Moving to the USA
Ok, you’ve decided to take that big step and move to the green pastures of America, you may be single or taking your family with you, it’s a country that has so much to offer, with a rich heritage of Irish Immigrants, so there is a good chance that you will settle for the long term.
With that in mind if your moving on a short term visa to see what opportunities are there for you, and decide to move your household and personal effects after you find employment, we offer the option to collect your effects from your house or store them until you are ready, export wrap and pack your furniture and personal effects and ship them to you when you find employment and decide to stay.
On the other hand if you have employment and the decision is made, its straight forward, be it only a few pieces or a full house move, we will come in with trained and uniformed staff and export wrap and pack all your furniture and personal effects, we do this with export grade double wall cartons (boxes), we have different sizes based on what we’re packing, from book cartons, to general cartons (ornaments and kitchenware), linen cartons (clothes and bedding) and wardrobe cartons for any hanging clothes that you don’t want creased. Every inch of your furniture is protected with a wrapping material called furniguard (unlike bubble wrap it does not leave resin marks on highly polished furniture), we’ve been doing this so long we know what works and what does not work.
We complete an inventory listing every box and item of furniture with a description of the condition of each item. As the customer you sign off on every item that we collect at origin and again on delivery.
We offer All Risks Insurance, which unlike some of our competitors is a new for old policy and in the unlikely event of a claim your effects will be replaced at the valued you insured and not the value you insured less ware and tare.
To be honest if your not happy we’re not happy and that’s why after 25 years in the Removal Business we strive to offer the fastest transit times through using the shipping lines or airline companies with the most direct routes, providing trained staff and the most update packing materials best suited to what we are packing or wrapping. A good move doesn’t happen by chance, it happens by planning.
We smooth the customs clearance process in America by having all the American Customs paperwork completed in Ireland (we supply you with the relevant paperwork) before you leave Ireland which is submitted by our agent in America for clearance of your effects.
With what we offer in mind we still promise you one of the most competitive quotes you will get, we encourage you to get three quotes, compare the protection your effects will get, transit times, the smooth and uncomplicated removal service we provide. We have a network of partner Removal Companies in every major city in America (these are tried and trusted partners we constantly use and they offer a superb destination service), which undertake the full customs clearance and delivery of your effects including placing your effects in rooms specified by you, unpacking cartons and unwrapping furniture and disposing of the boxes and wrapping materials.
All our quotes and free and we are more than happy to answer any questions you might even if your just contemplating a move down under….
The modern United States was built by migrants chasing the dream of a better life. This dream continues into the 21st century, and America is still known as the land of opportunity. With so many lifestyle options available, it has become a hotspot for people looking for a change, or a better life. So, maybe you’re looking for an experience of a lifetime and a bit of an adventure; possibly you’re looking for a great job opportunity and a different lifestyle; or you think that a fact finding trip is the best option so you can test the water; otherwise you’re in lock stock and barrel, selling the house, moving the family (including the dog) and all your worldy possesions. Once you get your head around the idea of moving to America, then you need to think about the actual logistics – when, where, why and how?
America is more than twice the size of the European Union, so it should be no surprise that each of its 50 states – and one district – has unique lifestyle opportunities and landscapes. The diversity ranges from the wilds of Alaska to the skyline of New York; from the snow capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, to the arid Nevada desert. The varied geography is matched by the demographic makeup of the states. Whatever you’re looking for in life, you should find it.
Whether this is the first time you’re researching moving to America, or you’ve made your decision and you’re finalising your plans, we can help you with useful, well researched information allowing you to get everything you will need in one place.
To your left you will see a range of headings including a guide to visas, relocation guide, cost of living and employment as well as useful information on relocation services such as bank accounts and international shipping.
Don’t forget to take a look at our blog for our latest news, and our jobs board for a varied range of jobs available in America. You can also meet us and our large network of employers and relocation service providers at our exhibitions held in cities across the globe.
Within its 50 states, the United States of America offers something for everyone, no matter what their geographic or climatic preference.
Want a great year round climate and lush beaches on which to enjoy those increased sun hours? Then why not take a look at either Florida, Georgia or California. Looking for a thriving metropolis where your career could soar? Then check out an economic hub like New York or Chicago. Elsewhere, the six New Englan states, located in the north-east of the country, offer a fantastic lifestyle complete with four district seasons. Colorado has fantastic ski opportunities, while the island paradise of Hawaii is famed for its surfer charm… The lifestyle choice list just goes on and on.
So, no matter what kind of lifestyle you’re after, the chances are you’ll find it in one of the 50 states in America.
Outlook
Despite some shaky moments, hopes are still high across America that President Barack Obama can deliver a new and improved America.
Cost of living
Given its highly developed state, America offers an affordable lifestyle compared to many other economic powers.
The great outdoors
From Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, and from the Great Lakes to the coast of Maine, America has some awesome landscapes.
Attitude
America’s can-do attitude – even in a time of economic crisis – is a refereshing change to the ‘used to, but can’t anymore’ attitude of many of the countries that migrants are leaving to move to America.
First among equals
Its role as a global economic big shot may well be coming under increasing pressure, but America still sets most world trends.
Population 312,879,000
Area 9,826,675 km²
Capital Washington DC
Largest city New York City
Currency US Dollars (USD$)
Average annual temperature by city
Seattle, WA 8°c
Chicago, IL 9°c
Denver, CO 10°c
Boston, MA 11°c
New York City, NY 12°c
Houston, TX 20°c
Orlando, FL 22°c
Average property price see Finding a Home section
Average annual salary USD $44,410
Number of cities in top 50 quality of life survey 8
Highest ranked city Honolulu: 29th
Number of universities in world’s top 100 51
Highest ranked uni Harvard: 1st
California
California is located on the west coast of the United States, and is the most most populous state, home to 1 out of 8 Americans. Known as the Sunshine state, it is famous for it’s famous people (mostly found around Los Angeles, it’s capital city) and the multitude of tourist attractions found around the state. As of 2012, if California were it’s own country it would have the 9th largest economy in the world! It’s also a great place to live, with a mediterannean climate throughout most of the state.
Colorado
Colorado is the US state that encompasses most of the famous Rocky Mountains. Is it is a central state, with a more complex climate then states found outside of the Mountain States region. Most of Colorado is made up of mountains, foothills, high plains and desert lands – making for some extreme weather. It also means there is some amazing natural scenery to be enjoyed throughout the state, suiting individuals who like to pursue outdoor activities. Colorado is a great state for business, with many large corporates having their headquarters based in the states capital city, Denver.
Texas
Texas is the second most populous and second largest state in the US. Historically, the whole of Texan culture comes from a blend of Southern, Western, and Mexican influences, making for a melting pot of cultures, food and arts. Texas contains diverse landscapes that resemble both the American South and Southwest. Although Texas is popularly associated with the Southwestern deserts, less than 10% of the land area is desert. The large size of Texas and its location at the intersection of multiple climate zones gives the state highly variable weather, making for extreme weather conditions in some parts, and relatively temperate conditions in other areas. Texas’s large population, abundance of natural resources, thriving cities and leading centers of higher education have contributed to a large and diverse economy, founded on the petroleum industry after the discovery of oil in the early 1900’s.
Illinois
Illinois is a state in the Midwestern United States. It is the 5th most populous and 25th most extensive state, and is often noted as a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resourceslike coal, timber, and petroleum in the south, Illinois has a diverse economic base and is a major transportation hub. Most of Illinois has a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. The southernmost part of the state, from about Carbondale southward, borders on a humid subtropical climate, with more moderate winters.
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. New York City, with a Census-estimated population of over 8.3 million in 2012, is the most populous city in the United States. Alone, it makes up over 40 percent of the population of New York state. It is known for its status as a center for finance and culture, with some of the most famous landmarks and tourist attractions found in the city. It is also know for being the largest gateway for immigration to the United States. In general, New York has a humid continental climate, though New York City has a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and very cold winters.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts , officially the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It’s capital city is Boston, and the state is most famous for it’s history, as the original Pilgrims settled in the state in the early 1600’s. Massachusetts economny is a strong, with sectors vital to the Massachusetts economy including higher education, biotechnology, finance, health care, and tourism and a low unemployment rate of 6.0%. The climate of Massachusetts is a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern region of the United States. The climate varies from subtropical in the north to tropical in the south. Florida’s culture is a reflection of influences and multiple inheritance; Native American, European American,Hispanic and African American heritages can be found in the architecture and cuisine. It’s economy is driven by tourism, industry, construction, international banking, biomedical and life sciences, healthcare research, simulation training, aerospace and defense, and commercial space travel.
If you want to live and work, study or start a business in America the first thing you need to do is find and apply for the right visa. This is often easier said than done! We have summarised the visa process to help you with understanding which visa is most suitable for you.
The official website for America– listing all available visas types and the requirements for each – is run by the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). You should visit this site once you have read the summaries below.
Most people migrating to work in America will either be sponsored by an employer, or will apply independently for working visa.
Immigrant
EB- 1 Priority Worker
For foreign national of ‘extraordinary ability’. Also covers multinational managers and executives who have been transferred from international companies to a US affiliate company.
EB-2
For professionals with advanced degrees or persons with ‘exceptional ability’
EB-3
For ‘skilled’ or ‘professional workers’, defined as foreign national professionals with bachelor’s degrees; skilled workers with two years training and experience; and unskilled workers whose jobs are in short supply in the US. A job offer and labour certification are also required.
EB-4 Special Immigrants
For religous workers and current/former US government employees abroad.
Non-Immigrant
H-1B Speciality Workers
For professions in which labour shortages are experienced in specialist industries. The applicant should have a four year degree or the equivalent practical experience (12 years) in their occupation. The employer must be be prepared to pay an applicant the prevailing wage. Fields most likely to be eligible for an H-1B visa are: IT, engineering and healthcare. There is an annual quota of these visas available, so timing and find an employer who can obtain and H-1B for you are important considerations.
Other H-Classes visas are available for nurses working in health professional shortage areas; temporary agricultural workers; temporary workers; skilled or unskilled’ and trainees invited by an organisation or individual
Employees of foreign companies with parent companies, branches or subsidiaries in the United States may work in America under the L Intra-company transferee visa.
L-1A
For executives or people in managerial roles; this category is also used by business owners to effectively transfer themselves to a US branch of their own company. The transferee must work at the same managerial level in America as they did in their home country.
L-1B
Allow for the transfer of workers with specialised skills or knowledge from and international company to a US partner.
L-2
For the spouses and children of the receipients of a L-1A and L-1B visa (spouses are also able to seek paid employment in the US).
Family visas
US citizens may sponsor relatives for permanent residency in America, but they have to be defined as ‘immediate’ family. Qualifying as such are spouses, parents or step children of US citizens. For more information, visit the USCIS website.
There are several visas available to anyone looking to set-up a business in America, with some rules around investment and employees. For more information, visit the USCIS site.
A migration agent is a professional person who can advice on immigration matters, and can help you to prepare and lodge an application. They will also deal with the USCIS on your behalf, this is all usually done for a fee.
It is most certainly not compulsory to use a migration agent, and it will definitely save you money on fees, but if you do not feel confident lodging an application yourself, or your case is quite complex, you may wish to use a migration agent.
Ensure the agent you use is registed to provide advice on migration to America.
Source:
https://www.workingabroad.net/country-profiles/america/
Sources for this section: World Bank,
Documents Required
Specific Information
Note: The import regulations for the 48 contiguous United States and Alaska are included herein. Significant distinct requirements for the import of household goods shipments into Hawaii exist; therefore, a separate relocation guide has been included on the website. As the 50th state in the United States, shipments from the other 49 states in the United States are not subject to U. S. Customs. Shipments to Hawaii from foreign countries are subject to all the same rules and regulations that apply to the rest of the United States. Only shipments of used household goods and personal effects may enter the U.S. under Informal Entry.
Documents Required
Specific Information
Documents Required
Specific Information
Documents Required
Specific Information
Alcohol
Inherited Goods (Imports to Hawaii)
Food Items
Fish / Wildlife
Weapons
Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.
Helpful Website(s):