This guide shows you how to relocate to New York City from another country, step by step.
How to move to New York. Photo: 123nyc.org / Raman Shaunia

How to move to New York? Moving to New York City from another country is one of the most exciting — and most logistically demanding — things you can do. There is no city quite like it. The skyline will take your breath away. The subway will frustrate you. The food will make you forget everywhere else you’ve ever lived. And the sheer density of ambition, culture, and noise will either electrify you or exhaust you, sometimes within the same afternoon.

How to move to New York

This guide walks you through the entire process: what to do before you arrive, what to sort out in your first month, what to learn in your first year, and what comes after you’ve settled in. It is written for people relocating from outside the United States, though much of it applies to anyone making the leap.

Before You Move

Save Money

Moving to New York is expensive. It is, depending on the month and the neighbourhood, one of the most expensive cities on earth. Before you book your flight, you need to be honest about the numbers.

Here is what you will need money for:

  • The security deposit and first month’s rent. Most landlords require first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a security deposit (usually one month’s rent) upfront. That means you may need to hand over 3 months’ worth of rent before you even spend a night in your apartment. On a $3,000/month apartment — modest by Manhattan standards — that is $9,000 before you have unpacked a single box.
  • Broker’s fees. New York has a well-established tradition of tenant-paid broker’s fees. Since 2024, regulations have shifted this somewhat, but you may still encounter fees in certain situations. Budget for it anyway.
  • Furniture and household setup. Unless you find a furnished apartment, you will need to buy a bed, a table, kitchen basics, and all the small things you didn’t realise you owned until you had to replace them.
  • Living expenses for two to three months. Getting your first American paycheck, setting up direct deposit, and navigating payroll can take time. Give yourself a cushion.
  • Health insurance. If your employer doesn’t provide it from day one, you will need to buy a plan out of pocket. Costs vary enormously.
  • Relocation costs. Flights, shipping boxes, temporary accommodation, and the miscellaneous expenses of uprooting your life. These add up faster than you expect.

A rough rule of thumb: arrive with at least $15,000–$20,000 in savings if you don’t yet have a job lined up. If you have a job offer in hand, $8,000–$12,000 gives you a reasonable buffer.

Sort Out Your Visa

This is the most important thing on this list. Everything else — the apartment, the job, the bank account — depends on having the right immigration status. The US immigration system is complex, slow, and frequently opaque, so start early.

Common visa routes for people moving to New York

  • H-1B (Specialty Occupation): The most common work visa for skilled professionals. Your employer sponsors you. There is a lottery, and the wait can be long — often years.
  • L-1 (Intracompany Transfer): If you already work for a multinational company and are being transferred to a US office, this is your visa. Faster than the H-1B.
  • O-1 (Extraordinary Ability): For people with exceptional achievements in their field — arts, science, business, sports, academia. More accessible than its name suggests, but requires substantial documentation.
  • EB-1 / EB-2 / EB-3 (Employment-Based Green Cards): These lead directly to permanent residence. Processing times range from months to decades depending on your nationality.
  • J-1 (Exchange Visitor): Common for researchers, interns, au pairs, and participants in cultural exchange programs.
  • E-2 (Treaty Investor): If you are from a treaty country and plan to invest in a business, this may apply.
  • F-1 (Student): If you are coming to study, this is your visa. After graduation, you can apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training), which lets you work for one to three years.

Whatever your route, hire an immigration attorney if you can afford one. Use uscis.gov as your primary official source for requirements and processing times.

Find a Job

New York is a city built on work. Finance, media, fashion, technology, healthcare, hospitality, law, the arts — if there is an industry, New York has a version of it. The city’s job market is large and, in most sectors, highly competitive.

Platforms to use

Networking matters enormously. New York runs on relationships. If you know people in the city — or people who know people — use those connections. Reach out. Grab coffee. Attend industry events. The city is less transactional than its reputation suggests; most people are willing to help.

Be upfront about your immigration status in applications. Many larger companies are accustomed to hiring internationally and willing to sponsor visas. Smaller companies and startups may hesitate.

Find a Place to Live

Finding an apartment in New York is a full-time job, a psychological test, and an extreme sport simultaneously. The rental market is extraordinarily competitive. Good apartments go within hours of listing.

Neighbourhoods by borough

  • Manhattan: The centre of gravity. Midtown is convenient but corporate. The Upper West and East Sides are residential and family-friendly. Downtown (West Village, Soho, Tribeca) is charming and expensive. Harlem and Washington Heights offer more affordability and cultural richness.
  • Brooklyn: Williamsburg and Greenpoint are young and creative. Park Slope is leafy and family-oriented. Bed-Stuy, Crown Heights, and Bushwick offer more space at lower rents. Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens are quieter and lovely.
  • Queens: Astoria is beloved by expats and exceptional for food. Long Island City is convenient for Midtown. Jackson Heights is one of the most diverse neighbourhoods in the world.
  • The Bronx: More affordable, with the cultural richness of Arthur Avenue and access to Van Cortlandt Park. Underrated by newcomers.

Read also: How to find an apartment in New York.

Where to search

  • StreetEasy — the primary platform for NYC rentals. Set up alerts and check obsessively.
  • Zillow and Apartments.com — useful secondary sources.
  • Facebook groups — NYC Housing and Gypsy Housing list direct-from-landlord apartments that bypass brokers.
  • Blueground and Furnished Finder — for furnished short-term rentals while you search for something permanent.

Beware of scams. They are rampant, especially for people searching from abroad. Never wire money for an apartment you haven’t seen in person. If a deal looks impossibly good, it is a scam.

Get Health Insurance

The American healthcare system is unlike anything in most of the world. It is expensive, complicated, and critically important to understand before you need it.

Your main options

  • Employer-sponsored insurance: Most medium and large employers in New York offer health insurance as part of the employment package. Enrol as soon as you start — there are usually strict windows.
  • NY State of Health: The state marketplace where you can buy insurance. If your income falls within certain ranges, you may qualify for subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.
  • Medicaid: Free or very low-cost insurance for people below certain income thresholds. New York has significantly expanded Medicaid eligibility.

Key terms to know: premium (monthly cost), deductible (what you pay before insurance kicks in), copay (fixed fee per visit), in-network vs out-of-network (whether a provider has negotiated rates with your insurer).

Do not go without health insurance in the US. A single emergency room visit can cost tens of thousands of dollars uninsured. This is not hyperbole.

Sort Out Your Finances

  • Open a Wise or Revolut account before you arrive to move money internationally at low rates. US banks have high international wire fees.
  • Credit history: The US uses its own credit scoring system (FICO), and your credit history from your home country means nothing here. You start from zero. This affects your ability to rent an apartment, get a phone contract, and eventually take out a loan.
  • Tax residency: Once you become a US resident or work on a US visa, you generally become subject to US taxes — even on income earned abroad. Speak to an accountant who specialises in international taxation before you move.

Your First Month in New York

Open a US Bank Account

You need a US bank account to receive paychecks, pay rent, and function in the American financial system. Open one as soon as possible after arriving.

What you will typically need

  • Passport and visa or immigration documents
  • A US address (even a temporary one works)
  • Social Security Number — though some banks will accept an ITIN instead

Expat-friendly options

  • Chase and Bank of America — the two largest banks, with branches everywhere. Generally accept new immigrants.
  • Citibank — particularly good track record with international customers and a global network that may link to your home country.
  • Credit unions like Municipal Credit Union — non-profit alternatives with lower fees and better customer service.
  • Chime — fully online, easier to open without extensive documentation, though lacks physical branches.

Get a Phone Plan

Before you arrive: Buy an international eSIM from Airalo or Holafly. You will have data as soon as you land — invaluable for navigating the airport and those first disorienting hours in the city.

After you arrive: The main US carriers are AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested heavily in urban coverage and is often the best value in New York. MVNOs like Mint Mobile and Visible offer substantial savings over standard store plans.

Getting a postpaid (contract) plan typically requires a Social Security Number and a credit check. Without those, go prepaid — the plans are often cheaper anyway.

Move Into Your Apartment

Once you have signed a lease and paid your deposits, there are several things to sort out immediately.

  • Read your lease carefully. Know your notice period (usually 30–60 days), what is allowed (subletting, pets, painting the walls), and who is responsible for repairs.
  • Get renters insurance. Many landlords require it; it is worth having regardless. It costs $15–$25/month. Lemonade is a popular, fast-signup option.
  • Set up your utilities. Con Edison handles electricity and gas for most of NYC. Set up an account at coned.com.
  • Learn the trash rules. New York has specific rules about when and how to put out rubbish. Since 2023, containerised bins on the sidewalk have replaced the old bag-piling system.
  • Put your name on the buzzer and mailbox. It sounds trivial. Do it anyway.

Get a Social Security Number

Your Social Security Number (SSN) is the most important identification number in the United States. You need it to work legally, open certain bank accounts, file taxes, build a credit history, and access many government services.

Apply at your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. Bring your passport, visa, and immigration documents. The card arrives in the mail within two to four weeks. If your visa does not authorise work, you may still get an ITIN through the IRS for tax purposes.

Set Up Utilities and Internet

  • Electricity and gas: Con Edison serves most of Manhattan, the Bronx, and parts of Brooklyn and Queens. National Grid handles gas in other areas.
  • Internet: Your main options are Optimum and Spectrum. Prices run $50–$90/month. Verizon Fios (fibre) is faster and more reliable where available — check if your address is covered.

Start Working

During your first weeks, your employer’s HR department will ask for:

  • Your Social Security Number
  • A completed I-9 form (employment eligibility verification) — you must show original documents
  • A completed W-4 form (federal tax withholding)
  • Banking details for direct deposit

Understand your pay stub. American paychecks are taxed at source. You will see deductions for federal income tax, New York State income tax (one of the highest in the country), New York City income tax (yes, a separate city tax), Social Security contributions, and Medicare. Use a calculator like SmartAsset to estimate your actual take-home pay.

Know your rights. New York State and NYC have strong labour protections. You are entitled to paid sick leave (up to 56 hours per year for most employees). The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection is a useful resource.

Get Around the City

  • The subway runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — the only major subway system in the world to do this. A single ride costs $2.90.
  • Citi Bike — NYC’s bike-share system. An annual membership is around $200 and worth it if you ride regularly. E-bike docks have expanded across the city.
  • Walking is often the fastest option in Manhattan for distances under a mile. Good shoes matter.
  • You do not need a car. Parking alone can cost $500/month. Use Uber, Lyft, or yellow cabs for occasional rides. Zipcar is a good option if you need a car for a day trip.
  • Citymapper is the best app for real-time transit navigation in New York.

Read also: How to use public transit in New York.

Your First Year in New York

Understand the US Tax System

American taxes are complicated, especially for immigrants. Here is the basic framework.

The three layers of income tax

  • Federal taxes — paid to the IRS. Progressive rates ranging from 10% to 37%.
  • New York State taxes — one of the highest in the country, topping out around 10.9% for high earners.
  • New York City taxes — an additional city income tax of up to ~3.9%, levied on top of state and federal tax.

Tax returns are filed annually, with a deadline of April 15. Employees file using a W-2 form sent by their employer. Freelancers and self-employed workers file using 1099 forms and must pay quarterly estimated taxes.

If you have overseas financial ties — foreign bank accounts, investments, property, or income — hire a CPA who specialises in international tax. The US FBAR and FATCA requirements are serious; non-compliance can result in enormous penalties.

Read also: New York income tax calculator.

Build a Credit History

Your FICO credit score will affect nearly every financial interaction you have in the US. Landlords check it. Banks use it. Car insurers use it. Starting from zero is a real disadvantage.

How to build credit quickly

  • Secured credit card: You deposit money as collateral and the card’s limit matches that deposit. Use it for small purchases and pay it off in full every month. Capital One and Discover both offer good secured cards for newcomers.
  • Credit-builder loans: Apps like Self offer small loans designed explicitly to build credit history.
  • Become an authorised user: Being added to a trusted friend or family member’s US credit card can help your score.
  • Nova Credit: Translates your credit history from certain countries (UK, Canada, Australia, India, and others) into a US-compatible score. Some landlords and card issuers accept it.

Pay every bill on time. A single missed payment can damage your score significantly. Set up autopay for everything.

Find a Doctor

You do not have a single assigned GP in the US. Instead, you choose doctors who are in-network for your health insurance plan.

  • Find a primary care physician (PCP) using your insurer’s online directory or ZocDoc. Do this while you are well — New York is short on PCPs and new patients are often not accepted when slots fill up.
  • CityMD urgent care clinics are excellent for non-emergency issues (sinus infections, minor injuries) without the chaos of an emergency room. There are locations across all five boroughs.
  • Major hospitals: NYU Langone, Mount Sinai, NewYork-Presbyterian, and Bellevue are all highly regarded.
  • Mental health: Therapy is normalised in New York. Open Path Collective offers sliding-scale fees for those concerned about cost.

Make Friends

Making friends as an adult in a new city is genuinely difficult. The first few months can be lonely. Give yourself time. Loneliness in the first months is normal, not a sign that you made a mistake.

How to meet people

  • Your workplace is the most natural entry point. New Yorkers are social after work; accept invitations.
  • Meetup.com — a huge range of interest-based groups: hiking, language exchange, board games, coding, book clubs, and more.
  • Recreational sports leagues — organisations like Zog Sports run adult leagues for soccer, softball, volleyball, and kickball. One of the fastest ways to build a social circle.
  • Volunteer work — New York has an extraordinary density of non-profits and community organisations. Volunteering connects you with people who share your values.
  • InterNations — a well-organised expat community with regular events in NYC.

Discover New York

There is no city that rewards exploration more generously than New York. In your first year, make it a priority to leave your neighbourhood regularly.

Free and cheap things to do

  • Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise
  • Visit Central Park in every season — it is a different place each time
  • Take the Staten Island Ferry for skyline views (completely free)
  • Walk the High Line in Chelsea
  • Visit the main branch of the New York Public Library on 42nd Street
  • Eat in Flushing, Queens — some of the best dumplings in the world
  • Browse Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg on weekends
  • See a free concert at Central Park’s SummerStage or Prospect Park in summer

Resources for discovering the city

Adjust to Life in the City

New York has its own rhythms and unwritten rules. Some things that will catch newcomers off-guard:

  • Tipping. In restaurants, 18–22% of the pre-tax bill is standard. Tip your bartender, taxi driver, food delivery person, and hairdresser. For many service workers, tips are a significant and expected portion of their income.
  • Sales tax. Prices displayed in shops do not include tax. New York City sales tax is 8.875%. Your final bill will always be higher than the sticker price.
  • The pace. New York is fast. People walk quickly and have limited patience for anyone blocking the left side of an escalator. This is not rudeness — it is the city’s metabolism. You will adapt faster than you expect.
  • Extreme weather. Summers regularly reach 35°C with high humidity. Winters are cold and icy. Invest in a proper down jacket, boots, and warm layers. Autumn and spring, however, are magnificent.
  • Noise. Sirens, construction, music from cars — the soundscape is relentless. Most New Yorkers develop a selective deafness. Earplugs for sleeping are not unusual. My noise-canceling AirPods are practically a permanent fixture whenever I step outside.

After You Settle

Renew or Change Your Visa Status

Most US non-immigrant visas are temporary and require periodic renewal. H-1B visas are typically granted for three years and can be extended for another three.

Keep track of your visa expiry dates and start renewal paperwork well in advance — USCIS processing times are often longer than expected.

If your situation changes — you change employers, get married to a US citizen, or start a business — your visa category may need to change too. Always consult an immigration attorney when your circumstances shift.

Check your I-94 record. Your I-94 (arrival/departure record) is maintained electronically at i94.cbp.dhs.gov. This record determines how long you are authorised to stay — which is not always the same as your visa’s expiry date. This distinction trips up many people.

Permanent Residence and Citizenship

The Green Card

Permanent residence gives you the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely. You can stay even if you lose your job. You can work for any employer. It is a significant upgrade in security and freedom.

  • Employer sponsorship (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 categories) — the most common route for working professionals
  • Marriage to a US citizen or permanent resident
  • Diversity Visa Lottery — available to applicants from countries with low immigration rates to the US
  • Investment (EB-5) — requires a substantial capital investment in a US business

Naturalisation (US Citizenship)

After holding a Green Card for 5 years (three years if married to a US citizen), you can apply for citizenship through naturalisation. Citizenship gives you a US passport, the right to vote, access to certain government jobs, and protection from deportation. You must pass a civics and English test and demonstrate continuous residence. Learn more at uscis.gov/citizenship.

Dual citizenship: The US allows it, but your home country may not. Some countries require you to renounce foreign nationality if you naturalise elsewhere. Check this carefully before you begin the process.

Read also: Net Salary in New York — What’s Left After Taxes.

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