ExpatWomen thanks NRIOL (Non Resident Indians Online) for supplying the following Settling In Tips for the United States. This is only small summary to help you get acquainted to your new country. You can find much more detailed information, including local websites (that we have not included here) at their website http://www.nriol.com/
There are over 100 different types of visa and finding out which one is the right one is incredibly difficult without specialist help from an Immigration Attorney. There are visas for temporary visitors and visas for permanent immigrants. Please contact The United States Embassy in your country to ensure you have the correct paperwork to enter the country. It is strongly recommended you contact an Immigration Attorney and/or the Immigration and Naturalization Service for further details.
Visa Types for Temporary Visitors:
Business
Tourist/visitor
Border Crossing Card - Mexican Travelers
Exchange Visitors
Students
Temporary Workers Overview
Media and Journalists
Visa Renewals
Mexican and Canadian NAFTA Professional Worker
Visa Types for Permanent Immigrants:
Immediate relatives
Special Immigrants
Family-sponsored
Employee-sponsored
Do note: in order to be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen relative(s) or by a prospective employer.
An immigrant is someone who is not a U.S. citizen but has been authorized to permanently live and work in The United States. If you want to become an immigrant, you must go through a three-step process. First, the USCIS must approve an immigrant petition for you, which is usually filed by an employer or a relative for you. Second, a visa number, through the State Department must be immediately available to you, even if you are already in The United States. If you receive an immigrant visa number, it means that an immigrant visa has been assigned to you. Third, if you are already in The United States, you may apply to adjust to permanent resident status after a visa number becomes available for you. (If you are outside The United States when an immigrant visa number becomes available for you, you must then go to your local U.S. consulate to complete your processing.)
U.S. law limits the number of immigrant visa numbers that are available every year. This means that even if the USCIS approves an immigrant visa petition for you, you may not get an immigrant visa number immediately. In some cases, several years could pass between the time USCIS approves your immigrant visa petition and the State Department gives you an immigrant visa number. In addition, U.S. law also limits the number of immigrant visas available by country. This means you may have to wait longer if you come from a country with a high demand for U.S. immigrant visas.
The United States has updated its visa policies to increase security. It will most likely take you longer to get a visa than it used to and you will find security measures in place. It is recommended that you contact your nearest consulate or embassy or an Immigration Attorney to find out specific details for your country. This is a very detailed process and you will want to be very sure that it is done correctly and legally so that no problems occur at a later time.
Upon arrival, you should apply for your Social Security card, which is obtained at your local Social Security office. Your Social Security number is used to keep a record of your earnings. It is also recommended that you apply for a picture ID from the Department of Motor Vehicles (either a driver's license or simple ID). And, of course you will be traveling with your passport, which is a valid picture identification.
United States Citizenship & Immigration Services
www.uscis.gov
Costs vary considerably from state to state, but generally the cost of living is cheaper in the US than in many other countries. This is mainly because the essentials, such as gasoline, food and utilities cost far less - as do cars.
Usually you need to contact the telephone company to set up the telephone services when you move in to your home. You may even need to buy a phone as usually they are not provided. Local and long distance services can be provided by the same company but usually the long distance service is expensive. You may just want to sign up for the basic services and then add more as you need them (call waiting, voice mail, etc.)
Now a day it is very popular to have a DSL line so you may access the internet and not interrupt telephone communications.
The United States has many cellular phone services available. Most cell phones from other countries do not work in the USA, so you will need to buy a new phone,
Watching television is very popular in The United States. The U.S. television standard is NTSC and ATSC, with larger U.S. markets beginning to broadcast digital high-definition (HDTV) programs. DVD players are organized by region codes. Make sure you buy the right DVDs for the right DVD player or, alternatively, a multi-system player. Most cities offer television cable services for a monthly fee.
The United States Postal Service is highly efficient and fast. Post offices are identified by a white eagle on a blue background. Blue letter boxes are prevalent and are safe to use. Letters posted within The United States should get to their destination in one to two days provided they are clearly printed and include the zip (postal) code.
Overnight services are also available from DHL, Federal Express and UPS among others.
Utilities such as gas, water, sewer and especially electricity are usually inexpensive. Before moving into a new apartment, contact the utility companies' nearest offices in order to get the supply started on the day you move in. Most utility companies need to know three to seven days ahead of time to set up the services.
Check the Yellow Pages (book of telephone numbers) under Public Utilities, Electrical Services, Gas, etc.
Most bills will arrive at the end of the month. Some companies will require a deposit that you get back once you cancel your service.
Most expatriates rent apartments or houses for a short term before leasing or purchasing, depending on the length of stay. Purchasing a home is more common for expats planning on staying at least three to five years.
It is important to take into consideration neighborhood characteristics, amenities, proximity to public transport, schools, work, shops, cinemas, churches - and type of accommodation. It's best to consult with a person knowledgeable of the areas that you are interested in. It is not difficult to find housing, as long as you are willing to pay for it.
Most rentals come with kitchen and bathroom appliances. Some also come with laundry and dishwashing machines, air conditioners and other specialties. You need to check out the details of each rental you look at.
Before you begin your search, be aware that the landlord (owner of the rental) may want a credit history. If you are new to the US, and don't have a credit history, gather references and letters of recommendation from your own country if you can, and be prepared to give a larger security deposit. You may not need to, but it's good to be prepared for the possibility.
There are three main ways to search for housing: local real estate/rental guides, online, or the main newspaper's classified sections. Check local supermarkets and convenience stores for publications. Once you identify a place you want to visit you must call to schedule an appointment.
Typically, one month rent and a security deposit equal to one month rent can be requested up front. The costs vary depending on the amount of monthly rent required. You will have to pay real estate taxes and rental insurance. The landlord is responsible for maintenance and repairs.
Generally, utilities are not included when renting. Sometimes, apartments have utilities included. Utilities can include gas, heat, hot water, electricity, telephone, cable, DSL (high speed internet), trash removal and water/sewer. And in some cases snow removal and lawn service.
In the city, many apartments have either a doorman or an intercom at the front entrance. Good home security systems are available at reasonable prices; many include silent alarm features to call the police when you are not at home.
It is common in The United States to sublet apartments or homes. Subletting means a person who rents an apartment or home will move elsewhere, or go on an extended trip, but still want to keep their lease. In the meantime, they may rent the apartment or home to someone else while they are not using it. This is often a good arrangement because approval can be quicker and easier, and the term of the lease may be shorter, or open-ended. Use all the guidelines for renting or buying when you check for a sublet, and make sure the sublet is legally allowed before you move in.
Also very common in The United States is sharing an accommodation with someone you do not know, a roommate. If you are single, or even just a couple, with little cash, credit or furniture, this may be just the thing for you. It usually doesn't require credit checks, it's generally inexpensive, and often includes many furnishings. It's one of the fastest ways to get into a home and start getting established in your new community.
The official language is English. Most residents speak only English, although there are pockets of immigrant communities where other languages are prevalent. Spanish is a second language frequently spoken.
Coins (Cents): 1 (penny), 5 (nickel), 10 (dime), 25 (quarter) 50 (half dollar) and 100 (silver dollar); the last two are rarely used.
The best way to exchange money is at a foreign exchange office or at any bank but you also find that mot airports and hotels offer currency exchange services. There are also many licensed money changers and foreign exchange offices available in most large cities. It is important to carry some cash with you as some places do not accept credit cards.
American banks offer automatic teller / cash dispenser machines (ATM). At ATMs one can pay withdraw, deposit and transfer money. Most ATMs are available 24 hours. Machines can also be found in department / convenience stores. However, using an ATM at a bank that you do not have an account with typically will cost you a fee. This fee -- which is usually between one and two dollars per transaction -- will go to both the bank hosting the ATM and your own bank. Before you begin your transaction, you will be advised of this and required to answer 'I accept' to such charges. Many ATMs offer to display the information in multiple foreign languages.
Common forms of payment:
Cash
Personal Checks
- Debit card
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, American Express)
In order to open an account at an American bank, you normally will need two forms of photo ID, social security number, a utility bill showing your US address and money for deposit. In some states it is not necessary to show proof of a permanent residence.
Typical banking hours are Monday through Friday - 9am until 6pm. Saturday - 10am until 3pm.
Pre-authorized debit withdrawals are an efficient way of paying gas, water and electricity bills. By this method, your bills are automatically deducted from your bank account. The various utility companies can help you with the arrangements. Also, many bills can be paid on-line via agency websites and with personal checks.
Taxes are money paid by U.S. citizens and residents to federal, state, and local governments. Taxes pay for services provided by the government. There are different types of taxes, such as income tax, sales tax, and property tax.
Income tax is paid to federal, most state, and some local governments.
?Taxable income? is money that you get from wages, self-employment, tips, and the sale of property. Most people pay income taxes by having money withheld from their paycheck. The amount of income tax you must pay depends on how much you earn.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the federal agency that collects income tax. Taxpayers file a federal ?income tax return? Form 1040 with the IRS each year. Your tax return tells the government how much you earned and how much in taxes was taken out of your paycheck. If you had too much taken out of your paycheck, you will get a refund. If you did not have enough taken out of your paycheck, you must send a payment to the IRS.
If you a permanent resident, you are required to file a federal income tax return every year. This return covers your earnings for January to December of the past year. You must file your return by April 15. You can get free help with your tax return at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. You don?t need to call ahead.
Taxpayer Assistance Centers are located in communities across The United States. To find the Taxpayer Assistance Center where you live, visit http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html. To get help by phone, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
Generally, no vaccinations are required from any country for entry into the US, however recent changes to United States immigration law now require immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations (listed below) prior to the issuance of an immigration visa.
mumps
measles
rubella
polio
tetanus and dipththeria toxoids
pertussis
influenzae type b
hepatitis B
varicella
pneumococcal
influenza
Additionally, it is recommended that normal childhood vaccinations of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP) and polio should be up-to-date. It is also necessary that you bring any medical records with you from your home country and that you consult your home country's vaccination regulations for re-entry on home leave or repatriation.
The United States does not have socialized medical care. It is recommended that you have your own health insurance and bring all your information with you when visiting the doctor or hospital. If you do not have health coverage, you will have to pay for health care out of your own finances at the time service is provided. This can run into many thousands of dollars for serious illnesses so being covered should be a top priority.
The doctors and hospitals in the U.S. are very good and dependable. To find a suitable health care provider, contact your insurance provider to obtain a list as sometimes you are obliged to use a doctor from their list. The yellow pages also offer a list of doctors (physicians). The best way of finding a doctor usually is by asking the people around you for recommendations.
Pharmacies are called pharmacies or drug stores. There is no specific type of sign indicating that it is a drug store. Most supermarkets have a pharmacy and sell over the counter drugs.
Public schoolsare publicly funded, free, and adhere to a standard curriculum. Private schools charge a fee for attending and usually offer a more specialized curriculum. Charter schoolsare non-profit, self-managed public schools, operating under a performance contract with the local school board. Although charter schools are authorized and monitored by the local school district, they operate independently. They are sometimes referred to as independent public schools. Most parents choose a school for their children dependent on the child's needs and interests.
If your child will be attending a public school, there is no competition. Public schools are zoned so they have to accept all children within the school zone in which you live. Private schools however, typically have entrance requirements and waiting lists. If you plan to send your child to a private school, it is recommended that you apply as soon as you arrive in the area to guarantee a spot on the waiting list. And, Charter schools are like private schools in that you have to register, but instead of entry requirements, they have a "random selection" policy. If you decide this is the choice for your child, it is also recommended that you register as early as possible.
American children start school at the age of five years. In America, the word grade has two meanings: (1) the score achieved on an exam or in a course, and (2) a year of education in primary or secondary school.
In the American education system, students must have obtained a high school diploma before they are admitted into college or university. Foreign students who would like to attend an American college or university must have completed coursework that is equivalent to what is taught at an American high school.
It is impossible for us to list all the schools available in The United States. Double check the neighborhood you wish to live to see what schools are available and if they have a good reputation. Also visit www.ispi.com for a list of schools ( may not be complete).
Having a car is almost a necessity in The United States if you live in the suburbs (towns outside the main city). Since most American commute long distances for work, they invariably drive to work. It is, however, not always required. Depending on your destination, public transportation is available including taxis, buses and metro systems. Finding a place to park is usually difficult in large cities. Parking meters abound so it is best to have a parking place in a garage.
The legal age for drivers is either 16 or 18 years old depending on the state. Cars drive on the right hand side of the road.
Foreigners can drive in the USA with a recognized international driving permit for up to one year.
Some countries have agreements regarding converting foreign driver?s licenses. Double check with your local US Embassy to find out the paperwork necessary.
A Driving License can be obtained at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You must first get a social security number, then visit the DMV Office. You will need three forms of identification, have proof you have taken a five-hour driving course; take a written test, and then a practical road test. In many States, you will have to provide your own vehicle for the practical test. You will also be obliged to take eye test to ensure you can read the road signs. Be sure to schedule a large block of time for this as the DMV office is known for its long hours in line.
Owning and operating a car is linked with various considerable expenses, including compulsory inspections for pollution, various taxes, and car insurance. Gasoline once very inexpensive in the USA is now getting more expensive. Buying a used car sometimes is the best alternative to buying a new car.
Learn more about buying and owning a car at www.nriol.com.
Most cities have bus and taxi services, and some large towns have metro, train and ferry services.
Buses
Greyhound is the name of the long-range bus service in the <strong>US.</strong> It is the cheapest transportation service in the <strong>US.</strong> It is usually the lower classes who use Greyhound and in many cases the bus stations are located in lower class neighborhoods which may be very unsafe from public safety viewpoint.
Trains
The Amtrak Rail Service offers train service from one coast to the other and other stops in between, It is more expensive than the bus and sometimes more expensive than the plane if the airlines are having a promotion.
Taxis
Taxis have regulated fares and start at US$2. Licensed taxis are yellow and display their license number with the driver's photo. Taxis must use their meters. Tips of US$0.50 to US$1.50 are expected.
Flying is really popular in the <strong>US.</strong> There are tens or hundreds of thousands of people flying daily. It is the fastest way to travel and sometimes it might be the most economical one, especially on longer distances. It is not uncommon that with less than $200 you can fly roundtrip coast to coast.
Since the 2001 September 11 terrorist actions the airport safety became tighter and the check in process longer and more painful. Even for domestic flights. You should ensure you have arrive early enough to be able to check in and go through the security check points.
Finding a large selection of food ideas depends if you are living in a large city or in the suburbs.
City residents do much of their shopping from small ?mom and pop? markets.
In the suburbs, it is common to find large supermarkets and even larger ?superstores? which sell extra-large quantities of food and household supplies at discounted prices.
There are many local supermarket chains. They offer all kinds of goods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh seafood, meat, food, bread, dairy products, snacks, ready-to-eat meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and household articles.
Clothes shopping
Most large towns have a mall (enclosed shopping centers that include many chain and specialty stores). Target, K-Mart, and Wal-Mart are popular and inexpensive stores that offer everything from cleaning materials to basic home furnishings. Superstores include Sams Club and CostCo.
Depending the state you live in you may find that everything is more expensive than another state due to the state sales tax.
The local Chambers of Commerce and Foreign Consulates are great places to start gaining resources in your search for social connections within the community. There are also a large number of professional and social club activities listed in local newspapers.
Chambers of Commerce
www.online-chamber.com
Another way of meeting people is joining a gym, sports club, places of worship or volunteering at a charitable organization.
The United States of America is a huge country. Every region has its own type of weather. The best way to find out about the weather in the area you will be living is to us the online weather services.
American Australian Association-- Australian Women In New York http://www.americanaustralian.org/Social/awny.php
Australian Women In New York (AWNY) was established in June 1999. From small beginnings the group has expanded steadily and in 2004 has over 200 American Australian Association members on the mailing/email list. While the majority of members live in New York City, there is also a good number from New York State, Connecticut and New Jersey. Our members come from a broad range of age groups and occupations.
British American Society http://www.britishamericansociety.com
Welcome to the British American Society (BAS), San Diego Website. BAS headquarters is located in San Diego, California and we are networked with other British groups, via our BAS Network, in cities throughout the USA and Canada.
Canadian Association of New York http://www.canadianassociationny.org
The purpose of the association to promote friendly and positive social relations between Canadians and Americans.
Daughters of the British Empire http://www.dbesociety.org/
The DBE is a charitable, non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian, voluntary American society of women of British or Commonwealth birth or ancestry. Its members are professionals, businesswomen and homemakers with common interests and heritage, who meet regularly for business and social events with the common cause of philanthropy.
International Friends Club (New Jersey) http://www.ifc-njandny.com/
IFC is a club of American women who have lived internationally and
foreign national women currently residing in the United States. The
Club's purpose is to foster cultural understanding, form social ties within
the international community and provide a place to share mutual
experiences.
Our goal is the enrichment of our lives through the sharing of various
experiences and traditions by providing a social network for women in
the New Jersey/New York area.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN ASSOCIATES, INC (Chicago) http://www.iwachicago.org/
IWA promotes understanding and cooperation among Chicago-area women of all nations. It offers support, fellowship, and services to the long-term visitor to Chicago. Its programs are designed to provide access to other cultures and traditions and to create links among people of diverse cultural backgrounds.
The British-American Business Council, Chicago http://www.babcc.org/
Established in 1990, the British-American Business Council Chicago (BABC Chicago) endeavors to broaden trade and commercial goodwill between the United States and Great Britain--the largest economic partnership in the world, including $460 billion in two-way investment and $74 billion annually in two-way trade.
Yanks Down-Under/Mates Up-Over www.matesupover.com
Support for Australians living in North America and expatriate North Americans living in Australia, with discussion forums, chat, stories, etc.
General Links
American Australian Association http://www.americanaustralian.org/
Founded in 1948, the American Australian Association is the largest non-profit organization in the United States devoted to relations between the United States and Australia and New Zealand; with operations throughout the tri-state and the New England regions.
British Embassy in the United States http://www.britain-info.org/ or www.britainusa.com
We provide up-to-date information about Britain including UK Government policy & humanitarian efforts, British science & technology advancements, requirements & regulations for visas to Britain, and a wealth of additional information and news about Britain in the US.
Brits in Florida http://www.sunnybrits.com
For British expats lucky enough to live in sunny Florida, all the news and views from home.
Brits in the States http://www.britsinthestates.com/
An online directory of everything that is British in the US, providing resources for British expats to stay in touch with home, and send gifts to their friends and families back in the UK. Read the latest British news headlines, find links to food, shopping and gifts online, find a British pub near to you, book your flight back to the UK, read the sports news, get embassy info, and much more.
Brits Online http://www.britsonline.com
Welcome to Brits Online, an online directory of everything that is British in the US, providing resources for British expats to stay in touch with home. Read the latest British news headlines, find links to food, shopping and gifts online, find a British pub near to you, book your flight back to the UK, read the sports news, get embassy info, and much more.
Easy Expat: New York http://www.easyexpat.com
The mission of this website is to provide English, French, Italian, Spanish and German speaking expatriates with accurate information and answers about the major cities with the most expatriates.
Easy Expat: San Francisco http://www.easyexpat.com
The mission of this website is to provide English, French, Italian, Spanish and German speaking expatriates with accurate information and answers about the major cities with the most expatriates.
Global Nomads in DC http://www.globalnomads-dc.org
An organization to connect global nomads living in the Washington DC area.
Global in Puerto Rico www.globalpuertorico.com
The meeting point for international communities and expats in Puerto Rico.
SG Women Abroad http://www.sgwomenabroad.org
Provides resources for Singaporean women living overseas and helping them keep connected to their home. Aside from useful articles, quizzes and calendar of events, sgwomenabroad also have an active forum community of Singaporean women from all over the world helping to ease newcomers into their new environment.
The Best of British http://www.effingpot.com/
The American's guide to speaking British. Over 1000 words and expressions that differ in their usage between the US and the UK.
US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce http://www.uspaacc.com
Formed in 1984, as a national, non-profit organization representing all Asian Americans and Asian American-related groups in business, sciences, the arts, sports, education, public and community services. We promote, nurtu
Immigration/Visas and Permits
Accommodation 