Moving to the USA/America from Singapore is a significant life change, opening up a world full of possibilities. Here’s a closer look at what moving to the USA/America entails, how to do it with ease, and how it compares to life in Singapore.
Diverse Climate
California offers a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, while places like New York experience all four seasons. States like Texas or Arizona have extreme heat during summer, which might be familiar if you prefer warmer weather like Singapore.
A World-Class Education System
The USA is home to many of the world’s top universities and colleges, attracting students from all corners of the world. Ivy League schools like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford are renowned for their academic rigour and research opportunities.
For families with children, the public school system has a focus on a well-rounded education, encouraging sports, arts, and community service alongside academics.
Navigating the education system can be complex, as schools vary significantly by state and district. It’s worth doing research or even visiting schools before making a decision. The US also has numerous private and international schools, if you have a particular educational philosophy.
Finding a Place to Call Home
You’ll find everything from high-rise apartments in Manhattan to sprawling suburban homes in Texas. Big cities like San Francisco and New York are known for their high rentals, while smaller cities can offer more affordable options.
When searching for a place, consider your lifestyle, commute, and proximity to amenities. Websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Apartments.com are great resources for finding rental properties or homes to buy. House sharing can be a cost-effective way to live in expensive cities, on platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace – just be careful about scams.
If you’re planning to buy property, it’s important to understand the local real estate market and consider factors like property taxes, homeowners’ association fees, and a mortgage. Find a real estate agent to help.
Cost of Living When you Migrate to USA/America
The cost of living in the USA varies greatly depending on where you decide to settle. Major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are known for their high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, dining, and entertainment. However, many parts of the country, especially in the Midwest or Southern states, have a much lower cost of living.
To manage your budget, consider living outside of the most expensive metropolitan centers. Cities like Portland, Denver, or Austin offer an economical lifestyle while offering similar amenities and opportunities as the larger cities. Public transport can be limited outside metropolitan areas, so owning a car might become a necessity. The USA has a culture of sales and discounts, so with a bit of planning, you can significantly reduce your monthly expenses.
Healthcare in the USA is different from Singapore’s public system. It’s important to get health insurance, as medical costs can be quite high. Look into health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces or private insurers.
Thriving Job Market
The USA boasts one of the world’s largest economies, with a wide range of employment opportunities across various sectors. Cities like New York and San Francisco are global hubs for industries such as finance, entertainment, and technology, while Houston and Dallas have booming energy and healthcare industries.
Networking is integral in the American job market. Attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with colleagues on LinkedIn can all help you make valuable connections that might lead to job opportunities. There is a strong gig economy in the US, offering opportunities for freelance or contract work.
Navigating the Visa Process
Moving to USA requires the right visa. Common options include:
- H-1B Visa: For professionals with specialized skills.
- F-1 Visa: For students.
- L-1 Visa: For employees transferring within a company.
- EB-5 Visa: For investors looking to fund U.S. business.
Visa approvals can take a long time and requires careful preparation, including gathering documentation, paying application fees, and attending interviews. With a visa on hand, you may eventually apply for a Green Card, which allows you to live and work in the USA permanently.
Consult with an immigration lawyer who can guide you through the process, help you avoid common pitfalls, and ensure all paperwork is in order.
Setting Up Your Finances
Open a bank account in the USA for major banks like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo which offer services for newcomers. You’ll need to provide identification, proof of address, and a Social Security Number (SSN).
Do familiarize yourself with the U.S. tax system. The IRS requires tax filings from residents including expats. Consulting a tax advisor with experience in expatriates can help you stay compliant.
Your Admin To-Do List
When you migrate to the USA/America, you’ll have a few administrative to-do’s:
- Apply for a SSN: For employment, taxes, and some services.
- Register your vehicle (if applicable): If you’re bringing a car, you’ll need to register it according to state laws.
- Update your address: Make sure to notify banks, schools, and insurance companies of your new address.
Organizing Moving to USA/America with Classic Moving
You’ll have a lot to organise after you’ve decided to move to the USA.
Aside from finding work and going through the immigration process, your top objectives will be determining where you want to live, locating housing, resolving financial and banking issues, and, if you have children, locating the finest schools for them.
Not to mention packing and moving all your material belongings!
Let Classic Moving ease the relocation process.
Our team of international movers specialise in all areas of the relocation process, covering all your needs from start to finish. We also pride ourselves on our premium customer service, so rest assured your move will be stress-free.
Contact us today to know more!
