Expatriation guide: United StatesUnited States
2 min read
États-UnisUSAvisa américainGreen Cardexpatriation
Summary
Expatriating to the United States: types of visas, Green Card, work, health, daily life.
Expatriating to the United States
The American dream requires careful preparation.
Immigration
Types of visas
- B1/B2 : Tourism/business (no work)
- H-1B : Skilled work (sponsor required)
- L-1 : Intra-company transfer
- E-2 : Investor/entrepreneur
- J-1 : Exchange (internships, research)
- F-1 : Studies
Green Card
- Permanent residence
- Lottery (Diversity Visa) : free, random
- Through employment : employer sponsorship
- Through family : spouse/child of citizen
Process
- Long and complex
- Immigration lawyer recommended
- Significant costs
Settling in
Housing
- Variable depending on cities
- Credit history important
- Social Security Number required
Social Security Number
- Equivalent of social security number
- Required for everything
- Application after obtaining work visa
Bank account
- Relatively easy with visa
- Credit history to build
Working
Job market
- Dynamic but competitive
- At-will employment (easy dismissal)
- Few days off by default
Salaries
- Higher than in France
- But less social protection
Healthcare
No universal system
- Insurance through employer (common)
- Private insurance
- Very expensive without insurance
Costs
- Consultations : $100-300
- Emergency : several thousand
- Insurance essential
Daily life
Cost of living
- Highly variable depending on states
- NYC, SF, LA very expensive
- Midwest more affordable
Culture
- Significant regional diversity
- Pragmatism and optimism
- "Can-do attitude"
Popular states
- California : tech, climate
- New York : finance, culture
- Texas : cost of living, dynamism
- Florida : retirees, no income tax
Frequently Asked Questions
Comment obtenir un visa de travail pour les USA ?
Il faut un employeur sponsor pour la plupart des visas. Le H-1B est le plus courant pour les travailleurs qualifiés.
La Green Card lottery est-elle vraiment gratuite ?
Oui, l'inscription est gratuite. Méfiez-vous des sites qui demandent un paiement.
L'assurance santé est-elle vraiment si chère ?
Oui, très. Sans assurance employeur, comptez plusieurs centaines de dollars par mois.