The United States of America is globally renowned as a land of opportunity, especially in the entrepreneurial realm. Its reputation as an incubator for innovation, a hub of ground-breaking technologies, and home to diverse markets creates a compelling case for expats looking to start a business. As an expat, if you dream of launching a … Read more

Navigating the labyrinthine world of the U.S. healthcare system can be a daunting task, especially for expats accustomed to different healthcare models. Unlike other countries where a single, government-run healthcare system is prevalent, the United States offers a primarily private model, featuring a range of insurance plans from numerous providers. One particular aspect of this … Read more

The United States of America (often referred to as the USA or the US) needs little introduction. From music and Hollywood to blue jeans and the Super Bowl, US popular culture is among the most influential and recognisable in the world. With many racial and ethnic backgrounds represented by a population of around 335 million, the US is … Read more

If you are thinking of moving to America’s capital city, Washington DC, what are your priorities going to be when it comes to finding out more about your destination? We are going to take a look at ten important things to consider if you are planning to make Washington DC your home.   Can I … Read more

If you are thinking of moving to the Lone Star State, what are your priorities going to be when it comes to finding out more about your destination? We’ll take a look at ten important things to take on board if you are planning to relocate to Texas.   Can I find a job? Texas … Read more

If you are contemplating a move to the ‘American Riviera’, you will find the Pacific Ocean on your doorstep and the Santa Ynez mountains close to the city to the north. It is a picturesque, vibrant, and yet small city. What will you need to know before you go? We will take a look at … Read more

If you are contemplating a move to the lovely old West Coast city of San Francisco, you may be wondering what you need to know before you go. We will take a look at your top ten questions below.   Can I find a job? If you are white collar and have a track record … Read more

If you are contemplating a move to Portland, you will find that it is one of the most popular destinations in the US for good reason. The Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains are nearby, and there is world-renowned food, high levels of education, a famously laid-back culture, plenty of good quality jobs, and – … Read more

If you are contemplating a move to New York, you are looking at relocating to one of the most vibrant and fascinating cities on Earth, home of world-famous attractions, such as the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park. What will you need to know before you go? We will take a … Read more

Florida is a popular destination among both US citizens and expats, and one of its greatest cities is Miami. With its famous beaches and Art Deco architecture, Miami is a beautiful place to live. If you are thinking of moving to this part of the ‘Sunshine State’, what do you need to know? We will … Read more

If you are contemplating a move to the Pilgrim State, you will find a densely populated, small state, with the Atlantic Ocean on your doorstep, plus all the conveniences of modern life in a bustling, vibrant environment, and a centre of educational and sporting excellence that are second to none. What will you need to … Read more

If you are contemplating a move to the beautiful West Coast city of Los Angeles, you may be wondering what you will need to know before you go. Home of the film industry, legendarily glamorous LA is nonetheless host to a wide range of other job sectors, too. We will take a look at your … Read more

If you are contemplating a move to the Prairie State, you will find three ‘C’s – corn, cold and Chicago. Illinois farmers rank highly for corn production, and winter temperatures are forced down by winds coming off Lake Michigan. Nonetheless, the state has much to recommend it. So, what will you need to know before … Read more

If you are thinking of moving to the Texan city of Houston, the fourth largest city in the USA, what should your priorities be when it comes to finding out more about your destination? Houston is one of the state’s most popular cities, with a solid job market and a high standard of living. We … Read more

Florida is a popular destination among expats, particularly British retirees. Many people choose to retire there for the warm weather and the ease of communication. If you are thinking of moving to the ‘sunshine state’, what do you need to know? We will take a look at the top ten things to consider.   Can … Read more

If you are thinking of moving to the ‘Mile High City’, then what do you need to know about your destination? Denver has much to recommend it, from its beautiful mountainous location to its vibrant cultural scene. We are going to take a look at ten important things to consider if you are planning to … Read more

If you are thinking of moving to the lovely state of Colorado, then what are your priorities going to be when it comes to finding out more about this beautiful, mountainous state? We are going to take a look at ten important things to consider if you are planning to make Colorado your home.   … Read more

If you are thinking of moving to the ‘Windy City’, then what are your priorities going to be when it comes to finding out more about your destination? Chicago is a popular destination among expats. Property prices here are competitive with other cities in the US, and the quality of life is high (though be … Read more

California is one of the jewels in America’s crown and a popular state among expats looking to relocate. However, moving there is not always easy. It’s one of the most desirable US destinations, with its vibrant cities, fabulous beaches and mountains, and a high standard of living. If you are thinking of moving to the … Read more

If you are contemplating a move to the New England city of Boston, what will your priorities be when it comes to finding out more about your destination? Boston is a popular choice, and is one of the oldest and most sophisticated cities on the Eastern seaboard. We are going to look at ten important … Read more

If you are thinking of moving to the Texan city of Austin, what are your priorities going to be when it comes to finding out more about your destination? Austin is a popular choice – its unofficial slogan is ‘Keep Austin Weird’, and it’s known for being a blue city in a (largely) Republican state. … Read more

Whether you are already living in America or are planning to make the move, you will no doubt need to consider your healthcare options. From pricey health insurance policies to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) reform, healthcare topics often make the news. But overall, how does the quality of the healthcare system fare? Read on … Read more

If you’re travelling to the United States for a short period of time, you may not be worried about obtaining medication. On the other hand, if you’re planning to stay long-term, then it’s vital that you give your access to medication some thought.   Very few pharmacies in the US can fill foreign prescriptions, although this … Read more

If you’re planning to give birth in America, it’s important to do your research ahead of time. Healthcare in the country is of a good standard, but it can be very expensive. Read on to learn about your options.    How much does it cost to have a baby in the USA? Having a baby … Read more

If you’re planning on moving to the United States of America, then having health insurance there is an absolute must. Here’s everything you need to know about registering with the health system.Understanding America’s health system If you’re moving to the United States from a country that has a national health service in place, you’ll be … Read more

Some of the largest banks in the United States of America (USA) include JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citigroup, and Goldman Sachs. It is estimated that their collective banking assets are equal to roughly 56% of the economy. There are around 5,177 commercial banks and savings institutions throughout the USA.In terms of the … Read more

If you’re looking to relocate to the United States, then you’ll need to consider your accommodation options. This article will take you through how to go about buying and renting property as an expat in America.Renting property When renting property in the USA, it is possible for expats to sign a lease before they arrive … Read more

Foreigners who are nationals from any of the 38 visa waiver countries can enter the United States for tourism or business purposes, for a period of up to 90 days, without obtaining a visa. If you are entering under the Visa Waiver Programme, you will require an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which must … Read more

With many varying landscapes, including sparse countryside and some of the world’s most vibrant cities, the US offers something for everyone. However, it can be a difficult country to gain entry to for work purposes, due to its stringent visa requirements and firm stance on immigration.There are a range of visas available for certain categories … Read more

As we are coming to our real estate season that starts October to April, sales are setting record numbers, and the available inventory of existing properties for sale is experiencing a decline. I see several area indicators that all point to significant growth patterns as sales are soaring and average sales prices are climbing steadily.I’m … Read more

America is known as the land of the automobile, and for anyone who has spent time in the States, the reasons for this are obvious. It’s an enormous country, and settlements are still set wide apart from one another, particularly by European standards. You may remember the old joke about 100 years being a long … Read more

Are you the process of setting up a new life in the USA, or finding your groove after a recent arrival? Not all reading has to be about health insurance and visas!We’ve asked around and come up with a list of books to help make your life – and transition – that little bit easier. … Read more

If you’re moving from the UK to the USA, you will need to look carefully at issues surrounding healthcare. After all, you’ll be moving from the nationalized system of the NHS to a largely private healthcare system which is based on insurance; plus, the two countries don’t have reciprocal healthcare agreements. The US system confuses … Read more

Claude, you've recently written a book called The American Way of Life. Tell us about the book and its aims. The goal of my new book is manifold: a. Introduce newcomers to some of the idiosyncrasies of American culture b. Help foreigners adapt and integrate their new host culture better c. Make American readers more … Read more

San Jose is situated on the southern shore of San Francisco Bay, in the centre of the Santa Clara Valley. The city is sprawled over an area of 179.97 square miles (466.1 km2). San Jose is a major technological hub and the largest city in Northern California. It’s also the third most populated city in … Read more

Citizenship tests are always a challenge, and the test for US citizenship has an especially tough reputation. But what does the American citizenship test actually involve? How Do I Apply For Citizenship? If you were born in the USA, but now live abroad, or if you are of American parentage, obtaining US citizenship will obviously … Read more

For skilled expats hoping to live and work in the United States, the H-1B visa has been an attractive option. However, since early 2017, the Trump administration has proposed a range of changes to the program that threaten to impact current H-1B visa holders and restrict options for future visa applicants.So if you’re an expat … Read more

If you’re living with a chronic illness, such as depression, asthma, diabetes or arthritis, you’ll know that your health requires careful and consistent management. The good news is that by moving to New York, you’ll have access to some of the best healthcare in the world: first class hospitals, a wide range of specialists and … Read more

Considering your expat life in the USA? Expert education consultant Stephen Spriggs of William Clarence Education continues to guide us, via our series of features on expat life. Whether you are at the considering stage or researching and planning, this feature will give you useful information on what you can expect from a USA move.International … Read more

More than 1,200 tornadoes occur in the USA each year, a greater number than in any other country in the world. About $10 billion of damage is caused annually by these violent whirlwinds, which reach from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. If you are moving to a tornado zone, you need … Read more

The Government of the United States has recently made several reforms to its immigration laws. Some of these changes are in relation to national security and have resulted in tighter border controls. Officials and key decision makers are expressing concern about foreign workers and migrants taking up jobs or assignments across the country instead of … Read more

How is it that the US seems to have the lion’s share of the world’s most prestigious universities? The QS World University Rankings 2018, for instance, feature five American institutions in the top 10, and 11 in the top 20. For that matter, the top four global universities are all based in the US (in … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at the USA and some of the social media accounts you should be following if you’re thinking of moving there.Cher Twitter Cher is a Canadian … Read more

Jennifer, you've recently written a guide to US university admissions for expats. Tell us about the book and its aims. Yes! There was a huge need in the market to help international families and expats through this very complex and complicated process. An ethical, thoughtful, comprehensive, knowledgeable and easy-to-use guide did not exist. I knew … Read more

The American Independence Day, or Declaration of Independence, is celebrated on the Fourth of July every year. It was on July 4, 1776 that the United States of America was born as an independent nation.On July 4th, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, which announced the independence of the … Read more

Renting a property is the most popular option for expats in the US, since it offers flexibility, but there are some basic issues expats need to be aware of before beginning their search. It should also be noted that homeownership in the US is another popular route for many expats. Twice the number of expats … Read more

Expats looking for a tech job will benefit from knowing which are the 25 top-rated tech cities in the United States. Those looking to start or expand a business that relies on technology will also want to know where to tap the best tech talent.The CBRE 2016 Scoring Tech Talent report provides such information. A … Read more

Moving abroad can sometimes bring with it a host of worries – from getting your paperwork sorted to planning your journey. If you’re travelling to the United States, fortunately there is a lot of information that can help make your journey more easy. Almost everything you require is listed on government websites or public portals. … Read more

Every year, thousands of people travel to different destinations in the world for leisure, work and study. A vast majority of this population comprises students who are travelling overseas for a better education. One of the most popular destinations for students is the United States of America. Since the early 1990s, the US has been … Read more

For any Brit seeking to open a bank account in the USA there will be much that is familiar about the process. There are however some key differences that can trip you up along the way. This is one of those things you may find easier to sort out before making your move abroad. It … Read more

When it comes to starting a business in the US, there are a lot of opportunities and a wealth of information available to entrepreneurs. Whether your plan is to open a daycare or seize construction opportunities, the options available to you in the US are seemingly endless. This article will cover some of the basic … Read more

There is so much to see, do and experience in the United States of America, and a road trip is an excellent way to enjoy the beauty as well as the culture of this country. These journeys are a great way to soak in the sights of sparkling waters, breathtaking mountains, natural forests, seasonal foliage, … Read more

The reputation and costs for the American healthcare system are known throughout the world and health premiums will not be cheap. That’s because healthcare in the US is a costly process, it’s ranked as being the most expensive in the world. According to one national British newspaper, many British expats opt to fly home to … Read more

There is always something to do in New York, and expats moving there will be spoilt for choice. From exotic restaurants that serve up a multitude of different cuisines, to traditional American diners. There are restaurants, bars, nightclubs and live concerts scattered across the city that never sleeps. New York is an ideal destination for … Read more

One of the most frequent questions expats in the United States find themselves asking is simple: Why am I expected to tip for services? Tipping in the US has a relatively short history, and its necessity is linked to the wage laws surrounding workers, particularly servers, in restaurants. In the US, it is considered polite … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at the USA and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there.Irish American Mom www.irishamericanmom.com Mairéad (rhymes with parade) started working in … Read more

The American Dream, rooted in the Declaration of Independence, proclaims that all men have been created equal and have the right to life, liberty, equality as well as the pursuit of happiness. In the past, this ideal only applied to white men; however, it has undergone a significant change over a period of time. Today, … Read more

New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, is also one of the culinary capitals of the United States. The city is nothing less than paradise for any food lover. This vibrant Louisiana city has an eclectic cuisine that is unique, colorful, hearty and flavorsome, to say the least. The traditional recipes are a strong reflection of … Read more

With over 8 millions expats living outside of America, the absentee votes cast in the 2016 Presidential election could make a large difference to the outcome. With essential topics of immigration, healthcare and the effects this changing landscape could have on businesses, the thoughts and opinions of many individuals who have chosen to make their … Read more

The US has a large immigrant population and British expats form a significant part of its diverse, multicultural society. It is known to be a place of opportunity and serves almost like an expat magnet due to the many advantages it provides them, such as low taxes, inexpensive food, good weather, ethnic diversity and its … Read more

The Big Apple is definitely one of the most interesting and lively places to live in. It almost buzzes with urban energy all day and night. Most people who move to New York City soon realize that the world is indeed their oyster! This place can offer you a plethora of new experiences in terms … Read more

Opening a bank account is not always that straightforward when an expat moves to a new country, especially when the expat has no credit history. However, it is possible to open a bank account before the expat leaves their home country, particularly if they are in the UK, since many British banks have a big … Read more

Getting sick or injured in the United States can be painful, not just in terms of the ailment itself, but the hit your wallet can take when seeking treatment. Even for emergency treatment, you can expect to fork out considerable sums for care. A night’s stay in hospital can cost USD$4,000 and surgery can set … Read more

There are a lot of things that expats need to get used to when they move to a new country, and for expats preparing to live in the USA, the risk of an earthquake is one such thing. What makes living in an earthquake zone difficult to adjust to is that the threat is rarely … Read more

Visiting the United States doesn’t always mean walking around the busy metropolis of New York or taking the kids for an exhilarating week at Disney World, Florida. It can mean exploring the sweeping diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes it possesses.Within the wealth of 58 National State Parks there are innumerable scenes of natural beauty and none … Read more

America has drawn people from around the world for a long time. The Statute of Liberty invites the world to send, “your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free”. And for all the millions of hopeful new arrivals, the mighty lady standing off New York’s shores always seemed like the warmest welcome to a … Read more

A love affair with a place often starts not with a visit to the location, but with seeing it on a movie screen. Actually being there in person may often seal the deal, but the initial spark can easily be set off while watching a film that captures the place beautifully. That is often the … Read more

Golf may have originated in Scotland, but today the United States of America is one of the countries where the game is most popular. Since 1888, when it was first demonstrated in the US on a humble orchard with a hole dug into it, golf has come a long way in the country.A recent study … Read more

Anyone who’s ever lived in New York knows that you can find almost anything you need there, but there are some things that the city has a special abundance of. One of these things is coffee shops – from chains to small family establishments to hipster cafes, you’ll find coffee shops on almost every other … Read more

Toni, tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to be an expat. I am a Brit, born in the north east of England, who has lived in the USA (mainly Chicago) for twenty five years. I studied Law at the University of Bristol before working in London, which is where I met … Read more

Sibylle, you are currently living in New York City and working at the United Nations, which recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. Could you tell us a bit more about what you do at the UN? Sure and first of all, thank you for your interest in interviewing me! I have been working at the UN … Read more

For many people across the world, the phrase “American food” brings to mind a rather limited and often clichéd assortment of dishes. In the more unfortunate instances, the only foods instantly recognized as American will be the generic fast food from American chains such as McDonald’s, or else an over-the-top, deathly indulgent dessert like deep … Read more

Being as influential as it has been on popular music across the world, the United States of America offers an endless number of pilgrimages for any music lover. In almost any corner of the country you care to visit, you’ll find a bit of music history not too far away, and quite likely a fairly … Read more

Kirstie is a new forum leader of the USA forum. In this interview we get to know her a little better! Expat Focus: Kirstie, can you tell us a bit about your background before you became an expat? Kirstie Wilson: Before coming to the United States I worked for the National Health Service in the … Read more

Expat Focus: Alan, can you tell us a bit about your backgrounds? I was born in Buckinghamshire to London civil engineering commuter parents. I have lived in Wilshire, Warwickshire and Nottinghamshire before moving to the USA in 2007. My general working background has been in Civil Earthworks Engineering and Construction with a high Safety, Quality … Read more

For the most part, public transport options in the US are rather limited. Due to the vast size of the country and of the individual cities and towns, as well as the low population density, the viability of public transport is often quite low. There is also the longstanding cultural tradition of owning private vehicles, … Read more

The USA is the third largest nation in the world and has a population of more than 320 million. For decades, this has been the dream destination for expats from around the world because of its employment opportunities, lifestyle, and infrastructure. However, not everyone lives the “American Dream” once they make the move. There is … Read more

New York is a not only a melting pot of diverse communities, but also one of the largest economies of the urban world. Every year, many expats move to this global financial hub to live and work. A significant portion of the city’s workforce consists of foreign nationals. While the New York lifestyle is fast-paced … Read more

For decades now, the US has been one of the most popular tourist destinations for people from all around the world. Each year, millions of foreigners vacation in this country for weeks or even months. With so much to see and do, it is hardly surprising to see that many people don’t want to go … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at the USA and some of the bloggers who write about living there. Nouveau North Westernershttp://nouveaunorthwesterners.com/ Written by two Australians who now live in Washington, … Read more

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your company. My name is Bruce Ailion, have been a broker in Metro Atlanta GA for 34 years, currently with RE/MAX Greater Atlanta. In addition I am Managing Member of ATL Investors, LLC a private equity fund investing in residential and commercial property primarily in Metro Atlanta. … Read more

Expat Focus talks to Toni Summers Hargis about her latest book, “The Stress-Free Guide to Studying In the States; A Step-by-Step Plan for International Students”, which covers the entire process from thinking about, applying to and finally arriving at, an American university. Toni, please tell us a little bit about yourself? I’m a Brit who … Read more

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Service [hereinafter ICE] is the country’s second largest law enforcement agency behind the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The agency has been on a seemingly perpetual ‘high alert’ since at least 2001 (at which point the agency came under the jurisdiction of the newly-formed Department of Homeland Security) and is likely … Read more

Weather-related news from the U.S. has recently been generating more column space than usual, thanks to events of an unprecedented kind. When Hurricane Sandy made landfall upon the northeastern states, much of the world was treated to the bizarre spectacle of seeing New York City’s subway rail system and major thoroughfares flooded, with hundreds of … Read more

The U.S. ‘Bible Belt’, that vast landmass stretching from Texas to Florida on the east-west axis and going as far north as the states of Missouri and Virginia, is an area typified by its social conservatism and Protestant piety. The term has been a pejorative one since the beginning (claimed as the coinage of notorious … Read more

British expats moving to the US must ensure that they have comprehensive health insurance coverage. While the UK benefits from the National Health Service (NHS), medical care in the US is, and always has been, a private business. The cost of treatments if you take a risk without being fully covered, are not recommended. One … Read more

Where you move to in the US very much depends on your personal situation and your preferences; for example, whether you are young and single, have a family or are looking to retire. The states and cities in the US vary dramatically, and your choice of city to reside in will depend on factors such … Read more

To say that New York City has been a historically popular destination for expatriate professionals would be akin to saying that water is wet: since at least the middle half of the 20th century, the city has been the primary destination for trans-Atlantic émigrés and, indeed, for financial and communications media innovators from around the … Read more

Expat Focus: Alan, can you tell us a bit about your backgrounds? I was born in Buckinghamshire to London civil engineering commuter parents. I have lived in Wilshire, Warwickshire and Nottinghamshire before moving to the USA in 2007. My general working background has been in Civil Earthworks Engineering and Construction with a high Safety, Quality … Read more

Kirstie is a new forum leader of the USA forum. In this interview we get to know her a little better! Expat Focus: Kirstie, can you tell us a bit about your background before you became an expat? Kirstie Wilson: Before coming to the United States I worked for the National Health Service in the … Read more