Country guide
Migrate to the USA
The world's largest economy, the highest tech salaries and several visa routes for skilled professionals.
$120,000+
Typical tech salary per year
Why the USA?
- The world's largest economy, with a GDP of $28+ trillion
- Tech and engineering pay often 2-3x European levels
- Silicon Valley, Wall Street and top research universities
- EB-2 NIW: a green card you can sponsor yourself
- A strong start-up culture with access to venture capital
- Room to choose: big cities, cheaper hubs, every climate
Key facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Population | 335 million |
| Language | English (de facto; no official federal language) |
| Currency | US dollar (USD) |
| Federal minimum wage | $7.25 / hour (many states set higher) |
| Healthcare | Mostly employer insurance; no universal public system; ACA marketplace |
| Main routes | H-1B, L-1, O-1, EB-1/2/3 green cards, EB-2 NIW, E-2 treaty investor |
Visa routes
H-1B specialty occupation visa
The main work visa for degree-level jobs in IT, engineering, finance and healthcare. You need an employer sponsor and a place in the yearly cap of 85,000. 3 years, extendable to 6 (longer with a pending green card).
O-1 visa (extraordinary ability)
For top people in science, arts, business, education or sport. No cap and no lottery. You need proof of sustained acclaim: awards, publications, high pay or press.
EB-2 / EB-3 green cards
Employer-sponsored permanent residence. EB-2 for advanced degrees, EB-3 for skilled workers with a bachelor's. Steps: PERM labour certification, I-140, then I-485. Commonly 1-3 years, depending on your country of birth.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)
Sponsor yourself: no employer, no PERM, no job offer. For researchers, founders and professionals whose work has substantial merit and national importance.
Cost of living
Big tech hubs against cheaper, fast-growing cities.
| Expense | SF / NYC | Austin / Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city) | $2,800 to 4,000/mo | $1,300 to 1,900/mo |
| Groceries (monthly) | $400 to 600 | $300 to 450 |
| Health insurance (employee share) | $100 to 300/mo | $100 to 300/mo |
| Internet (fibre) | $50 to 80/mo | $50 to 70/mo |
Jobs in demand
- Software engineers$120k to 200k+
- Data scientists$110k to 180k
- Registered nurses$70k to 110k
- Physical therapists$75k to 100k
- Electrical engineers$85k to 130k
- Financial analysts$70k to 120k
- Cybersecurity engineers$110k to 170k
- AI/ML engineers$140k to 250k+
FAQs
How does the H-1B lottery work?
The cap is 85,000 a year: 65,000 regular places plus 20,000 for US master's graduates. Employers register in March ($215 per registration for FY 2027). If there are too many, USCIS now runs a weighted selection that favours higher wage levels. If you are picked, your employer files the petition and must pay the prevailing wage. In June 2026 a federal court vacated the guidance behind the $100,000 payment on some new petitions (added in September 2025). Check USCIS for the latest.
What is the EB-2 NIW green card?
A green card you file yourself, with no employer, if you hold an advanced degree or exceptional ability. You must show your work has substantial merit and national importance, and that waiving the job offer helps the US. It takes 12-18 months on average.
Can I change employers on an H-1B visa?
Yes. Under portability rules you can start with a new employer as soon as they file a new H-1B petition for you; you don't wait for approval. The job must still be a specialty occupation paid at the prevailing wage.
How expensive is it to live in the USA?
It depends hugely on where. San Francisco and New York are expensive (a 1-bed costs $3,000+ a month). Austin, Raleigh and Denver cost less and still have strong job markets. Healthcare is the wildcard: most employers insure you, but out-of-pocket costs can be high.
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and rules change often. Always confirm the current requirements on the official government website for your destination. How we research & source our guides.
What is changing in the USA, and when
- Cost up
ESTA fee rises to $40.62
Visa Waiver travellers pay $40.62 per ESTA from 16 October (up from $40.27), and the EVUS fee rises to $31.75. Source (Federal Register)
- Tightened
Comments closed on proposed $103,265 H-1B cap petition fee
The fee is only proposed and not yet charged, but if DHS finalises it, employers would pay it when filing every cap-subject H-1B petition. Source (Federal Register)
Could the USA work for you?
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