I’m sure people wonder what it is like making a life in the USA after moving there as a new immigrant. Everyone has their own unique experience, but it would be great to capture some real world experiences so that those that follow know what to expect.
For those that have ALREADY entered the USA, please share some of those stories – as real as possible – positive and negative. There was one previous detailed experience written here that is a great read.
Think about these questions, but add anything you want.
- How did you find somewhere to live?
- How did you find work? Are there plenty of good jobs or are they low paying jobs?
- Where did you come from and where did you settle, and why did you choose that area?
- What is the attitude of people towards you as a new immigrant/foreigner?
- Is it easy to make friends?
- Do you have kids, was it easy for them?
- Was it harder than you expected?
- Did you have thoughts of giving up and going home?
- What is the best aspect of life in the USA?
- What is the worst aspect of life in the USA?
- If your best friend had just won the lottery, would you tell them to go for it, or forget it?
November 28, 2021 at 18:45
Hello brit, I found your blog at the beginning of 2020 after winning the lottery. I’m from one of the countries that had the Muslim ban so I wasn’t really excited about winning. I watched every second of the elections and luckily Trump didn’t win so my hopes were high again. I was part of the law suit as u recommended and I waited patiently for my number to be current, finally i got my 2NL and my visa. I’m in New York right now with my husband and I wanted to say thank you so much if it wasn’t for you none of this could’ve happened you really helped someone to make a great change in their life for the better. Thanks again and I wish u the best????
November 29, 2021 at 04:01
Thanks for stopping by and letting me know I helped. I loved hearing about that. Best of luck!
May 30, 2020 at 02:55
Hi Simon,
We’ve entered to the US last September, promised myself not to forget writing here 🙂
We came with 2-year old babies, both of us have jobs, my girls are at daycare. I’ve transferred internally with my company after all paperwork was done, so I think I’m lucky being able to work and have a good insurance for the family since day 1.
Husband found a job after 2 months (when we also found a daycare we can afford).
Apartment hunt went fairly smooth (being new with no credit history we had to provide 2 months of deposit + actual months).
Openimg a bank account happened on the week of arrival, after that we coud apply for drivers license too. I did not wait SSN to be posted I just went into their office and asked our number which were available 5 days after arrival.
We live in LA, CA not my favorite city but climate is good, ocean is close and all in all we like it here so far 🙂
Thanks for all the smart advices.
May 30, 2020 at 04:01
Thanks for coming back to say how you are doing. Much appreciated. Best of luck!
March 7, 2020 at 00:28
1) How did you find somewhere to live?
We booked an Airbnb for our first three months. As we still had no credit score after this, we found it was difficult to rent a decent place. Our credit score came through after six months and we found a place easily enough.
2)How did you find work? Are there plenty of good jobs or are they low paying jobs?
I can’t underestimate how difficult it can be to get a good paying job in a professional field when you first arrive. We had heard all the stories but naively thought it would be different for us because we are well educated with extensive work experience and from an English speaking country. It took my husband five months to secure a job in his field (Finance) and he is several rungs down the ladder from where he was in London. Without experience in the US you are at a serious disadvantage and really need to work at finding a job. However, there was plenty of lower paid service industry work available which can keep you ticking over while you wait to get a foot in the professional door. I got a job in a restaurant and I was also lucky to be able to buy a small business a few months after I arrived and I am working at building this up.
3)Where did you come from and where did you settle, and why did you choose that area?
We came here from London and settled in Southern California. It’s an area we had vacationed in for many years and we love the lifestyle and weather which is primarily the reasons we moved out here
4) What is the attitude of people towards you as a new immigrant/foreigner?
We’ve had no problems but we are white, English speaking people living in a liberal area so our experience may not be typical.
5) Is it easy to make friends?
People are very friendly and if you make an effort you can make friends. I’ve got to know people through work but I would recommend joining sports teams or clubs too – as an adult you need to work hard to make friends.
6)Do you have kids, was it easy for them?
No kids
7)Was it harder than you expected?
Yes. It took a lot longer than expected for my husband to find work and you go through savings a lot quicker than you expect. Rent, health insurance, and day to day living can really rack up, especially after the expense of moving to a new continent already. There is a lot of bureaucracy which can be exasperating
8) Did you have thoughts of giving up and going home?
We did wonder had we made a mistake. We had a great life in London and after three or four months with only service industry work we wondered would we be better of going back. This was compounded by the fact the weather was uncharacteristically cold and rainy the first few months (the weather was our main draw to move here!). We stuck it out though and now it’s all a distant memory. We have work, the weather is fantastic and we are settling in.
9)What is the best aspect of life in the USA?
For us, the weather and relaxed outdoors SoCal way of life. Lots of surfing, hiking and time at the beach. We spend a lot less money than we did in London because our downtime is spent outdoors in nature. It can be hard to get started but if you are willing to work hard, there really are a lot of opportunities out here. People are very encouraging towards entrepreneurs and a positive outlook in general.
10) What is the worst aspect of life in the USA?
Bureaucracy is a bit of a nightmare, especially when it comes to health insurance and tax. We are lucky to have insurance through my husband’s job but otherwise it would be very expensive. The driving culture is hard to get your head around. People drive everywhere, even what is a five minute walk to the grocery store. I love to walk and people genuinely find it baffling that I walk from place to place. Public transport is poor too, especially if you come from Europe. We don’t have children but I would imagine for those that do, the cost of sending them to third level education is overwhelming.
11) If your best friend had just won the lottery, would you tell them to go for it, or forget it?
100% yes! It’s tough but you get out what you put in. Work hard doing whatever you can do and eventually it will work out.
February 19, 2020 at 18:58
Hello Brit Simon…
I am a DV2019 (Got selected on my first shot 1/200 chance LOL) winner from Montenegro (Europe) and had my interview in Belgrade (Serbia) on July 16,2019. I was approved, and the next day I shared my experience in your “Interview Experience” thread. Even today, I come almost everyday at your blog and see what is going on with other people. I still remember the day when I posted my interview experience on here and you loved my first document point, which was 1. HONESTY. Maybe you remember me now? ? I entered US (New York) on October 17, 2019, and I received my Green Card after a month or so, but there was no single trace of my SSN. So, I exercised some patience as you say, and waited until January, still nothing after 3 months, so I decided to go to SSN office, and guess what? They told me NO ONE EVER FILED for your SSN, so I applied that day and I got my SSN after 5 days. (this may be useful information for some readers). Now as of February 19, here is my story. (4 months in the US).
How did you find somewhere to live?
– I am living with my cousins which I haven’t ever seen them in my life. They immigrated from Montenegro on 1984, and I was born in 1995. When they heard that I won the lottery, they were very excited and they asked me to live with them and I am living with them now. They are being a big help to me.
How did you find work? Are there plenty of good jobs or are they low paying jobs?
– I entered US on October 17 as stated before, and I started working on October 21. My cousin owns a construction company and I am working here as an Administrative Assistant. Even though I have a Masters Degree (English Language Teaching), I got into business, and I am doing pretty well now. But there is a website ziprecruiter.com which people can use to look for different jobs.
Where did you come from and where did you settle, and why did you choose that area?
– I came from Montenegro, and as stated before I settled in New York, precisely Brooklyn. Firstly, I was hopeless because I had no one, but when this family of mine which I never meet, they called me and offered me help, which I am very thankful.
What is the attitude of people towards you as a new immigrant/foreigner?
– To be honest, I am really amazed by the hospitality of people. Of course, there are bad people everywhere, and in Montenegro we say “There is no mountain or forest without a pork” meaning, there will always be some bad things in every country, but in general, the peoples attitude towards me is excellent. Maybe that is because of my personality, I make friends easily, but I am sure everyone will treat you well, as long as you are a good person yourself.
Is it easy to make friends?
– Very easy. Just be yourself, be kind to people and they will love you. As stated before, I work in an office, and I deal a lot with UPS and FEDEX guys. I’m friends with everyone. They usually hang out for like 10 minutes after delivering stuff, and chat with me. Shhh I don’t want them to get in trouble. Haha
Do you have kids, was it easy for them?
– No, I am single, only 24 years old.
Was it harder than you expected?
– Well, everything is hard. Even when you eat, you have to get the spoon to your mouth, and then chow and swallow the food. As long as you try and give everything, it will not be that hard, you will get used, just like eating. Even in your own country, things may be hard if you don’t try, so the same thing stays for immigration. Maybe I had the luck to have a hand to help me, but I am pretty sure that I would have tried my best, and even work 2 jobs if necessary just to succeed, because DV lottery is once in a lifetime opportunity. Act wise, act smart, don’t waste it.
Did you have thoughts of giving up and going home?
– Hm, really tough question. Giving up? Not really, but sometimes the boredom strikes, you know what I am saying. You just miss your hometown, the people you used to hang out with and your family and friends. I was terrified by the taxes at first LOL, but that’s a good thing later in life when you retire. Everyone has different thoughts, capabilities, and ways of acting and working, but if you ask me, US is the place with a million opportunities. Just think it like this, suffer yourself, and have your kids live the best life ever.
If your best friend had just won the lottery, would you tell them to go for it, or forget it?
– I am an introvert, I only have like 2 friends. LOL (true ones). Me and my friends both played the lottery for the first time ever, and unfortunately they didn’t win. I won the lottery on the first shot. How lucky I am? I still play the lottery for my friends, and hope they win it too, and if they do, we are going to continue our friendship, build a life and a business together, and show the world that we can do it, no matter what the obstacles are.
To conclude, I want to thank you Simon for helping me with my questions, because I knew nothing about the lottery. I thought that when you are selected, you are good to go, but you showed me everything that this process has to deal with, and I am more than thankful for everything you have done for me, and for the other people. I know you don’t live in New York, but if you do come sometimes, I’ll buy the beers. That’s what you said to me when I wrote my interview experience story “I LOVED your first document point. Congratulations, you’re buying the beers”. A promise is a promise!! ?
February 19, 2020 at 23:37
Awesome – thanks for taking the time to write this – best of luck and see you in NY for a cool one sometime.
January 31, 2020 at 02:24
Hi Simon,
I left you a comment around about more than 6 months ago when I won the DV 2019 lottery. Here’s my experience so far in the US:
– How did you find somewhere to live? I just went online on apartments.com and found a really nice apartment in Los Angeles.
– How did you find work? Are there plenty of good jobs or are they low paying jobs? I found my job on indeed.com. It’s a good paying job and here in LA you have many job opportunities.
– Where did you come from and where did you settle, and why did you choose that area? I came here to LA from Switzerland. I always wanted to live in LA (childhood dream).
– What is the attitude of people towards you as a new immigrant/foreigner? People here are very friendly and nice. They treat you as one of them.
– Is it easy to make friends? It depends if you meet the right people (which is the same in every country I guess).
– Do you have kids, was it easy for them? I don’t have any children.
– Was it harder than you expected? Not really, but I had a plan from the beginning and knew a few people here, which maybe makes it easier.
– Did you have thoughts of giving up and going home? Never. I don’t regret it for one second coming here.
– What is the best aspect of life in the USA? People are really friendly and nice and you really have a lot of opportunities here, if you are willing to do something of course. There is also a lot of diversity here in LA, which I really like.
– What is the worst aspect of life in the USA? There’s no worst aspect. The only thing which I hope will be resolved one day is the homelessness here in LA.
– If your best friend had just won the lottery, would you tell them to go for it, or forget it? Go for it if you always wanted to go to the US and settle down there. But bear in mind that there could always be difficulties im the beginning (but stay positive nevertheless).
Overall I’m really happy and enjoy life here. It was the best decision in my life to immigrate to the US.
Keep up your good work as usual Simon.
Greetings from sunny LA.
January 31, 2020 at 05:38
Awesome – thank you!!
October 9, 2019 at 17:56
Thanks a lot. Much appreciated
September 26, 2019 at 17:04
Normally you get a social security in less than 3 weeks. A job is a different story it really depends on your qualifications, what you need as a job but if you are not picky and willing to do entry level jobs(warehouses,associates, assembly…)I think in most states when you all set with administrative procedures (social security etc..) you can get a job the same day of your application in most job agencies.. or let us be more realistic just let us say in less than a week.
Good lucky, america is great, you will definitely like it.
August 23, 2019 at 19:29
Your visa is approved(me, wife and three kids) in Nairobi kenya- Sept 2018) Landed in the US in NOV 2018 and in June 2019 filed for divorce from my wife of 15 years. Do i regret coming here to the US… …Yes because my wife’s open infidelity once we got here hurt and destroyed a beautiful relationship we had and that of my family and our children. In Kenya, she would not have openly had a relationship and done it…same case for me.. i always hid my affairs in Kenya and In the US. The US is an open society with nobody fearing anyone or any repercussions unless you break the law. That’s when the 911 call that was made will haunt you when the police show up in a record time at your door and arrest you if you threaten or assault or in any way disturb the peace…So cultural norms and rules which were used to govern the traditional way of life back home get lost and are discarded once previously subjugated persons especially women and children realize that traditional forms of disciple are not applicable in the US.This has the danger of changing the balance of power and loss of respect to elders. Some situations are only understandable when you get here to the US and for all of you following and reading the blog, keep doing so. Once you live here you will understand my cryptic ramble above.
Yes..the US is actually a pretty decent country to live in and financially so. If you have the papers to legally live here and work here, you will love it. Jobs are plentiful so long as you realize that as a first generation immigrant especially, you might never be able to access certain job levels in the scheme of things in the US, however..your children shall. That is the American promise..for they will talk like Americans, think like Americans and act like Americans. Minimum wage here is 11 dollars an hour which on average works out to approximately 3000 USD per month. You are paid half of your salary every two weeks…Once you’re here try to go do a course in whatever field you would like but there are a lot of openings in the heath care sector. Make sure you know how to drive a car before you leave home. Don’t be in a hurry to be more American than the Americans as we say back home in Kenya ‘COME SLOWLY” The food admittedly is different and you will get some time trying to adjust your taste buds to it, as well as respecting personal preferences of everyone in America. You have to learn to respect peoples preferences and choices. If someone doesn’t want to have children and prefers a dog, respect that. If someone was born a boy and considers themselves a girl, respect that. If someone prefers to live or marry someone of the same gender, respect that. If the traffic light is red, respect that… Two bedroom apartments are roughly 1200 usd to rent and you might find an apartment for 700-800 usd but in a rough neighborhood. Always strive to live in a good neighborhood especially because if you have children, because your children will go to the nearest school in the neighborhood. So if you live in a rough neighborhood, your children will go to a more or less likely to a rough school and you honestly don’t want that. The other option is keep driving them and picking them up from private schools and you initially don’t want that too.Try to immediately when you get here take an unsecured credit card. America runs on credit. Do it so that you start building your credit history. Get your host to take you to get an ID card/Drivers licence. You can actually start reading for the driving test while still in your home country. When you get here you will probably need a new set of clothes depending on the season and don’t bother over packing . Ideally sell what you can and gift away the rest.Your better off with leaving you’re county with 100 USD. in your pocket rather than a suitcase full of clothes.Also do you know for you to further enjoy this country it makes sense to apply for your parents to also legally get the green card through you? There are so many thrift shops here and Goodwill(where you buy lots of second hand clothes/furniture) However old you are or computer illiterate, make sure you know how to operate the computer, open your email and use a touch screen phone.
We drive on the right here in the US and it gets a bit of time to get used to because of some unique rules. Education is free here, at least (primary and secondary) and you will initially be shocked by the little time they spend in school, meaning by 2 pm most kids in primary are leaving school. This has the effect of you as their parent making sure you are not caught up with a neglect case by Child Protective Services, if you leave your underage children alone in the house once they leave school. There alot of issues on the new journey youre all about to undertake. Its much easier when youre with your spouse and you trade roles and finances and comfort. If youre single, take heart, lots of people of all shapes and sizes and colours to be with, however sometimes its much easier to be with someone who understands where you came from. Here we say ‘stick to your lane ‘bruh” . Will sign off and thank you all who keep supporting BritSimon and take heart…..There is a reason you were chosen out of the 20 million plus people who every year keep trying to come to LEGALLY LIVE AND WORK in the US… find that reason and you will have succeeded.
August 24, 2019 at 01:01
Thanks for that – interesting perspective
September 26, 2019 at 16:20
Thanks for that. I also come from Kenya planning to travel soon. Let me ask, how long did it take you to get Social Security Number and your first job?
November 22, 2019 at 14:27
hello,did you travel already? how is the experience thus far? am curious
November 22, 2019 at 14:25
Finally glad to read an experience from a fellow Kenyan.i recently submitted my application for DV-2021 LOTTERY.Am hoping i get selected.reading all these people’s experiences have me excited and scared at the same time but am determined to realize my American dream,so i will cross my fingers for now and continue having faith that God will make it possible for me to be selected.
July 29, 2019 at 17:45
Hey guys, some more insights on life after the lottery….. the blog is so quiet
July 12, 2019 at 11:06
Hi Brit, do I have to pay for the SSN aside the green card fee?
July 12, 2019 at 14:48
No
May 10, 2019 at 01:53
hi brit how do u get to choose a better health insurance my knowledge especially in these aspect is low so please help me an article towards these issue in us had many option to decide must first knowledge
May 9, 2019 at 07:09
Hello Everyone. My family and I were selected for the DV2018 – my husband and I and our 2 kids- 18 year old and 7 year old). I want to share our experience since we arrived. We landed in US on May 10 2018. All our social security cards were mailed to us in 2 weeks and our green cards within a month. We opened bank accounts before receiving our SSN. When we got the green cards we applied for driver’s licenses and IDs. My husband and I got our licenses in August last year. My daughter got hers this year in March.
I would like to thank BritSimon for this website. It helped us a lot during the interview process.
How did you find somewhere to live? We had a relative who hosted us for 3 months from the time we landed. After we were able to find jobs, we moved to a 2 bedroom apartment. It was difficult to find a place to stay without a good credit history. So we paid 2 months rent plus deposit the first month. Accommodation in California is so expensive but we managed.
How did you find work? Are there plenty of good jobs or are they low paying jobs? Low paying jobs are plenty. My husband was lucky to get a job early (he is an auto mechanic). I started working in a grocery store and then only began working in my field of profession (Insurance) this year in February.I also enrolled in college to advance my qualifications.
Where did you come from and where did you settle, and why did you choose that area? We are from Zimbabwe, Africa. We had our our visa interview in South Africa. That’s where we were living for 9 years before moving to US. We are now settled in San Jose, California. Our relative who hosted us has a house in San Jose so we just ended up here.
What is the attitude of people towards you as a new immigrant/foreigner? People here are so friendly and helpful. The 2 cars that we own now, we were given by people we don’t even know as gifts.
Is it easy to make friends? It was easy for us when we joined a church. There are very good people.
Do you have kids, was it easy for them? Our daughter now 19 started college this year. She did GED last year. Our son, now 8 is in 2nd grade. He started going to school 4 days after we arrived. It was so easy enrolling him in public school.
Was it harder than you expected? It was hard at first but now we are kind of used to our new life.
Did you have thoughts of giving up and going home? No at all. With the difficult economic situation in Zimbabwe, i would rather stay here and help my relatives back home.
What is the best aspect of life in the USA? The way of life here is so much better than my home country.
What is the worst aspect of life in the USA? Missing my relatives in Zimbabwe and friends in South Africa.
If your best friend had just won the lottery, would you tell them to go for it, or forget it? Of course i would tell them to go for it. Its an opportunity not to lose.
May 9, 2019 at 11:27
Awesome, and welcome to the Bay area!
May 9, 2019 at 15:45
Thank you!
May 9, 2019 at 05:01
I have been here for only a month and still waiting for my social security to be delivered.. anybody with search an experience?
May 9, 2019 at 05:09
That is too long. Go to the SSA office and enquire/apply.
May 7, 2019 at 19:38
My husband was selected for the 2018 draw and we found out March 2018 that we were successful after our interview.
To answer Brit Simon’s points below and then a few extra things we learnt.
How did you find somewhere to live?
We looked online a lot at the area we wanted to live, and got a pre-approval from the company we saw the most houses with that we liked. I arrived one week before my hubby and dogs, saw 7 houses, chose 1 and emailed the agency. Due to the pre-approval it was approved and I had a lease within 30 minutes.
How did you find work? Are there plenty of good jobs or are they low paying jobs?
Applied online a lot. I’m an ex-recruiter and the hardest part I found was re-writing my Aussie centric CV to be USA centric in the format they like. I re-wrote it about 8 times. LinkedIn has a lot of jobs along with Indeed and Glassdoor. I think salary is relative to the job you do. I’m in a branch of IT so the salary was actually better than what my google results for salary ranges told me.
Where did you come from and where did you settle, and why did you choose that area?
Brisbane, Australia to Plainfield, Illinois (about an hour outside Chicago). The job I got was here. We had preferences of where we wanted to go, but our decision was to not move without a job, so we had agreed that I would take the most suitable job and if we didn’t like where we landed, we could always move later.
What is the attitude of people towards you as a new immigrant/foreigner?
Incredibly helpful. Everyone is really nice and has gone out of their way to help us. We invited the street to a BBQ about 6 weeks after relocating which coincided with my birthday.. people brought us housewarming gifts and birthday presents for me. We hadn’t met 95% of them before that party.
Is it easy to make friends?
Yes and no. Meeting people is easy. Making lasting friendships is harder because people already have their own groups but it’s something that takes time.
Was it harder than you expected?
Aspects of it definitely were.
Did you have thoughts of giving up and going home?
No – we had waves of homesickness in which I want to go home was definitely thrown about, but you cannot possibly make that decision in the first 12 months. Adapting to a new life and country is damned hard and you have to consider that when you’re unhappy – that things get better with time.
What is the best aspect of life in the USA?
Personally… the shopping choices. It’s nice to have selections of furniture, home goods, random things I think of like a luggage bag for a car with no roof racks… and most of that is really reasonably priced.
What is the worst aspect of life in the USA?
The banking system and being charged for EVERYTHING. The banking process is very old here so that’s taken a lot of getting used to.
If your best friend had just won the lottery, would you tell them to go for it, or forget it?
100% go for it. The worst thing that happens is you move, you don’t like it and you move home.
Other things we learnt or wish we had spent more time learning:
The credit process – make sure you’re across your credit score requirements, using only 30% of your limit, how to build a score, who your provider’s report data to etc.
Loans – we assumed that because of my income, getting a loan would be easy and we assumed just at a much higher interest rate. We didn’t realise that no credit score literally meant no loan at all. We were lucky in the fact that my company has a credit union who was willing to provide vehicle loans, otherwise our only option was brand new cars from VW because they will loan to international applicants.
Researching the costs per state and the taxes – Illinois has some of the highest taxes in the country, along with the costs of benefits (medical etc), any insurance and 401K – that all comes out before you get paid so just because your salary might have a lot of 000’s doesn’t meant you necessarily end up with a lot.
Car Insurance – do not be uninsured for more than 30 days when relocating. Since we had sold our cars in Aus and not bought ones here straight away, we couldn’t prove insurance due to a 60 day break. At the start, only one insurer would cover people on international licences, and even after getting state licences, our premium for the first year is really high due to being new to the country.
May 7, 2019 at 20:58
Thanks!!
May 7, 2019 at 04:36
We visited the US at the beginning of 2017 after our Immigrant visas were issued to activate our Green Cards then relocated towards end of the year from Kenya. We settled in California since my background is in IT and we thought it would be easier to get a job than any other state in the US. Our host helped us to move around then realized we can buy a car in the US without DL which we did, then got our DL’s later the following month.
We learnt of Upwardly Global which helps immigrants to settle. They trained us on various aspects of job search in USA and was lucky to get my first job in IT profession and started working one month after landing here towards end of 2017.I was made permanent and got the other benefits including medical and stocks.
My wife was pregnant with multiples in 2018 and since I had HMO cover with my employer which my boss helped me select, the Co-pays were between 20 and 35 USD for doctors visit and 250 for emergencies. We had a few emergencies and the babies decided to come before 30 weeks and had to stay in the NICU. The bills are now usd300k as I write this and my only co- payment is 250 USD as everything else is catered for by the insurance. The babies are very very healthy!
It’s easy to make friends as long as you get out of the house and connect with various groups in your area.
May 7, 2019 at 05:33
300k costs of healthcare! Wow – I’ll bet you are glad you have healthcare insurance!
May 8, 2019 at 03:47
Of course I do!!. By the way, the final bill today stands @ USD 1.9M out of which co-pay of 600USD.It feels like winning a lottery the 2nd time.
May 8, 2019 at 03:57
LOL. The medical bills are ridiculously over inflated here. Crazy.
May 3, 2019 at 15:07
Hi!
I am a DV2018 lottery winner with my husband coming from France!
We moved to Mississippi last year in the summer.
How did you find somewhere to live?
Looking online prior to moving and contacting the community. That was pretty easy even without a US history. We got an apartment in a nice residence 5 days after arrival.
We lived at the hotel at the first days.
How did you find work? Are there plenty of good jobs or are they low paying jobs?
My husband was transferred within the company he was working for in France so pretty easy.
I would say in Mississippi, being a poor state, there are a lot of low paying jobs.
But there are also a lot of good jobs and since few people accept to live in Mississippi, companies are having a hard time finding qualified people so for those accepting to live there and with a good education, you can negotiate really interesting pay and benefit and have a nice life since life is cheap here.
What is the attitude of people towards you as a new immigrant/foreigner?
People are interested in us as we are « different ». They are really friendly to us.
Is it easy to make friends?
Honestly, I think it is harder than in Europe to make friends here because people are nice and talk to you easily etc but that’s it, it does not go further.
Do you have kids, was it easy for them?
No kids. Maybe a little American someday 🙂
Was it harder than you expected?
It was not easy because change is always challenging but not hard either.
Did you have thoughts of giving up and going home?
The first 2 days we were like « did we make the right choice? We had a perfect life in France and now we left everything and are far away from family and friends, was it a good idea to move? » and after those 2 days, we realized how lucky we were and remembered living in the USA was a dream coming true and we had to enjoy it as much as possible. We are very happy to be in the US.
What is the best aspect of life in the USA?
Travelling the US is the best part for us, we want to discover every states! 🙂
What is the worst aspect of life in the USA?
Being away from family and friends and from good food from home.
If your best friend had just won the lottery, would you tell them to go for it, or forget it?
Got for it! But prepare everything before moving.
May 3, 2019 at 15:23
Awesome.
This point “people are nice and talk to you easily etc but that’s it, it does not go further.” is a recurring comment – and we noticed it too.
May 7, 2019 at 22:14
Damn, what are doin’ there???? You need to move to TX at least, but NYC is better for start
April 30, 2019 at 20:09
Hi everyone.
I would like to thank BRIT first for his support and help during my immigration journey..
How did you find somewhere to live?
I had a family member, i was discussing with him in daily basis before i decide, i choose the location based on the job opportunity for my field
How did you find work? Are there plenty of good jobs or are they low paying jobs?
I start immediately with daily jobs like cashier and delivery jobs, it is easily to find it for the night shift, during the day i was looking for the jobs in my field
Where did you come from and where did you settle, and why did you choose that area?
i am originally from Jordan, i was living in saudi arabia, i choose Houston Texas for many reason, the job opportunity, cost of living, good school district, ..etc
What is the attitude of people towards you as a new immigrant/foreigner?
Most of them are very helpful, friendly and supportive, but this is depends on the area and the city, not all areas are the same
Is it easy to make friends?
For Me not at all, it is hard to make any new friends, for my kids and wife yes
Do you have kids, was it easy for them?
Yes, and it was very easy for them, and they are enjoying the life here
Was it harder than you expected?
It is hard if you are thinking that you will find a job in your field once you reach USA, but if you are expecting to have hard days, and you understand that you need to take it step by step, then it will be easy
Did you have thoughts of giving up and going home?
No, never, i understand it is difficult everywhere now, but i believe it is better future for my kids will be here in USA
What is the best aspect of life in the USA?
Opportunists and the chance to start your own business without complications
What is the worst aspect of life in the USA?
the credit score, this is the main barrier for any new immigrant, almost everything is depends on this score and you have to wait at least 6 months to build a history or record
The second thing is the medical insurance especially for a big families
If your best friend had just won the lottery, would you tell them to go for it, or forget it?
GO FOR IT, you have a great opportunity take it, but be prepared for some difficulties the first one to two years.
Thank you again Brit for all the information and support you are giving, and i am sure you don’t know how helpful you are.
April 30, 2019 at 20:32
Thanks for that good advice.
April 29, 2019 at 18:17
I was entered America late 2018.there are so many challenges in the beginning.some are difficulty of job, absence of riding due to no licence and many to by a car, harshness of area on summer.etc.
April 29, 2019 at 14:42
Hello Amber,
On the sponsorship side, the required document is the form i-134
April 29, 2019 at 14:26
Also, those that were sponsored , what sponsorship documents can we request from my brother who is a US citizen? we would like to have that in addition to our own personal bank statements.
thank you
G
April 29, 2019 at 16:20
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
April 29, 2019 at 14:24
Hi Everyone
I would like to please know if anyone had to fly out of the US before receiving their green cards.
My husband’s interview is end of June and i he would like to travel immediately after he is granted the visa. I have a project i am working on and cannot be away from work for more than a month . I would please like to know the following from anyone who is knowledgeable
1. Can i travel out of the US before receiving my green card and my husband couriers it to me after it gets to the mail?
2. How long does it approximately take for the green card to be issued?
Thank you for your guidance.
G
April 29, 2019 at 16:19
1. Yes – all covered in the FAQ – please read it.
2. Can be 3 or 4 months.
April 25, 2019 at 12:55
Just a little bit more on rental cost:(The whole thing is my personal experience, I live in Massachusetts, you may have a different experience but I think it worth sharing mine) :
Prepare yourself at least for 3 months i.e here in US in most places you pay the first month, the security deposit and the last minth.
So if an apartment is $1,000 before you move in, you will have to pay $3,000. Most of landlords will also ask for your credit score or someone with a decent credit score to be your co-signer and in most cases your income should be “3 times your rent” i.e if you want to rent a $1,000 apartment for a month, you should make(gross salary) $3,000 a month.
In Worcester(Massachusetts), the minimum rental cost of a studio is $800 per month. Houses start from $1,300 and up..
Have a nice day.
April 24, 2019 at 14:20
Alright so, I left South Africa for good on March 5th and am currently staying in Upstate South Carolina. I left my family, my friends, a girl I was seeing all back at home and I don’t know when I’ll see them next, probably only in 2020.
The only challenge I really have encountered so far is trying to get my damned Drivers License, unless you have a friend or family who is willing to let you use their car, good luck trying to do it for anything less than $300 minimum!
Otherwise the process has been fairly simple, I enlisted to join the US Navy on March 8th (3 days after I left SA) and I am scheduled to leave for Basic Training in September and I will become an Aviation Structural Mechanic. For the meanwhile, I found a Sales job at a local car dealership where I am making decent money to tide me over until I leave for Basic. The hours I work are tough, can be 9am-9pm, 5-6 days a week, but I like to think of it as good prep for my training!
There is a lot of difficulty in trying to overcome the loneliness, I do miss my family and my friends in South Africa. FaceTime and Voice Calling does make this a whole lot easier though, and I have found a girl that I like here, who is also helping me overcome my loneliness and homesickness.
I bought myself a vehicle, because here in the USA you really really need one, unless you live in like NYC or something. That can be an expensive process, there are a lot of hidden fees and taxes that you don’t realise you have to pay until you are at the DMV registering your vehicle.
In terms of how friendly people are, down here in the South everyone is so kind and friendly it is actually unbelievable. I have never experienced any kind of prejudice towards me being a foreigner (I am a white South African). I think however, if you present yourself as a good, hardworking, honest person, the vast majority of people here will like you and be friendly towards you. Also, if you sound different to Americans (I do), they will show great interest in where you are from, what brings you here and it’s easy to strike up a conversation.
I’ve never lived anywhere other than the USA and South Africa, so I can’t talk for anyone else, but the difference in living standards is night and day. South Africa has a lot of problems, and those problems not affecting me anymore is a breath of fresh air, I don’t have to worry about crime, blackouts, the economy, riots, or anything like that here.
I definitely did underestimate how difficult the move from my home to a whole new country where I only knew 1 person was going to be. However, to quote one of my favourite sayings, “Nothing that is worthwhile is ever easy.” I firmly believe I have made the right decision moving to the USA, and while it has been hard at times, it is worthwhile. To those who are finding difficulty in having taken the plunge of moving to a new country, especially if you are young and made the trip alone like myself, I cannot stress enough how important having a positive outlook is, being negative will wear down at you until you give up, and I can guarantee that when you are on that plane trip home, you will think “Why did I give up?” and regret it for the rest of your life.
Dream big, and work every day to attain that dream, you’ll make it one day.
April 24, 2019 at 14:52
Thanks Connor. It is certainly true that basic safety and security is a factor that people enjoy coming here. Good move on joining the Navy. That period will have lifelong benefits.
April 23, 2019 at 18:56
Moved from Germany to Michigan to work for the same company where I was working in Germany. My wife’s dream was to live in the US, but I now realize that is a mistake. We will most likely be going back to Europe. Everything I am writing here applies mostly to Europeans, so don’t be angry if it sounds like I am complaining about everything.
Workplace benefits that you would take for granted in Europe are seen as big blessings here.
* Overtime account where you can log your hours and then use them later to take a day off or leave earlier? Forget it! Most salaried workers will not get paid one cent for overtime.
* No regulations on how much overtime a company can require you to do (and, in most cases, they don’t have to pay you for that either)
* Far fewer vacation days (if any!)
* Income taxes can be fairly high
* Both my wife and I have been driving abroad ever since we turned 18. That doesn’t matter here! We pay 2600 dollars/year for insurance for 1 car (Honda Civic). Most companies quoted me 6000 dollars for insurance.
* The US is far more dangerous than Europe
* Food quality is bad and more expensive than in Germany
All in all, the US is a great country if you are rich. If you are poor or lower middle class, however, you would be much better off in most of Europe.
April 23, 2019 at 20:53
Arnold,
Why does this apply only to Europeans? Don’t you think that whatever you have highlighted should also be a matter of concern to people from other parts of the world?
April 22, 2019 at 10:51
Very remote experience shared by the people, they do not have time or they do not want to share the struggle and pain they have faced.
April 22, 2019 at 13:58
Huh?
April 17, 2019 at 16:08
Hi, have you ever had any replies from persons in The Bahamas regarding interview or settling experience?
April 17, 2019 at 23:12
Very few – nothing recent.
April 17, 2019 at 01:57
thanks brit i came back again but thanks again these page help in us aswellas abroad from us for decision to live here most gyes ur chanceful
April 16, 2019 at 20:04
Hi Brit, our CN is current since the previous Visa bulletin and we have received KCC notification that our documents and DS260 are valid however our visa status is still NVC. Does this NVC mean that we have no chance to receive the invitation within the next 2 weeks? I know that patience is the key but at least we would know where we are…thanks again
April 17, 2019 at 02:15
Being “at NVC” simply means you are not yet scheduled. It doesn’t imply anything else. Now – patience.
April 17, 2019 at 06:16
Thanks, sorry I posted my message in the wrong article…
April 16, 2019 at 10:02
Hi everyone.
I won the GC Lottery in 2016 and moved to Florida the same year. 6 months later I returned back to Europe.
– How did you find somewhere to live?
I had a friend in Florida so I stayed with her for 10 days before moving to Palm Beach where I started to work.
-How did you find work? Are there plenty of good jobs or are they low paying jobs?
I found a job as an assistant director of IT. I started applying for jobs while still in Europe. I got myself a skype number with an US phone number and gave that number on my resume. I received a few calls for interviews and after a while landed several jobs.
Where did you come from and where did you settle, and why did you choose that area?
I am from Germany. I settled down in Palm Beach, Florida.
What is the attitude of people towards you as a new immigrant/foreigner?
Very friendly and positive. It was not like in Europe where you can see a different behavior towards immigrants. Even people for example who got a german citizenship, if their name doesn’t sound german, they are not considered “real” Germans, but foreigners who just happen to have a German passport. It doesn’t matter whether you have an accent when you speak or not, nobody cares as long as people can understand what you are saying. My experience was that the US and people were extremely friendly towards me and other people as well. What I didn’t like is that all of that was just a show nothing else. Everything is just an act, all that kindness and smiles etc.
Is it easy to make friends?
I think so. I didn’t have any trouble but I am pretty social and like to be around people.
Do you have kids, was it easy for them?
No.
Was it harder than you expected?
I had a wonderful start in the US, couldn’t get any better. The company I started working for paid for my trip over, they gave me 10.000$ as a bonus to settle in, buy stuff for the new apartment and just have a good start in a new country. They put me in a 5* hotel for one month and said I can stay there until I find an apartment, which I did within one month. I found a 2 bedroom apartment in Palm Beach, ocean front. It was amazing.
Did you have thoughts of giving up and going home?
Yes, and at the end that’s what I did. The pay was good, I had a great apartment, weather was beautiful, beach was in front of my apartment but I just couldn’t adjust to the working hours. I spent every day (mon-fri) in average around 12 hours at work. I had a feeling that the higher your position the more you’re expected to work. Even though my salary was pretty good I just didn’t have the time to spend the money because I was at work all day long. On the weekend I just wanted to rest and wasn’t really in the mood to go somewhere and explore too much, because I was exhausted. After work I came home and went to sleep, got up in the morning and went to work. They told me that I had 10 days vacation AFTER one year of work, because you have to accumulate vacation days. The problem was probablay also connected to the fact that in Germany law regulates most of the stuff. So for example, everyone has 30 days paid vacation from day one. That is your right guaranteed by law. This is just one example. Health insuarance was another topic, etc. At the end, I decided that the quality of life wasn’t what I expected and I just didn’t feel happy.
I thought about looking for another job, but the problem, as far as I could understand was not with the company but with the system in the US in general. Different job but same problems.
What is the best aspect of life in the USA?
Opportunities. It doesn’t matter who you are and where you are from. If you are good at what you do you can make it to the top.
What is the worst aspect of life in the USA?
Quality of life – compared to Germany or Europe. Less vacation, health insurance is horrible and expensive, food is unhealthy (ingrediants etc). I remember buying a package of ice cream that had a big label on it saying “no artificial growth hormones used on cows).
If your best friend had just won the lottery, would you tell them to go for it, or forget it?
Definitely go for it. Everyone who gets the chance should try it. It was a wonderful experience and I don’t regret it at all.
April 17, 2019 at 01:47
Really interesting experience post. As you say – your start was AMAZING, and way beyond what most would dream of – but even with that, your decision to return shows the USA isn’t for everyone. Thanks for posting with such useful and honest info.
April 17, 2019 at 10:38
I think you make a good choice 12hours per day for 10 days of vacation is NOT interesting on a long term basis, for a mission or short term if it’s good money it’s OK but that’s all.
April 15, 2019 at 07:40
Hi Brits this is your boy Akoto from Ghana who bombarded you with tons of questions before getting my visa
I haven’t forgotten my pledge to donate as well
The just past 6th of April was exactly one year since I came to the states.
And I feel like you read my mind because you posted this article on the 7th and I just realized it even though on the 6th of April I thought of coming to your site but forgot.
Life in America is not easy in the beginning which of course is normal because I don’t think anybody will expect to come to a totally different world and easily find their feet.
I had quite of a luxury in choosing where to stay initially because I have quiet a few relatives in different states here
I choose Syracuse New York over Orlando Florida because coming from Ghana Africa, I wanted to have a feel of the 4 seasons and of course SNOW!!!
On the 5th of April 2018 I set of from Accra Ghana, made a transit through Amsterdam, Holland, then through JFK New York City and then finally Hancock airport Syracuse
It was really cold and everything looked different.
I said in my head, yesss !!!! Finally am on the same land with Donald Trump.
Abraham Lincoln probably have stepped at this exact place before ???????
In no time I had my SSN and green card respectively
I was a nurse in Ghana so the health sector was always going to be my preference in searching for a job
I applied to a number of hospitals as a nursing assistant and my first interview was exactly a month after my arrival which was within May 2018
The interview was very successful and because I was already a nurse I was given a higher form of nursing assistant which is called Nursing Technician in most parts of America
And a month after the interview started working
Arrived in April
Interview in May
Start work in June
Mine was obviously a good paying job and a better job which will help me to familiarize myself with the American health setting and practices which is to an extent a bit different from that in Ghana because of technological advancement and work ethics
To be fair the attitude of people towards me have been great.
The moment you speak, people know from your assent that you are an immigrant and they ask you questions like :
where you from?
How long you been here?
You have family here?
Do you miss home ?
How’s the weather treating you ?
How you liking it so far ?
Do you have kids ?
Then they will be like you speak really good English
You doing good ?
Generally people up North here are not very friendly because the weather makes you stay indoors for most of the year unlike the west coasts or southerners who are more friendly because it’s not very cold and there is more outing year round.
***. It is not easy at all making friends up north here and it’s all because it’s mostly snowy and crazy cold and there’s not much outing until it’s summer
I don’t have kids and getting a girlfriend has not been any easier
Dating sites are a pretty common thing in America but it’s mostly used for hook ups and not real relationships
People do find partners on those sites but it’s not many and I personally have only used it for one night stands after trying hard and not getting a trust worthy person for a relationship
&&&&##**. Yes it was really hard for me initially than I expected
I had to take the bus or public transport to work for sometime before I was able to save and buy my own car cash down
I moved from my host to be on my own after four months and bought my car around the same time.
&$&!$! The best aspect of life in the USA?♂️
It’s hard to pin point one thing cos there’s a lot to do for fun if only you want to have fun
And I will say that the fact that there are so many jobs for everyone who wants to work so long as they want to work is a really good thing about USA
??? the worst aspect I think is the fact that the system is built such that you are always tempted to work work work and work your body out and yet the bills and taxes stays right with you at your dining table and make you feel sick in your belly
And then even though there is a bit of racism in all forms anywhere in this country it’s not that of a problem for me and most foreigners but the main problem is the kind of tension that is between individuals in this northeast USA, it’s like some people are always looking for the the slightest thing to misconstrue as racism and to avoid that some people are also trying to be extra cautious not to send mixed reactions so this brings a certain tension between people and how they communicate and that I believe has been a big deal for me to deal with because am a jovial person and an extrovert
What Brits !!!
As I speak with you I am seriously praying for my best friend to also win and join me here!!!!
America is a nice place to be
As a nurse from Ghana ( an English speaking country)I am currently going through a process to transfer all that I did in school and my License to be able to write the licensing exams in New York State so I can practice as a registered nurse.
Even though it’s a lengthy and draining process it will be worth it in the end because I wouldn’t have to start from scratch
Once I get my license I will do more schooling within these first 5 years and then move to a different state probably California where the weather is more friendly
My advice to those who are coming in is that, it takes a lot of determination and maturity to be able to make it and make it well in America.
Anybody who tells you it’s easy is not being real to you.
America is wide and people and the way of living can be different from city to city and state to state but coming here with a green card is the best ever way anyone can come here because when you get here you will see how undocumented immigrants are suffering and you will realize how blessed you are
Once you settle do not fear moving to a different city or state altogether if that’s what your heart tells you because USA is sooo wide and what you don’t get at one place is waiting for you at the other place
*******. Stay out of trouble
Spend wisely
Save save save and save should be your motor
If you can and I mean if you can, Stay away from credit cards until you better understand the USA system
It is better to buy a used car initially with cash than to do any dealership thing
¥€¥€####. GET SOME EDUCATION
GET SOME EDUCATION
If you follow money too much in the beginning without schooling you will work hard for the rest of your life in USA
These things coupled with common sense will make you live the best life on the best land ever
Good luck folks
God bless you Brits
April 15, 2019 at 13:44
Welcome back and thanks for the perspectives. I agree 100%
April 16, 2019 at 00:43
Thank you Brits ?
April 16, 2019 at 21:06
What a wonderful experience story Akoto. Your attitude will take you far in this country. Good luck on your amazing future!!
April 18, 2019 at 07:29
Thanks very much Lisa
God bless you for your kind words
I wish you success in everything you do as well ?
April 17, 2019 at 01:33
Akto thankyou for giving ur advice but I have question even if ure nurse in us without certified dirctely in ur nurse paper get a work as nurse tech so please explain detail
April 18, 2019 at 07:26
Yohanes can you please ask your question again?
Am a bit confused
Well in America you have to build a resume which is like your CV before you are able to apply for any job so the nurse manager who reviewed my application and subsequently employed me realized from my resume that I was a registered nurse who just came into the USA
And so after employing me she urged me on to start the process of attaining my Nursing License in New York State as right away which I did and am almost close to writing the Licensing exams(NCLEX)
April 18, 2019 at 17:01
thank you again akto i think you are a nurse professional in your home country before coming to us then you apply a job after preparing best resume then you are hired as a nurse practitioner later ur are preparing for RN to get certified in newyork state. so my question was is there able ur paper mean ur nursing paper not need again certified in us based system. i m a nurse but still waiting the cgfn report for credtional so im working now labour based not in my profession
April 19, 2019 at 00:25
Yohannes you still don’t get what I mean
I am employed now as a nurse technician and not a nurse Practitioner
A nurse technician is a nurse assistant who basically is an aid to Registered Nurses
A registered nurse will have to go to school to to become a nurse Practitioner( which is a masters degree program)
I am not yet a registered nurse in USA
I am going through a process to write the Licensing exams to be a registered Nurse in the USA and it’s all possible because my home country Ghana is recognized in USA as an English speaking country
I hope this explains it well
You seem very interested in what am doing,
Are you a registered nurse yourself?
April 19, 2019 at 00:34
Oh ok Yohaness sorry for asking again
You stated you are a nurse
So the CGFNS thing you are doing is the same thing I am also doing
My suggestion to you is that you look for a nurse assistant job in a hospital so that you can be able to experience how the health setting runs in USA here
Because it will be quiet challenging when you get your license and start working as a nurse if you have no health care experience in USA here
Honestly things are quite different
You have the knowledge but the application and setting will get you quiet confused for sometime so look for a nursing assistant job before you get your license
April 24, 2019 at 01:28
Akto thankyou again for great adviser as you stated my time killed by cgfn almost it takes ayear so now working out side health discipline i think your favorite is not need of taking exam tofel but i need take exam any way good
May 2, 2019 at 04:40
Yohannes in which state are you
What is your home country
Do you mind if we exchange contacts ( either social media or phone?) so we communicate, since we are doing the same thing
May 2, 2019 at 20:06
dear akto my phone 612-478-2933 call me
September 12, 2019 at 21:01
Hello Akoto, it’s great to meet a fellow Ghanaian here..I won the lottery this year and will be moving to Bronx, NY in a few weeks. My biggest concern is how quickly I can get settled in and start working..I have a degree in aerospace engineering but i have some experience in computer programming, web development and cybersecurity..I plan to start my grad studies in the fall of next year. Is it feasible??
April 13, 2019 at 00:56
For June
AS 10000
EU 26800
AF 37200
God bless everyone.
April 13, 2019 at 01:45
Try not to leave half the regions off
Region All DV Chargeability Areas Except
Those Listed Separately
AFRICA 37,200
Except: Egypt 21,100
ASIA 10,000
Except: Nepal 5,775
EUROPE 26 ,800
NORTH AMERICA (BAHAMAS) 14
OCEANIA 1,025
SOUTH AMERICA,
and the CARIBBEAN 1,150
April 12, 2019 at 20:52
Coming from the eastern part of the European Union, I was lucky to obtain the green card in the final year of my medical school. That is why the transition went relatively smooth for me. USA for a physician certainly is an upgrade, compared to the eastern Europe, with respect to the access to a huge market, systematic postgraduate education, academia with enormous material resources, “to-do approach” etc. There is a substantial financial barrier to finish the whole process, despite the fact that medical training is more easily recognised compared to most of the other international qualifications/diplomas. No kids. Most difficult: Focusing on the rigorous examinations (USMLE) and paying for them+travel expenses, living expenses, … Most rewarding: having the whole north-Atlantic region for your home, potential for getting more rich and successful compared to the home country and esp. to “change the outcome together” with many other dedicated professionals from around the world. Seated in New York – expensive, but funny place to be
April 12, 2019 at 22:51
Thank you!
April 11, 2019 at 13:39
Anybody Know Get Jobs In New york,I am A Degree holder in Cyber security, but still i am working Fast food shop,anybody can help me?
April 11, 2019 at 14:33
Build yourself a good LinkedIn Profile and let recruiters know you are looking for a new position. If you have work experience in the field make sure you highlight that. That’s how I and a lot of my friends got their jobs.
April 11, 2019 at 16:14
No one here is able to help you. You must use your own skills and effort to find a good job.
April 14, 2019 at 13:40
Visit Meetups in your field to network. Apart from that it’s fun, many companies pay ‘bounty’ to their employees for successful referrals. Your future co-workers have an interest in bringing you into their company.
April 11, 2019 at 07:18
Hi brit,
I attended interview today and they asked me to create profile to receive passport,
I’m not able to create that profile
April 11, 2019 at 16:10
The embassy instructions will help with that.
April 10, 2019 at 15:08
During the DV2017 process I was an avid reader of this website which made every step of the way so much easier for me. Of course I am happy to share my experience.
• How did you find somewhere to live?
The first month after arriving I lived in an AirBnB. This was the easiest for me since I was able to book it several weeks in advance and at least accommodation was something I would not have to worry about. There are many AirBnB hosts who are offering a significant discount if you are staying for a whole month.
My permanent home I found on one of the various websites. streeteasy.com, spareroom.com etc.
The process was fast and straight forward. The market is moving very fast and it is not unheard of that people start looking for a new apartment just 2-4 weeks before they want to move in.
• How did you find work? Are there plenty of good jobs or are they low paying jobs?
Looking for work from abroad was not easy. I was able to land a couple of phone interviews before moving there but most companies did not like that I was not in the US yet. Then I found one company that was willing to have an in-person interview with me in London and after another in-person interview the day after I arrived in the US I had a job offer. Once you are in the country it should be easier to find a job though.
• Where did you come from and where did you settle, and why did you choose that area?
Originally from Germany I was living in London during the DV process. Since I am working in finance New York City was the place with the most opportunity for me. WARNING: the city is expensive. Expect to pay a lot for rent and basically everything else. Other areas of the country seem a lot more affordable though.
• What is the attitude of people towards you as a new immigrant/foreigner?
In New York it seems that everybody is from somewhere else. I felt like I belong here from the very first day.
• Is it easy to make friends?
It is easy to meet people as people are generally friendly and talkative. You can make acquaintances faster than in other places, however, to transform that into a good friendship can take a bit longer.
• Do you have kids, was it easy for them?
No kids.
• Was it harder than you expected?
I was not easy, but if you organize yourself well there should not be any problems. Spend some time trying to understand how things work and you should be fine. E.g. how to open a bank account, process on how to rent an apartment, how to get a driver’s license or things you find in a work contract. I would suggest doing a lot of reading in forums and on official websites.
• Did you have thoughts of giving up and going home?
Never.
• What is the best aspect of life in the USA?
I like the positive spirit of the people here. I never felt like and immigrant but like a part of it right from the beginning.
• What is the worst aspect of life in the USA?
If you come from Europe you will notice that life revolves a lot more around work than it does back home. People go on holidays less (they call it vacation and it does not happen often).
• If your best friend had just won the lottery, would you tell them to go for it, or forget it?
Go for it, but know what you are getting yourself into. Depending on where you come from this might not actually be an upgrade to your life.You have to really want it.
April 10, 2019 at 16:42
Good thoughts there Matt. There is no doubt that for those of us coming from Western Europe (or other countries with a good standard of living) the USA is a nice, but not essential “upgrade” (to use your term). That was certainly the case for me as the biggest difference for us was the weather.
For others, coming from poorer, or more dangerous countries, the upgrade may be much more significant/life changing.
April 14, 2019 at 14:36
I’m also from Germany, came to NYC last August with my wife and 2 kids.
It took me 2 month to land a job in the Web business. Compared to Germany, that’s ages:
There you send an application, get a phone call with an invite, meet and greet and maybe a training day and off you go – here it’s round after round with recruiters, HR, background checks… difficult.
The money is good – I make twice as much as in Germany, but things are more expensive.
Having kids is a huge factor: With one child in daycare and one in kindergarten, I pay about 2300$/month just for the kids (daycare & sport activities)
I have sponsored health insurance – for my whole family, I pay about 600$/month plus moderate deductibles.
I get 3 weeks paid vaccination per year – 7 sick days. Also, I can work from home if I’m not feeling good or something is with the kids.
We are doing good, and life is of course ‘richer’ in NYC than in the german province. But all in all, I feel there is a certain threshold of income to afford ‘the good life’ – and if you are below that, you are better of in Germany.
We are in the lucky position of having good education and a career to show for. Also in my case, working in a high demand field is worth a lot. They say ‘the rich get richer’ and that’s certainly true.
All the perks I get at work on top of my salary (health insurance, callphone, daycare bonus, vacation bonus, free lunch) are something that people with lower incomes struggle to afford at all.
We make double as much as in Europe, but that basically only buys us the same standard.
My advice to western europeans (in their 30s with a family):
If you have more than one kid under 5, daycare costs can be horrendous. If you are going to make less than 100.000$/year life (at least around NYC) is going to be way more difficult than in Europe because of the lack of free or subsidised social services. If you are able to afford it, then the American way is easy and conviniend.
One other thing: Emigrating is exciting – it feels like starting from scratch. Getting a driver’s license, your checking account, finding a place to life – all feels like the first time. But don’t fool yourself: Very soon daily routine kicks in the same way as you left it – you go to work, kids go to school and on the weekend you try to sleep late and then go to the park…
Anyways: It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity if you win the dv lottery. It’s certainly not easier than in Europe, but it it’s still the land of opportunity. Try it, you can always go back home if it doesn’t work out for you.
April 14, 2019 at 14:56
I’d say that is a pretty accurate for people from Western EU. I do think “smart” foreigners are well respected in tech jobs here. And it is easy to be the smartest person in the room when the other people are Americans with degrees in basket weaving…
April 10, 2019 at 11:48
If case is not getting updates, does it mean that they don’t work on my case and they have put it aside?
And, does it something is wrong with my case?
April 10, 2019 at 16:25
No, it does not mean that. Do not infer anything from the updates.
April 10, 2019 at 06:38
Optimistic if your experience is as you stated what action did you take? Did you return to your homeland?
April 9, 2019 at 22:11
Great Idea SImon. It would also be very useful if folks report their experience with 1) renting their first apartment 2) opening a bank account 3) buying a car
Thanks to all the people posting their experience 🙂
April 9, 2019 at 15:52
Greetings! I’m am from Cameroon CN AF43xxx. I just received the email to forward documents.
April 10, 2019 at 08:20
Bro am from cmr too and with CN47xxx haven’t receive the letter count yourself lucky and I wish you all the best
April 22, 2019 at 11:27
am also AF43XXXX but havent receive the mail when did u foward your ds260
April 9, 2019 at 11:49
Still lot of people experiences are missing. I think they are now busy people as they have many challenges in their life and secondly they are struggling.
Dear Brit,
I heard after from lots of people that USA is the land of opportunities, this is always in my mind that if will go to USA with my family things would be very comfortable there and we will find the job, place to live and children got admission in the school.
on contrary when i heard the views of the new immigrants on your blog after i requested as i was not getting good views and there was no forum for the immigrants already landed there and on the internet there experiences was like they have done some mistake after going to AMERICA.
There are only challenges and at the end of the day you are fighting with them only.You can die but the challenges want ended. Since no good days will come.
There experiences are showing that they are the poorest people in America, who don’t have anything and they come to USA taking many dreams and at the end of the day , they have only bare hands nothing in it.
1-Your foreign degrees and experiences are not accepted for White collar job
2-You have to get medical insurance for the whole family that is the basic necessity and cost almost the whole
3-You have to do odd jobs on 8-10 dollars per day if you don’t have any job with no Saturday and Sunday off.
4-If both parents are working, you have to keep children in the home and GOD f orbit any fetal thing can happen if they are alone in the house.
5-Furthermore, you have get some degrees and diploma from the USA to apply for white collar job.
6-Discrimination is there , preferences will be given to the Americans for the jobs,
7-RACISM
8-CRIME
9-SEX FREE SOCIETY
10-DRUGS
11-GANGS
12-Religious Bullying and keep going
Lots of Fears in my mind, i am only written few. At the end of the day after reading the experience, what will be getting and for what we are running in USA.
I hope lot of people will be able to answer.
April 9, 2019 at 14:01
Such a strange incoherent post is difficult to answer. You seem to have a very negative view of the USA. With that mindset – you probably cannot succeed anywhere – so for you, America is not a good option. Best you stay home rather than blaming another country for your lack of determination and drive.
April 9, 2019 at 23:24
This guy just described the hood life in major US cities xD hahahaha
April 10, 2019 at 07:07
Brit,
What this person has written , does the situation goes worst than this with the new immigrants or these all are fears????
April 10, 2019 at 16:16
There are bad areas in the USA – but a new immigrant can use some common sense and avoid being in those areas.
Obviously someone can experience discrimination, and must learn how to overcome that.
There are plentiful jobs, but good jobs take a bit more work and skill. If a new immigrant who has no skills, or experience, nor ability to work and take advantage of opportunity comes to America, they will probably have a tough time here – but someone like that will fail everywhere.
Success is about having the right attitude and determination. Some people have it, Some don’t. I do worry about people that need *constant* reassurance and cannot use basic logic, even in using my site. Some people are *endlessly* confused and unable to put 2 and 2 together to come up with an answer. I suspect people like that will have a hard time emigrating to America or anywhere else.
August 2, 2021 at 05:55
Well said Brit. I have been living in Japan as a Engineer for 6 years now and i didnt even knew japanese.Everything is going well and i am happy.My brother is in New jersey,moved 2 years back.he is not skilled so He worked hard and drove delivery truck in the starting,now he has gas station on lease and managing it.Positive mindset and will to work is the most important.
April 15, 2019 at 23:15
Hi Optimistic, if you call yourself optimistic and you write these things then you should change your name to Pessimistic
America is too wide and diverse for the you to post such a write up here
Since years ago 50,000 people come here through Lottery alone as well as the other channels
There are tons of opportunities here and with your mindset you will eventually crash out
Look nobody says there’s no Racism but it is not an important factor because it doesn’t prevent you from making the best out of yourself
Honestly the average American really is not racist and doesn’t care whatever you do with your life
There is crime anywhere in this world if maybe you don’t know
I don’t want to believe that you are expecting to land a powerful job with your out of country degree without having to use that degree to get an American degree
If you don’t do drugs then how does it affect your everyday living
And what do you mean by SEX FREE Society?
And if really you are making 8 -10 dollars a day then you are probably working one hour a day while others are working 8 -16 hours a day
No job is even done here one hour a day so you simply are trying to discourage people with unfounded stuff
My advice to everyone is that there is a billion and counting reasons to live here and succeed so never hesitate to come over
April 9, 2019 at 01:14
Hi Brit,
First, thanks again for all the great advice you gave to me through the DV process.
I obtained my GC in OCT 2017 and moved to Florida in JAN 2018. I am French, (28 now) and I moved here alone. I have a Master in tourism and professional background as Marketing and communication specialist.
How did you find somewhere to live?
I decided to go to Miami Florida for many reasons. 5 years ago, I studied at UCF in Orlando, so I knew FL was amazing. The weather of course, but also the French community in Miami and all the jobs available for French speaker. Even though my english level is not so bad.
How did you find work?
There is PLENTY of job here BUT, not very well paid and most of the job require to speak Spanish.
3 weeks after I arrived, I started a job as a French Sales Specialist for a Health Insurance Company. Not my field at all, but at least an office job, in French. Not very well paid for Miami.
Now, I am still working part time in this field, for another employer. It’s still a french company, settled in Florida.
At the same time, I had a little business in France. I just decided to replicate the business here, in the USA. I am a Resume Designer. This activity give me a little extra money to survive in the Jungle of Miami.
I meet a lot of people because I network a lot, especially with the European and French American Chamber of commerce.
Lifestyle
Rent, car Insurance, food, activities, everything in Miami is very very VERY expensive.
Biggest part of the City is not that safe or developed…
It is very difficult to improve your english since Miami is a very hispanic area.
On the other hand, the weather is amazing, the atmosphere is like vacation, the culture is awesome, and the food, YUMMY!
What is the attitude of people towards you as a new immigrant/foreigner?
Well, Miami has more Immigrants than natives. So integration is easy for a Europeans if you stay in the European neighborhoods. I live in a Hispanic neighborhood, so communication is not that easy, but at least rent is less expensive. .
Is it easy to make friends?
Yes and no. Difficult to make Americans friends. But I met a lot of French and hispanics People.
Was it harder than you expected?
I am used to travel and live abroad, so not really hard for me. I like that kind of challenges.
What is very hard now, is to find a place to settle for long term (less expensive than Miami) and find a full time job that I really want and like.
Did you have thoughts of giving up and going home?
Yes and no. I love the lifestyle here but having my parents far away is difficult and would be one of the only reason for me to go back home. Also, the health system. I am healthy and I have a correct insurance but I’d just go back to France if I had health issues.
What is the best aspect of life in the USA?
Working and doing business here
The way people behave in public, they are warm and helpful, never complain
What is the worst aspect of life in the USA?
Health system
If your best friend had just won the lottery, would you tell them to go for it, or forget it?
LETS GOOOOOOOO! Its an adventure, crazy, difficult, demanding, expensive but also wonderful, makes you grow up, happier, proud of yourself.
April 9, 2019 at 03:25
Awesome. Miami is cool. I love the Cuban food and News Cafe on a Sunday morning…
April 8, 2019 at 16:26
Agenbag Family
We were 4 family members moving from Windhoek. It was myself, my husband and our 2 daughters aged 2 and 6 then.
How did you find somewhere to live?
My husband reached out to different FB groups living in the area that we wanted to move to. Austin, Texas and we were very fortunate to met a lady that was from South Africa. She helped us by booking us our first night in a self catering hotel room. The day we arrived in the USA was scary as hell. Everything happened so quickly and we only really realized what happen when we put our feet down. We left our entire support structure in Windhoek and was standing in a strange country with 7 bags and 2 young children and a place to sleep for 1 night. We are a very religious family and knew that the Lord has brought us so far he will not leave us. The very next day we went to an apartment building explained to them our situation paid 2x months rent in advance and 1 month’s rent as deposit and we moved in our very first 1 bedroom apartment. It was tiny – but do you know – we made it we were here and that is all that counted. Oh mentioned to mention the airport lost our baggage and we only got that back after 4 days. So we went to the 2nd hand store to get some clothes. The lady that helped us works at a hospital and she told her co-workers that we were coming and you will not believe the generosity they shown us. By the end of that week our cupboards were full of food and our entire apartment was furnished by people wanting to help.
How did you find work? Are there plenty of good jobs or are they low paying jobs?
There is plenty of jobs especially if you are prepared to work in a factory setting and best paying is working night shift. Normal admin work not so much and don’t think that your Namibian qualifications will help you here is won’t. You have to be prepared to start low and work your way up. My husband found work within the first 2 weeks. I was looking for almost a month. Found a placement through a job search company like Express Employment – would say easiest way to go especially if you are a woman.
Where did you come from and where did you settle, and why did you choose that area?
We came from Windhoek in Namibia. We first went to Austin, Texas as this is were the lady that helped us lived. But found our roots in Holland, Michigan. My husband got a great position with a very stable company and I do contract work for a government school.
What is the attitude of people towards you as a new immigrant/foreigner?
Not going to lie 99% of people are very friendly and open. Welcomes and you and sort of it feels like they want to “rescue” you. But then you get that 1% that just don’t have that open mind. I had it twice now that men especially, told me in my face that we don’t belong here and that we are just here to take work away from Americans.
Is it easy to make friends?
No it is not easy. As I mentioned before they people is like they want to “rescue” you and once they realize that you don’t need their rescue they pull away. We have been in the USA for a little over 2 years and only now have found someone that I can talk to/confide in that is not my household.
Do you have kids, was it easy for them?
Yes we have 2. Aged 4 and 8 now. The youngest one had absolutely not problem. The oldest one we kept a grade back due to how their school starts in the middle of the year it was just not beneficial for her. When we were in Texas she was in the grade for her age but we quickly realized that she is falling behind but the school in Texas didn’t want to keep her back as they have a philosophy “no child left behind”. Once we moved to Holland I discussed it with her new principal and they had now problem putting her back into grade 1 and they even have a specialized teacher that works with her 4 hours per week and now she is doing great. From crying to school to getting grades of not under 90%.
Was it harder than you expected?
We were so excited I didn’t think we ever stood still and thought but what if….. Our mindset from day one was that if we ace the interview it was meant for us to go. And the Lord will not take us all the way across the world and leave us. Until today HE is still blessing our family.
Did you have thoughts of giving up and going home?
No not one day.
What is the best aspect of life in the USA?
The area we live in is not crime free. But you are comfortable enough to leave your car unlocked. There is no burglar bars and you do not fear for your life or the life of your kids.
What is the worst aspect of life in the USA?
It does get lonely. It has been just the 4 of us for the past 2 years. We had a very social life in Windhoek but here it is just us. We have adjusted but we still get days that you just miss everyone.
If your best friend had just won the lottery, would you tell them to go for it, or forget it?
GIRL PACK YOUR BAGS AND GET OVER HERE!!!!!
April 8, 2019 at 16:39
This sounds exciting.
April 8, 2019 at 16:55
Wow, Lizelle, that was a great read – thank you very much. It sounds like you were not well prepared for the move financially, but you had the right attitude and I am confident you will make it work for you. Please keep that attitude – Americans are often unaware of how lucky they are – and immigrants can do very well as they see that there is opportunity and hard work will pay off.
Regarding making friends. I am sure you are involved in a church – that is often a great way to make friends as well as through the kids and through school events. Get your eldest playing softball or soccer and other sports and you will soon find yourself hanging out with other families.
April 8, 2019 at 17:03
Hello Lizelle! Thanks for sharing your experience. The idea of using your social media contacts to get a start is brilliant! It might even help with job search, etc.
April 10, 2019 at 07:16
This is quite encouraging……Thanks
April 17, 2019 at 09:55
thank you so much.
July 1, 2021 at 10:26
@Lizelle, I realize this is an old post, but I am also from Windhoek! So is my husband and I would love to hear an update on your life that side (especially as an Afrikaans family in USA) We are hoping to find our way to Georgia next year if all goes well. DV2022 for us.
April 8, 2019 at 15:29
Brit, this topic is on point and gives us ( on transit USA citizens) insight of what to expect and really what happens on the ground.
Thumbs up
April 8, 2019 at 15:13
Great idea Brit and great advices, thank you all.
April 8, 2019 at 10:15
Great topic… I have no viza yet but having lot of friends in US at the moment I have No ideea where to go – California so expensive, Florida verry WET and Hot, Chicago Cold, Seatlle rainny , NY and DC expensive as California. Nevada verry dry Hot, Tenneessy, Misisipi, Alabama, Kentuky Gerogia intresting as very good Living Cost and beautiful nature but not so open to new Immigrants.. Please write especially those hwo are already in US with familly???
April 8, 2019 at 14:55
Yup, i’m at the same boat as you are. US is at the size of a continent there is more than 1000 cities and there is a lot of places which makes it really hard to decide. First set your priorities straight
Weather: do you want hot or cold
Job availability: Texas- tech jobs florida- tourism related jobs
Population: do you like the city life or more relaxed with less population density
Apartment rent: You can rent with 300 dollars a small flat in boston or you can go Michigan and you can rent a villa or home with just 300 dollars a months
Racism: pick the cities that is usaully left-wing liberals like LA or Austin texas but never go to for example rural texas, there lots of racist people there.
April 8, 2019 at 15:50
300 dollars a month sounds incredibly low! That would have to be in a really bad area. Like, dangerously bad.
April 12, 2019 at 00:48
Ok, now i need to reconsider my financial situation lol, but what is average rent like in a good area enlighten me.
April 12, 2019 at 06:21
Did google break?
April 12, 2019 at 14:13
🙂
April 12, 2019 at 14:11
Impossible to answer – it varies greatly. Rents in my area for a small home are about $3000, but there are nice places elsewhere for $1000 per month. But roughly speaking if rent were $300 a month (for a house) that would have to be a really bad area where people work at minimum wage jobs. Why would you come all this way to live like that – make a sensible plan to earn a good salary, and pay a good level of rent.
April 16, 2019 at 20:10
Good luck getting a small flat in Boston for $300. Even renting a room in someone’s house for $300/month is not feasible in most places, unless you’re in a very remote area. In any big city, you’re looking at $1,200-1,800 for a studio/efficiency and $1,800-2,500 for a one-bedroom.
August 2, 2021 at 05:11
Rent in a good area for 1 bed 1 bath starts upwards of 1000$ .
April 8, 2019 at 02:44
Me and my husband (early 30s) have been for almost 6 months in Florida. We found an apartment online prior arriving here and we are lucky that the location is very convenient. Search neighborhoods and different locations and keep in mind that sometimes is better to pay $100 more rent in a better location than being far from everything for less money. The public transportation in Florida is almost non-existent, with a bus every hour or two, so having a car here is an absolute necessity. You can buy a car in cash, but if you need a loan you need a good credit score which takes 6months to build. Also as a new resident with no driving history in US be prepared to pay high insurance for the first months($200-300). It is true that job opportunities are everywhere, but if your goal is a well-paid job with benefits it may not be too easy as a foreigner with no US experience and education. Also, the hiring process is sometimes too long (2 or more months depending on the company), and even after successful interviews if you are selected be prepared for a very thorough background checks. This checks include verification of the education and work experience written in your resume, so dont lie on resume and interviews because they check literally everything, reaching out to universities and companies that you worked for. So, until getting the job of your dreams you may need to start working something completely different because life here is expensive and you must pay your bills on time.
People in Florida are friendly and welcoming, although making friends is not that easy because people are busy and always on the run.
The best aspect of living here is that even with the lowest paying job you can meet ends and if you work hard and want to be successful, you can really achieve that.
Have in mind that this is a high consumer society, be careful with money and savings, start slow and humble and dont spend on unnecessary things, because $1000 may sound much, but in reality that’s nothing.
Sometimes I miss my family and friends, but I am aware that I will always have my home and friends there and now is the time to face new challenges and make this move worth it. Focus on succeding and adjusting, you will always have that home somewhere waiting for you.
I dont regret moving here, on the contrary, I am thankful for this opportunity to learn so many new things and perspectives.
April 8, 2019 at 04:08
Great advice here – thanks!
April 7, 2019 at 22:44
Life is tough at the beginning but once settled the rest becomes history. Entered US towards the end of last year. Started college this year. Looking forward to a better life after graduation. Thanks britsimon for your help during the dv2018 process. I was stranded until I found your platform which helped me with lots of information. Love you to the moon and back??
April 8, 2019 at 04:03
Aww that’s nice!
April 7, 2019 at 16:37
I entered USA at the beginning of this year.at the beginning due to challenge and I wish to back to my country.but now some how I am standing the challenges.what I tell to you is in USA there a big challenge with great opportunity.dv winner never think everything is smooth like drinking water.
April 7, 2019 at 18:11
write your big adventure more