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Consular Moving Arrangements
Consular Moving Arrangements

Read this if you are moving from overseas with a visa!

Corrie McKee avatar
Written by Corrie McKee
Updated over a week ago

If you are a Consular Processing client (moving from overseas), you will have some major changes to make before you arrive in the US and start working.

Do not make any major arrangements until you receive visa in hand.

Once you receive your visa approval, a Client Services Specialist will be in touch to provide a Checklist for your transition to working in the US.

Here are some items to consider before you move to the US. These items will not be on your Client Services Checklist, and you will be solely responsible for them. Not all of these items will apply to you, but we hope some of these will be helpful.

  • Decide on a timeline: BDV requires Consular clients to arrive in the US within 2 months of work authorization. It is best for everyone in your family to arrive at the same time in order to receive the Green Cards together, and for you (the primary BDV applicant) to directly continue the journey towards work. However, if other family members need to return to your home country to finish school, business, etc., they can do so on their own and join you later.
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  • Cost of Living: check this article for average food costs, rent rates, mortgage costs, and utility expenses in the area you are moving to.
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  • Start saving:  If you haven’t already, start setting aside extra funds for your move and year of work. While you work for your sponsor, you will need extra money to pay your bills.  Former Consular clients have recommended having $10,000 per family member saved up to last the whole year. For example, a family of 3 would arrive with $30,000 to provide for 1 year (not counting the EB3 job salary).
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  • Downsize: start selling or giving away items you do not want to take with you. Arrange the sale of any vehicles or homes.
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  • Consider health insurance: your sponsor may offer it, or you may decide to go another route. You may also want to buy travel insurance.
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  • Medication: Stock up on prescriptions and get doctor’s appointments before you move. You may not be able to access medical care or prescriptions when you first move so it’s always best to have enough to tide you over. 
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  • Research international moving companies: if you plan to move more than just a suitcase (furniture, etc.), you may want to use a relocation company to help with logistics.
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  • Unlock your mobile phone: Make sure your phone is unlocked and can accept a new SIM card when you arrive in the US.
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  • Make arrangements for your pets, if needed.

Gather your documents

  • Birth and marriage certificates (these may already be in your visa packet. See #7 on this list)

  • CV and professional portfolios

  • Passport with visa

  • Medical and immunization records

  • School records and diplomas

  • Insurance policies and legal documents

  • Driver’s license – we recommend you obtain this before moving to the US

  • Financial records and bank statements

  • Retirement records

  • Paperwork for pets, if needed (immunization records, health certificates)

Important: make sure you read the Visa Packet article and Green Card Fee article before you make your travel plans.

Notify important people in your home country before you move

  • Postal service

  • Bank and credit card companies

  • Phone company

  • Utilities companies (gas, water, Wifi etc.)

  • Your employer

  • Insurance providers

  • Tax agencies

  • Landlord/realtor

  • Friends and family

 

At your arrival

  • Provide your travel packet and visa at the entrance to the agent with Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

  • Provide a real and current address to CBP if they ask (this will be the address where the government sends your documents). This should not be a hotel or your sponsor’s address. It could be:

    • A family member’s house where you will temporarily stay.

    • BDV’s address: 631 South Main St., Ste. 300, Greenville, SC 29601.

  • Consider renting a car at the airport the day of your arrival, as using Uber or taxis is expensive, and you will need transportation before you buy your own car.  

  • Contact your Client Services Specialist at BDV and complete the items on your Checklist.

  • BDV requires our Consular clients to start working within 2 months of arrival to the US.

 

 

 

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