Published January 24, 2022
Immigrating to the US: The Critical Basics
Moving to a new country is a huge
change. It’s exciting, but also scary – and often full of surprises. We’ve
prepared this small US immigration guide to make your transition into your new
life smoother. We attempt to cover the most critical basics that many new
immigrants don’t think about or are aware of, which can cause discomfort down
the road.
Finances
You need to stay in control of
your money to create a comfortable life for yourself.
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Taxes: Moving to the
US may make you liable for tax in two countries.
Figure out your unique situation.
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Credit scores: Immigration will judge you by your credit score. You
build up a credit score by getting a bank account.
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Financial assistance: Some
immigrants will qualify for US government financial assistance. It’s worth researching.
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Expenses: Expenses in
the US can be astronomical,
especially in cities. You may not always save money even with a stable
job.
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Sending money back home: You are allowed to send money back to your family in any country,
including Nigeria. You can use a money
transfer service like Remitly.
Life necessities
Plan and account for your necessities, from food to human
contact – everything is radically different in the US.
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Food: Healthy food is seriously expensive.
Pack plenty of food along, find substitute ingredients, and maybe grow your
own.
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Accommodation: You can
find affordable housing for immigrants, but don’t count on it.
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Healthcare: Healthcare
insurance may become an immigration condition.
It pays to have health insurance regardless.
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Family visits: The
government is usually lenient about allowing your family to visit you. You can send them a plane ticket with
the usual care package.
Future planning
Don’t forget to consider your long-term future. You need
many things to establish yourself in this country.
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Cultural integration: Learn
English well. Talk to people, get to know them, and be interested in their
culture to fit in.
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Education: Your
foreign degree may not always be recognized in the
US. You may need a new one.
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Long-term residency: There
are four ways to be a US citizen and gain long-term residency:
naturalization, marriage, parents, and military.
Conclusion
Arguably the best way to make your journey smoother is to talk to prior immigrants who’ve been in your shoes. Ask them for advice or about what they wish someone had told them about life in the US – most people will be happy to help.
Alice
Robertson
