Immigration to United States

Unemployment rate

The unemployment rate in the Unites States has gone down till 3.8% in February 2022. The rate is measured on a monthly basis in the United States. According to a report, the principle fact finding agency for the U.S. Federal Government in labor economics and statistics unemployment has went down from 2010 to 2020. The unemployment rate was higher in the year 2021 than this year’s rate which was 5.3%. In December 2021, the states with the highest unemployment rate were California, Nevada, New York and New Mexico. Unemployment rate was the lowest in Utah 1.9% and in Nebraska it was 1.7%. Workers related to private wage and are in agriculture industry suffered the highest unemployment rate at 8.5% as of January 2022.

For more information please visit: statista.com

Economy  

American economy grew at a rate of 5.7 % in the year 2021, which is the strongest growth after 30 years. The United States is a highly developed country with the market economy and it has the world’s largest nominal GDP and net wealth. In the year 2021 America has the world’s fifteenth highest per capita GDP (purchasing power parity (PPP)). The United States has the most technologically powerful and innovative economy in the world. The US Dollar is the most used currency in international transactions. This country is the world’s largest importer and the second largest exporter in the whole world. United States economy is fueled by abundant natural resources, a well developed infrastructure and high productivity. The nation is the world’s largest producer of petroleum and natural gas. 

For more information please visit: en.wikipedia.org

Renting and buying of real estates for foreigners

Renting:

Apartment for rent is easily available with some minimal restrictions in the whole country. Numerous accommodation options are available so that you can choose according to your lifestyle. Apartments can be searched online on different websites. These websites allow you to contact the landlord directly, give a virtual tour of the apartment and there you can submit an offer too. Also, the provision of e-signing the rental agreement is helpful and it saves your time and money. But be aware of scams and fraudulent ads. Internet gives an easy access to anybody, so be attentive and sure that you are not giving your money to the party who does not exist. Some points are given below which will help you to rent a good property: 

• Explore options online.
• Set your budget first.
• Take a look at the neighborhood.
• Consider the parking options.
• Read the lease carefully.

Buying:

Buying a property in the United States is possible for Non US citizens, as there is no citizenship required for real estate sales. But it also can be a bit tricky process. The good thing is foreigners evenly qualify and can apply for mortgage if they fulfill certain requirements. To buy a property some documents should be needed:

• Social security number or ITIN.
• Valid foreign Passport.
• A United States Visa.
• Driver’s License.
• Bank Statements.
• Financial records from your overseas Bank.
• Proof of reserves.
• Pay stubs.
• Credit Score.
• Tax return, etc.

For more information please visit: onjuno.com or redfin.com

Climate

The average weather of United States is temperate with some exceptions. The difference is due to change in the latitude and a range of geographic features like plains, mountains and deserts. This country has plains which are grassy and dry which also contains the desert in the west region.

Their climate includes mild and warm winters while summers are wet and hot, with a large number of thunder storms. Northwest and southeast areas are wet while the central part of the country is dry.

Alaska is also a state of the United States, located in the northwestern part of the country. Here the cold is bone chilling in winters and can be pretty warm too and the temperature can go up to 21˚C depending on the location and due to global warming situation.

For more information please visit: weather-and-climate.com

Languages

The most commonly used language in the United States of America is English (Specifically American English), as this country does not have an official language. English is spoken by 78% of the United States population. There are other languages which are spoken at home other than English, like Spanish spoken by 13.4%, Indigenous languages and languages brought to this country by the people from Africa, Asia and Europe.

Majority of speakers of these languages are bilingual and also can speak English. Other languages like creoles and sign languages have developed in the United States. Approx 430 languages are spoken or signed by the people of America, of which some are indigenous or are formerly spoken in the country and now are extinct.

For more information please visit: en.wikipedia.org

Traffic

Driving in America is not as tough as many people may think. Roads are wider, less occupied and very simple than some other country’s road networks. But there are some exemptions like San Francisco city. After becoming an adult you can get driving license in the United States (minimum age is 18 years old). A valid driving license is must for the people who are willing to drive in this country. If you are a foreigner, then IDP (international driving permit) is required and a valid license from the country you have come from.

There are simple and basic driving rules, regulations and laws in the United States of America:

• Drive on the right hand side of the road.
• Pass others on the left hand side of the road.
• Seat belt is must for all occupants in a vehicle.
• Turning right is permitted while the traffic light is red.

For more information visit: usa.gov

Currency:

Unites States Dollar ($, US$, U$) is the official currency of the United States of America and in many other countries. US Dollar paper currency is in seven denominations, which are $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 and coins as cents or penny, in 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 25¢, 50¢ and $1. Nowadays the bills in larger denominations are not getting produced or issued by this nation, such as $500, $1,000, $5,000 or $10,000 bills. But they are still legal and are in circulation.

Payment Transaction

Payments are essential as the funds can be transferred from payer to payee after purchasing something. There are four main methods of payment transactions in the United Stated of America:

• Cash payment: It is the most common way to pay for purchases. This includes bills and change (paper money and coins).
• Cheque: Payment through the buyers account can be done by cheques.
• Debit Card: Using the Debit Card means taking the money directly out of the customer’s account.
• Credit Card: Another convenient option to pay for the purchases. Credit Cards do look like credit card but works differently.

 There are some popular online payment methods given below:

• Visa Card.
• Master Card
• Affirm
• American Express (AMEX)
• Diners

 For more information visit: adyen.com

Cost of living in the United States

Average living cost in United States of America depends upon your lifestyle or your current situation, like whether you are working or a student. Cost of living varies from city to city and also if you are staying alone or with your family. The average monthly expense for a single person is approximately $3,200. And the monthly expense will rise if you want to move along with your family of four persons, which will be $7,500. Expensive cities are San Francisco (CA), New York (NY), Washington DC (The Capital),  San Jose, (CA) and Seattle (WA), etc,. Cities like El Paso (TX), Wichita (KS), Lexington (KY) and Tulsa (OK), Memphis (TN) are considered as most affordable to live in. If you want to live alone in expensive cities, it will cost approx more than $50,000 including rent and if you have a family of four people then approximately you need more than $70,000 excluding rent per annum. Food is cheap and if you are staying in a city where you can go by bicycle, walking till your university or office or live in a city with a good public transport system, then your cost of living will be much lower.

For more info visit: upwardli.com

Apartment Rent

Rent for one bedroom apartments in the city will cost you approx $1,500 from $1,100 a year before. The average monthly rent for all the apartments in the US rose instantly in 2021. Apartment rent also varies from state to state and city to city. State like California and North Carolina are more expensive than Arkansas and Tennessee. One bedroom apartment in the city center will cost you approx. $1,536 and same apartment, outside city will cost approx $1,250. An apartment of 3 bedrooms in the city center will cost you approx. $2,750 and outside the city, it will cost you approx $2,150.

Taxes  

Income taxes are imposed by the Federal Government in the United States of America. This country has separate federal, state, and local governments with taxes imposed at each of these levels. Taxes are levied on income, payroll, property, sales, capital gains, dividends, imports, estates and gifts and various kinds of Fee. Currently there are 7 federal income tax brackets all over the country with the rates of 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, AND 37%. With a marginal tax rate you should pay the tax rate on the amount of your income that comes into a certain range. If you are single then you must use the filing status. Taxpayers like you, who also have dependents, must file as “Head of Household”. To be in this category, you have to pay for atleast half of the household expenses, must be unmarried and have a qualifying dependent.

For more information please visit: smartasset.com

Education

In the United States, education is primarily organized into elementary, secondary, and higher education. The educational system is decentralized, with each state having its authority over education policies and curriculum standards. Public education is generally free and compulsory, beginning around the age of five or six with kindergarten and lasting through high school, which typically concludes at age 18. The language of instruction is English, and while there is a diverse range of private schools, homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but the regulations and requirements can vary. This allows parents to educate their children outside traditional school settings. Homeschooling involves parents designing and implementing their curriculum or using established programs, with varying state requirements for reporting and assessment. Additionally, the U.S. hosts numerous international schools and universities that cater to foreign students, immigrants, and expats. Some of the most renowned universities include Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. Degrees from American institutions are widely accepted globally, with U.S. universities ranking among the top choices for international students pursuing higher education.

Health Insurance  

Health insurance in the United States of America is not free of cost. The consumer has to pay premiums to a health insurance company and that payment covers all your medical expenses. Expats can also buy health insurance in the United States. Now a days health care is very expensive, so it can cost you more than hundred dollars and if you get a chance to stay in the hospital then your expense can rise more than this. As a result it is good to carry health insurance with you beforehand to prevent the unexpected medical expense. You can purchase your health insurance privately or can have a social insurance or a welfare program funded by the government. There are many health insurance company’s website available on the internet, but please be alert while choosing the company and the health insurance program according to your convenience.

For more information visit: visitorguard.com

Important addresses

Austin–Bergstrom international Airport (OSL)
3600 Presidential Blvd,
Austin, Texas 78719,
Untied States
Ph: +1 512 530 2242
Website: austintexas.gov

Los Angeles International Airport
1 World Way,
Los Angeles,
California 90045,
United States
Ph: +1 855 463 5252
Website: flylax.com

Nashville International Airport
1 Terminal Dr,
Tennessee 37214,
United States
Ph: +1 615 275 1675
Website: flynashville.com

8 Street Subway Station
New York,
New York 10003,
United States
Website: mta.com

Consulate General of India
3 E 64th St,
New York, NY 10065
United States
Ph: +1 347-721-9243
Website: indiainnewyork.gov.in

Consulate General of Malaysia
313 43rd St,
New York,
NY 10017,
United States
Ph: +1 212-490-2723
Website: kln.gov.my

Consulate General of the Netherlands
666 3rd Ave,
New York,
NY 10017,
United States
Ph: +1 646-557-2200
Website: netherlandsworldwide.nl

Royal Thai Consulate General
351 E 52nd St, New York,
NY 10022,
United States
Ph: +1 212-754-1770
Website: newyork.thaiembassy.org

Summary

The United States, celebrated for its happiness, beauty, and cultural richness, stretches from Alaska to Hawaii, providing a diverse landscape. As a global financial and cultural hub, it offers lucrative job opportunities and a robust education system. The sincerity of its people and a multicultural environment enhance its appeal. Home to Hollywood, a symbol of filmmaking, the U.S. ensures a quality lifestyle, with expenses varying based on chosen lifestyles. While relatively costly compared to other American countries, the U.S. justifies the expense with its environmental charm, diverse lifestyle options, and architectural marvels. With a vast landmass, the country offers varied living experiences, though finding quality accommodation can be a challenge. Living and working in the U.S. is a preferred choice for immigration due to its stable politics, welcoming attitude toward immigrants, and numerous attractions, including natural wonders, making it an ideal destination.