Eight steps to help you get se

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Eight steps to help you get settled in the United States

Are you thinking about moving to the US? We have a list of the steps you should take in order to get there.

Eight steps to help you get se

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There are hundreds of thousands of people who decide to move to America every year. We chatted to the experts at Grant Kaplan and Associates to see what steps you should take to increase your chances of moving successfully.

Be prepared

You will need to do a lot of preliminary research which will give you a sense of what you’ll be in for as far as finding housing, looking at schooling, your visa requirements, opening a bank account.

Speak to people who have recently moved and get a sense of what you should be doing in order to gear up for your move. Join social media groups that may offer you some help, and find an agent who can give you sound advice and direction.

Check it out

If possible, visiting the States before you commit to moving there, is a really good idea. It will help you determine whether or not you can envision you and your family putting down roots and calling it home.

When you’re there, visit estate agents, recruitment companies and schools to get a clearer sense of what your needs will be.

Get a visa

The visa application process is time-consuming, and you should allow ample time to get this sorted out. There are several visa options that are open to immigrants, so take the time to find the one that will best suit you. If you have family in the US, this is beneficial, but an immigration agent is probably your safest way to ensure you obtain the correct visa and follow the proper application process.

Find somewhere to live

Once you know you will be moving and have decided on an area to live, start looking for accommodation. You may consider renting for a while before you buy, or renting in one area until you decide exactly where you want to live.

Start tying up loose ends at home

At this stage of your move, you will need to start cancelling rentals, sorting out accounts and packing up your home. Work systematically through a list that will guide you as you begin the emigration process. Ensure your documents are up to date and accessible.

Find a moving company

Get quotes and decide on a moving company to move your belongings. Make sure you select a company that is registered and trusted and offers insurance.

Set up a bank account

Contrary to what you may think, setting up a bank account is possible even if you are not a citizen or a resident. You are able to open an account without a social security number. Opening a bank account is a vital step in your emigration process. Follow the steps to opening one here.

Settle in

To fully immerse yourself in your new culture, you will need to get involved in as much as you can. Join clubs, volunteer at a school or retirement village. Getting involved will help you feel more grounded and will speed up the settling in process.

Grant Kaplan is an Immigration lawyer based in Florida who has helped thousands of families and business people make the move into the States. The Law Offices of Grant Kaplan provide a full immigration service for all visa categories. Tel +1 561 347 8440 or email grant@gkaplanlaw.com