🇺🇸 United States
World's largest economy with diverse immigration pathways
Visa Options
- H-1B Specialty Occupation (3 years (renewable to 6)) — Bachelor's degree + employer sponsor, lottery system
- L-1 Intracompany Transfer (1–3 years (renewable)) — 1 year employment at foreign branch of US company
- O-1 Extraordinary Ability (3 years (renewable)) — Extraordinary ability or achievement in field
- EB-5 Investor Visa (Permanent) — $800k–$1.05M investment, create 10 US jobs
- E-2 Treaty Investor (2 years (renewable)) — Substantial investment, treaty country nationality
Tax Overview
- Federal Income Tax: 10% – 37% (progressive)
- State Income Tax: 0% – 13.3% (varies by state)
- FICA (Social Security + Medicare): 7.65% employee share
- Capital Gains Tax: 0% – 20% (long-term)
- Sales Tax: 0% – 10.25% (state + local)
Cost of Living
- Comfortable living (single, city-dependent): $3,500 – $6,000/mo
- 1BR Apartment (NYC / SF): $3,200 – $5,200/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Austin / Denver): $1,600 – $2,400/mo
- Groceries: $400 – $750/mo
- Health Insurance: $300 – $650/mo
- Dining out: $15 – $45/meal
- Public transport: $80 – $140/mo
Relocation Checklist
- Determine visa category and eligibility
- Find employer sponsor (for H-1B, L-1) or file petition
- Complete DS-160 visa application form
- Schedule visa interview at US Embassy/Consulate
- Obtain Social Security Number (SSN) upon arrival
- Open US bank account (with SSN or ITIN)
- Arrange health insurance (employer or marketplace)
- File state and federal taxes annually (worldwide income for residents)