Moving to the USA: A Beginner's Guide for Foreign Nationals
You're here because you want to move to the USA. You may be looking for more opportunities, new possibilities, or a better quality of life.
However, making that dream a reality can be confusing. How do you go from wanting to live in the United States to actually making it happen?
This guide gives you a clear starting point for understanding your options and taking the first steps in your move to the US.
What does moving to the USA involve?
If you want to move to the US permanently, your first step is getting a Green Card.
There are several ways to get a US Green Card. The most efficient options are:
- An employment-based visa
- An investment-based visa
There's a lot to think about, but getting your US visa is the most important—and often the trickiest—part, especially if you're not sure which option is right for you.
But getting a Green Card is only the beginning. You'll also need to think about:
- Setting up a US bank account
- Finding a place to live
- Having the right healthcare insurance
How to get a US visa: understanding your options
If you want to move to the USA, you might be wondering how to get a US visa. Several routes exist, but here are your main options.
Work visas
Employment-based (EB) immigrant visas let you live in the US permanently. The US offers five types of EB visas, and each one typically requires a job offer from a US employer.
Related article: US visa types explained.
EB visas usually cost less than investment visas, but they may not be the best choice for everyone.
Job choices can be limited, and you may need to accept an unskilled position. The application process also takes years instead of months.
Investment visas
Investment visas are a good option if you want:
- More control over your move
- Independence from employer sponsorship
- A faster path to long-term residency
The main US investment visa is the EB-5. Even though it is officially an employment-based visa, you don't need a job in the US. Instead, the EB-5 is for people who invest money to help create jobs.
Related article: What is the EB-5 visa?
Besides EB-5, there is another investment option: Donald Trump's Gold Card.
Both visas let you become a permanent resident, but the EB-5 costs less, and your investment can increase in value. For more details, read our article comparing these two options.
At this point, we don't need to get too detailed. What matters is knowing that investment options exist and may offer a quicker path for those who qualify.
How to get a visa for America: key requirements
To move to America long-term, you'll need a visa that gives you permanent residency. Each visa category has its own requirements, but most follow a similar process.
You will typically need:
- A valid passport
- Proof of a job offer (EB-1 to EB-4)
- Proof of investment (EB-5)
- Supporting documents
- Background checks
Common mistakes to avoid
Even small mistakes can cause delays or lead to your visa application being rejected, so it's important to pay close attention to the details.
Some mistakes to avoid are:
- Choosing the wrong type of visa
- Submitting the wrong or incomplete documents
- Failing to plan ahead
Moving to the USA: step-by-step
Moving to the USA can seem complicated, so let's break it down into simple steps.
Choose the right visa
Each visa has its own rules, costs, and timelines. Picking the right one for you is an important first step.
Submit your application
You'll need to fill out forms and gather supporting documents before sending your application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for processing.
Wait for a decision
Processing times can vary. Some applications, like the EB-5 visa, are processed more quickly than others.
Relocate to the USA
Once your visa is approved, you can start making plans to move to the USA and begin your new life.
Key takeaway: To achieve the best outcome, prioritise selecting the right visa type from the outset. Choose an investment visa if you want more autonomy and faster processing times.
How much does it cost to move to the USA?
A common question is how much it costs to move to the USA. There isn't a simple answer, as it depends on your situation.
Typical expenses include:
- Visa application fees
- Legal and professional fees
- Travel and relocation expenses
The type of visa you choose will have the biggest effect on your total costs. To learn more about two popular options, read our articles on the EB-3 visa costs and EB-5 visa costs.
How long does it take to get a US visa?
If you're a foreign national planning to move to the USA, it's important to set your expectations early.
- Investment-based visas: Typically around 4-9 months
- Employment-based visas: 3 years on average
As you can see, timelines can vary a lot depending on the type of visa. Other factors include:
- Your home country
- Demand and quotas
- Accuracy of your application
Important information: If you're from countries such as China or India and are considering applying for an employment-based visa, you may face substantial waiting times. In some cases, this can be over 10 years.
Some factors are out of your control, but others you can manage. Holborn can help you prepare your application to avoid unnecessary delays.
Common challenges (and how to overcome them)
Moving to the USA can seem complex and feel overwhelming at times. There's a lot to learn, so being prepared is essential.
Here are some common challenges you may face when applying for a US visa, along with how to overcome them.
Limits on visas
The US has yearly limits on the number of visas that can be issued. Each visa type has a different annual cap.
Solution:
If the US has reached its visa limit, there may not be much you can do, but you can explore other options. For example, if the EB-3 limit has been reached, EB-5 visas may still be available.
Country quotas
If you are from a high-demand country such as China or India, you could face significant delays. In some cases, the wait can be over 10 years.
Solution:
Investment-based visas can help people from high-demand countries. Applying for the EB-5 may reduce your wait time from over 10 years to less than a year.
Strict visa criteria
Certain visa types have very strict criteria and often require highly specialised skills to apply.
Solution:
There are several employment and investment-based visas that lead to permanent residency. While you may not meet the criteria for one, you may be able to apply for another option.
Understanding complex immigration rules
There is no getting around it: moving to the USA can be complex. There are many rules and regulations, and plenty of chances for mistakes to happen that could result in your visa application being rejected.
Solution:
Working with an expert can help you navigate complex immigration rules, avoid some of the most common mistakes, and give your application the best chance of success.
Next steps: turning interest into action
If you want to get a US visa and live in America, reading this guide is a great first step.
Your action plan:
- Research visa options
- Identify the best pathway for your situation
- Have the required documentation ready
- Speak to an expert
Holborn Pass is a global leader in investor visas. Our team can help you find the right US visa and start your new life in America.
If you want to live in the United States, book a free consultation with one of our specialists to learn how we can help make your dream a reality.