Moving to the U.S. Relocation Guide

Moving to the U.S. for work? You're joining millions of skilled professionals who've made the U.S. their new home. The country offers incredible opportunities, but navigating immigration rules, taxes, and healthcare can feel overwhelming.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about relocating to the U.S., from visa options to getting your Social Security number.

Who Needs Employer Sponsorship?

Most foreign nationals need employer sponsorship to work legally in the U.S. Employers typically cover visa sponsorship costs, including government filing fees and service provider expenses, as required by law.

Many employers also sponsor employees for green cards if they haven't obtained permanent residence through other routes.

Most Common U.S. Work Visa Options

There are several types of work visas available, including:

H-1B: For skilled workers in specialized roles, including technology and engineering positions

B-1/Visa Waiver Program: For business visitors attending meetings, conferences, or short-term business activities

E-1/E-2: For treaty traders, investors, and their employees

L-1A/L-1B: For intracompany transfers from foreign offices to U.S. locations. L-1A covers executives/managers; L-1B covers employees with specialized knowledge

O-1: For individuals with extraordinary ability in arts, science, education, business, or athletics

Green Card (Permanent Residency): Allows permanent employment in the U.S. Can be employer-sponsored or obtained through other qualifying routes

H-1B Sponsorship for Skilled Professionals

The H-1B is one of the most common paths for hiring skilled foreign professionals. Here's what you need to know:

Skills Requirements

The role must qualify as a "specialty occupation" requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field. The employee must meet these qualifications for the specific position.

Wage Requirements

Employers must file a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor. This ensures H-1B workers receive prevailing wages and that U.S. workers' wages aren't negatively impacted.

Employment Changes

H-1B employment is tied to the specific petitioned role. Significant changes to job duties, location, or employer may require an amended petition.

Limited Availability

There's a statutory cap of 65,000 new H-1B visas annually, plus 20,000 additional visas for U.S. master's degree holders. Due to high demand, USCIS runs a lottery for allocation.

For 2026: The registration period ran from March 7–24, 2025.

Bringing Your Family to the U.S.

Most work visas allow employees to bring family members. Here's what each visa type offers:

H-1B Visa Family Benefits

Who can come: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can obtain H-4 dependent status

Work authorization for spouses: H-4 spouses generally cannot work, but may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if the H-1B holder has reached certain green card milestones, such as I-140 approval

Education: H-4 dependents can study in the U.S. without a separate student visa

E-1 and E-2 Visa Family Benefits

Who can come: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 are eligible for derivative E-1 or E-2 status

Work authorization for spouses: E-1 and E-2 spouses are authorized to work upon entry without applying for a separate EAD. They receive an I-94 with code E-1S or E-2S indicating work authorization.

Children: Can accompany the visa holder but cannot work in the U.S.

L-1 Visa Family Benefits

Who can come: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 are eligible for L-2 status

Work authorization for spouses: L-2 spouses are authorized to work upon entry as of January 2022. They receive an I-94 with code L-2S as proof of work authorization.

Children: L-2 children cannot work in the U.S.

Green Card Family Benefits

Family sponsorship: When an employee applies for a green card, their spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply as dependents and obtain permanent residency at the same time

Getting Your Social Security Number (SSN)

A Social Security number is essential for work and financial transactions in the U.S.

Who's Eligible

You need work authorization in the U.S., including:

• U.S. citizens
• Permanent residents (green card holders)
• Certain visa holders
• Some non-citizens for tax or benefit purposes

Required Documents

Identity documents: Valid passport, birth certificate, or immigration documents

Work authorization: Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or visa documentation

Application form: Completed Form SS-5 (available on the SSA website or at local offices)

Application Process

1. Schedule an appointment at a Social Security Administration (SSA) field office to avoid long waits
2. Bring all necessary documents
3. Submit your application
4. Have your photograph taken for the SSN card

Receiving your card: The SSN card is mailed within a few weeks. Your number remains the same for life, even if your immigration status changes.

Understanding U.S. Taxes

Taxes in the United States work differently than in many other countries, and foreign residents often face unique rules around income, filing status, and deadlines. This section breaks down what you need to know.

Determine Your Tax Status

Residency classification: You're classified as either a resident alien or nonresident alien

Resident aliens: Taxed on worldwide income

Nonresident aliens: Taxed only on U.S.-sourced income

How it's determined: Green Card Test or Substantial Presence Test

For 2026: Tax year January 1 to December 31

Get a Tax Identification Number

Social Security Number (SSN): For those eligible to work in the U.S.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): For individuals not eligible for an SSN but required to file taxes. Apply using Form W-7 by mail, through an IRS-authorized Acceptance Agent, or at IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers.

Your Tax Obligations

Federal income tax:

• Resident aliens report worldwide income
• Nonresident aliens file Form 1040-NR for U.S.-sourced income

State and local taxes: Vary by location. Consult specific state and local tax agencies.

Employment Taxes (U.S.) – Employer Withholding:

Federal income tax: Withheld based on employee W-4 information

Social Security tax: 6.2% on wages up to $176,100

Medicare tax: 1.45% on all wages, with no limit

Filing Your Tax Return

1. Choose filing status: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er). Your selection affects tax rates and deductions.
2. Gather documents: Income statements (W-2s, 1099s), deduction and credit records, and other relevant information
3. File your return: Use IRS e-file for faster processing, the new Direct File system in participating states, or paper filing
4. Pay taxes owed: Make payments online, by mail, or via installment agreements. Timely payment avoids penalties and interest.

Health Insurance in the United States

Navigating the U.S. healthcare system can feel overwhelming for newcomers, but understanding your insurance options, from employer plans to private coverage and government programs, can make the process far more manageable.

Employer-Sponsored Insurance

Many employers offer health insurance as part of their benefits package, typically covering part of the premium. You can choose individual or family coverage during the annual open enrollment period.

Individual Health Insurance

If your employer doesn't provide coverage, you can purchase plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace or directly from insurance companies.

2026 Open Enrollment Period: November 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026 (state-specific dates may vary)

Special Enrollment Periods: Available after life events like marriage, childbirth, or loss of coverage

Government Programs

Medicare: Health coverage for individuals 65+ or younger individuals with certain disabilities

Medicaid: State-based coverage for eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligibility varies by state; some have expanded Medicaid under the ACA. You can apply year-round.

COBRA Coverage

Eligible employees and dependents can temporarily continue employer-sponsored health insurance through COBRA after qualifying events like job loss or reduced work hours.

Duration: Up to 18 months in most cases, or up to 36 months in certain circumstances

Cost: You generally pay the full premium plus up to 2% administrative charge, making COBRA more expensive than other options

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