United States

Temporary work and study visas

• H-1B: for specialty occupations that need a degree. Employers register for an annual lottery in March, and approved workers can start on 1 October. Since September 2025, new petitions for workers outside the US face a $100,000 payment, so check current rules and exemptions with your employer.
• L-1: for intracompany transferees who have worked for the company abroad for at least 1 continuous year in the last 3 years. L-1A covers managers and L-1B covers specialized knowledge.
• O-1: for people with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, business, education or athletics, backed by strong evidence such as awards, publications or press.
• F-1: for full-time students at SEVP-certified schools. Graduates can work on OPT for 12 months, and STEM graduates can add a 24-month STEM OPT extension.
• J-1: for exchange visitors such as researchers, interns and au pairs. Some J-1 holders must spend 2 years in their home country before changing status.
• E-2: for investors from treaty countries who put a substantial investment into a US business they run.

Green cards (permanent residence)

• Family-based: sponsored by a US citizen or permanent resident relative
• Employment-based: EB-1 to EB-3 usually need employer sponsorship and often PERM labor certification, while EB-2 National Interest Waiver lets some applicants self-petition
• EB-5: for investors in qualifying US projects
• Diversity Visa: an annual lottery for nationals of countries with low US immigration

Where the jobs are

• Tech: San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, New York, Austin and Boston
• Finance: New York, Chicago, Charlotte and Boston
• Healthcare and life sciences: Boston, the Bay Area, San Diego and major hospital systems nationwide
• Energy and engineering: Houston and other Texas cities
• Government and policy: Washington, D.C., though most federal jobs require citizenship

How to search

• LinkedIn, Indeed and Glassdoor are the main job boards
• Company careers pages and referrals from current employees carry a lot of weight
• University career centers help F-1 students find internships and OPT roles
• Public data on past H-1B filings can show which employers sponsor

Applications and interviews

A US resume is usually 1 page (2 for senior roles), with no photo, age or marital status. Interviews often include several rounds, with technical tests or case studies for many roles.

Pay and benefits

• The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, but many states and cities set much higher minimums
• Health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off are usually part of your benefits package, so compare them as carefully as salary
• A 401(k) retirement plan often includes an employer match, commonly 3-6% of salary
• Most jobs are "at will", meaning you or your employer can end employment at any time, with limited notice

Finding a place

Popular sites include Zillow, Apartments.com, Trulia, Redfin and Craigslist, plus Facebook groups for sublets and roommates. In big cities, many apartments are in managed buildings with a leasing office.

What landlords ask for

• Proof of income: many require an annual salary of 40 times the monthly rent
• A credit check, which is hard without a US credit history
• ID, an offer letter or employment verification and sometimes previous landlord references
• An application fee, which some states and cities cap

Workarounds for newcomers

• Offer a larger security deposit or several months' rent upfront, where local law allows
• Use a guarantor service such as TheGuarantors or Leap
• Start with a furnished corporate rental or sublet for 1 to 3 months
• Ask your employer about relocation support

Leases and costs

Most leases run for 12 months. Expect to pay the first month's rent and a security deposit, often equal to 1 month's rent, before moving in. Utilities such as electricity, gas and internet are usually extra, while water and trash are sometimes included. Renters insurance is cheap, often $10-$25 a month, and is required by many buildings.

Tenant rights

Rules on deposits, rent increases and evictions vary by state and city. New York and California have some of the strongest tenant protections, while many other states offer fewer.

How it works

US healthcare is excellent but expensive, and a single hospital stay without insurance can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Most working-age people get coverage through their employer's health plan.

Employer health insurance

• You choose a plan when you start and during the yearly open enrollment period
• The employer pays a large share of the premium, and you pay the rest from your paycheck, often $100-$300 a month for yourself and more for family coverage
• Compare the deductible (what you pay before insurance kicks in), copays and the out-of-pocket maximum
• Check that doctors and hospitals are in-network to avoid large bills

If your job does not cover you

The ACA Marketplace at HealthCare.gov (or your state's own exchange) sells individual plans. Lawfully present immigrants can usually buy Marketplace coverage, and subsidies depend on your income. You normally enroll during open enrollment in late autumn, or within 60 days of a qualifying event such as moving to the US or losing job coverage.

Students and exchange visitors

Most universities require F-1 students to buy the school health plan or show equivalent coverage. J-1 visitors must meet specific insurance requirements set by the State Department.

Getting care

• Choose a primary care doctor through your insurer's directory
• Urgent care clinics handle non-emergencies quickly and cheaply compared with the ER
• Call 911 in an emergency. Emergency rooms must stabilize you regardless of ability to pay, but you will be billed.

Big differences between cities

Living in Manhattan or San Francisco can cost twice as much as living in Houston, Atlanta or Columbus. Salaries also vary, so compare offers based on what is left after rent, tax and insurance.

Typical monthly costs for one person

• Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $3,000-$4,800 in New York and San Francisco, $1,300-$2,200 in many other large cities
• Utilities: $120-$250
• Internet and mobile: $100-$150 combined
• Groceries: $400-$600
• Health insurance (employee share): $100-$300
• Car costs, if needed: $600-$1,000 including payment, insurance and fuel

Taxes and tipping

• Sales tax is added at the till and is not included in shelf prices. It ranges from 0% to over 9% depending on the state and city.
• Tipping is expected: 18-22% in sit-down restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and haircuts, and $1-$2 per drink at bars
• State and local income tax can add 0-12% on top of federal tax

Ways to save

• Shop at Trader Joe's, Costco, Aldi and store brands
• Choose a job in a city with lower rent or no state income tax, such as Texas, Florida or Washington
• Use your employer's commuter benefits to pay for transit with pre-tax money

Cities with good public transport

New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Boston and San Francisco have subway or rail systems that make living without a car practical. Elsewhere, buses may be infrequent, and most people drive.

Driving

• You drive on the right
• Driving licences are issued by each state, usually through the DMV. Rules for using a foreign licence and exchanging it vary by state, and many require you to pass written and road tests.
• Car insurance is required and can be expensive with no US driving history
• A REAL ID compliant licence or state ID (or a passport) is needed to board domestic flights

Long-distance travel

• Domestic flights are the fastest way to cover long distances, with major hubs in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver and Los Angeles
• Amtrak trains are useful in the Northeast Corridor between Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., and scenic elsewhere
• Intercity buses such as Greyhound, Megabus and FlixBus are cheap

Ride-hailing and bikes

Uber and Lyft operate in almost every city. Bike share schemes such as Citi Bike in New York and Divvy in Chicago are popular for short trips.

Everyday culture

Americans are generally friendly and informal: first names are used quickly, and small talk with strangers is normal. Directness is valued at work, and people tend to be optimistic and enthusiastic.

Work and life balance

Long working hours are common, and paid holiday is often only 10-15 days a year plus public holidays. Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July and the winter holidays are important times for family.

Things to enjoy

• 63 national parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon and Zion
• Live sports: American football, basketball, baseball and ice hockey, plus growing soccer leagues
• Music, film, food and art scenes that vary widely by region
• Huge diversity of immigrant communities, cuisines and festivals

Etiquette

• Tip in restaurants, bars, taxis and salons
• Be on time for meetings and appointments
• Politics and religion can be sensitive topics, so read the room
• Personal space matters, and queues are respected

Community life

Social life often revolves around neighborhoods, workplaces, sports leagues, religious communities and volunteering. Meetup groups and alumni associations help newcomers build networks.

Public schools

Public schools from kindergarten (age 5) to 12th grade are free and funded largely by local property taxes, so quality varies a lot between districts. Children are usually assigned to a school by home address, which is why many families choose where to live based on the school district.

• Enroll through your local school district with proof of address, birth certificate and immunization records
• Children generally have a right to attend public school regardless of immigration status
• Charter schools and magnet schools are publicly funded alternatives, sometimes with lotteries

Private schools and childcare

Private schools can cost $15,000-$60,000 or more a year. Childcare is among the most expensive in the world: full-time daycare for an infant often costs $1,500-$3,000 a month in big cities. Some states and cities offer free pre-kindergarten for 3 and 4 year olds.

Universities

The US has more than 4,000 colleges and universities. Bachelor's degrees usually take 4 years, with broad study before choosing a major.

• International undergraduates typically pay $30,000-$65,000 a year in tuition, plus living costs
• Graduate programs often offer funding such as teaching and research assistantships
• Standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, GRE or GMAT may be required
• You need an F-1 or J-1 visa and a Form I-20 or DS-2019 from your school

Opening a bank account

Large banks such as Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Citi have branches nationwide and often let newcomers open accounts with a passport, visa documents and proof of address. Some accept an ITIN or open accounts without an SSN at first. Online banks and credit unions offer lower fees but may require an SSN.

Social Security number

Your SSN is a 9-digit number used for work, taxes and credit. If you are authorized to work, apply through the Social Security Administration, sometimes directly on your immigration forms. If you are not eligible for an SSN but need to file taxes, apply for an ITIN from the IRS.

Building credit

Credit scores (FICO, from 300 to 850) are used by landlords, phone providers, car dealers and lenders. Your foreign history usually does not count.

• Start with a secured credit card or a card designed for newcomers
• Keep usage below 30% of your limit and always pay on time
• Some services, such as Nova Credit, can use credit history from certain countries

Taxes and retirement

The US tax year matches the calendar year, and most people file a federal return by 15 April, plus a state return if required. US citizens and residents are taxed on worldwide income. Contribute to your 401(k) at least up to the employer match, as it is effectively free money.

Protection and payments

Deposits are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank. Cards and apps like Zelle and Venmo are used everywhere, and checks are still used for rent.

Protect your immigration status

• Work only as allowed by your visa. Unauthorized work, even freelance or a few hours, can end your status.
• Keep your address updated: most non-citizens must report a change of address to USCIS within 10 days
• F-1 and J-1 students must keep a full course load and report changes through their school's international office
• Keep copies of your passport, visa, I-94 record and approval notices, and check your I-94 online after each entry

Everyday laws

• The legal drinking age is 21 everywhere, and bars check ID strictly
• Drinking in public places is illegal in most areas
• Cannabis is legal for adults in some states but remains illegal under federal law, and non-citizens can face immigration consequences for using or working with it
• Jaywalking rules and traffic laws vary by city
• Smoking is banned in many indoor spaces and some outdoor areas

Driving laws

Drunk driving is taken very seriously, with a typical blood alcohol limit of 0.08% (0.05% in Utah). If police stop your car, stay seated, keep your hands visible and follow instructions.

Workplace and civil rights

Federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, disability and age. Many states add further protections.

Entering the US

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, including the UK, most EU countries, Japan, South Korea and Australia, can visit for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA. The ESTA fee is $40 and it is usually valid for 2 years. Everyone else needs a visitor visa from a US embassy or consulate. ESTA does not allow work or study.

Traveling as a visa holder

• Your visa stamp is for entry only. It can expire while you are in the US without affecting your status, but you need a valid stamp to re-enter after travel abroad.
• Your I-94 record shows how long you can stay. Download it after each entry and check it for errors.
• F-1 students need a travel signature on their Form I-20 before leaving
• Green card holders who stay abroad for more than 6 months may face questions about abandoning residence

Airports and connections

Major international gateways include New York JFK, Newark, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago O'Hare, Atlanta, Dallas Fort Worth, Miami and Washington Dulles. Global Entry speeds up re-entry for eligible travelers, including green card holders.

Travelling onwards

Canada and Mexico are easy trips from many US cities, but check whether you need a visa or electronic travel authorization for them. Short trips to Canada or Mexico can sometimes allow re-entry on an expired visa stamp under automatic revalidation rules.