Relocating to the USA — Visa, Setup & Shipping Guide

The United States issues a wide range of work, study, investor and family visas through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State. Whether you arrive on an L-1 intracompany transfer, an H-1B specialty worker visa, an E-2 investor visa, an O-1 extraordinary-ability visa, an F-1 student visa or as a green-card holder via family or employment sponsorship, the practical setup steps are similar: SSN, banking, housing, healthcare and schools. This guide gives a planning-level overview — always work with a licensed US immigration attorney for your specific case.

Major US visa categories at a glance

There is no single 'expat visa' for the US. The right route depends on your employer, qualifications, family ties and country of nationality. Common categories include:

L-1A / L-1B — intracompany transfer for managers/executives or specialised-knowledge employees of a multinational with a qualifying US entity.
H-1B — specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree; subject to an annual cap and lottery.
E-1 / E-2 — treaty trader / treaty investor visas for nationals of qualifying treaty countries.
O-1 — individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement.
TN — for Canadian and Mexican professionals under USMCA.
F-1 / J-1 — student and exchange-visitor visas, often with limited work authorisation (OPT/CPT).
Green card — permanent residency via employment categories (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-5 investor) or family sponsorship by a US citizen or LPR.

Your first 30 days on the ground

Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) at your local Social Security Administration office.
Open a US bank account — most banks require SSN or ITIN, passport, visa, I-94 and a US address.
Arrange health insurance — health coverage is private and tied to employment for many; ACA marketplace plans are an alternative.
Sign a lease and set up utilities; landlords often require credit history (a challenge for newcomers — offer alternatives like larger deposits or guarantor letters).
Apply for a state driver's licence at the DMV; rules vary by state and proof-of-residency requirements are strict.
Enrol children in school — public schools by district based on home address; bring vaccination records and prior school reports.

Healthcare and schools

US healthcare is privately delivered and largely employer-insured. Confirm your employer plan's effective date — there is often a waiting period — and consider COBRA or short-term cover for any gap. Out-of-pocket costs and network rules vary widely between plans.

Schools are organised by school district at the city/county level. Public schools are free for residents of the district; quality varies significantly between districts, so school-quality concerns often drive housing decisions. Private and international schools exist in major metros.

Tax basics

The US taxes residents and citizens on worldwide income. Newcomers should confirm their residency status under the substantial presence test, evaluate any applicable tax-treaty positions and consider state-level income tax (which varies by state). FBAR and FATCA reporting on foreign financial accounts is mandatory above thresholds. Engage a qualified cross-border tax adviser, especially in your first US tax year.

Shipping personal effects to the US

Used household goods can generally be imported duty-free under CBP rules using Form 3299 (Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles), provided they were owned and used for the required period. New residents and returning US residents have slightly different requirements. Restricted items include certain foods, plants, weapons and vehicles, which have separate processes. Your appointed mover or customs broker files the documentation with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Planning a move to the United States?

Get a verified shipping quote from your origin country to your US city — with CBP Form 3299 documentation support.

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Frequently asked questions

Which visa is easiest to get?

There is no 'easy' US visa. The right category depends on your employer, qualifications and nationality. Intracompany transferees often use L-1; specialty workers use H-1B (subject to lottery); treaty-country investors use E-2. Always consult a licensed US immigration attorney.

Can I work on a dependent visa?

Some dependent categories allow work with separate authorisation (e.g. L-2 spouses with EAD, certain H-4 spouses). Others do not. Check current USCIS rules carefully before assuming a spouse can work.

Do I need a US credit history?

Yes — for most apartments, credit cards, car loans and mortgages. Newcomers should expect to start with secured credit cards and small lines of credit, and explore newcomer-friendly products from major banks.

How does shipping into the US work?

Most household goods come in by ocean freight (FCL or LCL) into ports such as New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles/Long Beach, Houston, Miami or Norfolk. Air freight is faster but much more expensive. Customs clearance uses CBP Form 3299 plus a packing list and identity documents.

Will I pay duty on my used household goods?

Generally no, if they were owned and used for the qualifying period and properly declared on Form 3299. Restricted items, vehicles and high-value goods may have separate rules. Your customs broker will advise.

Related guides

This guide is general information for planning purposes only. Visa, customs, tax, school admissions and shipping rules change. Always confirm requirements with the relevant government authority, school or licensed advisor before making decisions.