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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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What The Revised EB-5 Rules Mean For Expat Investors?

Since the early-90s, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program has been the mode of choice for wealthy individuals and their families the world over to experience the sweet taste of American freedom and prosperity. Early this year, the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act once again reaffirmed the United State’s commitment to attracting foreign capital, along…

Will You Need To Prove Your Income To Apply For A Mortgage As An Expat?

There are a ton of scenarios where anyone may need to provide proof of how much they make and where it comes from. When applying for a business or personal loan, for instance, lenders may request this information so they can assess whether you will be able to repay the amount you are seeking…

Most Affordable Florida Cities For Expats

Florida, as a whole, is generally seen as a state with many opportunities for expats. Part of this is because most of Florida’s economy revolves around tourism. There are plenty of opportunities for people looking for work, and they usually pay pretty well. A worry expats typically have is the general…

An Expat’s Retirement – Double The Challenge

Retirement is like a bereavement. Overnight you lose your title, identity, network of colleagues and sense of purpose. Like a bereavement, many go through a stark emotional time. Add leaving a country into the mix, and an expat’s retirement can involve a more challenging time than most. Written exclusively for Expat…

How To Be Smart With Money As An Expat: Complete Guide

Being smart with your finances is essential when starting your new life in a new country. You need to know everything about how money works there and what you need to do to make it grow in your favor. For instance, you should get the best secured credit cards in Canada to build your credit…

How To Get A Student Loan As An Expat: 4 Ways To Fund Your Education

Taking your education to the next level is an investment in your future, and one which will repay itself many times over, not only in terms of opening up new career opportunities, but also when it comes to making you a more rounded human being. How do you fund your education? …

Expat’s Guide To Living In Atlanta

Whether moving to Atlanta or another place, you need a guide. It will help you accommodate and teach you all you should know. If you are interested in moving to Atlanta specifically, you are making a great decision! It is a gorgeous and lovely city, but also quite large. So, you will need some help….

7 Things You Should Know About Small Business Taxes in America

Making key financial decisions for your business is hard enough as it is, but money matters become increasingly complex when you start throwing in tax terminology and filing practices. But if you’re setting up an online business, it’s a good idea to speak to a professional accountant before submitting your small business taxes in…

4 Driving Tips for Expats Living in Texas

Life in Texas can be amazing for expats, which is why it’s a top destination chosen by those moving from overseas who want to live the American Dream to the fullest. Before you can get to this point, you need to consider some of the differences between Texas and your home nation so that you…

Simple Ways To Make Expat Life In NYC Easier

Being an expat in NYC has its challenges, and it can get complicated from time to time. However, expat life in NYC can be fun and easy if you make a couple of lifestyle changes. From joining expat groups to using public transport, here are a couple of the most important things that will…

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.