Relocating a family to another country is both an adventure and a stressful event. This is especially true if not fluent in the language spoken in the destination country. Moving to the USA is no different and the stress can be reduced by being forewarned of the many difficulties that can occur.
The L1 or L1 Blanket Visas are usually the ones chosen for people in senior positions in an international company as they are basically a transfer within the same job position within the company. Other visas like the H1B are used where the person is being sponsored into a new position by an American company.
Relocating to the USA involves a painful process of tearing the family members away from their lives at home and rebuilding new lives in America. This process can be less painful if the following issues are considered.
Arrange for a Relocation Officer
If it is at all possible the services of a relocation officer should be arranged. This will not always be available but many people have had a much easier transfer because of the assistance of a local representative in the USA.
This relocation service may be of assistance: Sterling Relocation to the USA
Apply for and Obtain the L1 or H1B Visas Right Away
As early as possible in the organization of the move, it is advisable to start the process of obtaining the American visas. The longer the period between obtaining the visas and the final move to the USA then the more time there will be for arranging everything necessary to be ready for the arrival. If they can be sorted early then it will reduce the stress on arrival substantially. Without knowing when the visa will arrive it is difficult to book flights or removals or even sell cars and other personal possessions. Leaving these tasks late may result in financial penalties in the form of higher prices or losses due to panic selling.
Forms and services from the official US Immigration Service
also: US Customs and Border Protection
Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)
Having the social security number before immigration into the USA will allow such things as the arranging of rent of a home. The SSN is used extensively as a form of identification in America and is also required to arrange services such as the lease of a car; telephones; TV; and internet as well as medical insurance. Pay cannot be received without an SSN.
Internet site to Apply For A U.S. Social Security Number
Take the Family on a Scouting Visit to the USA
Most people, especially children, have obtained everything they know about America from the television and so it is important to arrange a visit to see what the country and the people are really like. This trip should be arranged for two purposes: firstly to have a positive experience for all the family in the country of their new home, but also more seriously as a reconnaissance of the area you are looking to relocate to. If young children are involved then the local schools should be investigated.
Open an American Bank Account
It will be necessary to have a bank account to receive pay but it will also be very helpful to transfer some money into an account so it is there on arrival. Foreign credit cards are often blocked due to anti-fraud measures and so opening a local account and obtaining a debit card will make the first few weeks of the relocation go much smoother.
Apply for the Work Permit for the Spouse
Although the L1 and H1B relocation visas include the right of the spouse to work it is still necessary to apply for the work permit. This can take months to arrange and so the earlier it is applied for then the more options that will be available. The spouse may not be able to apply for their own social security number without this work permit.
Take Proof of Insurance No-Claims
It is quite impossible to live in America without a vehicle and so obtaining one through lease or purchase will be one of the first tasks after relocation. It is useful to know that the insurance cost will be extortionate if not arranged within the first thirty days and with evidence of a period of no accidents.
The opportunity to relocate to the USA is something that is both a risk and a possibility of a great adventure for the family. With a lot of planning before the actual day of travel to America then the building of new lives can be given a much greater chance of success right from the first day.
Dave Corby - Dave Corby is Director of Engineering Software for a large American inspection company.
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