If you are skilled enough to qualify for a US visa you will experience life in one of the most diverse nations on the planet. A move to the USA could get your career on the right tracks and you will be generously rewarded both mentally and financially.
For over 200 years the United States has grown to become a world power because of common civic values and for over one million people who become US citizens in 2008, swearing their loyalty to the Constitution was the proudest day of their life.
When you move to the USA you are encouraged to get involved in the community and introduce yourself to your neighbours. There are community groups through out the United States to help immigrants get settled and places to worship suited to every religious belief.
When US Visa holders earn permanent resident status they have the right to:
- Live and work permanently anywhere in the U.S.
- Apply to become a U.S. citizen once you are eligible.
- Request visas for your husband or wife and unmarried children to live in the U.S.
- Get Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare benefits, if you are eligible.
- Own property in the U.S.
- Apply for a driver's license in your state or territory.
- Leave and return to the U.S. under certain conditions.
- Attend public school and college.
- Join certain branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Purchase or own a firearm, as long as there are no state or local restrictions saying you can't.
Many people choose to stay with family for friends when they move to the United States until they get a job.
There are many ways to find working in the US and loads of ways to increase your chances of securing one.
- Ask friends, neighbors, family, or others in your community about job openings or good places to work.
- Look in the newspaper "Classifieds" section under "Employment."
- Look for "Help Wanted" signs in the windows of local businesses.
- Go to the Employment or Human Resources offices of businesses in your area to ask about job openings.
- Visit community agencies that help immigrants find jobs or job training programs.
- Check bulletin boards in local libraries, grocery stores, and community centers for notices of job openings.
- Check with the department of employment services for your state.
When you start your work in the USA you will discover the culture and work ethics of the American work place.
Employers will ask you to complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form, which by law, your employer must check to ensure you are eligible to work in the U.S. Within three days you should show your employer your identity documents and work authorization documents.
When you work in the US you will be paid each week, every two weeks or once a month. Your paycheck will show how much you pay in federal and state taxes, Social Security and any employer benefits. Some employers pay by ‘direct deposit', this is when your earnings are paid directly to your back account.
Federal law in the USA says that employers cannot discriminate against you because of your immigration status. Employers cannot:
- Refuse to hire you, or fire you, because of your immigration status or because you are not a U.S. citizen.
- Require you to show a Permanent Resident Card, or reject your lawful work papers. Prefer hiring undocumented workers.
- Discriminate against you because of your national origin (or country of origin).
- Retaliate against any employee who complains of the above treatment.
Paying taxes
When you work in the USA, everyone is required to pay taxes to federal, state and local governments.
Income tax paid to federal, most states, and some local governments. Taxable income is money that you get from wages, self-employment and tips. The amount of income tax you pay depends on how much you earn. Income tax rates are lower for those who make less money.
Social Security and Medicare taxes
Social Security taxes provide benefits for retired workers and their families, certain disabled workers and their families, and certain family memebers of diseased workers. Medicare taxes pay for medical services for most people over 65.
Sales Taxes
These taxes are added to the cost of buying certain things. They are based on the cost of the item you are buying and help pay for services provided by state and local government, such as roads, police, and firemen.
