Tips for Moving to the US as a Parent

Prepare Children for Moving to the US

Many children will be unsettled by such a major life change and therefore it is important to take steps to prepare them for relocating to a new country, enrolling at a new school, and making new friends.

It is important to involve them in conversations about the move to help them be prepared and understand what is going to happen. This can reduce some of their anxiety and help them know what to expect once they arrive in the US.

Use photographs and Google Maps to show them what their new home will look like and what facilities, such as parks and shops, are in the local area. Talk about ways to decorate their new bedroom and plan some exciting day trips for the first few weeks following your arrival.

They are likely to be worried about losing touch with their current friends so explain how the use of technology can help them keep in contact, while also stressing they will have lots of opportunities to make new friends as well.

Navigating the US School and Healthcare Systems

For those with school-age children, deciding where they are going to start their US education and enrolling them is a key step.  

The US educational stages may be different from your child’s current school. In the US, elementary school starts at age 5 and continues until age 11, while junior high school runs from 11 to 15 and senior high is from 15 up to 18.  

Children can attend a public school for free, although you may need to provide payment for equipment such as books. Entrance is largely based on location, so if your child opts to go to the local public school then they will most likely attend the same one as their new neighbours.

Talk to your child about their new school and encourage them to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities as this could help them make new friends and lessen the impact of the transition.

Parents can also use their child’s school to make new friends. Most US schools have very active Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and that can be a great way to meet local mums and dads as well as get involved with running fundraising events.

Any families moving to the US must ensure they have adequate healthcare in place for everyone in the household. Medical treatment can be costly and this can be a shock if moving from a country that has a free-at-point-of-use healthcare system.

Your US-based employer may provide a healthcare plan, and you may need to top up the monthly payments to cover the rest of your family. If you are planning to add to your family while in the US, then insurance is a must with the cost of having a baby without a valid policy being around $20,000 for a straightforward delivery.

Expect Cultural Differences

Moving to a new country is going to present a number of challenges and it can be difficult to know exactly what differences you and your family are going to struggle with.

Therefore, it helps to plan ahead as much as possible to minimise confusion when you arrive in the US and lessen the chances of making last-minute decisions you later regret.

While the US may be familiar via television programmes and movies, the reality can be different so you may want to consider reaching out to expats already based in the area you are relocating to. There are lots of online forums that can offer advice. If you are moving for work purposes, your employer’s HR department may also be able to give support in relocating.

Once in the US, join local parenting groups or visit your local community centre to find out more about meeting families in a similar situation. Embracing your new life rather than comparing to your previous home country will help for a more all-round positive experience

Confused About US Visa Options for Your Family?

With decisions about schools and looking for new homes, it can be easy to overlook the legal aspects of moving to the US. The US immigration system is well known for being complicated and many visas are rejected or refused each year.

Therefore, it is vital to ensure you do apply for the correct visa and submit the appropriate paperwork otherwise you could risk being separated from loved ones if not all of your family’s visas are approved.

There are a number of visas that may be suitable for parents looking to relocate with their children depending on your own circumstances and the reasons for moving to the US. .

If you are relocating for work purposes then you can bring with your partner and any unmarried children under the age of 21. They will need apply for one of the dependent visas that are relevant to the category of visa that you will use to live and work in the US.

The main dependent visas for overseas workers in the US are:

• H4 Visa – for dependents of H1B, H2B and H3 visa holders
• 03 Visa – for dependent of 01 visa holders
• L2 Visa – for dependents of L1 visa holders

If you or your partner are already a legal US citizen then your children may qualify via a US Family-based immigrant visa.

For further information on which US visa is the most suitable for you and family members get in touch with the IAS team for the latest advice

How Help Relocating to the US?

Are you considering moving to the US and need help in deciding which visa route is the most suitable for you? Are you looking to ensure you have applied for the correct US child visa?

We offer tailored 1-2-1 advice sessions with US immigration experts as well as support in making an application for a US visa and document-checking services. Reach out to our expert team for personalised advice on +1 844 290 6312 or use our live chat to find out how we can help your family start a new life in the US.