Moving to the USA in 2026

Moving to the USA: entry, first 30 days, 3-month budget

A tourist visa is not suitable for moving: living in the US requires a status - an investment green card from $800,000, a national interest or extraordinary ability green card, a talent visa, employment or family. From 21 January to 21 August 2026 the US did not issue immigrant visas to citizens of 75 countries; the pause ended by court decision.

1. Before the trip. A petition to US immigration services, documents and the consulate interview, in your country or a third country depending on your nationality and the visa.
2. Days 1-30. A Social Security number, a bank account and a lease; without credit history landlords often ask for a larger deposit.
3. Days 30-90. A state driver's licence, health insurance and school for children; the permanent resident card arrives by post after entry.

In New York and San Francisco a one-bedroom flat in the centre costs from $3,500-4,500 a month, so the budget there is several times higher. A family budget depends on its size and the visa; we calculate it in the chat.

USA at a glance

The United States is the world's largest economy with about 342 million people, 50 states and its capital in Washington. The main business centres are New York, California with Silicon Valley, Texas and Florida. The US attracts with the largest labour and capital market, top universities, tech companies and the chance to get a green card and, after a few years, one of the world's strongest passports.

The flip side is a complex and expensive immigration system, tax on worldwide income for citizens and green card holders, and costly healthcare. In 2026 the path to the US is open but requires careful file preparation and patience because of queues and consular restrictions.

History and government

The United States declared independence from Britain on 4 July 1776, and the 1787 Constitution is still in force and considered the world's oldest written constitution. The country is a federal presidential republic: each state has its own laws, courts and taxes, so rental rules, state tax and even driving licences depend on where you live. Immigration is handled federally by the citizenship and immigration service, the State Department and border protection.

How to move in 2026

From 21 January to 21 August 2026 the US did not issue immigrant visas to citizens of 75 countries; the pause ended by court decision. After five years with a green card, or three years married to a US citizen, you can apply for citizenship. More on the pages US green card by investment, National interest green card and US citizenship.

Rules for specific nationalities

Citizens of Russia need a visa for the US, and their immigrant visa interview takes place at the US consulate in Warsaw. Russia was among the 75 countries whose citizens did not receive immigrant visas from 21 January to 21 August 2026, until the pause ended by court decision. For citizens of Russia the path to the US in 2026 is open but requires careful file preparation and patience because of queues and consular restrictions.

Taxes

Citizens and green card holders pay federal income tax on worldwide income at rates from 10% to 37%, plus state tax where the state levies it: Florida, Texas and Nevada have no state income tax. You also become a tax resident by days in the country: at least 31 days in the current year and 183 weighted days over three years. Corporate tax is 21%, and capital gains are taxed at 0-20%. Giving up a green card after 8 of the last 15 years brings an exit tax for those who meet its thresholds. More on the page Taxes in the USA.

Property

Foreigners buy property in the US without restrictions and on the same terms as citizens, but a purchase does not give the right to a visa or green card. Deals go through an escrow company with title insurance, and property tax is paid annually, 0.5-2.5% of assessed value depending on the state. When a foreigner sells, the buyer withholds part of the price towards tax. Banks give non-residents mortgages with a down payment of 30-40% or more.

Business and companies

A foreigner can register a US company online in any state within days, most often in Delaware, Wyoming or Florida. But the company itself does not give the right to live and work in the country: that requires a visa, and for an investor the investment green card. Banks strictly check owners and source of funds when opening an account for a foreign-owned company.

Cost of living

The cost of living depends heavily on the city. In New York and San Francisco a one-bedroom apartment in the centre costs from $3,500-4,500 a month, in Miami and Los Angeles about $2,500-3,500, and in Austin, Dallas and Tampa about $1,700-2,300. The most expensive item for newcomers is health insurance, costing hundreds of dollars a month per person if the employer does not pay. Private schools cost $20,000 to $60,000 a year.

Where to live

• Florida - Miami, Tampa and Orlando: warm, no state income tax, a large Russian-speaking community.
• New York - finance, media and the highest cost of living.
• California - tech and startups, high state tax.
• Texas - Austin, Dallas and Houston: no state income tax and a growing economy.
• Washington - the capital, international organisations and government bodies. More in the Washington guide.

Practicalities

• Documents. A social security number is needed for work, banking and credit history.
• Healthcare. High quality but expensive; without insurance treatment costs thousands of dollars.
• Transport. A car is needed almost everywhere, and licences are issued by your state.
• Schools. Free public schools are tied to your address, so families choose housing by school district.
• Climate. From Florida's subtropics to snowy winters in the north.

Leisure

The US has dozens of national parks: Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion. You can live by the ocean in Florida or California, ski in Colorado and Utah and road-trip along the coast. Domestic flights are inexpensive, and large cities have direct flights to Europe, Latin America and Asia.

Who the USA suits

The US suits specialists with a strong file, scientists, entrepreneurs and investors ready to invest from $800,000 for a green card for the whole family, as well as families who value education and a large market. Those who want to live without tax on worldwide income should consider other countries. Murblz specialists assess chances across categories, build the file and support the application. Our consultant calculates the cost of support in the chat.