Visa & residency options
Specialty occupation — 85,000 annual cap via March lottery.
Extraordinary ability in sciences, business, arts — no cap, no lottery.
$800k+ (Targeted Employment Area) or $1,050k+ regular, 10+ jobs created.
Intra-company transfer or treaty investor (treaty country nationals).
Residency: Green Card 1–10+ years depending on category and country backlog; citizenship after 5 years as LPR (3 if married to USC).
Tax & cost of living
Federal 10–37% + state 0–13.3% + city. Worldwide taxation for US persons (citizens, LPRs).
- Rent (1BR city): $1,800–$3,500
- Meal out: $20
- Transport pass: $120/mo NYC MetroCard
Banking & business setup
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Mercury (startups), Wise, Revolut USA. SSN or ITIN typically required.
Delaware C-Corp standard for venture-funded startups ($89 + registered agent ~$100/yr). Wyoming and Delaware LLCs for SMBs. Operational in 24–48h via Stripe Atlas, Clerky, Doola.
Living in country
Market varies wildly: NYC, SF, LA, Boston, Seattle premium; Austin, Miami, Nashville surged. Deposits typically 1 month rent + first month. Credit history a major hurdle.
Private system — employer-sponsored typical ($500–$1,500/mo family premiums). ACA marketplace + Medicaid for lower income; Medicare from 65.
Public K-12 free by residence; top universities (Stanford, MIT, Harvard) $60k–$90k/yr.
Tech (Bay Area, Seattle, Austin), finance (NYC, Chicago), biotech (Boston, San Diego), entertainment (LA).