{"id":10584,"date":"2023-12-29T10:12:21","date_gmt":"2023-12-29T10:12:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usagcd.com\/?p=10584"},"modified":"2023-12-29T10:36:47","modified_gmt":"2023-12-29T10:36:47","slug":"immigration-and-living-in-the-usa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usagcd.com\/en\/immigration-and-living-in-the-usa\/","title":{"rendered":"Immigration and living in the USA"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"10584\" class=\"elementor elementor-10584\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-539070b e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"539070b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;boxed&quot;}\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a97d54 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7a97d54\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 28-02-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:right;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p>You have to plan your immigration to the United States carefully. You have obtained the green card and now finally getting to move. You may be wondering what you need to bring along or what documents you need to translate into English \u2013 with the following tips, you should be well prepared!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-578052f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"578052f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 28-02-2024 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Get ready to move to the USA\n<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d5b0bb9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d5b0bb9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>You\u2019ve won the Green Card Draw and you already have a gren card in your name? Then it\u2019s time for the most exciting part of the green card process: Moving to the United States! The better you prepare for your move, the easier it is to start living in the USA. With this checklist of relocating to the USA, you\u2019ll learn what to do.<strong>\u00a0Ideally, you should take care of the following things early on:<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d3f62c4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d3f62c4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u2013 Organizing housing or temporary residence in the United States.<br \/>\u2013 Plan your move well: Do not skip any steps and make a plan for your current and future home before and after the move.<br \/>\u2013 Gather the most important documents and translate them into English.<br \/>\u2013 English Language Skills: Refresh your English language skills before you go.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-539c10a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"539c10a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Can I move to the United States if I don\u2019t speak English?\n<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d1241ff elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d1241ff\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Wondering if it\u2019s possible to move to the United States without being able to speak fluent English? Strictly speaking, there are no language requirements to enter the USA. Of course, being able to speak and understand English to a certain level is definitely an advantage, and would make it easier for you to adjust to life in the USA. If your English language skills needs a little bit of working on, it\u2019s a good idea to start training before moving to America.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-397dc8a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"397dc8a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Children\n\n<\/h5>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2b950cb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2b950cb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Children will learn English quickly in school and many state-subsidized schools offer additional courses for children who need special support. Children can also take an English as a Second Language (ESL) course at school in place of the regular English lessons. Students who already have a certain level of English will participate in regular school lessons and receive additional support. It\u2019s a good idea to look to after-school English programs for group or one-on-one lessons.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dfc66c8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"dfc66c8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Adults\n\n\n<\/h5>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-52a7157 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"52a7157\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Adults without English language skills can also apply for ESL courses. Usually, these courses are offered either by state-supported institutions, adult education centers, or private language schools. Colleges and schools in your area usually offer state or local government-sponsored adult education courses. ESL courses are often taught by volunteers from the neighborhood, so you can not only learn English but also make friends. The benefit of these courses is that they are inexpensive or even free.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f148451 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f148451\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What documents do I need?\n<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8311c18 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8311c18\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>There are some required documents and forms that you must bring with you when you move to the United States. It\u2019s very important to bring all documents! It\u2019s advisable to gather all of your documents and translate them into English before moving on. Once in the United States, the documents may be difficult to translate or may not be available from the U.S. authorities.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c13cc95 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c13cc95\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Important documents you need to bring with you:\n<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d7b5ced elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d7b5ced\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u2013 Personal ID and passport.<br \/>\u2013 Obtain an international birth certificate (issued in English) for yourself and each member of your family.<br \/>\u2013 Bring the original copy of the certificate (s) of marriage or divorce and an English translation.<br \/>\u2013 If you are a single mom or dad, you must bring you must bring the original custody declaration and an English translation.<br \/>\u2013 If you have not closed your bank account in your country yet, do not forget to bring your important bank documents including the account number and transfer information.<br \/>\u2013 Do not forget to bring your tax records and other important financial documents.<br \/>\u2013 Translate job application documents (CV, cover letter, and job recommendations) professionally into English.<br \/>\u2013 You must make sure to bring school transcripts, school and university certificates, and any evidence of further education with you \u2013 original and an English translation.<br \/>\u2013 If you are still studying or have recently completed a college degree, your credentials must be evaluated and recognized by an accredited organization.<br \/>\u2013 Visit your doctor before you go and get an international vaccination record for every family member and translate all important medical records into English.<br \/>\u2013 If you already have a job interview or employment contract, don\u2019t forget to bring it with you.<br \/>\u2013 If you have a driver\u2019s license, it is recommended that you obtain an international driver\u2019s license.<br \/>\u2013 Please bear in mind that all important documents and records must be translated into English!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6d68915 elementor-widget elementor-widget-alert\" data-id=\"6d68915\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"alert.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 28-02-2024 *\/\n.elementor-alert{padding:15px;border-left:5px solid transparent;position:relative;text-align:left}.elementor-alert .elementor-alert-title{display:block;font-weight:700}.elementor-alert .elementor-alert-description{font-size:13px}.elementor-alert button.elementor-alert-dismiss{position:absolute;right:var(--dismiss-icon-horizontal-position,10px);top:var(--dismiss-icon-vertical-position,10px);padding:3px;font-size:var(--dismiss-icon-size,20px);line-height:1;background:transparent;color:var(--dismiss-icon-normal-color,inherit);border:none;cursor:pointer;transition-duration:var(--dismiss-icon-hover-transition-duration,.3s)}.elementor-alert button.elementor-alert-dismiss:hover{color:var(--dismiss-icon-hover-color,inherit)}.elementor-alert button.elementor-alert-dismiss svg{width:var(--dismiss-icon-size,20px);height:var(--dismiss-icon-size,20px);fill:var(--dismiss-icon-normal-color,currentColor);transition-duration:var(--dismiss-icon-hover-transition-duration,.3s)}.elementor-alert button.elementor-alert-dismiss svg:hover{fill:var(--dismiss-icon-hover-color,currentColor)}.elementor-alert.elementor-alert-info{color:#31708f;background-color:#d9edf7;border-color:#bcdff1}.elementor-alert.elementor-alert-success{color:#3c763d;background-color:#dff0d8;border-color:#cae6be}.elementor-alert.elementor-alert-warning{color:#8a6d3b;background-color:#fcf8e3;border-color:#f9f0c3}.elementor-alert.elementor-alert-danger{color:#a94442;background-color:#f2dede;border-color:#e8c4c4}@media (max-width:767px){.elementor-alert{padding:10px}.elementor-alert button.elementor-alert-dismiss{right:7px;top:7px}}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-alert elementor-alert-info\" role=\"alert\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-alert-title\">Tip: Make more than one copy of all your documents and fill them in separate boxes.<br> It is recommended that you carry the original documents with you in your handbag.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-alert-description\">\n<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" class=\"elementor-alert-dismiss\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-screen-only\">Dismiss this alert.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab79835 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ab79835\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Immigration to the United States of America\n<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ed75063 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ed75063\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Before you pack everything up in a container and send it across the ocean to America, you probably should think about it again: What should I really take to the United States? You should also decide whether you want to sell or rent your home right away.<br \/>Tip: Separate yourself from your belongings. Most of it is unnecessary luggage. First of all, there is a lot you can buy in the USA. Second, it may be cheaper to buy new or used furniture or appliances in the U.S. than importing all of your belongings. Of course, there are some things you shouldn\u2019t give up like precious porcelain or antique furniture. You have to think about everything and think if bringing it to the USA is really worth it.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f568423 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f568423\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Electronic appliances and furniture\n\n<\/h5>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fe1a9e4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fe1a9e4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Many things differ in the USA including the outlets and the voltage standard for electrical appliances. The outlets in America look different and only hold 110 volts. Most electronic devices require an adapter, which can be a hassle. Some appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, coffee machines, hair dryers, microwave ovens, stoves, and washing machines, are not adaptive or require an additional adapter. Maintenance of these machines may also be more expensive because spare parts may not be available in the USA. In general: Leave your electronic devices at home and buy yourself new ones in the USA.<br \/>You can leave most of your furniture, too. If you no longer need certain pieces of furniture, sell them or leave them behind. Most homes in America have an included kitchen and some have electronics already installed. In addition, most bedrooms have wardrobes. So, you can save time and effort and leave your large wardrobes behind!<br \/>Battery-powered devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and computers, can be used without problems in the United States. All you have to do is buy a new charger with an American plug<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-36b5143 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"36b5143\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Cars\n\n<\/h4>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1da129d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1da129d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h6 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Here is why you might leave your car behind:\n\n<\/h6>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6fa7014 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6fa7014\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u2013 High transportation costs.<br \/>\u2013 American safety standards, shock, theft and emissions prevention.<br \/>\u2013 High cost of import to USA and customs.<br \/>\u2013 USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) requirements to thoroughly clean the bottom of the car with a special steam cleaner.<br \/>\u2013 According to U.S. requirements, your vehicle may be modified, returned or even destroyed.<br \/>\u2013 Transport companies and transportation costs<br \/>\u2013 Once you have a good idea of what belongings you want to bring with you, you can start looking for a company to help you move. The more you want to bring, the more expensive it will be. Some green card holders pack all of their belongings in one container and ship it while others manage to pack it all in travelling bags.<br \/>\u2013 Make sure to organize how you transport your belongings to your new home. Some people hire a company to move their boxex and some take their belongings themselves in order to save money. If you hire a moving company, they will handle customs declaration forms on your behalf. Depending on how much and what you want to bring with you, it may be worth hiring a company after you compare prices and get estimates. Make your move as easy as possible by planning ahead.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-07246d0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"07246d0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Last check up before you go\n<\/h4>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-258b27a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"258b27a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u2013 Do you and all your family members have a valid passport and visa?<br \/>\u2013 Did you translate all your documents into English, and fill in the originals and make more than one copy?<br \/>\u2013 Have you already sold your apartment \/ home or found a new tenant?<br \/>\u2013 Have you registered your departure with the local authorities (if necessary)?<br \/>\u2013 Have you canceled all your ongoing contracts, for example, cell phone, electricity supplier, internet or any magazine subscriptions?<br \/>\u2013 Have you notified the financial authorities of your departure (if necessary)?<br \/>\u2013 Did you notify your retirement plan of your departure?<br \/>\u2013 Have you purchased travel insurance?<br \/>\u2013 Did you rent a moving company?<br \/>\u2013 Have you notified the post office of your new address?<br \/>\u2013 Finally: Have you already booked your flight?<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-762e3b2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"762e3b2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Housing or temporary residence\n<\/h4>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9e9b777 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9e9b777\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you do\u2019nt have any family or friends in the United States to stay with, it is recommended that you arrange accommodations before moving to the USA. You can choose to rent or buy an apartment or house before moving in. Finding an apartment in the United States is relatively easy and it depends on where you decide to live, and the rental rates are reasonable. Of course, housing prices vary greatly, and housing in popular areas becomes more expensive.<br \/>In the beginning, you should maintain flexibility by renting your home or apartment on a monthly basis rather than signing up for one year leases. This way, you would have the possibility to move again if desired.<br \/>Alternatively, you can always stay in a hotel room while searching for the perfect place to live. Many hotels offer discounted rates for longer stays. Bear in mind that you may not have enough space for all the moving boxes in your hotel room.<br \/>Tip: Storage spaces are found everywhere in the USA and the rental rates are usually fair. If you need time to find the perfect place to live then you should consider renting one.<br \/>Arriving in the United States of America<br \/>The most important obstacle is setting your feet on American ground. Once you\u2019ve done that, you\u2019re right at home.\u00a0<strong>However<\/strong>, new beginnings include finishing up some organizational things. Ideally, you will have a few weeks before you start your new job, school, or child\u2019s school year. You should use this time to explore your new home as well as get some bureaucratic matters done in the United States.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8dc7417 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8dc7417\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h6 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">You should include the following points in your to-do-list:\n\n<\/h6>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6374193 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6374193\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u2013 Social Security Card.<br \/>\u2013 U.S. driver\u2019s license.<br \/>\u2013 U.S. bank account.<br \/>\u2013 Health insurance.<br \/>\u2013 Retirement pension plan.<br \/>\u2013 Housing \/ Temporary Residence.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-220c11c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"220c11c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Applying for a Social Security card should be on the top of your to-do list when you arrive in the USA. Firstly, it is a rule that all immigrants apply for a Social Security number and secondly, a Social Security card is an important identity card. Your Social Security card is your identity and proof that you have been issued a Social Security number. Without this card, you cannot work in the United States and in most cases, you cannot do many things like open a bank account.<br \/><strong>In some cases,<\/strong>\u00a0it is possible to apply for a Social Security card at the U.S. consulate in your country. However, it is much easier to apply for one in the USA. There are many Social Security offices across America where you can do this. The staff at the Social Security Administration will help you complete the application.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-03bb54c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"03bb54c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h6 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">You and your family members will need the following documents to apply:\n<\/h6>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a483777 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a483777\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u2013 Passport.<br \/>\u2013 Legal Permanent Resident Card (I-551 Green Card Order Entry Stamp).<br \/>\u2013 Birth certificate.<br \/>\u2013 Your Social Security card should arrive about two weeks after submitting the application.<br \/>\u2013 U.S driving license<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0f2a016 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0f2a016\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Depending on the U.S. state you\u2019re arriving in, you can use your foreign driver\u2019s license for a certain period of time. As a general rule, this period is twelve months, because this is how long you are allowed to rent a car as a foreigner in the United States. It is important that you educate yourself about the rules of your country. Obtaining an International Driver\u2019s License is not strictly required, but recommended.<br \/>A driver\u2019s license in the USA holds a lot of value. It is an important proof of identity in America and you should obtain it as soon as possible. Similar to the Social Security card, it is a central identity document.<br \/>To obtain a driver\u2019s license, you must pass a written test and a driving test. Every country has different requirements.<br \/>If you do not have or want a driver\u2019s license, it is possible to apply for an alternative ID card issued by the Motor Vehicle Department (DMV).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-83bff57 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"83bff57\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Health insurance in the USA\n<\/h4>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4f01faf elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4f01faf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Health insurance is a very complex subject in the United States. For a lot of people who move to the USA, especially from countries with universal health care, it is very important to understand your options. In most cases, it is recommended to contact an expert who can advise you.<br \/>Generally, Americans pay for their medical care either directly or indirectly through their health insurance. Don\u2019t be surprised if you require payment when you see a doctor. This is very common in the USA and is known as co-payment.<br \/>Healthcare in the United States is expensive. Therefore, it\u2019s a good idea if your employer fully pays it for you. Some employers only pay a part of your health insurance and you may be required to pay the rest. This is called an installment.<br \/>In the United States, health care is a joint system of publicly funded insurance. You can compare prices and find private health insurance in the health insurance\u00a0<strong>market. Medicare and Medicaid are two federally funded health insurance programs for certain groups of people:<\/strong><br \/><strong>Medicare<\/strong><br \/>Medicare is a federally administered health insurance program for Americans over the age of 65 as well as for people with disabilities or end-of-stage kidney disease. The program is funded by taxes, installments, etc. Older U.S. citizens or foreigners with a work or permanent residence visa who have paid at least 10 years in Medicare are eligible to use it.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-75baa2a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"75baa2a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h6 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Medicaid\n<\/h6>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3e82e9b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3e82e9b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income residents including families with children, pregnant women, the disabled or the elderly. The program is a joint effort funded by taxes from both the federal government and individual states.<br \/>About a third of all Americans have health insurance that is provided through Medicare or Medicaid. In many cities and communities there are so-called clinics or community health care centers that provide free or low-cost medical care.<br \/>Americans who do not have health insurance must pay for their medical care. It is not surprising to hear that most of the people filing for bankruptcy in the United States do so because they fell ill or had an accident and were unable to pay the extremely high medical bills.<br \/>But don\u2019t worry: even if you don\u2019t have health insurance, US law forbids any hospital or doctor to refuse treating you in cases of emergency!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-09f8dd2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"09f8dd2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h6 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">U.S. retirement plan\n\n<\/h6>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5206402 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5206402\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>You have already worked for a long time in your country and paid in for a state funded retirement plan. Now that you have moved to the USA, you may be wondering what happens to your retirement pension and whether you qualify for a U.S. retirement plan.<br \/>The US retirement system is called Social Security or officially the Old Age, Survival, and Disability Insurance Program (OASDI). Most people depend on this tax-funded federal program for their pension plan in America.<br \/>If you live and work in the USA, you have to pay into the Social Security Fund. However, it is also recommended to apply for a special retirement plan fund. In the United States, the retirement age for people born after 1960 is 67. However, it is not unusual for people over the age of 67 to continue working. You should make sure from your country of origin what happens to your pension when you move to the USA. After you have worked in the United States for at least 10 years, you are eligible for Social Security benefits.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-54bd70f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"54bd70f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">USA bank account and credit history\n<\/h4>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2c53ff6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2c53ff6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>After arriving in the United States, you should open an account with an American bank as soon as possible. This becomes easier if you already have a Social Security card. Check which banks have the best rates or are closest to you and make an appointment with a bank clerk.<br \/>Banks in America don\u2019t differ much from other banks around the world. American banks offer different accounts for customer needs such as savings accounts, check accounts, or business accounts. If you want to build your credit record, you should open a check account. Before doing so, you need to call your bank and make an appointment. The bank clerk will tell you what documents you need,\u00a0<strong>but you should go ahead and prepare the following documents as well:<\/strong><br \/>\u2013 Passport or driver\u2019s license in English or any other form of photo identification.<br \/>\u2013 Green Card (lawful residence permit).<br \/>\u2013 USA mailing address (your bank card and all other information will be sent to this address).<br \/>\u2013 Phone number and email address to reach you.<br \/>\u2013 A letter with your name and address.<br \/>\u2013 Social Security Card.<br \/>\u2013 It costs $100 to $200 to open an account (In best cases, you should have USD currency with you since many banks \u2013 do not exchange foreign currencies for USD).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1d4a658 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1d4a658\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>When you open your account, you will get a debit card that can be used as an ATM card, as well as checks, if you\u2019d like. You can find automatic teller machines (ATMs) almost everywhere in the USA. Just like in most countries, you must pay a fee if you withdraw cash from an ATM that does not belong to your bank. Debit and credit cards are the most popular payment method in the United States. It is highly recommended to have an international credit card. When opening your bank account, you should also request a secure credit card to help create a credit history.<br \/>After opening a U.S. bank account, you can begin to create what is called your credit history. You might ask \u201ccredit history, what\u2019s that?\u201d Your credit history is a record of your financial history and it is important in the USA if you are looking to buy a home or a car, apply for a new credit card, or do any kind of purchase or invest in large quantities.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-048199e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"048199e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h6 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The credit history is based on the following criteria:\n\n<\/h6>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d543782 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d543782\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Use of credit card: If you pay your credit card bill fully at the end of the month, you will have a good credit history.<br \/>Unpaid debts, bills, or on-time payments for all of your bills will affect your credit history.<br \/>Debt, insolvency or bankruptcy.<br \/>The average life of all your accounts: This is why it is important to open a bank account as soon as possible.<br \/>Number of credit cards.<br \/>With a secured credit card, you have the ability to get loans and build a good credit record. Unpaid bills are bad for your credit score. If you pay rent and electricity bill on time, your credit record will be positive.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You have to plan your immigration to the United States carefully. You have obtained the green card and now finally getting to move. You may be wondering what you need to bring along or what documents you need to translate into English \u2013 with the following tips, you should be well prepared! Get ready to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10585,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usagcd.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10584"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usagcd.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usagcd.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usagcd.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usagcd.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10584"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usagcd.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10584\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usagcd.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10585"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usagcd.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10584"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usagcd.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10584"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usagcd.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10584"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}