What you need to prepare to immigrate to the US is a question asked by many readers. Join ImmiPath in reviewing the experiences in the following article to have appropriate immigration information!
After having a successful interview with a Consular Officer and holding a U.S. immigration visa in hand, many people must be very excited and happy because they have gone through the stages of preparing documents, papers, and the time apart, waiting to be reunited with loved ones in America.
However, to have a perfect trip to the U.S. and avoid unnecessary surprises and shocks when flying halfway around the world for the first time, you need to plan and prepare in full detail and know the regulations when coming to America.
Don’t worry, the following article ImmiPath will show you what you need to prepare to immigrate to the U.S. to help you start a new life in the country most comfortably. See it now!
1. What Do You Need to Prepare Before Immigrating to the U.S?
The better prepared you are for your immigration, the more comfortable your new life in America will begin to be. Plan your tasks to stop worrying about what to prepare before settling in the U.S.!
1.1 U.S. immigration documents
You will need some documents during the green card application process as well as when entering the country, renting a house, applying for a driver’s license, getting a Social Security card, a credit card, and opening a bank account in the U.S.
To get everything ready, you need to prepare the following documents:
- Valid passport
- Certified translations of all certificates, diplomas, and certificates
- Notarized translation of birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce certificates, death certificates, guardianship orders and similar documents
- Your international driver’s license
- Proof of bank account (English translation)
- Translations of important financial documents (e.g. tax assessment notices)
- Translations of insurance policies (e.g. life insurance as evidence of financial security)
- Vaccination certificate
- Translation of medical records and doctor’s letters (e.g. when medication is needed)
If you’re in a hurry, you can also apply for a social security card at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. However, it is easier to do this when arriving in the U.S.
1.2 Education degree
If you are working in a profession that requires registration, certification, title, or diploma in the United States, for example, nurse, teacher, physical therapist, real estate agent, doctor, or police officer, to continue working in your field after moving to the United States, you may need to complete advanced training courses. Here are some examples of additional qualifications for different occupations in the United States:
- Associate degree in nursing (for certified nurse practitioners): For those working in the medical field, having an associate degree in nursing may be required to maintain and develop the career.
- State certification (e.g., to become licensed as a teacher): For teachers, state certification is important to be able to teach and practice an educational career in the United States.
- NCPT certification (e.g., to become licensed as a physical therapist): In the physical therapy field, NCPT certification (National Certification for Physical Therapists) can be an important factor in being able to perform professional work.
- U.S. Medical Licensing Exam (for medical professionals): Some professions, such as medicine, require professionals to pass a US Medical Licensing Exam to be able to practice in this country.
- General business license, sales license, or medical license (to start a company): If you work in the business sector, a general business license or appropriate license may be required depending on the specific areas.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s career search tool, careeronestop.org, can help you determine whether you need a license or additional education to perform a career in the United States.
1.3 English courses
Besides professional knowledge, improving and enhancing your English skills when you come to the U.S. will help you adapt more easily and enjoy life more.
Intensive foreign language courses are offered in a variety of formats and with different specialized focuses. In addition, learning English through smartphone applications is not only effective but also fun.
In many areas of the United States, a knowledge of basic Spanish is of great value. So, when signing up for a language course, you can consider learning more languages to enhance your communication skills.
1.4 Health insurance abroad
If you want to know what you need to prepare to immigrate to the U.S., health insurance is an indispensable document. You should purchase international health insurance for your first visit to the United States. However, make arrangements for your U.S. health insurance soon.
1.5 Immigration for children
If you immigrate to the U.S. with your children, you can pay attention to the U.S. school system. Also, remember that you must always carry documents proving the legality of your trip together when traveling with children. These include, for example:
- Notarized copy of Citizen ID/Passport of the guardian
- Notarized translation of birth certificate(s).
- Have signed consent for children to travel together (if possible)
- Notarized translation of child custody agreement (in case of single parents)
1.6 Bringing pets to America
To bring a pet to the United States, you need to prepare the following:
- Obtain a health certificate in English from your veterinarian.
- Make sure your pet has received all the necessary vaccines.
- Order and carry a special carrier bag for your pet.
- If necessary, apply for a special import permit, for example for parrots.
- Contact your airline and veterinarian for all requirements and regulations when bringing pets into the United States.
Regulations for bringing your pet vary by U.S. state. Use the U.S. Department of Agriculture‘s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Digital Import Wizard if you are unsure.
2. What Should You Pay Attention to When Entering the U.S.?
On your arrival date, arrive at the airport on time (about 3 hours before your flight) to allow enough time for all steps in the immigration process:
- Check-in online or check in at the counter and check your luggage
- Enter the security area for a security check (full body scanner, pat down, open carry-on baggage if necessary)
- Go to the gate and board the plane
- Landing and passport control
- Receive baggage and customs procedures
2.1. Check in for a flight to the U.S.
By checking in, you are registering with the airline for your flight to the United States. In many cases, this can be done online several days before your trip.
If you only have carry-on baggage, online check-in can save you valuable time and help you choose your seat early (if you haven’t already at the time of booking).
If you want to check in your luggage, you must go to the check-in counter or check-in machine, where you will also be given or printed a boarding pass.
2.2. Choose your luggage
Choosing the right luggage is important as there are strict regulations on how much weight you can carry. The average weight allowed for students usually ranges from 40-46 kg, so choose your luggage accordingly. Suitcases with wheels will make moving easier.
For hand luggage, you are allowed to carry a maximum of 7kg, including backpacks, camera bags, and fashionable handbags with maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm (equivalent to a 20-inch suitcase). Vietnam Airlines on August 1, 2019, changed the regulations, limiting the weight of carry-on luggage per passenger (economy class) to 2 pieces of a maximum of 12kg.
Scarves and coats are not included in the weight of hand luggage. For checked baggage, you are allowed to check in 2 pieces with a total weight of 64 kg (32 kg/1 piece). To save costs, if you want to buy extra luggage, you should order it with your flight ticket.
With a large amount of checked baggage, mark your suitcases and boxes to make them easy to find and avoid loss by using colored fabric, stickers, or printing personal information. Arrange your luggage scientifically to avoid fines for exceeding the specified weight.
After checking in online, print your boarding pass just in case, as you may not always be able to use your smartphone when entering the United States. The boarding pass will provide information about the flight number, seat number, time, and departure gate, however, keep an eye on the notice board at the airport as the departure gate may change.
2.3. Security check at the airport
Pre-flight security checks include carry-on baggage checks, body checks, and pat downs may apply. During this time, it is important that you keep your boarding pass and passport on hand.
To prepare for security screening, put a small amount of liquids in a zip-top bag, remove electronics from your luggage, and make sure you can easily remove your shoes, belts, etc.
Items such as coats, belts, hats, and scarves will be placed into plastic trays on the conveyor belt. Electronics such as laptops, smartphones, and cameras will be pushed through the X-ray machine and need to be placed in separate containers.
Bringing potentially dangerous items such as nail clippers onto the plane is strictly prohibited, and be sure to comply with prohibited carry signs in security areas.
If you are selected for a second security check, your boarding pass will have the symbol “SSSS” (Secondary Security Screening Selection). In this case, you will undergo a detailed interview with a Border Patrol agent in a separate room before entering the United States and will be screened again.
The “chosen” decision for SSSS is usually made automatically by a computer and may be related to the type of flight reservation or when the ticket was purchased. In this situation, it’s important to remain friendly, answer honestly, and inform if you have difficulty understanding English.
Read more: Experience of Settling in America
2.4. Boarding and flight
After a short wait at the gate, different groups of passengers (e.g. business travelers, families with children, or passengers in rows 1-15) will be called one by one and allowed to board the plane.
Find your seat, stow your carry-on luggage properly in the overhead bins or footwells, and enjoy your flight.
2.5. Landing and passport control
After landing, you must sit still for a short time until the signal to descend is given. Then go to the waiting area in front of passport control and get in line:
* Cell phone ban at US airports
The border area at the airport is a cell phone-free zone! Remember to ask permission if you need to make an urgent call or send a text.
* Automated Passport Control (APC)
If you are redirected to Automated Passport Control, you scan your passport on a computer, take a photo, provide fingerprints, and answer a series of questions. You will then receive a receipt to present to the officials.
* Automated Passport Control (APC)
If you are redirected to Automated Passport Control, you scan your passport on a computer, take a photo, provide fingerprints, and answer a series of questions. You will then receive a receipt to present to the officials.
* Passport control of a border guard
A border agent may question you upon entering the United States. The main purpose is to eliminate any immigration intentions of visitors who do not hold an immigrant visa.
Typical questions in an intake interview are:
- Why are you visiting the United States?
- How long will you stay?
- Where are you going to stay?
- What was your first address in the United States?
- Who are you visiting?
Answer briefly, accurately, and honestly. If you have any understanding issues, tell the border officer at the start of questioning and they will look into it.
Luggage choice is very important as there are very strict regulations on how much weight you can carry in your luggage.
Normally, the average allowed weight of a student is about 40-46 kg. Hence, choose your luggage accordingly. Wheeled suitcases will make moving and maneuvering simpler.
2.6. Enter the United States first with a green card
First entry into the United States as a new “permanent resident” (U.S. immigrant visa holder) without a green card in hand, but with immigrant visa endorsement from the Embassy in your passport.
The first trip to the U.S. to receive a green card is a special moment for newly arrived U.S. residents. Instead of stern looks and probing questions, the border agent looked up and said, “Welcome to America!”
If you observe people mysteriously passing sealed envelopes across the counter to border agents and then burst into tears of joy, you’re probably witnessing card winners Green recently and entering the United States for the first time.
2.6.1 Transit in the U.S.
If you have a stopover in the United States, you must pick up and recheck your baggage. If the stop is outside the U.S., this rule usually does not apply. As a precaution, check with ground staff for current procedures.
2.6.2 Waiting time for entry at U.S. airports
Whether you have an ESTA, a U.S. visa, or a Green Card, you will need to wait sometime after landing before setting foot on American soil. Travelers with Green Cards often cross the border the fastest. For current wait times, check the MyTSA app.
2.6.3 Baggage pick up and customs
Just like passport control, you may have to wait at the baggage carousel after arriving in the U.S. Once you’ve picked up your suitcase from the conveyor belt, head to the customs area.
2.6.4 Customs Search in the United States
Even if you do not indicate any declarable goods in your customs declaration, you may still be subject to additional checks on your luggage. When unpacking and repacking your luggage, follow the customs officer’s instructions carefully and always remain friendly.
After customs, you will be allowed to leave the airport. Welcome to the United States of America!
2.6.5 Advice for entering the United States
While preparing for your immigration trip and entry to the United States, you can save time and money with the following tips:
If you want to lock your suitcase, use an official TSA lock from the Transportation Security Administration. This will prevent your key from being destroyed in a search, as authorities have the TSA master key.
- Weigh your suitcase before you go and declare any excess baggage to the airline through an online app. The fee will be cheaper than checking your luggage at the airport
- Check-in machines can save you from long waits at counters and even include bag drop-off at a designated terminal
- Point out any language barriers in all conversations with U.S. officials or airport staff. Time-consuming misunderstandings and tense situations can be defused this way
- To avoid lengthy questioning and screening upon entry, review and clean up your social media presence before your trip to the U.S. Comments or jokes that are overly critical of the U.S. government can get you into trouble
- Do not carry employment verification in your carry-on unless you are officially entering the United States on a work visa or as a Permanent Resident. Otherwise, border officials may suspect that you are trying to work illegally
The U.S. border is one of the toughest in the world. In a typical year, more than 270,000 travelers are denied entry. The reasons are varied, and sometimes it’s just a vague feeling among Border Patrol agents.
Common reasons for refusal of entry include:
- A criminal record
- A history of illegal employment in the United States
- Medical problems can pose a risk of harm
- Lack of vaccination
- Current travel ban/entry suspension
- Misrepresentation in ESTA and visa application
- Expired visa or ESTA approval
- Documents are missing
- Strange or suspicious behavior
If a border agent does not believe you are eligible for entry, they will ask a colleague for a second review. If that second customs officer also denies you entry, the decision is final and you will be flown back to your home country immediately.
When you return to your home country, contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and use the online form to request detailed information about the decision and assistance with the proceedings.
3. What Do You Need to Prepare after Immigrating to the U.S?
Welcome to America! The following things should now be on your to-do list before your new life in the United States begins for real:
3.1 Social security card
Every resident of the United States needs a social security number, which provides important information about social benefits and tax registration. The social security card serves as proof of identity (in addition to your green card).
Without a social security number, you cannot work in the United States, sign up for phone service, or open a U.S. bank account.
To apply for a social security number, go to the Social Security Administration office near your residence and fill out Form SS-5 (Application for Social Security Card). Typically, you will receive your social security card within 15 days. However, in special cases, it can take up to 4 weeks.
3.2 Driver’s license in the US
As soon as you arrive in the United States, you can drive with your old driver’s license. However, you will need a U.S. driver’s license after twelve months at the latest (depending on the state).
A U.S. driver’s license is not only for driving in America, but it is also an important and useful piece of identification that opens many doors in your daily life.
You can get a U.S. driver’s license from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Prove your legal residency in the United States by presenting your Green Card.
- Pass the vision test
- Pass the theory test
- Pass the practical driving test
Each state in the U.S. has its own regulations for getting a driver’s license and even its own traffic rules. Learn about the rules in your state on the DMV website.
3.3 Health insurance in America
To have solid health insurance that covers doctor’s visits and medical emergencies in the U.S. healthcare system, you can negotiate a good deal with your U.S. employer in the future or use government or private insurance components yourself.
3.4 Retirement planning in the U.S.
You pay into the U.S. pension system with your social security contributions. The state pension system in the United States includes retirement and disability insurance as well as insurance for surviving dependents.
Additionally, private insurance should be arranged. The United States allows employees to pay a portion of their income tax-free into investment funds. Typically, employers also contribute. Address this issue as part of your benefit negotiations for your U.S. employment contract.
Some countries have social security agreements with the United States. If you have made pension contributions in your home country for the period specified in the agreement, you can also withdraw your pension while residing in the U.S.
3.5 Bank account in the U.S.
Once you have your social security number, you can open an account at a U.S. bank. To do this, present your green card, social security card, U.S. address, and photo, and submit the initial balance.
Lenders, landlords, car salesmen, and even credit card companies in the United States evaluate you according to your credit history. However, the so-called credit score can first be built only after immigrating to the United States.
U.S. immigrants often face a problem here: not being able to make big purchases or credit card deals without a credit score. At the same time, credit scores can only be built through active purchasing and repayment behavior. Luckily, there is a creative workaround for this.
A common trick used by U.S. immigrants is to start using an American Express credit card while still in the host country. The AMEX card can then be converted to an American credit card after immigrating to the U.S.
3.6 Accommodation upon arrival in the U.S.
People often say “settle down and establish residency”, to have a comfortable life in America, you need a place to live. Accommodation in the U.S. is very diverse, you can rent an apartment or buy a house in the U.S.
3.6.1 Apartment for rent in America
If you want to rent an apartment in the U.S., you will need to have a credit score or pay a certain amount of money upfront as a mortgage to the landlord. When viewing apartment ads, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Many apartments in the US are rented and furnished
- There is no protection for renters
- Short and long-term rentals are available
- Depending on the contract, heating, hot water, and electricity may be part of the rent
- Rent in the United States is usually paid by cash or check. You usually get your first set of checks for free from your American bank
3.6.2 Buy a house in America
It is common in the U.S. to hire a real estate agent when purchasing real estate. They find you the best deals and also advise you on the ins and outs of the U.S. real estate market.
Important tips for buying a house in the U.S.:
- There is no public land registry in the United States. Therefore, before buying, hire a so-called “title company”, which protects you against third-party claims on the house and land
- Have your purchase agreement reviewed by an attorney
- Home buying procedures and rules may vary from state to state
- Do not buy real estate without having a professional “home inspection” done by an expert
3.6.3 Property taxes in the U.S.
If you own property in the United States, you usually have to pay “property tax.” In some U.S. states, it is even paid for expensive cars.
3.7 Search for jobs in the United States
Your success in finding work in the United States may depend on your green card, which is your permanent authorization to work in America. The following job application tips will speed up the process of finding your dream employer, as part of helping you plan and stop wondering what you need to prepare to immigrate to the U.S.:
- Follow the resume and cover letter structure common in the United States
- Get involved in network marketing on LinkedIn
- Showcase talent: Your LinkedIn profile should showcase work samples, skills, qualifications, contacts and professional achievements
- Write a follow-up email
- Checklist for immigrating to the United States
4. What are Some Frequently Asked Questions about Immigrating in the US? What Do I Need to Prepare?
4.1. Where can I live in the U.S. cheaply?
Evaluating the cost of living index shows that if you want to live on the West Coast or Northeast of the United States, you will have to spend a sizable chunk of your wallet. However, living in the Midwest or South, like Texas or Georgia, is relatively affordable.
4.2. How is the cost of living in the U.S. calculated?
The cost of living in the United States varies greatly from state to state. According to the latest analysis from research firm Statista, the household income needed to live comfortably in New York City is about $128,000, while in San Antonio, Texas it is about $78,000.
Depending on where you live, living may be more affordable (e.g., in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) or more expensive (e.g., in Los Angeles, California) for homeowners than for renters. When looking for the best place to live in the United States, it’s best to look at the Center for Economic Information and Research’s Cost of Living Index.
4.3. Should I bring my car to the U.S.?
Bringing a motor vehicle to the United States involves high costs and bureaucratic hurdles. These include shipping costs, customs and border protection rules for importing vehicles into the United States and upgrading to various safety, anti-theft, and emissions standards.
Therefore, we recommend that you sell your car before immigrating to the United States and buy an American car.
4.4. How much money do I need to bring to immigrate to the U.S.?
According to the decision of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam, according to Article 11, when a settler who is a Vietnamese citizen wants to buy and transfer foreign currency abroad, the maximum amount is not more than 10,000 USD each year.
In case you want to bring an amount of money greater than 50,000 USD, the settler needs to prove that this money will be used for living purposes. The remaining amount will be gradually transferred to the U.S., and at the same time, it must be used according to regulations over 12 years. Therefore, you need to bring a maximum amount of no more than 10,000 USD when moving to the U.S. to settle.
In addition to cash, you can also bring gold, and when the weight is not more than 300g, you need to declare it to customs. If the weight exceeds 1kg, you will need a license from the bank where you live. This license needs to be attached to the US settlement financial documents, including an application to bring foreign currency abroad (USA), a copy of the passport, and a signed translation with a stamp confirmation from the competent authority.
4.5. What items should you avoid when immigrating to the U.S.?
In the process of preparing to immigrate to the U.S., when putting things in your luggage, you need to avoid arranging the following items:
- Vegetable products, spices
- Cash amount not greater than 5000 USD
- Unlicensed goods such as movies, paintings, etc.
- Stationery products are easy to find and can be purchased in the U.S.
- These items are considered harmful weapons
- Prohibited items are not allowed in carry-on baggage
5. What Do You Need to Bring When Immigrating to America?
In general, to know what you need to prepare for settling in the U.S., you need to pay attention to the following items:
Before immigration in the U.S.:
- U.S. immigration documents
- Education degree
- English course
- Foreign health insurance
- Immigration for children
- Bringing pets to America
Immigration procedures in the U.S.:
- Check-in for the flight to the U.S.
- Your luggage
- Security check at the airport
- Boarding and flight
- Landing and passport control
- Enter the United States first with a Green Card
After immigration to the U.S., what do you need to prepare?
- Social Security Card
- License
- Health Insurance
- Retirement plan
- Bank account
- Accommodation
- Search for jobs in the U.S.
Please pay attention to arranging your luggage for immigration in the US so that it is neat and complete to prepare for a smooth new life in “The Land of Stars and Stripes.”!
If you have any questions about what you need to prepare to immigrate to the U.S., do not hesitate to comment below the article. ImmiPath’s team of consultants will give you the most enthusiastic advice to help you have a perfect U.S. immigration journey and the most comfortable life in America.
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