Introduction
Moving to the United States takes more than a flight and a visa. You'll coordinate immigration, housing, money, healthcare, identification, and household setup, and many of those systems change from state to state.
The scale is large. The US had about 50.2 million foreign-born residents in 2024, or 14.8% of the population, according to Congressional Research Service data. Most of them learned the system the hard way.
This guide is for executives, individuals, couples, and families relocating to the US. It covers preparation before you arrive, choosing where to live, and handling your first weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Confirm your visa pathway and work authorization before accepting a job or signing a long lease.
- Budget by state and metro area, not national averages.
- First-week order: address, ID, banking, license, utilities, insurance, school.
- Preparation before arrival cuts delays for the whole household.
Why Move to the USA, and Where Should You Live?
"Expat in the USA" here means a foreign national living in the US, temporarily or permanently. The phrase "US expat" usually means an American living abroad, which the FAQ addresses.
People come for careers, education, family ties, business opportunities, and lifestyle variety. The tradeoff is regional differences in rules, costs, and climate, plus real administrative complexity.
A Location Framework
There's no universal "best" city. Weigh these factors against your own household:
- Employer location and commute
- Housing budget
- Climate (NOAA publishes 30-year normals, not forecasts)
- Schools and healthcare access
- Public transportation
- State taxes (Texas has no state personal income tax; California does)
- Natural hazard exposure (FEMA's National Risk Index covers 18 hazards by county and tract)
- Distance to an airport or family
Costs differ sharply. The BEA's 2024 price index sets the US average at 100, with San Francisco at 115.6, New York at 112.6, and Seattle at 111.1. Build a budget for your specific metro area.
Prepare Before Moving: Visas, Documents and Finances
Choose the Correct Immigration Pathway
Common routes include:
- Employment-based: H-1B (specialty occupations), L-1 (intracompany transfers), O-1 (extraordinary ability)
- Family-based immigration for relatives of citizens or permanent residents
- Student and exchange: F and J visas
- Investor routes: E-2 and EB-5
Each route has its own eligibility rules, duration, and dependent rights. Keep four things separate:
- A visa (permission to apply for entry)
- Your status after admission
- Employment authorization
- Permanent residence
Your I-94 admission record sets how long you may stay. The visa expiration date does not.
Never work outside the scope of your status. Unauthorized work can bar a later green card application.
Dependents differ too. H-4 spouses can work only in limited cases. F-2 spouses cannot work. J-2 spouses may apply for an EAD. L-2 spouses are generally work-authorized.
Consult a U.S.-licensed immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative if you have dependents, a prior visa refusal, a change of status, self-employment plans, or a green card goal. A "notario" is not authorized to represent you.
Build a Document File
Gather:
- Passports, birth and marriage certificates, custody papers
- Diplomas and professional credentials
- Vaccination and medical records (dated written records)
- Proof of funds and employment documents
- Certified English translations where required
Keep secure digital and physical copies, use one naming system, and confirm which originals each agency or school needs.
Budget Realistically
Official visa application fees run $185 for F/J, $205 for H/L/O, and $315 for E. These are only processing fees. SEVIS adds $350 for F/M students. USCIS fees are separate and change, so check the current schedule.
Also budget for:
- Flights and temporary housing
- Deposits, furniture, and shipping
- Health insurance and school costs
- Emergency savings
Separate one-time costs from recurring ones.
Plan for the Whole Household
The main applicant's preparation is not the whole plan. Spouses and children may have separate documents, school requirements, and work rules.
Work in this order: official applications first, then housing research, document collection, school inquiries, and prescription planning. Follow current government timelines rather than a fixed schedule.
Find Housing and Plan Your US Budget
Start Flexible
Consider temporary housing or a short first lease. You'll learn which neighborhood fits your commute, budget, and schools before committing.
Housing types differ in practical ways:
- Apartments: lower deposits, often simpler utilities
- Single-family homes: more space, usually more setup and furniture
- Shared housing: cheaper, less privacy
- Furnished or serviced rentals: fewer purchases, higher monthly cost
The Rental Application
Landlords commonly ask for ID, proof of income, employment details, references, a credit check, and a deposit. Some want a guarantor. Requirements vary by property and state.
Most landlords screen with background reports. If a report leads to denial or higher charges, you must be told which company supplied it. You can request a free copy within 60 days and dispute errors.
With no US credit history, you can offer:
- An employer letter
- Proof of overseas income or assets
- References
- A larger deposit, where the law allows
- A qualified co-signer
None is guaranteed.
Know Your State's Deposit Rules
| State | Deposit cap | Return deadline |
|---|---|---|
| California | Generally one month | 21 days |
| New York | One month | 14 days |
| Texas | Confirm under current state law | Generally 30 days |
Full Cost of Renting
Add application fees, utilities, internet, parking, renters insurance, moving costs, furnishings, and pet fees. Check local rules on fees, lease termination, and rent increases.
Evaluate the Neighborhood
Check:
- Commute and transit
- Groceries, hospitals, schools, childcare
- Internet availability
- Flood or weather risk
- Whether you need a car
Verify school boundaries and safety data through official sources, not listings.
Professional Support
Moving2US offers a virtual or in-person needs assessment, a rental shortlist of up to five properties, accompanied tours, and lease review. This is housing and settling-in support, not legal or immigration representation. Confirm terms and suitability before engaging any service.
Handle Your First Weeks: Essential US Administration
Identification
A Social Security number (SSN) is generally for noncitizens authorized to work. Applying is free, and the SSA requires original documents or certified copies. An ITIN, issued on Form W-7, is for people who need a federal tax number but can't get an SSN. Verify eligibility with the SSA and IRS.
For a driver's license, expect proof of identity, lawful presence, and residency. California's REAL ID requires two residency documents, and Florida requires two address documents. Texas may verify status through DHS SAVE. Check your state DMV for the exact list.
Banking and Credit
Banks typically ask for name, birth date, address, and an ID number, such as an ITIN, passport number, or USCIS A-Number. Policies differ, so ask before visiting. Keep enough accessible funds for rent and bills.
Credit scores generally run 300-850. Build credit slowly with secured cards or credit-builder loans and on-time payments. Beware of repair scams: accurate negative information can't legally be removed, and upfront fees are a red flag.
Utilities and Insurance
Set up electricity, gas, water, trash, internet, and mobile service. Add renters and auto insurance once you have an address; who pays for each utility varies by property.
Health coverage options include:
- Employer plans (waiting periods cannot exceed 90 days)
- Marketplace plans (certain lawfully present immigrants qualify; moving from abroad may trigger a Special Enrollment Period)
- Medicaid/CHIP (generally a five-year wait for qualified noncitizens, with exceptions)
Confirm deductibles, provider networks, exclusions, and deadlines.
First-Month Checklist
- Update your address
- Complete employer or school registration
- Arrange primary care and prescriptions
- Store records securely
- Learn emergency procedures (911)
- Track renewal dates for visas, insurance, licenses, and leases
A shared household calendar helps every adult see what's outstanding.
Coordinating the Process
Social Security, licensing, and banking visits stack up quickly in the first weeks. Cheryl Stern at Moving2US prepares paperwork and appointments in advance and accompanies clients to each one. Flat-fee suites run $2,000, $2,300, and $2,800, with third-party fees billed at cost.
Set Up Work, School, Healthcare and Community Life
Work. Confirm permission to work before day one.
- Complete I-9 Section 1 by your first day; employers finish Section 2 within three business days
- File a W-4 to set federal withholding
- Check professional licensing if your field requires it
- Ask an official source or qualified professional how job changes affect your status
School. Public education is free regardless of immigration status.
- Districts may request age, residency, and immunization records
- Enrollment cannot be denied because you decline to provide an SSN
- Schools must serve English learners and communicate meaningfully with parents
- Compare public, private, and international options, and note your district's deadlines
Healthcare. Choose a primary provider, then locate urgent care and the nearest hospital. Use urgent care for non-life-threatening issues and call 911 for emergencies.
Imported prescriptions must meet federal requirements, so ask a US pharmacist or doctor about transferring medications.
Community. Join local groups, faith or cultural organizations, and parent networks. A support network makes the first year easier.
Final Thoughts: Arrive Prepared and Settle with Confidence
Break the move into a clear sequence:
- Confirm immigration permissions
- Prepare documents and funds
- Choose a location
- Secure flexible housing
- Finish ID and banking setup
- Arrange healthcare, school, utilities, and community ties
Rules and costs change by visa, state, and circumstance. Verify details with official agencies and qualified immigration, tax, legal, or financial professionals before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are most US expats moving to?
"US expats" usually means Americans abroad. FVAP estimates 3.3 million overseas citizens, with Canada and the UK among the largest voting-age groups. For foreign-born residents in the US, California, Texas, Florida, and New York have the most.
How does living in the USA compare to living in the UK?
Both vary by region. OECD data shows US health spending of $14,885 per person versus $6,747 in the UK (USD PPP). Compare housing, taxes, transport, and schools for your specific state and UK region.
What is considered a US expat?
Usually a US citizen or resident living outside the US. A foreign national living in the US is typically just called an expat or immigrant.
Do expat Americans still pay taxes?
Generally yes. Citizens abroad usually still file, though exclusions like the foreign earned income exclusion may apply. Foreign accounts over $10,000 in aggregate may require an FBAR. Get qualified tax advice.
What visa do I need to live in the USA?
It depends on your purpose: work, study, family, or investment. Check the State Department and USCIS for current requirements.
How do I find housing in the USA as a newcomer?
Choose a location, arrange temporary housing if needed, and prepare proof of income and ID. Review lease terms, budget for deposits and utilities, and verify local tenant rules before signing.
