Moving to the USA in 2026 – who it suits and how to make the American Dream a reality

Why do people want to move to the USA?

Moving to the USA – a dream for families and businesspeople

1. International environment and quality of life

The USA attracts people who value international connections, diverse cultural environments, and a choice of cities and lifestyles. For some, it's New York or California; for others, it's Florida and Miami with warm climate, an international business community, real estate market, and a wide variety of housing options.

2. Opportunities for career and professional growth

Many see the USA as a market where they can develop their careers, work in international companies, gain experience in strong industries, and eventually transition from a temporary work status to an immigration path. For specialists, this could be H-1B, EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, or another employment-based scenario—depending on qualifications, employer, and the specific case.

3. Education for oneself and children

American schools, colleges, and universities are one of the main reasons families plan their move in advance. Studying itself does not grant a Green Card but can be the first step of a long-term plan: the student obtains education, can then apply practical training in their specialty, look for an employer, and build a further legal path. According to Open Doors, in the 2024/25 academic year, 1,177,766 international students studied on campus in the USA.

4. Real estate as part of a long-term plan

For people with capital, the USA may be interesting not only as a country to live in but also as a real estate market: a second home, housing for the family, an apartment for children during their studies, or a long-term asset in a transparent legal system. It is important to remember that buying real estate by itself does not grant a visa or Green Card but can be part of a well-thought-out strategy if the person already understands their legal path, budget, and city of residence.

5. The desire to build a long-term “second base”

For wealthy families, moving to the USA often does not mean “starting from scratch.” On the contrary, it can be the next step: maintaining the status already achieved, diversifying assets, providing education for children, opening a business line, buying property, and creating a backup family scenario in a stable international jurisdiction. That is why it is better to consider the move not as an emotional decision but as a strategy: legal status, city, neighborhood, property, ownership costs, and adaptation plan should be interconnected.

What you need to know about moving to the USA—in brief!

Visa, Green Card, and citizenship—what’s the difference?

Main ways to move to the USA

Legal ways to move to the USA and get a green card

Moving through family

A foreign citizen who wants to live permanently in the USA must have a sponsor: a close relative who is a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

There are two main groups of family visas: immediate relatives — closest relatives of US citizens, and family preference — family categories with annual limits.

Family scenarios include: spouses of US citizens, children, parents of US citizens, certain relatives of permanent residents, and also the fiancé(e) visa K-1 for fiancés of US citizens.

Moving through work

The work path can be temporary or immigrant. For example, H-1B is a nonimmigrant category for specialty occupation, that is, for work requiring specialized knowledge and qualifications.

Immigrant work categories are a different level. Among them:

EB-1 — for people with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors and researchers, as well as certain executives or managers of multinational companies (multinational executives or managers).

EB-2 — for specialists with higher education or exceptional skills; in some cases, a waiver of the national interest requirement (National Interest Waiver) is possible.

EB-3 — for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.

Moving through study

Studying in the USA does not automatically grant a green card, but it can become the first legal stage of a long-term immigration strategy. A student arrives on an F-1 visa, receives an education, and then can use practical training or internship (CPT), which is part of the study program, or temporary work in the specialty after studies or at certain stages of education (OPT).

If during this time the student finds an employer willing to arrange a work status or immigration sponsorship, the path can transition from study to H-1B, EB-2, EB-3, or another employment-based method.

Moving through investment and business

For entrepreneurs and investors, three directions are most often considered: EB-5, E-2, and L-1.

EB-5 — immigration program for investors. Upon meeting program conditions, the investor, spouse, and unmarried children under 21 can apply for permanent residency legally.

E-2 — non-immigrant visa. It is not available to everyone. The applicant’s citizenship must be from a country that has an appropriate treaty with the USA. The State Department maintains a separate list of such countries.

L-1 — a path for transferring a executive, manager, or employee with specialized knowledge from a foreign company to an affiliated American company. For example, L-1A applies to a manager transferred from a foreign office to the American office of the same group of companies.

Planning to buy real estate in the USA or launch an EB-5?

The Bonadomus team will help select a property in Miami for the real goals of the family or investor: relocation, long-term residence, investment for future sale. We do not replace an immigration lawyer but help you understand the real estate market, check the property, understand ownership costs, HOA, transaction expenses, insurance, and risks of a particular building or area.

If you are considering Florida and Miami as part of a relocation plan, start with a consultation. This makes it easier to understand which neighborhood, housing format, and budget really suit your situation.

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Diversity Visa / green card lottery

Diversity Visa (DV) is a program that many call the green card lottery. Its essence lies in the application by people from countries with relatively low immigration levels to the USA, but participation does not guarantee a visa. DV has requirements for the country of birth, education, or work experience. Selected participants must pass subsequent stages and obtain a visa before the end of the respective fiscal year.

Asylum and humanitarian grounds

Asylum is not a “convenient way to move,” but a protection mechanism for people who have grounds to fear persecution. In the USA, an asylum application is usually filed through Form I-589. According to USCIS, to file, a person must be physically present in the USA and not be a U.S. citizen. There is also a general rule to apply within 1 year after arrival unless exceptions apply.

How to choose your relocation method: a simple scheme

If you have close relatives in the USA

Start with family categories. It is important to understand exactly who is a relative, whether they are a citizen or permanent resident, which category applies, and whether there is a queue. The logic is one for spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens and another for brothers, sisters, and adult children.

If you are a qualified specialist

Look at temporary work visas and employment-based immigrant categories: H-1B, EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, employer sponsorship, and national security interests. Here you need to assess education, experience, achievements, employer, industry, and country of citizenship.

If you are an entrepreneur or investor

Consider EB-5, E-2, L-1, and business structure. Key questions: citizenship, source of funds, business experience, presence of an active company, readiness to invest, capital transparency, and long-term goal — status, business, real estate, or a combination.

If you are a student or a parent of a student

Look at F-1, M-1, or J-1 and immediately think about the next step. Studying can provide education, American experience, and time to adapt, but by itself it does not automatically convert into obtaining a green card.

General list of documents required for moving to the USA

The list of documents always depends on the visa category. But there are basic document groups that are most often encountered: passport, visa application, photo, proof of visa basis, financial documents, family documents, certificates, translations, medical examination for immigration visas, and confirmation of interview appointment.

What forms are most commonly encountered?

• DS-160 — for most nonimmigrant, temporary visas (online form, submitted electronically).
• DS-260 — electronic immigrant application (for immigrant visas).
• I-130 — petition, the first step for many family immigration cases.
• I-140 — petition used in employment-based immigration categories.
• I-526E / EB-5 — petition under the EB-5 program.
• I-485 — form for status adjustment if a person is already in the USA and eligible to apply for lawful permanent resident status.

How long does it take to move to the USA?

There is no exact timeframe for moving to the USA. In one case, the process may take months, in another — years. Influencing factors include visa category, country of citizenship, country of residence, queue availability, consulate workload, administrative processing, completeness of documents, and family composition.

For immigration categories, it is important to check the visa bulletin. The State Department publishes final document filing deadlines, which show the availability of immigration numbers and stages of queue movement.

It is also worth checking NVC timeframes and the IV Scheduling Status Tool. They help understand how the document processing is progressing and roughly when the NVC schedules interviews for specific embassies or consulates.

How much does it cost to move to the USA?

The cost of moving cannot be summarized in a single figure. A student, a family with children, an EB-5 investor, and a specialist with an employer will have different expenses. It is also more accurate to divide the budget into two parts: before moving and after arrival.

Expenses before moving

Before moving, visa fees, immigration attorney services, document translations, notary costs, medical examination, travel for interview, tickets, shipping of belongings, housing, and a financial cushion are usually considered.

If it concerns EB-5, the official minimum amounts are $1,050,000 standard or $800,000 for national projects. In practice, for example, in Miami projects, the benchmark is from $1,100,000 main investment, an administrative fee of about $70,000, legal support $30,000–$35,000, and separate government fees that vary. As a result, the liquid capital “at entry” can be around $1.2 million if considering such projects.

Expenses after arrival

After arrival, other expenses arise: rent or home purchase, deposit, furniture, household purchases, health insurance, transportation, school or daycare, mobile communication, opening an account, taxes, accounting, and a reserve fund.

If the family plans to buy an apartment or house, separate calculations are needed for: homeowners association fees, property tax, insurance, transaction costs, possible additional fees, car maintenance, and adaptation expenses.

Where is it better to live after moving to the USA?

Choosing a city is not just about climate and beautiful views. For relocation, you need to evaluate work and business opportunities, taxes, housing costs, schools, healthcare, transport, safety, community, business rules, and lifestyle.

Why do many consider Miami, Florida?

Key advantages for living, leisure, and long-term planning in Miami, Florida

Warm climate almost all year round. For many buyers, Miami is the chance to live or spend more than 300 days by the ocean on clean beaches, in a city with a summer vibe, fresh products, and an active lifestyle.

International environment. People from different countries feel comfortable in Miami. There are many international communities, business contacts, and buyers from Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and other regions.

Liquid real estate market. In popular areas, real estate can be attractive not only for personal residence but also for rental, including to tourists, if allowed by building rules, HOA, and local regulations.

Wide variety of housing types. Apartments, Houses, Townhouses, Duplexes, Lofts, Villas, Penthouses.

Airport, port, and international accessibility. A large international airport and seaport make Miami a convenient point for trips, meetings, business, and connections with other countries.

Safe and well-maintained residential areas. Miami offers many housing options for buyers who value privacy and access control: gated communities, private residences with reception, concierge, security, gated parking, controlled entry, and private zones.

Sports, leisure, and lifestyle infrastructure. Miami is a strong choice for those who want to live by the ocean and lead an active lifestyle almost year-round. For example, Miami Beach has about 9 miles of walking paths along the ocean for running, cycling, and strolling. For family leisure and sports, popular Miami-Dade beach locations include Crandon Park with a two-mile beach, tennis, and golf, as well as Haulover Park on the sea coast. Thus, for buyers who value the ocean, sports, walks, and a resort lifestyle, Miami offers not just a home by the water, but a full environment for recreation and active living.

Tax benefits for individuals. Therefore, for those moving to Miami for permanent residence, the overall tax burden can be clearer and more favorable. For example, a primary residence exemption can reduce taxable housing value, and the cap on assessed value growth prevents sharp increases in tax assessments on such property year after year.

Moving to the USA and real estate - how to understand when it is worth buying a home?

When buying can make sense

When it’s better not to rush

How Bonadomus helps at the housing selection stage?

The Bonadomus team’s experience helps view a purchase not just as a deal but as part of a global plan for moving to the USA. The team has over 17 years in real estate, 2,300 transactions, and 7 offices in 5 countries, so we clearly understand the questions buyers from other countries face.

We work with both new developments from builders and the secondary market, helping to evaluate an object not only by price and photos, but also by legal cleanliness, purchase terms, HOA, insurance, taxes, and liquidity.

If the client is still outside the USA or in another state, we can arrange online viewings, prepare photo and video reports, explain the pros and cons of properties in simple language, and help make a decision without rush.

This approach is especially important when relocating. The buyer understands in advance where they will live, what expenses await them, and whether the chosen property suits the real life of the family, not just the expectations from the picture.

What to Do Before Moving to the USA — A Practical Checklist

6–12 Months or More Before

Determine your immigration pathway, assess your chances with a lawyer, check passports, start gathering documents, prepare financial evidence, research states and cities, improve your English. If you are considering moving with your entire family, discuss schools, your spouse’s work, insurance, transportation, and housing arrangements in advance.

At Least 3–6 Months Before

Submit the necessary forms, prepare for the interview, check medical exam and vaccination requirements, budget your expenses, start exploring neighborhoods and temporary housing options. At this stage, or possibly earlier, it is helpful to already know where you will live during the first weeks after arrival and how you will handle everyday issues.

At Least 1–2 Months Before

Check your tickets, temporary housing, insurance, mobile phone plan, plan for opening a bank account, children’s documents, powers of attorney, banking matters, and obligations in the country of departure. The State Department strongly advises against selling property, quitting a job, or purchasing non-refundable tickets before obtaining a visa.

What to Do After Arriving in the USA?

First 30 Days

1. If you arrived on an immigrant visa, you also need to monitor the receipt of your green card at your U.S. address.

USCIS sends the Form I-551 card to the specified U.S. address but will not begin its issuance until the USCIS Immigrant Fee is paid. Usually, the card is expected within 90 days after entering the USA or after paying the fee — whichever happens later. If it doesn’t arrive, you must check the status independently through USCIS and file a non-delivery request. It is especially important to monitor the address you provided on your application. If you change your residence, USCIS requires you to notify the new address within 10 days; otherwise, the card or official notices might be sent to the wrong place. Therefore, after arrival, keep the payment confirmation, check your status in the USCIS online account, and immediately update your address with any changes.

2. If you moved to the USA on a non-immigrant visa, you need to monitor the expiration date of your I-94 and the conditions of your category. For example, studying, working only for a specific employer, OPT, J-1 program, E-2/L-1/H-1B, and so on. It is also important to timely submit extensions or status changes if you want to stay longer or change your basis. USCIS recommends applying at least 45 days before the authorized stay expires.

At the same time, during the first weeks, it is important to resolve basic everyday issues: residence address, mobile phone, bank account, health insurance, driver’s license or ID, school for children, transportation, and orientation in your neighborhood.

First 3–6 Months

This is when real adaptation begins: credit history, tax planning, searching for permanent housing, adapting children, choosing a neighborhood for purchase, consultations with a real estate expert, and if necessary an immigration attorney. At this stage, many realize that a beautiful neighborhood in photos and a convenient neighborhood to live in are not always the same.

Main Mistakes When Moving to the USA

1. Choosing a visa based on forums and stories from acquaintances. People may have different citizenships, family circumstances, professions, filing dates, and consulates.
2. Thinking that buying an apartment gives you the right to live in the USA. Real estate can be part of a plan but does not replace immigration status.
3. Moving without a financial cushion. Even if the visa is approved, the first months require expenses: housing, deposit, insurance, transportation, furniture, documents, school, communication, and taxes.
4. Not considering health insurance. In the USA, this is one of the key budget items, especially for families with children.
5. Not checking housing maintenance costs when buying (HOA). An apartment that looks cheap at first glance can turn out to be expensive to maintain.
6. Confusing a tourist visa with an immigration pathway. A tourist trip is not the same as relocation.
7. Submitting documents with inconsistencies. Discrepancies in applications, biographies, finances, or family history can lead to delays and denials.
8. Not checking current consulate rules. In 2025–2026, the State Department updated interview, screening/selection, and processing rules several times, so old instructions may no longer be relevant.
9. Choosing a city based only on beautiful photos. A neighborhood should be evaluated considering work, school, transportation, safety, taxes, insurance, lifestyle, and the real cost of ownership.