Moving to the USA in 2026: Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about moving to the USA in 2026, like visas, best states, cost of living, healthcare, banking, and what to do in your first 30 days.
Sarah Jenkins
Staff Writer
Moving to the USA in 2026: what you actually need to know
The United States remains one of the top destinations for people relocating internationally. Strong job markets in tech, healthcare, finance, and research, a high standard of living in dozens of states, and the sheer scale of opportunity keep drawing people from every corner of the world.
But moving to the USA is actually not simple. The immigration system is strict and in 2026 it is stricter than it has been in years. Visa costs have risen sharply, enforcement is tighter and the moving requires planning that starts months or even years before you actually get on a plane.
This guide covers the full picture: how to get the right visa, how much money you need, where to actually live once you arrive, and what the first weeks look like on the ground.
USA visa options for moving to the United States
Before anything else, you need to know which visa category fits your situation. You cannot simply decide to move to the USA and figure it out on arrival. The right visa depends on why you are coming and how long you plan to stay.
Work visas
H-1B (specialty occupation) is the most well-known US work visa, used primarily by tech companies, consulting firms, and large employers to hire foreign workers requiring at least a bachelor's degree. There are only 65,000 of such visas given per year (plus 20,000 for US master's degree holders). In 2025, USCIS received roughly 470,000 registrations for those slots and accepted only about an 18%. The H-1B is employer-sponsored and tied to your employer, which means changing jobs requires a new petition. The duration of this visa is 3 years, renewable to 6.
Important 2026 update: H-1B application fees surged dramatically at the end of 2025. A federal court upheld the increase. Costs that were previously around $2,000 can now run substantially higher when legal and compliance fees are included. If you are pursuing an H-1B, then budget accordingly and work with an immigration attorney.
L-1 (intracompany transfer) applies if you work for a multinational company that is transferring you to a US office. This is often the least complicated path for corporate employees.
O-1 (extraordinary ability) is for individuals with demonstrated exceptional achievement in their field: arts, science, business, sports, or education. Less competitive than the H-1B lottery but requires substantial documentation of accomplishments.
Investor and entrepreneur visas
E-2 (treaty investor) allows nationals of treaty countries to enter and work in the US based on a substantial investment in a US business. Requires ongoing active management of the business. Not available to all nationalities.
EB-5 (immigrant investor) is a green card pathway requiring a minimum investment of $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in targeted employment areas) in a US business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. Processing takes 2-3 years.
Family-based visas
If you are married to a US citizen, you can apply for a spousal visa. The K-1 fiance visa brings you to the US to marry (with a 90-day deadline). The CR-1 spousal visa takes longer but grants a Green Card immediately on arrival, but this choice despite the wait.
Student visas
F-1 visas cover full-time academic study at accredited US institutions. J-1 covers exchange visitors and research programs. Both can lead to work authorization (OPT for F-1 holders) after graduation.
2026 visa bonds
In 2025, the Trump administration introduced visa bonds for certain visa categories. B-1 and B-2 business and tourist visas in some cases now require a deposit of $5,000-$15,000 that is refunded only if the traveler complies fully with visa terms. This does not affect most employment and family-based visas but is worth knowing about.
How much money do you need to move to the USA?
Moving to the USA is expensive. The upfront costs catch many people off guard.
Visa and legal costs:
- Non-immigrant visa application: $185-$315
- Immigrant visa application: $325-$345
- Immigration attorney (recommended for most cases): $1,500-$5,000+
- Medical exam (required for most immigrant visas): $200-$480
Relocation costs:
- International flight: $500-$1,500 depending on origin
- Shipping household goods: varies widely; a full container from Europe typically runs $7,500-$12,000+
- First and last month rent plus deposit: $3,000-$6,000 depending on city
- Initial setup (furniture, household items, phone plan): $2,000-$5,000
Emergency buffer: You should have at least $15,000-$20,000 in liquid savings as a single person, or $30,000+ for a family, to cover your first three months before income stabilizes. You will not have a US bank account on day one, and many things require immediate cash payment.
Best states for expats moving to the USA
Where you land matters enormously. The US is vast and the difference between states is real. In cost, culture, job market, and especially day-to-day life.
Austin, Texas
Austin has become one of the top destinations for expats in tech and creative fields. No state income tax, a booming job market, and a culture that is open and energetic. The downside is cost: Austin has gotten significantly more expensive over the past five years. One-bedroom apartments average around $1,850 per month and the median home price is around $625,000.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh is the underrated option that delivers more value for the money than almost any comparably sized US city. Research Triangle Park brings in major tech and biotech employers including Cisco, IBM, and a growing pharma sector. Healthcare through Duke, UNC Health, and WakeMed is world-class. Cost of living in Raleigh runs about 2% above the national average, dramatically cheaper than coastal states. North Carolina's flat 4.5% income tax rate is among the lowest for income-tax states.
Dallas and Houston, Texas
For expats in energy, finance, or corporate roles, the Dallas-Fort Worth metro and Houston offer massive job markets with no state income tax. Both states are car-dependent and sprawling, but they deliver genuine affordability and economic opportunity. Houston in particular has one of the most internationally diverse populations of any US city.
Miami, Florida
Miami is the natural landing point for expats from Latin America and Europe who want a cosmopolitan, warm-weather city with no state income tax. The cost of living is higher than the national average and has risen sharply since 2020, but Miami's international culture, business connections, and lifestyle remain genuinely distinctive.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville offers no state income tax, a strong job market in healthcare and technology, and a cultural scene that draws people who want a city with real energy at a still-reasonable price. Growing quickly but not yet at Austin's price level.
For a broader comparison of US states by tax friendliness, our guide to states with no income tax breaks down all nine no-income-tax states honestly.
Cost of living when moving to the USA
The US has enormous variation in cost of living between states. Someone moving from London or Sydney often finds mid-sized American states surprisingly affordable. Someone moving from rural Southeast Asia will find even modest US states expensive.
A rough monthly budget for a single person:
| City | Monthly cost estimate |
|---|---|
| New York City | $4,500-$6,000+ |
| San Francisco | $4,000-$5,500+ |
| Miami | $3,000-$4,000 |
| Austin, TX | $3,000-$4,000 |
| Raleigh, NC | $2,500-$3,200 |
| Dallas, TX | $2,500-$3,200 |
| Nashville, TN | $2,700-$3,500 |
These include rent, food, transportation, and basic expenses but not healthcare premiums, which vary significantly.
If you are coming from California and weighing your US city options, our guide to the best states to move to from California compares the major destinations in detail.
Healthcare when moving to the USA
The US healthcare system is one of the biggest adjustments for expats arriving from countries with universal coverage. There is no public healthcare for working-age residents. Coverage comes through your employer, the marketplace (healthcare.gov), or private insurance.
What to do before you arrive: Get all dental work, eye exams, and routine checkups done in your home country. Costs in the US are significantly higher.
On arrival: There will likely be a gap before your employer's insurance kicks in. Buy short-term travel or expat health insurance to cover this window. Getting sick without coverage during the first weeks is one of the most common and expensive mistakes expats make.
Receive employer coverage: Most US employers with large workforces offer health insurance as part of compensation. Typical employee contribution runs $150-$300 per month for individual coverage, with the employer covering the rest.
Marketplace plans: If you are self-employed or your employer does not offer coverage, the ACA marketplace offers silver-tier plans averaging $400-$600 per month for an individual.
Emergency room visits without insurance can cost $1,500-$3,000 for basic issues. Do not arrive without coverage.
What to do in your first 30 days after moving to the USA
The first month requires completing a specific sequence of steps. Getting the order right saves significant time and frustration.
Week 1 priorities:
Get a US phone number. Mobile operators, such as T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Google Fi sell SIM cards or eSIMs on arrival without requiring a Social Security Number.
Open a US bank account. Chase, Bank of America, and Citi are the most expat-friendly for new arrivals. Bring your passport, visa documentation, and address proof. Some branches allow you to open an account before you have a Social Security Number.
Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). Visit your nearest Social Security Administration office with your passport, visa, and I-94 form. Some visa types allow your employer to apply on your behalf before arrival. You will not receive the card for 2-4 weeks but need the number for almost everything that follows.
Weeks 2-4 priorities:
Get a state driver's license. Most states accept a foreign license for 30-90 days. After that you must pass a written and road test at the DMV. An International Driving Permit is useful as a supplement but is not a long-term substitute.
Start building US credit. Without a US credit history, you cannot get a loan, rent an apartment easily, or get a credit card with normal terms. Apply for a secured credit card (Capital One Secured Mastercard or Discover it Secured are standard starting points) as soon as you have your SSN. Use it for small purchases and pay it off monthly.
Register your vehicle if you bought or brought one, get state-specific car insurance, and set up utilities in your name.
Pets: If you are bringing a dog to the USA, the CDC requires all dogs to be at least 6 months old, microchipped, and accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form. Rules are stricter for dogs coming from high-rabies-risk countries. Cats are generally simpler. Handle all of this before departure, not on arrival.
Moving to the USA: the tax situation
The US tax system has one unusual feature that catches expats off guard. The US citizens and permanent residents pay worldwide income taxes regardless of where they live or where the income is earned. This applies once you become a permanent resident (green card holder) or citizen.
During your first years on a work visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.), you are taxed as a US resident on your US-source income, which is standard. The worldwide income rule becomes significant only if you are maintaining income sources in your home country simultaneously.
Worth knowing: if you previously held a green card and give it up, there can be expatriation tax implications. Consult a tax advisor who specializes in expat tax law before making any major decisions.
Moving to the USA for retirement
For retirees considering a move to the US, the tax picture is worth examining carefully. Nine states have no income tax at all, and several of those are excellent for retirees in terms of climate and cost. Florida and Tennessee in particular have no tax on retirement income of any kind.
Our guide to the best states to retire in the US covers the top 10 retirement destinations with cost of living, healthcare access, and tax treatment of retirement income for each.
FAQ
Is it hard to move to the USA?
It is way more complex than most countries, and more so in 2026 than it was five years ago. The immigration system requires identifying the correct visa category, meeting eligibility requirements, and in many cases working with an immigration attorney. For skilled workers with employer sponsorship, the main challenge is the H-1B lottery's low selection rate. For family-based immigration, wait times are long. Plan at least 6-12 months of lead time for most visa categories.
How much money do I need to move to the USA?
At minimum, $15,000-$20,000 in liquid savings for a single person before covering visa costs. A family should have $30,000+. This covers the gap before your first paycheck, initial housing deposits, setup costs, and emergency buffer. Also add $2,000-$5,000 for visa and legal fees on top.
What are the best states for expats moving to the USA?
It depends on your field. Tech workers tend toward Austin, Seattle, or San Francisco. Corporate and finance professionals often land in New York, Dallas, or Charlotte. Healthcare professionals find strong markets in Raleigh, Houston, and Nashville. For affordability combined with quality of life, Raleigh and Nashville consistently rank near the top for expat experience.
Do I need a US credit score to rent an apartment?
Most landlords run credit checks and a lack of US credit history is a real obstacle. Workarounds include offering several months rent upfront, providing proof of international assets, getting a co-signer, or targeting property management companies with expat-friendly policies. Building credit immediately on arrival (secured credit card) helps within 3-6 months.
What is the best state to move to in the USA for taxes?
The nine states with no personal income tax are Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. For most working expats, Texas and Tennessee offer the best combination of no income tax, affordable living, and strong job markets. See our full breakdown of no-income-tax states for a detailed comparison.
Can I move to the USA without a job?
Rather difficult but not impossible. Without employer sponsorship, options include investor visas (E-2 or EB-5), family-based immigration if you have a US citizen spouse or parent, the diversity visa lottery (50,000 green cards drawn annually from eligible countries), or student visas with the intention of transitioning to work authorization after graduation. Simply arriving and looking for work on a tourist visa is not legal and puts your future visa options at risk.
How long does it take to get a green card?
Through employer sponsorship (EB-2 or EB-3), typically 2-5 years for most nationalities. For Indian-born applicants, the backlog can exceed 10-15 years due to per-country caps. Through marriage to a US citizen, roughly 12-18 months. Through the EB-5 investor visa, 2-3 years. The diversity visa lottery, if you win, processes in about 12 months.