How to Immigrate in the USA? - ESTAForm.org

All Information: Immigration to the USA

Interesting Facts
how-to-immigrate-in-the-usa
MAIN NATIONALITIES AND NUMBERS

The population of the United States of America is approximately 329 million. There are six recognized races in the USA: White, American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander and people with two or more races. Hispanic and Latino Americans account for just over 16% of the whole population.

IN-DEMAND JOBS IN THE USA

Many of the most in-demand jobs in the US are within the healthcare, clean-energy and technology industries. The ten roles listed as most in-demand* in 2020 are: Solar Energy Technician, Wind Energy Technician, Nurse Practitioner, Software Developer, Physical Therapist, Registered Nurse, Health Services Manager, Data Analyst, Digital Marketing Expert, Digital Content Specialist and Information Security Analyst.

*Stats provided by Human Resources Director

how-to-immigrate-in-the-usa
how-to-immigrate-in-the-usa
AVERAGE SALARY

Salaries in the US vary greatly depending on the type of occupation and the location. Employees working in large metropolitan cities have higher costs of living and tend to have higher levels of pay. The average wage for workers in the US was $48,672* at the end of 2019. Workers in professional management and related jobs were earning $69,109 as a median salary, whilst service workers earned an average of $31,252.

*Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

EMPLOYEE SPONSORSHIP

Non-US citizens can apply for a H1B visa sponsor to get a job in the US. The visa applicant must find a job in the US that is prepared to hire them and there is an application fee that must be paid. The fee for H1B is now $560 and the applicant must attend an interview at the US Embassy and provide all of the required documents, whilst the employer must also provide rationale as to why they are hiring a foreign worker.

Applying for an Immigrant Visa
how-to-immigrate-in-the-usa
how-to-immigrate-in-the-usa
AMERICAN CITIZEN & RESIDENT SPONSORSHIP

A US citizen is able to file a petition for certain relatives to become a lawful resident of the US through a Green Card. Someone can file a petition for their husband or wife, or their children. US citizens aged 21 and over are also able to petition for parents and siblings. The petition involves filling in a Form I-130 and providing required documents. Check the latest news on immigration for travel ban updates to see whether they are eligible.

DIVERSITY VISA LOTTERY

The US has a lottery with a certain number (usually 50,000) of immigrant visas available each year that will be provided with a US Permanent Resident Card. The Diversity Visa Lottery has been in operation for over 30 years but the requirements and eligibility criteria has been updated regularly over recent years.

how-to-immigrate-in-the-usa
Settling Down in the USA
how-to-immigrate-in-the-usa
SOCIAL SECURITY & HEALTH INSURANCE

The US recently changes the policy on health insurance requirements for visitors. The ruling applies to immigrants who are deemed to financially burden the US healthcare system and requires visitors to obtain health insurance within 30 days of arriving in the US. This does not apply to tourists travelling with an ESTA, however travel insurance with medical cover is recommended for travellers. To work in the US, you require a Social Security Number, which can be obtained by filling in Form SS-5. There are three types of social security cards; one for US citizens and permanent residents, one for temporary workers and another which is tax related.

AMERICAN BANK ACCOUNT

To open a US bank account, you will need a Social Security Number, be a legal US resident with a valid US address and be aged 18 or over. Banks may also ask for a US driving licence or state ID as proof of identity.

how-to-immigrate-in-the-usa
how-to-immigrate-in-the-usa
RENTING OR BUYING PROPERTY

In comparison to buying property in the UK, house prices in the US are usually quite affordable but it depends on the area you are looking at. If you are looking at renting, you may need to provide documentation to show financial stability as you will not have a US credit record. You will also need documents such as passport, proof of employment and usually a Social Security Number. Buying a house is similar, with a Social Security Number, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to enable you to purchase a property.

DRIVING LISCENCE

A US drivers license is issued by each state, as each one has different requirements and procedures, which you can check on the Department of Motor vehicles that is applicable to your state. In the majority of US states, you require a Social Security Number to enable you to get issued with a driving license. You may also be required to provide your foreign driver’s license, passport and proof of immigration status.

how-to-immigrate-in-the-usa
how-to-immigrate-in-the-usa
STATE TAXES

In the US there are tax residents and non-tax residents and immigrants that are classified as tax residents must pay US taxes. Permanent residents and green card holders are classed as tax residents and income must be reported to the IRS.

Download Guide

Written by Abisola Fikayomi

Abisola is an accomplished writer interested in US Travel, immigration, passports and visas. She’s passionate about exploring new places and cultures and willing to share her experiences, expertize and findings with others. That is her primary drive for specialising in this industry.