Considering moving to New York and becoming one of the many expats might be different now that the Covid 19 changed a lot of things. How much money do you need to move out in NYC, what kind of visa you should apply for, where you should live – we have all the answers. Check out our guide and find out everything you need to know about moving to New York City from another country.
The most populated city in the US was largely affected by Corona. Luckily, the recovery has started. Some restrictions are withdrawn, and life is slowly returning to normal. Many people have left this metropolis because of the high cost of living, so the timing for moving to NYC and looking for an apartment might be better than ever. Still, your transition to this place is still something you should prepare for and get as much information as you can before traveling abroad during Covid-19 and relocating across the world.
Moving to New York from Another Country – What Will You Need?
This is one of the most important things to know when it comes to learning how to move to another country. Many people from all around the world are attracted to NYC and what it has to offer. No matter if you’re interested in coming because of great job offers, or excellent educational opportunities, or the art scene, the Big Apple stays inviting for thousands of people each year. To come and live here, you will need a visa. First, contact the American Embassy in your state to see which documents needed to travel abroad are required. You can immigrate to the US to become a permanent resident, or to stay for a limited time. You will also have to state your purpose for a visit.
There Are Non-Immigrant and Immigrant Visa Categories When Moving to New York
The first thing about learning how to move to New York is to figure out all of the legal stuff. If you’re planning to stay for a while and not permanently leave your home state, you should apply for a non-immigrant visa. Once you come to the embassy, a consular officer will decide whether you’re eligible for the visa or not. This is where your purpose of visit plays a crucial role. For example, you can apply for B-1 for business purposes or F-1 if you’re coming to study.
On the other hand, getting a green card means that you want to move permanently and that you’re interested in obtaining citizenship. The annual number of green cards is limited and it’s impacted by your country of origin, and so is the waiting period. There are a lot of categories of visas depending on your reason for coming. Watch the video guide below to fully understand how to immigrate to the US.
Is it Expensive to Live in NY?
Money is one of the biggest issues that might even lead you to ask yourself “should I move to New York.” The Big Apple is always in the top five most expensive places in the nation, and deciding to come and reside here is almost in line with relocating to Hawaii, which is the most expensive state to reside in the US. If you wish to know how to live in another country, you have to learn all there is about the costs you’re about to have, and the Big Apple has a bad reputation when it comes to expensiveness.
How Much Money Should I Save Before Moving to NYC?
You should bring all of the money you have, including the savings, but what is the exact figure? According to Numbeo, the average rent in NYC costs around $3,100 for a one-bedroom apartment in the center and $2,000 for the same-sized place outside the center. That means that you should have at least three times that money in your pocket. In case you’re relocating with kids and you’re looking for a bigger place, you can find a three-bedroom apartment for $6,300 in the center and $3,500 a bit further.
You will have to leave a deposit and have at least one rent worth of savings with you. Still, the pandemic has made things easier for those coming to rent or buy properties, and they should definitely take advantage of the lower prices in the fancy parts like Manhattan. The rents now are the lowest they’ve been for years.
What Salary Do You Need to Live in New York City?
The average salary in the Big Apple is around $6,100 after taxes, which is more than enough to cover all of your monthly expenses. Half of it will go on the rent for your home, while the food takes up at least 25% of your income. The basic utilities cost around $160 for a 915 square feet apartment, and transportation here isn’t expensive for this salary – you will pay $130 for a monthly pass in public transit.
The Big Apple Is Known for Plentiful Job Opportunities
Now that you know what a good salary is, you can set your expectations when it comes to job offers. It’s very important to try to get employment before moving overseas. Start networking ASAP, research the job market to see what’s in demand, and apply for jobs that you’re good at or that are in your work field. If you’re relocating for a job, prepare your relocation questions to ask the employer. You probably won’t have a problem finding something to do for a living, but it can be challenging to get your dream job because of the huge competition. In case you don’t have a job lined up, come with enough money for a couple of months so that you can search for employment without pressure. Craigslist and Indeed are good websites to start the search.
Where Should You Reside After Moving Internationally to NYC?
The Big Apple is divided into five boroughs, and each one has a specific vibe and charm. If you’re planning on relocating to another country for love or you’re willing to share a place with a roommate, you can afford to rent in one of the more expensive parts such as Manhattan. However, there are many other beautiful neighborhoods and areas here. For a first-time visitor, it’s best to find a place in Midtown. The US is one of the best places to live abroad with family, so if you’re coming with your kids, you will find a nice apartment on the Upper West Side. The West Village and Chelsea can be a good fit for different ages and types of people.
Rent an Apartment or Buy Real Estate in an Area That Suits You Best
Whichever area you choose, make sure you have some non-negotiables. For example, how far will you be from your workplace, where’s the nearest laundromat or a grocery store. This will save you from relocating around the city year after year. Unfortunately, with the Covid measures still in place, you can’t get the right feel of what a neighborhood is like since there’s no nightlife right now, and a lot of places are working with only half of their capacity. It’s best that you talk to a New Yorker who didn’t have to do any adjusting to a new country and has been living here for longer than two years. This person will know how things are around the Big Apple, and it will help you single out the areas you like and pick the perfect one.
Things to Do Have Changed, but It’s Still Not Boring
Because of the restrictions, the usual vibe of The Big Apple isn’t exactly the same anymore. However, you can still visit many places that work with limited capacity. You can go to the museums, restaurants, Bronx Zoo and visit other attractions. If the weather is nice, there won’t be anything stopping you from getting a cup of coffee and spending the day outside, walking the streets, or sitting in a park. NYC has changed because of the pandemic, but it’s still the same melting pot as it used to be.
This place is so diverse that you won’t have to worry about finding expat communities with people from your country – it most certainly exists. If there’s a need for breaking the language barrier, make sure you learn all the tips for learning a new language to adapt faster. After all, there are more than eight hundred languages spoken in this metropolis.
Dining options are still incredible since this is one of the finest locations for trying specialties from all over the world, and it’s one of the best vegan cities. The Big Apple is also a top destination for high-end shopping, so if you’re a shopaholic, you’d be happy to know that the stores are open as well.
What Are the Costs of Hiring an International Moving Company?
Is your answer to the question “should I move to NYC” after reading this article yes? Then it’s time to learn how to keep in touch with friends, find a reputable overseas moving company, and start saving money for the expenses of moving abroad. International relocating isn’t simple nor cheap, and there’s a lot of relocation stress, so you have to prepare your budget for it and do it on time. The cost of your relocation will depend on the fact where you are relocating from and how many items are you carrying with you.
Hire a Professional Company for Shipping Overseas
It’s important to find an overseas shipping company that offers all kinds of services you require, and that’s also experienced in what they do. For example, if you’re shipping a car overseas, you’ll want a company that can provide you with overseas vehicle shipping. Sunset international shipping has all the services you might want, from international moving by sea and international moving by air to oversized freight and custom crating. Once you decide what to pack when moving abroad, professional New York City international movers can provide you with packing services by using their high-end boxes and moving supplies. Just make sure you hire a company that can provide you with a guaranteed price so that you can plan your relocation budget without having any unpleasant surprises and expenses.
