There are a lot of things to be excited about when moving to the United States. It's the land of opportunity and freedom, after all !

However, that doesn't mean moving is easy. There's a lot you have to do in order to leave your current country, and there's plenty to do once you get to the United States.

Getting a License and Car Insurance

When you first arrive in the country, there's a lot to celebrate, but you'll soon find just how difficult it is to exist in the United States if you don't have a quick and easy way to get around. A bicycle and a bus pass are great places to start, but if you really want to take advantage of everything this country has to offer, you have to obtain a valid driver's license.

Getting one involves doing plenty of studying, plenty of practicing, and taking the driving test. It also means making sure you're properly insured.

Fortunately, many U.S. states issue driver's licenses, no matter what your immigration status. That means you can also get car insurance. Just keep in mind that insurance rates are likely to be higher because you don't have an established driving record.

Getting Health Insurance

It's not just car insurance you have to think about. Having the right insurance will keep you from paying hefty fines if you're pulled over, and it can keep you safe, but insurance should also keep you healthy. That's where health insurance comes in.

Unfortunately, getting health insurance isn't as easy for immigrants as getting car insurance. It isn't easy for those born in the U.S. either, but it is doable.

Health insurance in the United States can be especially difficult to understand for those coming from a country with universal healthcare. Policies in the United States can be expensive.

Both Medicare and Medicaid may be available to you, depending on your age and income level. You also have the option of going through the online marketplace to purchase your own policy.

Don't feel defeated if you can't get health insurance right away. Just make sure you have a plan to get it in the near future, so you don't get stuck with medical debt you can't pay for.

Finding a Job

You may be moving to the United States to work. If you're lucky, you may have a job lined up before you move. If you don't, finding a job will be one of the first things you will want to do.

Having an employer means having money, which is extremely important, but it also makes doing other things a lot easier. It's a lot easier to apply for loans when you have a job, and it's easier to obtain some products and services, like getting a cell phone.

A work visa is a must if you want a job. There are programs that can help, but applying to jobs you're qualified for can help you get started in a career in the United States.

Where to Live

There are many different places to live in the United States! Just because you move somewhere initially doesn't mean you can't move later. You may decide you want to move to a warmer or colder part of the country or a state with policies that are friendlier towards immigrants.

Many immigrants start by staying with friends or family when moving to the United States, but you will soon want to figure out how to procure your own housing. Chances are, you'll need to rent an apartment until you can establish a job and a credit history. After years of dedication, you may be able to purchase a home, if that's your dream.

Figure out Your Finances

Moving to the United States isn't cheap, and living here isn't cheap either. It's important for you to get your finances in order as soon as possible.

That means getting a job so you have a reliable stream of income, but it also means planning ahead for your long-term finances.

Opening a bank account can be difficult if you don't yet have a Social Security number. However, there are some banks that let you open a bank account with an ITIN instead. Just make sure you have important documents that include a passport, birth certificate, and a driver's license, even if it's from your country of origin.

Get Involved in the Community

There's a lot of work involved in making sure you're safe, happy, and healthy in your new home, but that doesn't mean moving to the United States is all work and no play. It's actually a good idea to fight the urge to hide in your apartment when you aren't working. Find ways to get involved in the community so you can make friends and feel like a true resident of your neighborhood.

A few easy ways to get involved in your new community include:

  • Attend local events, like farmer's markets and festivals

  • Shop at local stores and develop relationships with their employees

  • Join a class or a group, like a fitness class or a reading club

  • Attend local sports games

Don't Forget Where You Come From

Fitting into a new lifestyle can be difficult for many immigrants. Many are tempted to take on a new persona, but it's important to never forget where you came from.

Finding a balance between fitting into the local culture and maintaining your cultural heritage is extremely important. That might include dressing differently than you would back home and getting into different sports, like American football instead of soccer.

Also, make time to honor your heritage. Plan celebrations with friends and family that are being celebrated back home, and choose decorations for your house that remind you of your homeland.

There's nothing wrong with relaxing when you first get to the United States but make sure you don't rest for too long. There's a lot to do as you settle in and work towards getting your U.S. citizenship!