Immigration & Visa Basics for Non‑Citizens: A Practical Guide for Moving to the U.S.

Moving to a new country is a major life decision, and when that country is the United States, immigration and visa rules quickly become just as important as packing boxes and booking flights. For non‑citizens, understanding the basics—what type of visa you need, how long you can stay, whether you can work or study, and how to plan your move around immigration timelines—can make the difference between a smooth transition and months of stress and delays.

This guide breaks down the essentials of U.S. immigration and visa basics for non‑citizens in clear, practical language. You’ll learn about the main visa categories, how they connect to your relocation plans, what documents to prepare, and how to coordinate your legal status with the physical move of your belongings and your life.

Key Terms Every Non‑Citizen Should Know

Before diving into visa options, it helps to understand some common terms used in U.S. immigration:

• Non‑immigrant: A person coming to the U.S. temporarily (for tourism, study, business, temporary work, etc.). Non‑immigrant visas usually have a clear end date.
• Immigrant: A person coming to live in the U.S. permanently. Immigrants often enter with an immigrant visa and later receive a Green Card (lawful permanent residence).
• Visa: A document placed in your passport by a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad that allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission. It is not a guarantee of entry.
• Status: Your legal classification inside the U.S. (for example, B‑2 tourist, F‑1 student, H‑1B worker). Status is granted by U.S. immigration officers when you enter the country or when it’s changed/extended inside the U.S.
• Green Card: Informal name for the Permanent Resident Card. It proves your right to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely as a lawful permanent resident.
• USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency that handles many immigration applications inside the United States.
• Consulate/Embassy: U.S. diplomatic offices abroad (Department of State) where you attend visa interviews and apply for visas before entering the U.S.
• Overstay: Remaining in the U.S. beyond the authorized date shown on your I‑94 record, not the visa stamp. Overstays can cause serious consequences.

Major Visa Categories: Non‑Immigrant vs. Immigrant

U.S. visas fall into two big categories: non‑immigrant visas for temporary stays and immigrant visas for permanent residence. Understanding which path fits your situation is the first major step.

Non‑Immigrant Visas (Temporary Stay)

These visas are for people who intend to come to the U.S. temporarily and then return home. Common reasons include tourism, business visits, study, exchange programs, and short- or medium-term work assignments.

Non‑Immigrant Visa Type	Typical Purpose	Work Allowed?	Typical Initial Stay
B‑1/B‑2	Tourism, family visit, short business meetings	No (limited exceptions for B‑1 business)	Up to 6 months
F‑1	Academic study at accredited schools	Limited on-campus; certain off-campus with authorization	For duration of the program + grace period
J‑1	Exchange programs, research, training, au pair	Yes, if program allows	Program duration
H‑1B	Specialty occupation professional work	Yes, for sponsoring employer	Up to 3 years, typically renewable to 6
L‑1	Intracompany transferees (manager, executive, specialized knowledge)	Yes, for sponsoring employer	1–3 years initial, with extensions
O‑1	Individuals with extraordinary ability (arts, sciences, business, sports)	Yes, for sponsoring employer/agent	Up to 3 years initial
TN	Professional workers from Canada and Mexico (USMCA)	Yes, for specific profession/employer	Up to 3 years, renewable

Immigrant Visas (Permanent Residence)

Immigrant visas are for those who plan to live in the U.S. permanently. After entering the U.S. on an immigrant visa, you typically receive a Green Card.

Immigrant Category	Typical Basis	Who Commonly Uses It
Family‑based	Close relationship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident	Spouses, children, parents, siblings
Employment‑based	Job offer, extraordinary ability, investment, or special skills	Professionals, executives, researchers, investors
Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery	Random selection from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S.	Applicants from eligible countries meeting education/work requirements
Humanitarian	Refugee, asylee, special categories (e.g., certain crime victims)	Those needing protection or special relief

Choosing the Right Visa for Your Situation

Your long‑term plans and immediate goals determine which visa makes sense. Here’s how to think it through in practical terms.

1. Moving for Tourism or Short‑Term Visits (B‑1/B‑2)

If you’re visiting the U.S. briefly to see family, attend a conference, receive medical treatment, or explore cities before deciding on a longer move later, the B‑1/B‑2 visitor visa (or Visa Waiver Program for certain nationalities) may be appropriate.

• Do: Prepare evidence of ties to your home country (job, property, family) to show that you will return.
• Don’t: Work in the U.S. or enroll in a full‑time academic program on this visa.
• Relocation note: This type of stay is temporary; avoid shipping your entire household. Consider short‑term luggage and storage instead of a full relocation.

2. Moving to Study (F‑1 and J‑1)

For non‑citizens whose primary goal is education or an exchange program, student and exchange visas allow you to live in the U.S. while enrolled in a program.

• F‑1 visa: For full‑time academic study at U.S. universities, colleges, high schools, and certain language schools.
• J‑1 visa: For cultural and educational exchange programs—au pairs, scholars, interns, trainees, researchers, and some students.

Key points to consider:

• You generally must show you can pay for your studies and living expenses.
• Work is limited but sometimes allowed (on‑campus for F‑1, or as defined by the J‑1 program).
• After studies, some students can work temporarily in their field (OPT for F‑1, or Academic Training for J‑1).
• Plan housing and essentials first; consider shipping only essential belongings and important items rather than a full household move at the start.

3. Moving to Work Temporarily (H‑1B, L‑1, O‑1, TN, Others)

If you have a job offer or transfer with a company that has a U.S. branch, you may qualify for a temporary work visa. These often allow you to bring certain family members and can be a practical way to live in the U.S. for several years.

• H‑1B: For professional positions usually requiring at least a bachelor’s degree.
• L‑1: For employees of multinational companies transferring to a U.S. branch.
• O‑1: For those with extraordinary abilities (arts, sciences, business, education, athletics).
• TN: For certain professionals who are citizens of Canada or Mexico.

What this means for your move:

• These visas often support a more complete relocation—family, personal belongings, and long‑term housing.
• Start visa processes early, as work visas can have strict quotas and fixed filing windows (especially H‑1B).
• Coordinate your visa approval and start date with your moving company so your goods arrive when you are legally allowed to start living and working in the U.S.

4. Moving Permanently with Family (Family‑Based Immigration)

Many non‑citizens move to the U.S. through family connections, especially spouses, parents, and children of U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (such as spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of adult U.S. citizens) often have faster paths and are not subject to yearly visa caps. Other family categories (siblings, adult children, spouses of permanent residents) may face longer waiting times because of annual visa limits.

Planning your relocation:

• Timelines can vary from months to many years depending on your category and country.
• Wait until your immigrant visa or Green Card is close to approval before arranging a full household move.
• Consider a staged move: first travel with essentials, then ship furniture and bulk belongings once your long‑term status is secure.

5. Permanent Residency through Work or Other Paths

Some non‑citizens qualify for permanent residence through employment, investment, or special categories:

• Employment‑based Green Cards (EB‑1, EB‑2, EB‑3, etc.): Often require a sponsoring employer, labor certification, or evidence of extraordinary ability.
• Investors (EB‑5): Significant investment in a U.S. business that creates jobs.
• Diversity Visa Lottery: Random selection program for eligible countries with low U.S. immigration rates.

Because these options often take time, non‑citizens may first come on a temporary non‑immigrant visa and later adjust their status to permanent resident.

Step‑by‑Step: Typical U.S. Visa Application Process

While details differ by visa category and country, most non‑immigrant visa processes follow a similar pattern. Always check official government instructions for your specific situation, but this overview can help you plan your move timeline.

Step 1: Determine Your Purpose and Visa Type

Ask yourself:

• Am I moving for tourism, study, work, family reunification, or something else?
• Is this temporary (months/years) or permanent?
• Do I already have a school admission letter, job offer, or sponsoring family member?

Based on these answers, identify the visa category that fits best, and verify eligibility requirements on the official U.S. Department of State and USCIS websites.

Step 2: Collect Required Documents

Common documents include:

• Valid passport (usually valid at least six months beyond your intended stay)
• Completed visa application forms (such as DS‑160 for many non‑immigrant visas)
• Visa fee payment receipt
• Photo that meets U.S. visa requirements
• Evidence of purpose (admission letter, job offer, program details, or family petition approval)
• Proof of financial means (bank statements, sponsorship letters, scholarships)
• Evidence of ties to home country (for temporary visas)

Step 3: Schedule and Attend Your Visa Interview

You’ll schedule your visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country (or a country where you are legally present). Waiting times for interviews vary widely, so check early and build this into your relocation plan.

At the interview:

• Be honest and consistent with the information on your form.
• Explain your plans clearly: where you’ll live, what you’ll do, and how you’ll support yourself.
• Bring organized supporting documents; consular officers often decide quickly.

Step 4: Visa Issuance and Travel Planning

If approved, your passport will be returned with a visa stamp. Now you can plan travel—but note:

• The visa expiration date is not the same as the length of time you can stay; your stay is determined at the border by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
• Book flights and coordinate moving services so that your arrival aligns with your authorized start dates (school term, work start, program dates, etc.).
• Carry important documents in your hand luggage: immigration papers, school or work letters, housing confirmations, and any customs forms.

Step 5: Arrival and I‑94 Record

When you arrive in the U.S., a CBP officer reviews your documents and may ask additional questions. If admitted, you receive an electronic I‑94 record (arrival/departure record), which shows:

• Your immigration status (e.g., F‑1, H‑1B, B‑2)
• The date you entered
• The “admit until” date or “D/S” (duration of status for some categories)

This I‑94 date is what governs your legal stay in the U.S.—not the visa stamp in your passport.

Coordinating Immigration Status with Your Physical Move

Legal status and relocation logistics go hand in hand. The smartest non‑citizens plan visas and moving steps together to avoid costly surprises.

When to Ship Your Belongings

Consider this general rule of thumb:

• Temporary stay (students, short‑term workers, visitors): Travel light. Bring essentials, seasonal clothing, important documents, and personal items. You can purchase furniture and bulky items once you arrive or use furnished housing.
• Multi‑year stay with family (H‑1B, L‑1, etc.): It often makes sense to arrange a more complete household move after your visa is approved and you know your start date and location.
• Permanently immigrating (family or employment‑based Green Card): Plan a full international move, including customs paperwork and timing around your immigrant visa validity period.

Customs Considerations for Non‑Citizens

When you bring household goods into the U.S., you must comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection rules. These can include restrictions on certain foods, plants, animal products, and high‑value items. Proper labeling and documentation reduce the risk of delays or extra inspections.

Working with experienced movers who understand customs forms and international shipments can save you time and frustration. As you explore your options for relocating your belongings, it’s wise to consult professionals who understand both long‑distance and cross‑border moves. For reliable, friendly help planning the physical side of your move to the U.S., you can contact United Local Movers for guidance and a detailed moving quote.

Working, Studying, and Living Legally in the U.S.

Once you have the right visa and have entered the U.S., it’s essential to understand what you can and cannot do under your specific status.

Work Authorization Basics

Whether you can work, how much, and for whom depends on your visa:

Status	Work Rules
B‑1/B‑2	No employment allowed; some limited business activities for B‑1
F‑1 Student	On‑campus usually up to 20 hours/week during term; off‑campus only with specific authorization (CPT/OPT)
J‑1 Exchange	Work only as permitted by the exchange program
H‑1B, L‑1, O‑1, TN	Work only for sponsoring employer and in the approved role
Green Card holder	Free to work for almost any U.S. employer or be self‑employed

Unauthorized employment—working in a way not allowed by your status—can have serious consequences for your immigration record and future applications.

Studying and Changing Status

Some non‑citizens start in one status and later change it. For example:

• A B‑2 visitor deciding to enroll in a degree program may need to change to F‑1 status before starting classes.
• A student finishing a degree might find an employer willing to sponsor an H‑1B work visa.

Each change of status has specific rules and timelines. Filing late or starting a new activity (like work or full‑time study) before approval can put your status at risk. Always keep track of your current status and end dates and plan well ahead.

Common Mistakes Non‑Citizens Make—and How to Avoid Them

Understanding immigration basics helps you avoid common errors that can cause long‑term problems.

1. Confusing Visa Expiration with Authorized Stay

Many visitors assume they can stay in the U.S. as long as their visa is valid. In reality, your stay is controlled by your I‑94 record and status, not the visa sticker. You can legally remain in the U.S. beyond the visa expiration date if your I‑94 and status are still valid, and you don’t leave and re‑enter.

2. Overstaying or Falling Out of Status

Overstays (staying beyond the date on your I‑94) and status violations (for example, working without authorization or dropping out of school as an F‑1) can lead to:

• Difficulty renewing visas or entering the U.S. in the future
• Bars on reentry for serious or long overstays
• Denial of future immigration benefits

Track your dates carefully, keep copies of all official records, and speak with a qualified immigration professional if problems arise.

3. Not Aligning Lease, Job, and Moving Dates with Visa Timing

Some non‑citizens sign leases or ship their belongings before their visa is issued—and then face delays or denials.

• Try to make housing and shipping arrangements flexible or refundable until your visa is approved.
• Use temporary or short‑term accommodation at first if your long‑term status is still uncertain.
• Coordinate with moving companies that understand that dates may shift due to visa processing.

4. Bringing Prohibited Items in Shipments

International shipments are subject to customs and agricultural rules. Certain foods, plants, cultural items, or restricted goods can lead to fines or seizure.

• Ask your mover for a list of restricted and prohibited items.
• Declare items honestly on customs forms.
• When in doubt, leave it out or buy it after you arrive.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Immigration‑Linked Relocation

Once you’ve chosen your visa and understand the legal basics, you can focus on making your move as smooth and low‑stress as possible.

Organizing Your Documents

Before moving, prepare a dedicated folder or digital file with:

• Passport and visa copies
• I‑20, DS‑2019, or approval notice (for students and workers)
• Job offer, admission letter, or family petition approval
• Birth and marriage certificates (translated, if needed)
• Medical records and vaccination history
• Lease, hotel booking, or proof of housing

Carry originals and key copies in your hand luggage, not in checked bags or shipments.

Budgeting for the Move

For many non‑citizens, immigration and moving costs add up quickly. Budget for:

• Visa and application fees
• Travel (flights, local transportation)
• Initial housing deposits and utilities
• School fees or exam costs
• Moving company and shipping costs
• Emergency funds for unexpected delays

Choosing a Moving Company

A dependable moving partner can reduce stress so you can focus on immigration formalities and settling into a new culture. When researching movers:

• Look for experience with long‑distance and international moves.
• Ask if they help with inventory lists and customs paperwork.
• Compare quotes, insurance options, and delivery time estimates.
• Check reviews from other international clients and non‑citizens.

If you want guidance from professionals who understand complex moves and can coordinate with your immigration timeline, consider reaching out to United Local Movers for personalized support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration & Visas for Non‑Citizens

Below are short, practical answers to some of the questions non‑citizens often ask when planning a move.

Can I enter the U.S. as a tourist and then switch to a work visa?

Sometimes, but not always. You must maintain valid status and cannot begin work until the work visa is fully approved. Also, entering on a visitor visa with the hidden intention to work can raise serious issues. If your goal is to work, your best path is usually to secure the right work visa before traveling.

How far in advance should I start my visa application before moving?

This depends on the category and local processing times, but many people start 3–12 months in advance. Some categories like H‑1B have fixed annual application windows, while family and employment‑based permanent visas can take much longer.

Can my family come with me?

Many visa types allow spouses and unmarried minor children to accompany or follow to join the main applicant:

• F‑1 students: F‑2 dependents
• H‑1B workers: H‑4 dependents
• L‑1 transferees: L‑2 dependents

Each dependent must apply for their own visa, and their ability to work or study may be limited depending on their status.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for a visa?

Not always, but legal advice is often helpful for more complex cases (employment‑based, family petitions, prior violations, or inadmissibility issues). For straightforward visitor, student, or some work visas, many people apply on their own by carefully following official instructions.

Can I move my belongings before my visa is approved?

It’s technically possible to ship goods ahead of time, but risky. If your visa is delayed or denied, your items could be stuck in storage or customs, leading to extra costs. Many non‑citizens wait for visa approval before scheduling shipping or use flexible arrangements with their moving company.

Bringing It All Together: Legal Status and a Well‑Planned Move

Relocating to the United States as a non‑citizen involves more than just getting a stamp in your passport. You’re balancing multiple moving parts: choosing the correct visa category, preparing for interviews, understanding the rules that come with your status, and then organizing the physical move of your life, belongings, and family.

When you understand immigration and visa basics, you can build a realistic timeline, avoid costly mistakes, and reduce stress during a major transition. Combine that legal knowledge with careful planning, a clear budget, and support from experienced movers, and you give yourself the best chance of a smooth, successful start to your new life in the U.S.

As you move from research to action—whether you’re coming as a student, professional, or new permanent resident—take the time to choose trusted partners. For the logistics side of your relocation, from careful packing to timely delivery, United Local Movers is ready to help you make your move as safe and seamless as possible.