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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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Investor Visas In The US

Investor visas are a way for those who are attracted to the USA to gain residency rights. The world’s largest economy offers the allure of the American dream and a wide range of different lifestyles across this vast country. There are different options for entrepreneurs wanting to move to America depending on the circumstances and whether…

Establishing Credit On Arrival In America

Establishing credit on arrival in America is vital. The lack of a credit score has implications in many areas as it restricts your ability to set up phone contracts, rent a property, sign up utilities, obtain a credit card and many more key taks when arriving in the US to live. Creditworthiness does not easily cross…

Healthcare In America

Healthcare in America has a reputation for being amongst the most advanced in the world, but coverage is not universal. For those who can afford it, health insurance gives people access to very sophisticated systems and highly qualified medical practitioners. However, healthcare in America is very expensive and there are many who are unable to…

Preparing For A Skype Or Telephone Interview

As more and more companies now use Skype or telephone interviews during their recruitment process, it’s likely that at some stage you will receive this invitation. By CV Knowhow Senior CV Consultant – Jen David While the normal rules of interview preparation still apply, you should also bear the following points in mind. Make sure…

Taking Care Of Your Mental Health Overseas

Why is expat mental health important? Expat mental health is a critical issue to address because it is the foundation for happiness and satisfaction abroad. International life presents a unique set of experiences for the expat that can affect mental health. This article was written exclusively for Expat Network by Therapy Solutions Abroad According to…

Setting Up A Business In America

People and businesses set up in America for many reasons. With the American economy the largest in the world, for many it is an opportunity for expansion, for others it is more about lifestyle. Whatever your reason for setting up you will need to consider a number of factors: Immigration and visa requirements. You can…

Expats With Kids Take Six Months To Settle

Despite the benefits of raising a family abroad, parents and children alike take time to settle into their new life. However, the challenge can bring families closer together, according to new data. Almost half of expat parents say their children take longer than six months to feel at home in their new country, with…

Mental Health Growing Issue For Expats

Mental health is a growing issue for expat workers and their employers, as well as those relocating independently, according to a research study. To ensure expats have the support they need when relocating or working away from their home country, health benefits provider Aetna International is calling for businesses and individuals to take more pre-emptive…

Downtime in the USA

If your expat assignment takes you to USA, why not travel to these recommended places in your time off? Get away from your work assignment and truly explore your new environment, its culture and unique sights. Charleston, South Carolina Charleston is known for great food (you won’t find better grits – ground-corn porridge – on…

USA Now More Oil Reserves Than Saudi Arabia

A new independent estimate of world oil reserves has been released by Rystad Energy, showing that the US now holds more recoverable oil reserves than both Saudi Arabia and Russia. For the US, more than 50% of remaining oil reserves is unconventional shale oil. Texas alone holds more than 60 billion barrels of shale oil,…

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.