Moving to USA — Complete Guide 2026

Everything you need to know about visas, work permits, green cards, taxes, healthcare, and getting started in the United States.

Visa Processing

2-6 months

Cost of Living

$2,000-$3,500

Popular Cities

NYC, San Francisco

Main Visa Types

8

Why USA?

Exceptional Salaries

Highest salaries globally, especially in tech, finance, and professional services.

Innovation Hub

Silicon Valley, NYC, and major cities are centers of global innovation and business.

Green Card Path

Employment-based green cards provide pathway to permanent residency.

Diverse Culture

Diverse immigrant communities, international environments, and multicultural cities.

Business Opportunities

Largest economy in world, entrepreneur-friendly, venture capital abundant.

Quality Institutions

World's top universities, healthcare centers, and professional opportunities.

Visa Types Available

H-1B (Specialty Occupation)

Duration

3 years renewable

Requirements

Bachelor's degree + job offer + employer sponsorship + LCA approval

Ideal For

Specialized workers in tech, finance, engineering

L-1 (Intracompany Transfer)

Duration

1-3 years renewable

Requirements

Transfer within company + minimum 1 year abroad experience

Ideal For

Employees transferring within multinational companies

EB-1C (Executive/Manager)

Duration

Permanent

Requirements

Manager/executive position + company ownership/management

Ideal For

Business owners, executives

EB-2/EB-3 (Employment Green Card)

Duration

Permanent

Requirements

Master's degree (EB-2) or job certification (EB-3) + job offer

Ideal For

Skilled professionals seeking permanent residency

O-1 (Extraordinary Ability)

Duration

3 years renewable

Requirements

Extraordinary ability in arts, science, business, sports, education

Ideal For

Top talent in specialized fields

E-2 (Treaty Investor)

Duration

2 years renewable

Requirements

$100,000+ investment + substantial business operation

Ideal For

Entrepreneurs, investors

F-1 (Student)

Duration

Program duration + 1 year OPT

Requirements

University admission + I-20 + financial proof

Ideal For

International students

EB-5 (Investor)

Duration

Permanent

Requirements

$1,050,000 investment (or $787,500 in Targeted Employment Area)

Ideal For

Wealthy investors seeking green card

Tax System & Costs

Federal Income Tax

The US has a progressive federal income tax system combined with state taxes. Federal rates range from 10% to 37% depending on income bracket.

  • Federal income tax: 10-37% progressive brackets
  • State income tax: 0-13% depending on state (no state tax in TX, FL, WA)
  • FICA (Social Security + Medicare): 7.65% employee contribution
  • Self-employed: Double FICA (15.3%) plus income tax

Cost of Living

Cost of living varies dramatically by state and city. Major tech hubs (SF, NYC) are expensive, while secondary cities offer better value.

Getting Started Checklist

Secure job offer and visa sponsorship
Apply for visa at US embassy/consulate
Attend visa interview
Receive visa approval (I-797 notice)
Arrive in US and complete port of entry procedures
Apply for Social Security Number (SSN)
Get Employer Identification Number (EIN) if self-employed
Register with state for income tax
Obtain health insurance (employer or marketplace)
Open US bank account

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