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George Washington Monument at Public Garden in Boston, Massachusetts

An expat's guide to the U.S.

  • Large in geographical size and national ambition, the United States of America (U.S.) is home to 328,564,102 people. Occupying a land mass of some 9,147,420 Km2 (3,531,837 square miles), approximately the size of the continent of Europe, the U.S. is huge.

    The U.S. comprises a political union of 50 states; 48 are geographically connected to each other and two are separate: Hawaii, a cluster of islands in the Pacific Ocean, and Alaska to the north of the U.S. and separated by Canada, both joined the U.S. in 1959. Although it is a single country, the states that make up the U.S. often have different laws and traditions and are fiercely independent.

    Known as a country of opportunity and famous for its promotion of ‘the American dream,’ the U.S. is a fantastic country for expats. The respective states differ enormously, and if your work places you in California, you’ll enjoy a different experience from another expat working in Texas or New York.

  • Family removing boxes from a van and moving into their new home Family removing boxes from a van and moving into their new home
  • Visas for relocating to the U.S.

    From visas to work permits, there are many options for expats to consider when relocating to the U.S.

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  • Young African-American businessman in suit posing on Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn, New York Young African-American businessman in suit posing on Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn, New York

    Working in the U.S.: what to expect

    Like most countries, the U.S. has its own business etiquette and approach to work/life balance. Learn what you can expect while working there.

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  • African-American businesswoman on phone call at home while daughter draws nearby African-American businesswoman on phone call at home while daughter draws nearby

    Employment benefits in the U.S.

    From health care and life insurance to paid leave and childcare, discover the benefits that workers can expect to receive in the U.S.

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  • Elementary school students boarding a yellow school bus Elementary school students boarding a yellow school bus

    Education in the U.S.

    If you’re moving to the U.S. with your family, learn what you can expect from the education system in our guide.

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  • View from Alamo Square of houses and beyond in San Francisco, California View from Alamo Square of houses and beyond in San Francisco, California

    Finding a home in the U.S.

    Whether you buy or rent, there is plenty you need to know about the housing market. Our overview will help you to find a home in the U.S.

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  • Young woman checking her phone at a train station in San Francisco, California Young woman checking her phone at a train station in San Francisco, California

    Getting around the U.S.

    The U.S. is big, and you’ll need fast, convenient transport to travel from place to place. Find out the best ways of getting around.

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  • Middle-aged male nurse talking to young adult patient Middle-aged male nurse talking to young adult patient

    What to do when you’re sick, ill or injured while in the USA

    A guide to navigating U.S. health care for expats or Americans visiting home — which service to access and how, depending on your injury and level of insurance.

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  • Panoramic view of the skyline in Houston, Texas Panoramic view of the skyline in Houston, Texas

    Where to live in the U.S.: three top cities for expats 

    Wondering where in the U.S. to relocate? We explore three top centres of commerce and industry popular with expats.

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  • Female police officer smiling and standing near her patrol car Female police officer smiling and standing near her patrol car

    Safety in the U.S.

    Hollywood movies and world news often show the U.S. as a violent nation, but what’s the truth? We share the facts, so you know what to expect.

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  • American citizens of various ethnicities holding up miniature American flags American citizens of various ethnicities holding up miniature American flags

    Culture in the U.S.

    The U.S. is a young country with a diverse culture. Find out happened in its history to make it what it is today.

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  • Couple with arms around each other looking out at the Grand Canyon in Arizona, United States Couple with arms around each other looking out at the Grand Canyon in Arizona, United States

    Exploring the great outdoors of the U.S.

    The vastness and geographical diversity of the U.S. is part of its appeal for many expats. We explore the beautiful sights the country has to offer.

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