--- title: "Moving to United States 2026: visas, requirements and tax" url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/ lang: en updated: 2026-10-12 --- Midtown Manhattan and the Empire State Building at dusk # Moving to United States 25 ways to move to United States in our guide: 2 talent schemes, 5 investor routes, 2 business / startup routes, 13 work visas, 1 student visa, 2 spouse visas. No digital nomad visa. Smallest investment: [Entrepreneur parole (IER)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/international-entrepreneur-parole/), from $124k. Checked against official sources on 12 October 2026. **Smallest investment needed:** **from $124k** Entrepreneur parole (IER) **Longest first stay:** **4 years** F-1 / M-1 Student visa The United States offers a wide range of immigration routes, from temporary work and study to permanent residence through employment or investment. This guide outlines the main routes and practical steps for arrival, but always check official sources for your specific situation. Investors seeking permanent residence through job creation People investing in and running a U.S. business Workers with a U.S. job offer or extraordinary ability Students admitted to U.S. academic or vocational programs Exchange visitors in approved cultural or educational programs ## Talent schemes · 2 ### [EB-1A Extraordinary ability](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/eb1a-extraordinary-ability/) [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/eb1a-extraordinary-ability/) ### [EB-2 National Interest Waiver](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/eb2-niw/) [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/eb2-niw/) ## Investing · 5 - [EB-5 Investor · $800k TEA **Investment needed:** $800k+](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/eb5-tea-infrastructure-800k/) - [Gold Card · $1M **Investment needed:** $1M](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/gold-card-individual/) - [EB-5 Investor · $1.05M **Investment needed:** $1.1M+](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/eb5-investor-immigrant/) - [Platinum Card (not released) **Investment needed:** $5M](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/platinum-card/) - [E-2 Treaty Investor **First stay:** 2 yrs](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/e2-treaty-investor/) ## Business / Startup · 2 ### [E-1 Treaty Trader](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/e1-treaty-trader/) **First stay:** 2 yrs Can work: limited [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/e1-treaty-trader/) ### [Entrepreneur parole (IER)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/international-entrepreneur-parole/) **Investment needed:** from $124k Stay 2 yrs 6 mo, renewable Can work: limited [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/international-entrepreneur-parole/) ## Work · 13 - [Gold Card · Corporate $2M **Investment needed:** $2M](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/gold-card-corporate/) - [E-3 Australian specialty **First stay:** 2 yrs](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/e3-specialty-occupation-australia/) - [EB-1B Outstanding researcher –](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/eb1b-outstanding-researcher/) - [EB-1C Multinational manager –](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/eb1c-multinational-manager/) - [EB-2 Advanced degree –](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/eb2-advanced-degree-exceptional-ability/) - [EB-3 Skilled worker –](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/eb3-skilled-professional-other/) - [H-1B Specialty occupation **First stay:** 3 yrs](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/h1b-specialty-occupation/) - [H-2A Farm worker **First stay:** 3 yrs](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/h2a-agricultural-worker/) - [H-2B Seasonal worker **First stay:** 3 yrs](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/h2b-nonagricultural-worker/) - [L-1A Executive transfer **First stay:** 3 yrs](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/l1a-intracompany-manager/) - [L-1B Specialist transfer **First stay:** 3 yrs](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/l1b-specialized-knowledge/) - [O-1 Extraordinary ability **First stay:** 3 yrs](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/o1-extraordinary-ability/) - [TN USMCA Professional **First stay:** 3 yrs](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/tn-usmca-professional/) ## Student · 1 ### [F-1 / M-1 Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/f-m-student/) **First stay:** 4 yrs Can work: limited [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/f-m-student/) ## Spouse visas · 2 For people married to, or in a partnership with, a citizen or permanent resident. ### [Spouse green card (F2A)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/spouse-of-permanent-resident/) **Income needed:** $27k+ a year Can work: limited [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/spouse-of-permanent-resident/) ### [Spouse green card (citizen)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/spouse-of-citizen/) **Income needed:** $27k+ a year Can work: limited [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/spouse-of-citizen/) **Free movement and visa-free stays · 1** - **[Compact of Free Association](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/free-movement-cofa/)** · Lets you live here Open to 3 passports: FM, MH, PW. [Where each passport can live without a visa →](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/) ## Tax S. tax on their worldwide income once they become tax residents, which can happen based on your immigration status or days of presence. Foreign-source income may be taxable, but tax treaties and foreign tax credits can help avoid double taxation. Standard rules ### [U.S. taxation of citizens and resident aliens on worldwide income](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/tax/#tax-us-tax-worldwide-residents) Worldwide income **Details** - On: Worldwide income (residents) - Who: U.S. citizens and resident aliens report worldwide income U.S. citizens and resident aliens are taxed on worldwide income at the graduated rates that apply to citizens; non-residents are taxed on U.S.-source income under Form 1040-NR rules. #### Taxed on Worldwide income (residents); U.S.-source income (non-residents) #### Who it applies to - U.S. citizens and resident aliens report worldwide income, including foreign-source income, on a U.S. return. - Lawful permanent residents and persons meeting the substantial presence test are resident aliens. #### Exclusions - Non-resident aliens are taxed on U.S.-source income only, at rates and exemptions that vary by treaty. #### Tax residence Resident status follows the green card test or the substantial presence test; treaty tie-breaker rules apply to dual residents who file Form 1040-NR with Form 8833. #### Visas Green card holders, including EB-5, Gold Card and employment-based immigrants, are residents for tax from the start of residence; nonimmigrant visa holders become residents if they meet the substantial presence test. #### Other taxes Many U.S. states tax residents separately and some do not follow treaties; state taxes and payroll (FICA) taxes are separate and are not covered in this record. Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/tax/) Special regime ### [Foreign earned income exclusion and housing exclusion (Form 2555)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/tax/#tax-us-tax-feie) Tax relief **Details** - On: Foreign earned income (wages and self-employment income earned abroad) - Who: Tax home in a foreign country and foreign earned income - Limit: $133k/yr Qualifying U.S. citizens and resident aliens living abroad can exclude foreign earned income up to USD 132,900 for tax year 2026, plus a housing exclusion or deduction; the rest remains taxed at ordinary rates. #### Taxed on Foreign earned income (wages and self-employment income earned abroad) #### Who it applies to - Tax home in a foreign country and foreign earned income. - Meet the bona fide residence test (uninterrupted period including a full tax year), or the physical presence test of 330 full days in any 12 consecutive months. - Resident aliens qualify under the bona fide residence test only if citizens or nationals of a treaty country. #### Exclusions - Self-employment tax is not reduced by the exclusion. - Meals and lodging provided by the employer are handled separately. #### Limits - $132,900 a year · Maximum foreign earned income exclusion for taxable years beginning in 2026. #### Days in the country - At least 330 days in Any 12 consecutive months · Full days physically present in a foreign country for the physical presence test. #### Tax residence The exclusion applies to U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live abroad; it does not exempt them from filing. #### Visas Not a visa-linked regime; relevant to U.S. persons relocating out of the United States. #### Other taxes The exclusion amount is indexed each year; the 2026 figure is from Rev. Proc. 2025-32. Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/tax/) Standard rules ### [Substantial presence test for U.S. tax residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/tax/#tax-us-tax-substantial-presence) Worldwide income **Details** - On: Residence status (determines worldwide versus U.S.-source income) A non-citizen is a U.S. tax resident for the year when present at least 31 days in the year and at least 183 days over a weighted three-year count. #### Taxed on Residence status (determines worldwide versus U.S.-source income) #### Who it applies to - Count all days in the current year, one third of days in the prior year and one sixth of days in the second prior year. #### Exclusions - Days as an exempt individual (certain F, J, M, Q students, teachers and trainees complying with visa terms) and other listed days are not counted. #### Days in the country - At least 31 days in Current calendar year · Minimum days of presence in the current year. - At least 183 days in Current year plus two preceding years (weighted 1, 1/3, 1/6) · Weighted days of presence over the three-year period. #### Tax residence Meeting the test makes the person a resident alien for the year unless a treaty or closer-connection rule applies. #### Visas Applies to nonimmigrant visa holders such as H-1B, L-1, O-1 and E-2; green card holders are residents without the test. #### Other taxes Publication 519 details excluded days and the closer-connection exception. Checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/tax/) Standard rules ### [U.S. income tax treaties](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/tax/#tax-us-tax-treaties) Worldwide income **Details** - On: U.S.-source income of treaty residents - Who: Treaty residence is decided by the applicable treaty Treaties generally reduce U.S. tax for residents of treaty countries on certain U.S.-source income; U.S. citizens and treaty residents remain taxed on worldwide income with limited exceptions. #### Taxed on U.S.-source income of treaty residents; foreign taxes via credits #### Who it applies to - Treaty residence is decided by the applicable treaty; dual residents claim treaty benefits by filing Form 1040-NR with Form 8833. #### Exclusions - Treaties do not generally reduce U.S. tax on U.S. citizens or U.S. treaty residents. #### Tax residence Dual-resident tie-breakers are in each treaty. #### Visas Independent of visa status; relevant to avoiding double taxation for foreign-source income of persons relocating. #### Other taxes Some states do not honour treaties. Checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/tax/) Standard rules ### [United States: resident aliens taxed on worldwide income](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/tax/#tax-us-ordinary-worldwide-taxation) Worldwide income **Details** - On: Worldwide income of resident aliens, taxed under the same rate schedules as citizens - Who: Green Card Test: admitted as or changing status to lawful permanent resident U.S. residents, including resident aliens, are taxed on worldwide income on the same graduated rates as U.S. citizens; an individual is a U.S. tax resident if admitted as a lawful permanent resident (Green Card Test) or if present at least 31 days in the current year and 183 weighted days over three years (current year days plus one-third of prior year plus one-sixth of the second prior year). #### Taxed on Worldwide income of resident aliens, taxed under the same rate schedules as citizens; nonresidents are taxed only on U.S.-source income and income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. #### Who it applies to - Green Card Test: admitted as or changing status to lawful permanent resident. - Substantial Presence Test: at least 31 days in the current year and 183 days in the three-year weighted count. #### Exclusions - Nonresident aliens are taxed only on U.S.-source and effectively connected income (IRS). - Certain exceptions and treaty tie-breaker elections may override the tests (IRS). #### Days in the country - At least 31 days in current calendar year · Substantial Presence Test first condition: present at least 31 days in the current year - At least 183 days in current year plus two preceding years (weighted) · Substantial Presence Test second condition: current-year days plus 1/3 of prior-year days plus 1/6 of days in the second prior year #### Tax residence Even an undocumented individual who meets the Substantial Presence Test is treated as a U.S. resident for tax purposes; the test is applied by calendar year. #### Visas Green card holders are residents from the date admitted as a lawful permanent resident; non-immigrant visa holders become residents only if they meet the Substantial Presence Test and no exception applies. #### Other taxes Resident aliens use the same filing statuses, deductions and credits as citizens; state and local income taxes are separate. Checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/tax/) Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) **No digital nomad visa in United States.** Remote workers usually look at [EB-1A Extraordinary ability](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/eb1a-extraordinary-ability/), [EB-2 National Interest Waiver](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/eb2-niw/), [Gold Card · $1M](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/gold-card-individual/), or [nomad visas elsewhere](https://settleanywhere.com/visas/digital-nomad/). **Shorter stays · 2** Student ### [J-1 Exchange visitor](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/j-exchange-visitor/) **First stay:** 4 yrs Can work: limited [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/j-exchange-visitor/) Spouse visas ### [K-1 fiancé visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/fiance-k1/) **First stay:** 3 mo [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/fiance-k1/) **Switch to later · 2** Work ### [F-1 OPT](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/f1-opt/) **First stay:** 1 yr [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/f1-opt/) Work ### [F-1 STEM OPT](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/f1-stem-opt/) **First stay:** 2 yrs [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/f1-stem-opt/) ## Arriving in United States: first steps 1. Enter on your visa and follow U.S. entry requirements or your visa category's conditions. 2. Secure a place to live and keep your address and immigration documents up to date. 3. Apply for a Social Security number if you are authorized to work, as it is needed for employment and banking. 4. Open a U.S. bank account to manage finances and establish a local financial history. 5. Comply with any registration or reporting requirements for your visa status, such as SEVIS check-ins for students. 6. Keep copies of your immigration documents and understand the terms of your stay, including work and travel restrictions. ## Questions people ask ### What special talent visas does United States have? United States has 2 talent schemes. There is also [EB-1A Extraordinary ability](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/eb1a-extraordinary-ability/) and [EB-2 National Interest Waiver](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/eb2-niw/). ### How much do you need to invest for residency in United States? United States has 5 investor routes. [Gold Card · $1M](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/gold-card-individual/) asks for an investment of $1,000,000. [EB-5 Investor · $1.05M](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/eb5-investor-immigrant/) asks for an investment of at least $1,050,000 and gives a first stay of 2 years. [EB-5 Investor · $800k TEA](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/eb5-tea-infrastructure-800k/) asks for an investment of at least $800,000 and gives a first stay of 2 years. ### Can I move to United States by starting a business? United States has 2 business or startup routes. [E-1 Treaty Trader](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/e1-treaty-trader/) gives a first stay of 2 years that can be renewed. [Entrepreneur parole (IER)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/international-entrepreneur-parole/) asks for an investment from $124,429 and gives a first stay of 2.5 years that can be renewed. ### What work visas does United States offer foreigners? United States has 13 work visas. [E-3 Australian specialty](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/e3-specialty-occupation-australia/) gives a first stay of 2 years that can be renewed. There is also [EB-1B Outstanding researcher](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/eb1b-outstanding-researcher/) and [EB-1C Multinational manager](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/eb1c-multinational-manager/). ### How do I get a student visa for United States? United States has 1 student visa. [F-1 / M-1 Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/f-m-student/) gives a first stay of 4 years that can be renewed. ### Can I join my spouse or partner in United States? Yes. United States has 2 spouse visas. [Spouse green card (F2A)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/spouse-of-permanent-resident/) asks for an income of at least $27,050 a year. [Spouse green card (citizen)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/spouse-of-citizen/) asks for an income of at least $27,050 a year. ## Compare with [🇲🇽 Mexico](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/mexico/) [🇨🇴 Colombia](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/colombia/) [🇨🇷 Costa Rica](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/costa-rica/) [🇧🇷 Brazil](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/brazil/) [🇦🇷 Argentina](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/argentina/) [🇨🇦 Canada](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/canada/) [🇺🇾 Uruguay](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/uruguay/) [🇵🇦 Panama](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/panama/) ≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.