Just a few months ago, we conducted a survey on our Telegram channel . To the simple question: "Are you interested in moving to the USA?" more than half of our subscribers answered affirmatively.
Despite the foreign policy situation, internal discord, and changing immigration policies, America remains a desirable destination for relocation. It might seem like times have changed, but the US still attracts those seeking a better life, especially those looking to earn serious income.
We interviewed Alexander, a relocation specialist in the United States. He's helped dozens of families find a new home overseas. For some, the move was the best thing they've ever done, while for others, it was a bitter disappointment. Today, we ask Alexander questions that continue to haunt everyone who dreams of a comfortable life overseas.
Question #1: About Donald Trump's new immigration policy.
Q: Much has changed in the lives of immigrants since the new/old president, Donald Trump, came to power in the United States. The border with Mexico has essentially closed. ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement — editor's note) is conducting crackdowns in the country to identify and deport illegal immigrants.
Have the current government's measures impacted those who want to enter the country legally?
A.: There are definitely more opportunities in this regard. Based on each individual case, if it's done well, it's easier; if it's done poorly, ineptly, the likelihood of approval has decreased. People are now paying much more attention to what you're bringing with you to the country.
It depends on the specific service center: if you're looking at a service center in a Democratic state, processing is more or less the same as before. If you're looking at a Republican state—for example, Texas—it's definitely become more stringent.
Q: So, the change in power in the US primarily impacted undocumented immigrants? But for specialists working with high-quality, legal cases, have opportunities actually increased?
A.: Yes. But now we need to be more sensitive when choosing a specific program for a specific person. We need to pay more attention to detail.
Question #2: Are study visas suitable for immigration purposes?
V.: Entering the US on nonimmigrant visas is definitely easier than on immigrant visas. For example, you can obtain an O1 "minor talent" visa and then refine your case on the spot. You can then gather sufficient evidence and retrain for an EB1 immigrant visa to move to the US permanently.
What can you say about visas, for example, student visas? Can someone who wants to study English come here for one year on an F1 visa and then change their status to something else, an immigration visa?
A.: In the current climate, student visas, especially for English language courses, have often been used as, let's say, an easier way to enter the US. And then to stay illegally. Therefore, it's now quite difficult to obtain an F1 student visa at the consulate; you also need to prepare a strong case.
Q: What is the difficulty? Rejections?
A.: Refusals. Most often, they look very closely at the I20 certificate (an official document confirming enrollment in an accredited educational institution – editor's note). It's immediately clear that if you're really going to study something, like at a university, there's no problem. Regarding English courses, there are certain nuances that you need to be prepared for.
It's easier, of course, to use talent visas . O1 and Eb1 are the most popular and guaranteed methods of relocation. You know, talent can be found in anyone, if only there's a will.
Question #3: About bureaucratic costs of moving to the USA.
Q: Why are US immigration prices so high? We're often asked, "I can move to Spain for just €5000. And it'll be a residency permit, turnkey. I'll still have to rent an apartment. I'll also have to consult with a tax specialist and a lawyer."
So where do these prices for moving to the USA come from? Why are they so expensive?
A.: First of all, because everything in America is generally expensive. If you compare the cost of legal services in Europe to the US, the difference is dramatic.
Secondly, it depends heavily on the visa type. In the US, a person's public profile plays a role, which requires a certain amount of investment in case development. This requires painstaking work by an entire team over months. And even with the "simplest" visa types, it's primarily about building a person's image. And this image must be appealing to the US. It's important to prove that the country needs the person—temporarily or permanently.
V.: It turns out that if you compare European immigration programs with American ones, you'll notice a difference. In Europe, you need to meet some strictly defined criteria. If you meet them, you're almost automatically accepted. In the US, you have to prove your uniqueness and relevance to the country. And that's not just a matter of collecting paperwork.
A.: Yes, it's more about narrative. It's about a coherent story that flows from the past into the present and reveals the future. That means, among other things, we need to refine and reveal the person's plans in the US. We need to explain what they'll be doing.
Question No. 4: About expenses for everything else.
Q: Once someone has finally decided to move to the US and has saved up the necessary funds for various bureaucratic expenses, how much money do they actually need for the move? How much should they bring, in addition to visa expenses?
I understand that the United States is an uneven country, but we start from a certain average minimum per person.
A.: I would take at least $10 , absolutely no less. This is the bare minimum, because you're coming to the US, an expensive country. Even if we're not talking about the largest or most developed state, you still need to keep the labor market in mind and understand that in, say, Missouri, there's less work and it pays less. But your expenses will also be lower. Also, the US is a car-heavy country, meaning you'll need not only to rent an apartment but also to buy a car—at least an inexpensive one. You absolutely must have one, unless you're staying in New York.
$10000 is the absolute minimum, even for the provinces, and that's assuming you find a job right away. That's for basic necessities, that's all.
V.: And better, of course, is more.
A.: I can give you an example of someone who left through me. He took about $15 with him and came to Los Angeles, California. He lived in some hostel and then rented a room in an apartment for $800 a month. It was basically a walk-through room. He lived there, worked part-time, and took significantly more home with him. But this was more about earning money than about permanently moving. If you want at least a minimum of comfort, then take more. In the end, it will pay off.
Question #5: Moving to the US with family and the processing time for group applications.
Q: What if we're talking not just about one person, but about families moving with their children? What can be used for reunification with a spouse and child? What can't be used?
A.: Actually, there are no preferences. In the context of dependants, that is, accompanying persons, who receive almost any type of visa, for the United States this means a spouse and children under 21.
Q: And what about elderly parents?
A.: Just family reunification takes a very long time. It's necessary to apply for the initial application to get documents for everyone at once—that's only spouses and unmarried children under 21. And virtually any type of visa grants the right to this kind of "family reunification." The only thing is that the EB1 visa immediately grants green cards for the entire family. Other visas have specific requirements, such as work eligibility. But a person can, of course, bring their family with them on almost any visa. Family reunification—that is, reuniting other relatives—is possible, but the process takes decades. It's incredibly time-consuming.
Q: Perhaps this is due to the long queue of people wanting to reunite?
A.: Yes. At one time, many people went to the United States to have children because American citizenship is granted by "jus soli" (a child born in the country automatically receives citizenship—ed.). These children reach 21 years of age, and the process of family reunification begins.
Question #6: Moving to the USA – illusions and reality: what should you not expect? The main advice for those moving.
Q: The United States is a unique country—a land of many hopes. Many people come to the United States to realize their dreams, aspirations, and so on. There are certainly some widespread illusions that people moving from the former Soviet Union harbor about the United States. They imagine a magical land that makes all their dreams come true. What illusions are there that people moving to the United States should definitely avoid? What should they definitely not count on?
A.: Most often, it's easy money for everyone. There's a common misconception that anyone who comes to the US can easily become a millionaire. Of course, they can. But it requires a significant amount of effort. I mean, practically anyone can survive these days, but becoming a millionaire... Let's just say the money you earn in the US in a "regular job" will be absolutely normal for where you live. I wouldn't expect mountains of gold.
You can't buy a house like the one we all used to laugh at, like Homer Simpson's, "just like that," literally, ever. Even with American salaries. I'd compare it to moving to Moscow. You can earn money thanks to a wide range of new opportunities, but it's a highly competitive job market where you need to be able to thrive. If you're not resourceful and proactive, you'll just be "living."
Q: What should you definitely not do when moving?
A.: Counting on being able to figure everything out on the spot won't work. You'll need to plan everything in advance and very carefully—if you don't want to experience huge disappointment and major difficulties.
Thank you very much to our colleague for the informative answers.
Want to consult with a specialist about moving to the United States? You can always do so with us . We'll explain all the pitfalls in detail and (if desired) help you navigate the appropriate immigration program. We'll guide you through the process from the moment you contact us to receiving your green card.
If you're not ready to move yet, contact us for a B-type tourist visa . Fly out and see the US for yourself before making any drastic decisions.
Before your trip, check out our travel planner . It'll help you find tickets, travel insurance, and hotels all in one place—it's a convenient feature.
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Relocator is a multi-functional agency specializing in foreign assignments. We offer employment abroad, immigration and visa processing, consultations on international banking services, assistance with remote account opening and card applications, investment real estate, and much more.
