Start a New Life in the United States: The United States of America is the land of the free and starting a new life here is a dream for many people. The upside of dreaming is the belief that whatever you pursue can come true. If you want to achieve your goals, in a country that cradles a multitude of opportunities, then you are reading the right book. The American dream is just within reach all you need is to immigrate and start a new life in the United States.
The American dream is the belief that anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into can attain their version of success in a society in which upward mobility is possible for everyone. Moreover, the term American Dream was coined in a best-selling book in 1931 titled Epic of America.
However, the American dream is believed to be achieved through sacrifice, risk-taking, and hard work, rather than by chance. Which all follow when seeking a new life in the United States of America. In this article, we will provide information in detail on everything you should know on how to start a new life in the United States of America without sacrificing everything you have.
Brief History of the Life in the United States (The American Dream)
Learning the history of the country you want to call your new home is a sign of respect. Similar to traveling to a new country on a vacation, your enthusiasm for a certain place and its culture is essential. Did you know that the United States of America was created by dreamers just like you?
When the native Americans inhabited this famous land before the 1600s, they took great care of it and lived a simple life. The arrival of the Europeans in America toward the end of the 15th century ignited conflicts between the two continents.
However, the quest for freedom from the thirteen British colonies that stripped the Americans of their right and liberty led to the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The American patriots who fought by pens and guns dreamed of that glorious day. They coupled their grand ideas with decisive actions to achieve their goals.
Thomas Jefferson, one of the brave patriots and the proponent of the American dream, became the first president of the United States of America on March 4, 1801. This just proves that success doesn’t happen overnight. You have to plan it carefully and execute it with precision. We will help you achieve your own American Dream but first, we want to show you what this dream is made of.
Benefits of Life in the United States (The American Dream)
The idea of the American dream is appealing to all nations of the world. Everyone wants an equal opportunity for success. It doesn’t matter if you belong to one race, religion, gender, and other societal group. You can work hard, show the world what you can do, and eventually thrive in your field of expertise. When you achieve Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, you are living the American Dream.
However, since its independence, the US has come a long way and its population now has reached more than 320 million people. Inland area, is considered the 2nd largest country in the Americas (continents of North America and South America combined) next only to Canada. From 13 states, it has been divided into 50 states and a federal district. Washington, D.C. houses the three branches of the federal government. The thriving economy of the US attracts thousands of foreigners which explain the influx of immigrants who have made this country their new home.
Beautiful Country:
Moreover, since America is a melting pot for different nationalities, you can expect a rich and incredibly diversified culture. Europeans, Asians, and Middle Eastern people just to name a few have introduced their fascinating traditions to the Americans. Prepare to be in awe at the fusion of art, cuisine, music, and fashion that you will be exposed to when you reach this part of the world. You can also discover the marvelous variety of geographical landscapes and water features of the country. The US boasts of tourist attractions such as Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, and many more.
Great Opportunities:
When your curiosity as a tourist is satisfied, you can now imagine the possibility of creating a good life, the American way. You can apply for your dream job, study at the best universities, start your own business and ultimately live the life you want. Global investors and most of the big names in various industries have offices in major cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Houston. The country is filled with splendid opportunities that you can explore when you decide to live here permanently.
If you have made a firm decision to live in America and you did your homework, you already know that the special key to this door of opportunity is called a Green Card.
Start a New Life in the United States
Moving to another country to start a new life is an amazing experience. You will be able to immerse yourself in a different culture and understand other people’s way of living. However, no one who has ever moved to the US will tell you that starting a new life in the United States is easy. The journey of moving and starting a new life in the United States can be exciting and intimidating at the same time.
Moreover, to start a new life in the United States, you will, first of all, immigrate to the country. Foreign citizens wishing to immigrate and live permanently in the U.S. must comply with U.S. visa immigration laws, and specific procedures to apply for visas.
However, below are a few tips you should bear in mind to help you while planning to move and start a new life in the United States of America.
You need to save money:
Firstly, bear in mind that you do need to save money before you move. There’s no way you can change your life in a blink of an eye when you don’t have any money. This is what determines if your journey of moving to start a new life in the United States will be exciting or intimidating.
Moreover, you should be aware that you will need to pay certain government fees during the US immigration process. Well aside from this fee, will also need to pay for your accommodation fee after you enter the United States. Therefore, whatever you save could help you live in the United States, even without a job offer for a certain period.
You don’t need to secure a job to move to the US:
Generally, most foreigners who immigrate to the United States are just seeking employment opportunities to achieve a better life for themselves and their family members. But, such foreigners will need someone to sponsor them to move to the country.
Moreover, even if you are not immigrating to the country for employment offers, you will still need someone to sponsor you such as family relatives, spouse, etc. But those days are gone. Today you can just save up some money, do some planning, pack your bags and set off to the US. Then, you can find a job along the line.
Your health:
Furthermore, you should also take good care of your health before, during, and after your move to the US. However, being healthy should be your number one priority. Even when you are seeking to start a new life in the United States or any other country abroad.
Moreover, you will want to be confident in your health. As nothing can be worse than running around trying to find a hospital instead of having new experiences.
How to Start a New Life in the United States
However, every year, the US welcomes thousands of immigrants from all around the world. The immigrants will be accepted into the country regardless of country, race, ethnicity, etc. Moreover, the United States of America is diverse, beautiful, and full of opportunities for everyone.
Deciding to start a new life in the United States could be one of the most important decisions you will ever make. However, the first couple of months in the country can be quite intimidating. That is if you are not sure of where to start and what exactly to expect in your new surrounding. But this section is a guide on some of the things to consider when planning to move and start a new life in the United States. They are as follows:
Preliminary research:
Firstly, we recommend that you should do lead-in research. Take to the internet and find out as much as you can about the country you are moving into. Get an idea of the current job opportunities out there in the US. Also, find out where the job opportunities are most prevalent.
Moreover, you should decide on the city or places you want to live in and also apply for jobs that require your skillset. Further, you should also learn about the US immigration process as it is a major part of your plan.
US Visa:
Secondly, you should apply for and receive a US visa, or green card otherwise known as an immigrant visa. This is one of the biggest difficulties when moving to the United States of America. However, you should allow several months before your move to the US to complete the application process. First of all, the application process starts with a visa petition to the USCIS. Upon approval, the National Visa Center takes over and provides instructions for the formal visa application and interviews.
Moreover, you may be able to get a US visa through a family member or your job. However, there are also other possible ways to obtain a green card to enter the US. But if you already have a family member who is a US citizen, they can help you apply to have you join them in the US. Or you can apply through your employer if you have an offer of permanent employment in the United States.
Housing in America:
Moreover, upon your arrival in the US, you will need to find an apartment to rent as soon as possible. You may first book yourself into a hotel, an Airbnb let, or a holiday rental. This will give time to do a proper search for permanent accommodation without rushing into something you may not like. You may want to search for an apartment that is near to your work, or school. Furthermore, there are several websites where you can look on, even before you arrive in the United States. Some of the websites to search for apartments in the United States are as follows: Zillow.com, apartments.com, rent.com, etc.
Social Security Number (SSN):
After you find an apartment to settle in the United States, the next thing to do is to get a Social Security Number (SSN). You should apply for SSN at least after 7 days after your arrival to get it without any delay. That is if you didn’t already apply for one during your visa application.
The SSN allows the US government to see how much money you earn in the country and to determine if you are eligible for benefits. You cannot get paid without having Social Security Number (SSN). You can visit your local SSN admin office to apply.
Moreover, make sure you check the SSN website online and carry all the necessary documents required to the SSN office. Such as evidence that you have the permission to work in the United States. Further, you will need to work with your employer on this and get all the guidance you need.
American bank account:
Immediately after settling in the United States, you will need to set up an American account. This is to allow you to easily pay bills and receive your salary. However, you should go to any American bank in the US and open one Checking account. You will get a USA debit card immediately by opening a bank.
Moreover, it is a good idea to check with your employer’s preferred bank and open an account there. Just to make things easier for you. However, you will typically need to present proof of address, your passport, immigration documents, and SSN to set up an account.
Furthermore, other tips to consider when planning to move and start a new life in the United States includes:
- Find a permanent residence
- Sort out utilities
- Arrange health insurance
- Apply for a driver’s license
- Understand the laws in the United States
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the US is one of the most popular countries in the world to immigrate to. Despite its popularity, starting a new life in the United States or becoming a US permanent resident is a long and costly process for many. This is one of the obvious factors why immigrating to another country is challenging. Therefore, you should bear in mind that while the United States is beautiful with a lot to see and do. It’s not for everyone.
