Everyone loves the idea of the American dream. Whether you picture yourself basking in the heat of sunny California or you see yourself scrolling around the busy streets of New York, it can seem like the ideal future. But what most people often don’t know is the expenses and the paperwork involved with achieving your American dream.
Immigrating to your ideal life involves a mix of upfront government fees, professional services, travel and long-term living costs. This can be a scary thought for those starting on their journey, as the amount of tasks is daunting, leading you to question. Where do you even start?
The purpose of this guide is to provide readers with a realistic and clear breakdown of what to budget for every step from applications to settling in. It’s important to remember that costs can vary widely depending on visa type, family size and location, but proper planning helps prevent financial stress.
Government application and processing fees
Most US immigration pathways, whether they are work visas, family sponsorship, student visas or green cards, usually require several paid applications. This is the first step of the application process, and should be completed before anything else. These fee categories include:
- Visa application fees- these can be around $350
- Medical exams- a typical exam can be around $400-$500
- Biometric fees- this fee is around $90
- Adjustment of status or consular processing fees- these can be more expensive at around $1300
- Renewal or extension fees- $400 is the average price for renewals
Note that these fees can change, and vary over time, and families may have to pay multiple fees of the same fees.
Legal support and professional services
Hiring an immigration lawyer or a spouse visa solicitor is a great option for many, due to the paperwork, complexity and time involved with the process, ensuring that everything is completed accurately. This helps to decrease delays for those looking for a swift process and decrease the extra costs involved with mistakes. However, this convenience comes at a cost. Here are a few fees involved with lawyer or solicitor costs:
- Immigration law fees
- Certiies translations
- Document preparation strives
- Tax or financial advisors (especially fr those working in specialised fields)
Travel, relocation and settlement costs
When all legal work is nearly over, it’s time to think about travel-related expenses such as flights, temporary accommodation, and shipping belongings. There are further costs once involved when starting to settle in, also. Here are a few of these costs:
- Initial housing and security deposits
- Buying essential furniture and household items
- Transportation- car purchases, insurance, transit passes
- Phone plans and internet set-up
These upfront costs can be significant and should be planned ahead of time. This is why it’s important to track expenses using a banking app or even a spreadsheet before the move.
Daily living costs in America
The us has the widest range of living costs in the world, all dependent on what city or state you live in. If you choose to live in a major city such as Brooklyn, the cost of living will be on the higher end, whereas if you choose to live in Iowa, the living is 10% lower than the average in the US. Nevertheless, here are the monthly expenses that you should budget for:
- Rent or mortgage
- Healthcare and insurance
- Grocerise and utilities
- Transportation and fuel
- Childcare and schooling
Healthcare and insurance can be unfamiliar for those immigrating from other countries; therefore, it’s important to research options and costs before moving.
Budgeting as a foundation
The American Dream is possible with the proper financial preparation, as long as you plan, research, and track costs through your journey. So, don’t wait and start planning now!
