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The USA at a Glance

USA: Visa Applications and Housing

Different types of housing are widely available in the US.

Visa Application Process

The initial steps are often taken by the applicant´s employer. Depending on the visa category, employers might need to obtain an approved Labor Certification from the US Department of Labor. In most cases, they also have to file a petition on behalf of the applicant with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Immigrant visas are then processed by the National Visa Center. Applicants for non-immigrant visas need the receipt number printed on their approved Form I-129 petition to arrange a personal interview at their nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Certain documents are required for the interview: a valid passport, one 2x2 photograph, and a completed Form DS-160 (Online Non-Immigrant Visa Application).

Most visa categories contain parallel visas for family members, which the latter must apply for separately if they want to work in the United States. As opposed to other English-speaking countries, proficiency in English is not a formal requirement to obtain a US visa. Actually, English has never been made the official language of the United States of America.

Housing

There is no shortage of housing in the US. Types of accommodation include detached and town houses in smaller towns or suburban areas as well as apartments or condominiums in inner city areas.

Some apartment buildings are co-ops, i.e. the owners are shareholders in a company which owns the building and the grounds. In condominiums, on the other hand, the space within a unit is purchased without any shares in the building or the grounds. Many expats prefer to buy rather than rent if they are planning to stay in the country for several years.

In certain areas, it is always possible to resell property at a profit if it hasn´t been lived in for more than two years. Buying property in the US is quite straightforward, even for foreign nationals. It is, however, highly recommended to enlist the services of an attorney.

Short-term lets are the only kind of accommodation not widely available. In bigger cities, there might be bedsits and apartments available for short-term let, but very often the best option is to stay in a hotel which offers “residential suites”.

Looking for Housing

The best source when looking for US accommodation is the Internet. Sites like the Multiple Listing Service and the National Association of Realtors offer a nationwide property and real-estate agent search tool plus other useful information.

A good real estate agent should be able to provide detailed information, not only on the property itself but also on the neighborhood, local schools, and the residential community. Other, more traditional listing services include the local newspapers or employee magazines, which some big companies publish for their staff.