When you decide to settle down in the USA to live there, you must honor certain obligations. The latter are due to your status as a foreigner and allow you to live on American soil in peace and legality. Living in the United States when you are a foreigner requires some adaptation and administrative procedures. We tell you more here.
A foreigner can live in the United States
If you decide to move to the USA, for whatever reason and for how long, a question immediately comes to mind. The question is, can a foreigner live in the United States? The answer to this question seems obvious, since many foreigners have lived on American soil for ages. However, it would be a good idea to know the requirements to live in the United States as a foreigner.
Indeed, living in a foreign country encompasses several elements such as education, employment, documents authorizing residence in the country, health… There is a list of countries authorized to come to the United States. If your country (or current country of residence) is not listed, you will not be allowed to live in Uncle Sam’s country.
The conditions for living in the United States
To go and live in the USA, you must have all the necessary documents (passport, visa, other useful documents). You should have a good command of the English language or learn it as soon as you get there. It is important to emphasize that you must master the language as soon as possible to facilitate your social integration. In addition, you must have several documents to be in good standing with US law. The “green card” or the green card is an official document which allows foreigners to reside in the territory of the country as permanent residents. There are other visas (H-1B, H-2B, P1, P2, P3, EB…) which give access to American soil.
Education in the USA
Foreigners living on American soil have the right to education. Foreigners are required to pay tuition fees even in a private school. Depending on the length of your expatriation (if it is short), you can choose an American or French school for your child.
Jobs in the USA
Unlike France or other countries, diplomas are not a sine qua non for having a job in the USA. The important thing is to have real know-how in your field. However, foreigners must have a work permit before performing any function on American soil. For the VIES, the students or the trainees, the problem does not arise. It is the same for foreigners sent by their employers.
Foreign workers who have not been sent by an employer find it more difficult to obtain a work permit. In addition, there is a category of workers who can certify through a lawyer that they hold a particular profile. The latter then benefit from the H1B visa to work. In addition, fields such as fashion, catering, luxury goods, tourism and health are recruiting more people.
In addition, be aware that the American tax system is based on withholding tax (tax return).