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relocation information

  TIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS

We believe that knowledge is power and that preparation is the best assurance of success in any personal or business venture. That is why we would like to advise all our international transferees to do an extensive research on their future location before leaving their native country. It is always best to familiarize yourself with the intricacies of the relocation process and expect what might go wrong. This way you will always stand ready to handle any unpleasant incidents and work-related issues.

Here are just a few things you should keep in mind and be prepared to address upon arrival:

• You might need the services of an immigration lawyer, who is familiar with federal law to assist you with any paperwork questions or concerns. We also recommend that you secure the help of a highly skilled accountant to find out the tax implications of purchasing a home in the United States. Regardless of whether you buy or rent, you will also have to learn how to properly account for your foreign and locally earned income and expenses. Tax regulations are very complex and vary for transferees from different countries.

• You will need to secure a Social Security Number in order to be able to begin work in this country. Just visit our local Social Security office and fill out a short application. Be prepared to show all your work authorization documents, entry visa, international passport, a letter from your employer stating your status with the company, etc. The more documentation you present, the smoother and faster the application process will be.

• Research the available transportation options at your future location. Subway and bus lines are usually available only in big metropolitan cities. Also, bike routes are common on university campuses, but they are not the chosen method of transportation on the huge American highways! So start saving money for a new vehicle and be prepared to make the monthly payments.

• Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain a driver’s license. Be sure to bring your international driver’s license, which will allow you to operate a motor vehicle while you are still preparing to take the driver’s test at your new location.

• Make sure that you find out the immunization requirements of local schools and universities. Your children will not be able to register for classes if they do not have all the necessary vaccinations. It is always easier, and usually cheaper, to handle those issues in your own country.

• Contact a local bank and open an account. We advise our clients to wire their funds internationally through a bank transfer, rather than use traveler’s checks, which can be easily misplaced or lost during the trip. Please speak with an experienced financial advisor at a local bank to familiarize yourself with all the options available to you.

• If you are interested in purchasing a home here, you will need to present documentation to prove your financial and personal credibility. It is always a good idea to secure as much financial information from your native country as possible. A good tracking record from a reputable source will go a long way in pre-qualifying you for a loan. We recommend that you obtain a statement of income from your foreign and current employer, previous bank statements, and financial records of mortgage and credit card payments. You can always apply for mortgage assistance at our onsite mortgage company, which offers competitive interest rates and preferential treatment to our clients. To learn more about this service, please click here.
relocation information
content by Mariana Natcheva & website by Christina Riddle   
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