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Moving to America – What You Need to Know

So, you are moving to America!

Whether you are emigrating, taking a short term assignment or joining family in America we have put together the information you will need to make your move to the USA a smooth one.

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Expat’s Guide To The Best Cities In Florida

Florida is one of the most popular US destinations among expats. The reasons for this are numerous. Beautiful beaches, warm weather, and diverse communities are why many expats choose to settle in the Sunshine State. Still, with so many cities to choose from, it might be hard to decide on where to start your new…

Passport And Visa Requirements For The USA

If you are visiting America you may qualify for the visa waiver program, but if you are moving to America there are a wide range of options for non-immigrant and immigrant visas depending on the reason for your move. Passports All visitors to the United States must hold a valid passport that expires six months…

Expat’s Guide To LLC Formation: Business Creation Simplified

Whether you are an American or an expat, you do not have to be living in the United States for you to form an LLC (Limited Liability Company). This should be good news for you as an expat if you understand the advantages LLCs have over other business entities. So, what is an LLC and…

International Students’ Guide To Living In California

California is a popular location for international students seeking a high-quality education as well as a diverse cultural experience. It’s no wonder that with its sunny weather, diversified population, and world-class colleges, California attracts students from all over the world. If you’re an international student wanting to study in California, here’s your guide to living…

How Expats Can Benefit From Self-Storage

People frequently encounter various difficulties when they relocate to a new nation for employment, education, or other reasons. Discovering a location to keep their possessions is one of the biggest obstacles. Storage presents specific difficulties for expats in particular. Making a long-term rental commitment may be challenging since you may not be certain how long…

Preparing Your LinkedIn Profile For An International Move

LinkedIn is one of the most important sources of new roles today. When moving abroad it is important to ensure your LinkedIn profile gives the right message. This infographic from Hansen & Company gives top tips on preparing your LinkedIn profile for an international move.

How To Get The Most Out Of A City Break To Chicago

The USA has its fair share of incredible cities, but there is arguably nowhere more unique than Chicago. Chicago lies on the southern shores of the mighty Lake Michigan, an area that is sometimes referred to as ‘America’s third coast’ thanks to the staggeringly long coastlines of the great lakes. It’s the third largest city…

Top Job Opportunities At Disney For Expatriates

Disney has three types of international programs, but only two can get you a job in the magical kingdom if you live in a different country. These are the Cultural Exchange Program (CEP) and the Cultural Representative Program (CRP), and they are designed to bring in young people (over 18 years old) from specific…

8 U.S. States You Should Not Move To

Moving to a new state can be exciting, but knowing which places may not offer the best quality of life is important. Several factors should be considered, from high taxes and living costs to environmental hazards and crime rates, before making the big move. Here are eight U.S states you should think twice about before…

Reasons Quality Of Life In Arizona Is Top For Seniors

Arizona is a state that offers a high quality of life for seniors, and it’s easy to see why. With its warm weather, access to top-notch medical facilities, vibrant cultural scene, and opportunities to stay active and engaged, it’s no wonder that so many retirees choose to call this state home. In this article,…

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.