How to settle in USA from India in 2024

Palak's journey to settle in the USA from India was marked by tough decisions and daunting challenges. Amidst the allure of better opportunities and a promising future, she grappled with uncertainties about study abroad, visa applications, financial planning, and cultural adaptation. Each step seemed like a mountain to climb, yet her determination to thrive in a land of innovation and progress kept her moving forward.

This article will answer your question of ‘How to settle in the USA from India’, offering practical advice and unwavering support at every turn. From demystifying visa processes to providing tips for seamless cultural integration, it aims to illuminate the path for aspiring immigrants, ensuring students' dreams of settling in the USA become achievable realities.

Why Settle in USA

According to the official data of the United States Census Bureau, immigrants make up over 13% of the total population in the USA. So, many may wonder why so many people choose to migrate and settle in the USA. Let’s look at the reasons behind this.

• Quality of Life: The United States offers a high quality of life, a major draw for immigrants. These include access to good medical care, a vast array of consumer goods, and excellent public services of special quality. The country has a very high Human Development Index (HDI), reflecting its strong economy, advanced healthcare system, and high level of education. 
• Job Opportunities: With a wide range of jobs on the market, the USA lures talent from everywhere. America is a host country for many multinational corporations, novel start-ups, and business areas such as technology, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. 

According to the most recent data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate recorded in America is 3.9%. The country's strong economy and relatively low unemployment rates give plenty of possibilities for skilled and unskilled workers alike. Furthermore, better wages and conditions than many other places is a strong incentive. 

• Higher Education Opportunities: With the highest number of top-level universities in the world, such as Harvard University, MIT, and Stanford, the country attracts students worldwide. Graduating from a prestigious American university has great value on one's career prospects.
• Global Networking Opportunities: Living in the USA provides access to a vast network of professional and business connections. The country’s prominent role in global politics, economics, and culture means that residents can engage with a diverse range of people and organizations. 

For professionals, this can translate into unique career opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations that might not be possible elsewhere. Even as a student, you can build a global network. Universities in the USA have Career Global Networking services and host various events, such as the Global Networking Night hosted by Harvard.

• Cultural Diversity: Famous for its cultural diversity, the US has often been described as a 'melting pot' of different nationalities, cultures, and ethnicities. This diversity enriches the country's social fabric in many ways, bringing a unique environment where folks from various backgrounds can exchange ideas and celebrate their cultures.

Comparison Between USA and India

Here is a comparison between some of the most important factors of the USA and India:

Parameter	USA	India
Average Cost of College Education	$41,540	Rs.20 Lakhs
Median Salary	$4,556 per month	Rs.20,000 per month
Employment Rate	>60%	56%
Unemployment Rate	3.9%	3.2%
Average Cost of Living	$50,000 per year	Rs.28,000 (without accommodation) per month

Types of Immigration to USA

There are several pathways for immigrating to the USA, each catering to different needs and circumstances:

• Family-Based Immigration: U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor family members to immigrate.
• Employment-Based Immigration: Individuals can immigrate through job offers, investment, or extraordinary abilities.
• Diversity Visa Lottery: This program offers visas to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the USA.
• Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Individuals fleeing persecution or danger in their home countries can seek asylum or refugee status.

Visas Available for Migration in USA

The USA offers a wide range of visas for different purposes, including:

• Work Visas: H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.
• Student Visas: F-1 and J-1
• Tourist and Business Visas: B-1, B-2
• Investor Visas: EB-5
• Family Visas: K-1 (Fiancé), IR-1 (Immediate Relative)

Eligibility Criteria to Get Green Card in USA

Obtaining a Green Card (permanent residency) can be done through several pathways:

• Family Sponsorship: Close relatives of U.S. citizens or Green Card holders.
• Employment: Sponsored by a U.S. employer.
• Refugee or Asylee Status: After one year of being granted asylum or refugee status.
• Diversity Visa Lottery: Winners of the annual lottery.

How Can I Get Citizenship in USA

To become a U.S. citizen, you must generally meet the following criteria:

• Be a Green Card holder for at least 5 years (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
• Meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements.
• Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
• Have knowledge of U.S. history and government.
• Be of good moral character.

How is Life in USA

Life in the USA varies widely depending on location, lifestyle, and personal preferences. The country offers a multicultural and cosmopolitan population and a high quality of life regarding education, healthcare, and amenities. At the same time, there’s also a flourishing job market and an environment encouraging entrepreneurship and research. At the same time, the country also offers abundant opportunities for art, culture, entertainment, sports, recreation, and exploration. 

Important Requirements to Move to US from India

The candidates who intend to move to the USA from India must fulfill certain criteria to be fit to travel to this country and get Visa approval quickly. 

The criteria are:

1. A completely accurate and verified passport

Checking the passport for all the accurate information about the applicant is essential before it is sent for stamping the visa. An accurately checked passport plays a key role in getting Visa approval easily for traveling to the USA.

2. International driving permit 

If an applicant is looking forward to settling in the USA, he/she should learn proper driving through a good source. Once the driving course is complete, this individual should not delay getting an International Driving Permit, which comes in handy during their stay in this country.

3. Completion of aadhaar formalities

Indians looking forward to settling in the USA should also complete their Aadhaar formalities so that their passport and visa applications aren’t blocked for any reason during the immigration procedure.

4. Completing and updating the bank’s KYC details

An individual planning to settle down in the USA should close all the DEMAT accounts in the country and try to update all the KYC details with all the banks they work with. This helps in clearing the Visa procedure easily.

5. File and complete the income tax formalities

If the individual has some tax liabilities pending, then completing all these are important for a seamless acceptance of a Visa and an easy migration process.

6. Providing a health proof

Because of the current situation and in general, the candidate needs to provide relevant health documents along with the Visa application.

7. Appointment letter or admission proof

If a candidate is looking to settle in the USA for higher studies, they must provide admission proof and fee receipt as the basic requirement for getting the Visa. If the person intends to work there, the aspirant should show financial proof and some legal proof of the business starting there, while a job holder should submit the appointment letter as proof of employment.

Checklist to Move to USA from India

Though most requirements are covered in the section- what one should do before moving to the US–other necessary requirements to move to the US from India are:

1. Documentation or Paper Work

a) Passport corrections before visa application and stamping

Your passport is a necessary travel document for studying abroad. Therefore, you must ensure that all the information on your passport is accurate. 

Check details such as your name and surname and the details of your family members. For example- In most cases, even after filling in the correct information in the registration form, the surname is left blank, or the spelling of your name is not correct. 

b) Finish your aadhar formalities

The aadhar card is necessary for all the finance and identity-related documentation processes in India. 

Before you travel to the US, make sure you register your phone number while enrolling for the Aadhar card so that you can receive the OTP in case of any changes. 

c) Complete or update your bank accounts’ KYC

Another important thing is to ensure all the documentation of your bank account is completed and your KYC is updated before you move to the US. 

If there are multiple accounts under your name, you can switch to a single account while staying in the US. 

d) Keep your degrees and educational transcripts

It is important to keep your educational transcripts and degree certificates handy before moving to the US. If you don’t have these documents from your previous university, you should contact the responsible faculty. 

Other documents 

The documents you will need to apply for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are as follows- 

For Undergraduate degree 

1. Passport

2. Resume

3. Marksheets

4. High school diploma or equivalent

5. Letters of Recommendation

6. English Language Proficiency Test Scores (IELTS, TOEFL, CAE)

7. Entrance Exam Scores – SAT/ ACT

8. Statement of Purpose

9. Work Experience Letters

10. Extra-curricular activities certificate 

11. A copy of the university application confirmation 

12. Proof of finances 

For Postgraduate Degree  

1. Passport 

2. Resume

3. Transcripts 

4. Marksheets 

5. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

6. Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

7. Entrance Exam Scores- GRE/ GMAT/ MCAT/ LSAT

8. English Language Proficiency Test Scores (IELTS, TOEFL, CAE)

9. Statement of Purpose (SOP)

10. Work Experience Letters (if any)

11. A copy of the university application confirmation 

12. Proof of finances 

Communication and Mobile Applications

1. Verify your mobile number for OTP needs 

OTP is needed for bank account verification, updates in the Aadhar card, and Income tax logins. Before you plan to move to the US, make sure that your mobile number is verified for each of these OTP needs. 

2. Carry a sim card that works in the US for your OTP needs

Make sure you buy an international roaming plan or prepaid connection pack to get SMS for OTPs in the US. 

3. Install mobile banking apps in advance 

The mobile banking apps are not available in the local app stores in the US. Therefore, it is better that you install them beforehand. 

Even if you find them on the app store, you might not be able to install them as they ask for verification. Therefore, it is better to install these apps while you are in India.

What Should One Do Before Moving to USA

Moving to the US is exciting for many international students. Experiencing a different culture, visiting new places, studying in a practical learning-based environment, and living a better lifestyle attract students globally. 

However, there are certain factors that you must know beforehand so that you do not face any difficulty in adjusting to the US when you reach there.  They are: 

1. Plan your budget 

Planning your budget makes it easier to manage your expenses after reaching the country. The first thing one must do is to check the living expenses of the city where you choose to stay.  Once you know the living expenses, you can plan your finances accordingly by arranging funds from your family or taking a student loan. 

2. Pick an affordable place to live 

The cost of living in the US varies from one city to another. While finding a place to live, you must consider these two factors: affordable housing in the area you choose to live and how far it is from your university campus. 

Choosing an affordable place that is not too far from the university can create problems as it can cause more transport spending. One might also struggle to reach college on time. 

3. Learn about the traffic rules of the country

The traffic laws in the US are more strict than Indian traffic laws.  Even crossing a ‘No Crossing’ sign can cost a lot. Although most American universities teach traffic rules to new students, it is better to know them in advance. The US driving direction is also different from India. 

4. Get familiar with the US Metric System 

The metric system in the US is entirely different from the metric system of India. Units of measurement in India, such as kilometers, kilos, and degrees Celsius, get replaced by miles, pounds, and Fahrenheit. 

Initially, students might face difficulty understanding the US metric system. Therefore, it is better to learn and practice the metric system of the country before moving there. 

What Should One Do After Moving to USA

Now that you have arrived in the US, you must take care of plenty of things. Some of these things include: 

1. Get the printout of form I94

Form I94 is a document that keeps a record of your arrival and departure in the country. It includes the terms of your admission- your legal status, the period you can stay in the country, and your expected departure date. 

Getting the printout of the form from the Official Website of the Department of Homeland Security is the first thing to do after arriving in the US, as the document acts as proof of legal stay in the country. You should take its printout and keep it safe until you get a local state id or driving license. 

2. Get a printout of the employment verification letter (EVL)

An employment verification letter is required to apply for a job at a US-based organization. If you don’t have the EVL, you should ask the HR of your previous organization to provide you with the same. 

3. Get yourself a mobile connection

A mobile connection will be one of the necessities once you get into the US. There are multiple network service providers in the US, like Verizon, AT&T, LycaMobile, and T-Mobile. 

To choose a suitable network provider, you must check the data plans provided by each of them and pick one that matches your everyday mobile usage. 

4. Get your driving license

Another important thing that you should do after reaching the US is to apply for a driving license. The first step in applying for the same involves visiting your nearest DMV center to register for the driving license test. 

After your driving test gets scheduled, you must get a medical examination from your nearest emergency center before giving the learning test. 

Once you get the learning driving license, you need to learn/practice the rules and schedule an appointment for the driving test. If you clear the driving test, you get a driving license.

Job Opportunities for Indian Students in USA

Being one of the leading nations in the world, the United States of America offers a wide range of job opportunities for Indian students. 

The shortage of critical skill sets in the US job market has caused a high demand for skilled individuals in the country. Graduates in engineering, healthcare, agriculture, real estate, film production, retail sector, and computers & information technology are highly popular in the US.

There are also part-time jobs for Indians in the USA, which they can do along with their studies. They are allowed to work on-campus in the country for up to 20 hours/per week. 

Conclusion

Settling in the USA from India in 2024 requires a thorough understanding of the immigration process, financial planning, and cultural adaptation. This guide emphasizes the importance of preparation, from obtaining visas to securing employment and housing. 

Building a support network and embracing the USA's diverse culture are crucial for a smooth transition. With the right preparation and mindset, Indians can successfully settle in the USA, contributing to and benefiting from its dynamic and diverse society.