chile
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
- Vatican City
Sign up today and enjoy the benefits
Register with us if you are a business servicing or recruiting expats; or you are a skilled worker looking to work and settle in the US
US Citizenship Eligibility requirements
- Age: The applicant must be at least 18 years old to apply for citizenship.
- Legal Residency: The applicant must have been a legal permanent resident (Green Card holder) for at least 5 years before applying for citizenship. For spouses of U.S. citizens, the residency requirement is reduced to 3 years.
- Physical Presence: The applicant must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 2.5 years (30 months) out of the past 5 years before applying.
- Good Moral Character: The applicant must demonstrate good moral character during the 5-year period before applying for citizenship. This includes having no criminal record and paying taxes.
- English Language Proficiency: The applicant must be able to read, write, and speak English at a basic level.
- Knowledge of U.S. Civics and History: The applicant must pass a civics and history test to demonstrate knowledge of U.S. government and history.
- Oath of Allegiance: The applicant must take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States and renounce any previous allegiances to other countries.
Explore local services for expats in the United Kingdom
General
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Travel to the US Requirements by Country
If you are traveling to the United States from any of the countries below, check out our evergreen travel guide from your country to the US:
- Travel To US From France
- Travel To US From Ireland
- Travel To US From Spain
- Travel To US From UK
- Travel To US From Belgium
- Travel To US From Bulgaria
- Travel To US From Croatia
- Travel To US From Cyprus
- Travel To US From Denmark
- Travel To US From The Eu
- Travel To US From Serbia
- Travel To US From Slovakia
- Travel To US From South Africa
- Travel To US From Albania
- Travel To US From Australia
- Travel To US From Austria
- Travel To US From Bangladesh
- Travel To US From Barbados
- Travel To US From Brazil
- Travel To US From The Caribbean
- Travel To US From Uae
- Travel To US From Canada
- Travel To US From Germany
- Travel To US From Ghana
- Travel To US From Greece
- Travel To US From Hungary
- Travel To US From Italy
- Travel To US From Lithuania
- Travel To US From Malaysia
- Travel To US From Malta
- Travel To US From Sri Lanka
- Travel To US From Thailand
- Travel To US From Czech
- Travel To US From Estonia
- Travel To US From Europe
- Travel To US From Gibraltar
- Travel To US From Iceland
- Travel To US From Indonesia
- Travel To US From Ireland
- Travel To US From Jamaica
- Travel To US From Japan
- Travel To US From Jordan
- Travel To US From India
- Travel To US From South Africa
- Travel To US From The Netherlands
- Travel To US From Pakistan
- Travel To US From Poland
- Travel To US From Portugal
- Travel To US From Romania
- Travel To US From Spain
- Travel To US From Turkey
- Travel To US From USraine
- Travel To US From Afghanistan
- Travel To US From Latvia
- Travel To US From Lebanon
- Travel To US From Luxembourg
- Travel To US From Mexico
- Travel To US From Moldova
- Travel To US From Nepal
- Travel To US From Netherlands
- Travel To US From Qatar
- Travel To US From Saudi