#USIMigration# Introduction The United States has always been the first choice for many immigrants because the United States has generous welfare benefits and high-quality education. Various good news about U.S. immigration policy in the coming year are still worth looking forward to, but the scheduling problem will most likely not be significantly alleviated. The following is a summary. Overall, the various good news on U.S. immigration policy in the next year are still worth looking forward to, but the scheduling problem will most likely not be significantly alleviated. Welcome to read!
Part 1 New U.S. Immigration Policy in 2021
1. Unused visas for family-based immigrants in fiscal year 2020 will be injected into the employment-based immigration category in fiscal year 2021
Due to the impact of the epidemic , the number of family reunion immigrant visas issued by the United States in 2020 is small, because there is a large surplus, and these visa quotas will be allocated to employment-based immigrants in 2021. Therefore, relevant agencies estimate that the total visa quota for employment-based immigrants in the United States in 2021 is about 250,000, which will have a certain effect on easing the backlog.
In addition, since the Guangzhou Consulate has not been able to open this year, the scheduling of many employment-based immigration categories has basically stagnated, such as the EB-5 project. However, in 2021, the scheduling of employment-based immigration categories may advance significantly. Including EB-5.
2. Immigration quotas may increase
In the new year, the United States may increase immigration quotas, reduce the difficulty of H-1B lottery drawings, and even eliminate country restrictions on visa quotas. . In short, at present, it will definitely not be more difficult to immigrate to the United States in 2021, and we can also look forward to the introduction of various favorable policies.
Chapter 2 Advantages of American Immigration
Economic Index:
The United States is the incubator and birthplace of heavy industry, high technology, technological innovation and other fields in the world. It has huge global influence in many fields such as economy, politics, science and technology, military, entertainment and so on.
Employment Index:
Regardless of whether the U.S. economy is in recession or not, outstanding talents will have absolute room for development for a long time to come. However, mid- to low-end workers will be at a disadvantage. The United States has the highest unemployment rate and the lowest legal income standard among the four major immigration countries. Workers with mid- to low-end skills need to carefully consider immigrating to the United States.
Climate index:
The United States has a temperate continental climate, and the climate varies greatly from place to place. There are areas where it is like spring all year round, and there are areas where it is hot or cold all year round.
Price Index:
The United States is almost the country with the lowest prices in the world, and its general consumer goods prices are at the lowest among the four major immigration countries.
Welfare index:
The United States is not a welfare state. The U.S. government passes many social security responsibilities to the society, and the responsibilities are basically major local insurance companies. The pursuit of profits is insurance. The nature of a company as a businessman has a huge essential difference in its effectiveness, adaptability, and breadth compared to other countries where social security is borne by the government. Although the U.S. federal government and state governments also provide a small amount of benefits, there are many application thresholds. The most prominent problem in welfare security in the United States now is the lack of a universal medical system, which means that a considerable number of the population still lacks medical protection, and the high price of drugs further increases the burden of life on low-income people
< p> Part 3 U.S. Immigration Financial Management TipsFirst of all, Chinese and American people have different starting points in investment and financial management. The United States has a strict legal system, especially cumbersome tax laws, and the guiding principles for investment and financial management should be It is the long-term after-tax return, while the Chinese prefer simple annualized return.
1. Real Estate
Buying a house, especially a home, is an investment choice for most families in the United States. The loan interest rate for self-owned housing is low, the interest on the mortgage is tax-free, and the tax-free amount on the appreciation profit is relatively high. Therefore, it has the advantages of low investment, low risk, stable expectations, and the ability to accumulate equity, which makes "buying a house for retirement" a popular option. A popular investment rule in the United States is that when you are old and unable to move, you can choose to mortgage your house to a nursing home and take care of it until your death. Therefore, Americans generally prefer to buy a house instead of saving.
Official statistics from the United States show that although the average savings rate of American families is less than 4%, 68% of families own their own homes. The total value of privately owned real estate in the United States currently exceeds 9 trillion. U.S. dollars, far higher than other categories of private assets.
However, it is worth noting that the U.S. real estate market has virtually increased the cost of holding and trading houses due to factors such as high real estate taxes and agency fees that are as high as about 6% of the total price of the house when the house is delivered. It is more cost-effective to live in and invest in value-preserving (appreciating), but it is more difficult to "speculate" in real estate.
2. Retirement Funds
In the United States, there are various pension investment projects that you can participate in. Common ones include 401K, the retirement financial plan provided by companies for employees, and 401A provided by government agencies for employees. , retirement financial plan IRA provided by banks for the general public, etc. These funds not only have tax benefits of deferring tax payment, but also widely adopt the principle of diversified investment, so the risk is lower.
Since it cannot be withdrawn before retirement (you will have to pay a penalty if you want to withdraw it early), the long-term investment returns are relatively considerable. Generally, a middle-class family with an annual income of more than 100,000 US dollars will, after decades of financial management, In investment, it is common to have millions of dollars in a retirement fund account when you retire. From this point of view, it is easy to understand that Americans do not like the habit of saving, because their old age has been fully protected.
3. Financial Management
Stocks, intermediary funds, and bonds are the three major financial investment varieties in the United States. Among them, stocks have higher risks but higher returns. Intermediate funds have higher risks. and returns are lower than stocks, while bonds have the lowest risk and returns.
Following the diversified investment principle of not putting all your eggs in the same basket, the popular investment advice from American financial experts is that everyone’s investment should include stocks, intermediate funds and bonds in order to diversify risk.
When you are young, you can take more risks, so the proportion of stocks is higher. After middle age, you should adopt a safer investment strategy and increase the holdings of intermediate funds and bonds. When retirement is approaching, the entire The investment portfolio should be dominated by bonds, which is safer.
Among all financial products in financial management, mutual fund is the most popular financial management method. It has a development history of more than 100 years and is a very mature public financial product.
According to survey data from the American Investment Company Association, currently about 52% of households in the United States and more than 93 million people hold mutual funds, which is equivalent to one in every three Americans. ***Same fund holders.
Part 4 Conditions for U.S. Immigration
1. Conditions for outstanding talents to immigrate to the United States
① This person has expertise in science, art, education, business, or sports, etc. The person has outstanding talents in the field and has always been recognized by the country where he or she is located or internationally, and his achievements can be proved through a large number of written materials;
② This person hopes to enter the United States and continue to engage in the industry he is good at;
③This person will bring great benefits to the United States after entering the United States.
2. Conditions for U.S. EB-5 investment immigration
①. Applicants must be over 21 years old;
②. Applicants do not need to have any academic qualifications. Business or work experience background;
③. The applicant must have proof of assets of US$500,000 (it does not need to be accumulated by the applicant himself, gifts, inheritance, etc. are also acceptable, but it must be acquired (from legal and legitimate channels);
④. The applicant must have or is actively investing the specified investment amount;
⑤. This investment can directly or indirectly provide ten job opportunities;
⑥. A description of the source of investment funds must prove that the investment funds are obtained from legitimate sources, which may include real estate sales, bonds and stocks, corporate surplus, business transactions, gifts and inheritances, etc.;
< p>⑦. The main applicant’s income tax returns for the past five years (English version).3. Conditions for U.S. spouse immigration
Spouse immigration includes two types of persons: the first is the spouse of a U.S. citizen. This type of immigrant is not subject to quota restrictions. As long as an application is made, you can The second category is the spouse of a green card holder in the United States. This category of immigrants is subject to quota restrictions and belongs to the second category of priority immigrants.
IV. Conditions for U.S. child immigration
According to U.S. immigration law, the following four conditions are required to apply for child immigration:
①. A U.S. citizen is under 21 years old The unmarried children of an immigrant can apply for immigration without quota restrictions;
②. If the child is over 21 years old but unmarried, it belongs to the first priority category;
③. If the child is already If married, they belong to the third priority category;
④. Green card holders can also apply for immigration for their unmarried children, and the beneficiaries belong to the second priority category. Children of divorce are regarded as unmarried. Married children of green card holders are not prioritized.
5. Conditions for immigrating brothers and sisters to the United States
Persons with citizenship, as long as they are over 21 years old, can apply for their brothers and sisters to immigrate to the United States, in the priority category of relative immigration , belongs to the fourth priority. Those who have permanent residence in the United States cannot be their brothers and sisters, and this also includes half-brothers and sisters. However, this step-sibling relationship should have existed before the age of 18, otherwise you will not be able to enjoy the rights and interests under immigration law.
Part 5: How to receive domestic pension after immigrating to the United States
1. Application conditions
Chinese retirees and retired personnel living in the United States (who have obtained Chinese nationality Green card or U.S. citizenship), in order to receive domestic divorce and pension benefits, you can apply to the embassy or consulate general for a certificate of survival, that is, the "Pension Eligibility Review Form for Persons Living Abroad", according to the consular district of the embassy or consulate general.
2. Application method
You can apply for the certificate of survival in person at the embassy or consulate, or you can entrust someone else to apply on your behalf, or you can apply by mail.
(1) Apply in person
Under normal circumstances, applicants should submit their application in person to the embassy or consulate general and submit the following materials:
1. 1 copy of the "Pension Eligibility Review Form for Persons Living Abroad" completed and signed by the applicant.
2. The original and copy of the applicant’s valid passport and legal residence permit in the United States. Only the personal data page of the passport (including the extension page) will be copied.
(2) Entrusted application
If you are unable to apply in person at the embassy or consulate general due to long distances, physical weakness, etc., you can entrust an agent to apply. If you entrust someone else to apply, you should submit the following materials:
1. One copy of the "Pension Eligibility Review Form for Persons Living Abroad" completed and signed by the applicant.
2. The original and copy of the applicant’s valid passport and legal residence permit in the United States. Only the personal data page of the passport (including the extension page) will be copied.
3. A copy of the agent’s valid passport and legal residence permit in the United States. Only the personal data page of the passport (including the extension page) will be copied.
4. A power of attorney issued by the applicant within 30 days and notarized locally.
5. If the application is handled by others or by mail for three consecutive years, the applicant should go to the museum in person once in the fourth year.
(3) Application by mail
If the applicant cannot come to the embassy to apply in person for objective reasons, and it is inconvenient to entrust others to apply, the applicant can also apply by mail.
3. Processing time and certificate collection
(1) I apply in person or entrust an agent to apply, and the certificate is issued on the same day.
(2) By mail, the prepared "Audit Form" will be sent out on the second working day after receiving the materials.
(3) The certificate of survival is free of charge.
Chapter 6 Documents for Immigration in the United States
1. Social Security Number
The first thing you do when you go to the United States is to apply for a social security number. This social security number It is a thin blue card, very small, which makes you feel that its existence is really unnecessary. But in fact, this kind of thin card needs to follow you for a lifetime, that is, as long as you live in the United States. , you must protect this kind of card. This social security number is connected with your enrollment, loan, job, insurance, etc. It is also a necessary and important thing in your life, so remember the first thing You must go to the relevant departments in the United States to apply for this social security number.
2. Work certificates
If you want to work in the United States, you must have various certificates. This of course includes your academic certificates, and other things you need to prepare. Some professional certificates, such as teacher qualification certificates, nurse certificates, doctor certificates, etc., you must take these certificates after arriving in the United States. The United States has a very strict employment system. Without these certificates, you cannot find a job. , there is no such thing as getting a job through connections, and there is no such thing as buying a certificate. In short, in the life of immigrants in the United States, what is completely needed is to rely on personal ability to work hard. If you have the ability, you can naturally live in the United States. very good.
3. Various documents required to start a business
If you go to the United States to start a business, you must issue a lot of business certificates. After these certificates are issued, your company Or the company can open normally, so if you plan to start a business, you must first apply for these certificates. They are the same as domestic companies, but the required materials may be more.
4. Driver’s license and other documents
You must carry your driver’s license with you. In addition, you also need to bring your marriage certificate, some birth certificates and immunization record cards. These are all It is necessary to carry it with you as it is necessary to prove your identity.
In short, immigrating to the United States is not easy. It requires an adaptation process. Try to bring all the documents with you. In this way, you will not be afraid of inspections.
Chapter 7 Customs and Habits after Immigrating to the United States
Americans are outgoing, enthusiastic, straightforward, and informal. Their customs and etiquette have many differences. The United States is a country with a strong sense of time. All activities start at scheduled times. It is impolite to be late. Dating with an American is easy. Just make a phone call and the other person will happily agree to meet in the shortest possible time. Americans also have the habit of reciprocating gifts, but they are taboo about accepting gifts that are too heavy. Firstly, Americans do not value the value of the gifts themselves. Secondly, the law prohibits giving gifts that are too heavy. Handicrafts, artworks, famous wines, etc. brought from their hometowns are American Gifts that people like, except for holidays, it is generally not necessary to give gifts when invited to an American home as a guest or even to have a meal. American society has the habit of tipping. All service items require tipping. Hotel doormen, room service, etc. need to pay a tip of no less than one US dollar. Restaurants charge a 15% tip at the checkout.
When Americans treat guests to dinner, it is usually a business-related exchange in a hotel or club. The company pays the expense, and only close relatives and friends are invited to their homes for the banquet.
American food has a wide variety of different tastes depending on the region and nationality. Hamburgers, "hot dogs", pies, donuts and Kentucky Fried Chicken are all popular foods around the world, but Americans' family banquets for entertaining guests are It is economical, not ostentatious, and not formal. A typical family dinner is a long table with a large plate of salad, a large plate of roasted chicken or barbecue, a variety of cold dishes, a plate of fried rice, a plate of bread slices, as well as sweets, fruits, cold drinks, wine, etc. The guests and hosts sit around the table, and the host says "please". Everyone picks up a plate and eats the vegetables and rice they like. After eating, they can add more to the meal as they please, and talk freely while eating.
Americans treat guests to a meal, a glass of wine, or a weekend in a country house as a way to make friends. They do not necessarily require the other person to reciprocate. If there is an opportunity, invite the other person to their home. Just eat. After finishing the meal, the guest should express special thanks to the host, especially the hostess.
Part 8 Driving Common Sense for American Immigrants
1. Know and read the traffic signs clearly. Traffic signs on American roads are generally very clearly marked. Drivers must first understand the traffic signs before getting on the road. They must read the signs clearly when driving on the road. For example, the S sign often appears on American roads. When you see this sign, you must come to a complete stop before proceeding. Since traffic regulations vary from state to state in the United States, there are also different regulations on whether you can turn right when the light is red, so be sure to read the road signs clearly. When turning right at a red light, you must stop first before proceeding, even if there are no vehicles coming from the opposite or left side.
2. Priority. When vehicles and pedestrians meet, pedestrians have priority. When merging from a side road into a main road, you should also wait at the intersection until it is safe to drive onto the main road. In the United States, the usual practice is to confirm that vehicles on the main road are at least 200 meters away from the intersection before entering. It is particularly important to note that school buses in the United States have absolute priority. When the S sign is displayed on the vehicle, other vehicles must come to a complete stop.
3. Whether on the highway or in the streets, always pay attention to the speed limit signs. Speed ??in the United States is generally measured in miles (miles). 1 mile is approximately equal to 1.6093 kilometers.
4. Although the regulations vary slightly from state to state, it is the safest practice for both the driver and co-pilot to wear seat belts. Don't answer your cell phone while driving, and don't wear headphones.
5. Park the car. Parking lots in the United States are generally unattended, but you can't take any chances. The fines for parking the wrong car are also very high. Read the signs in the parking lot carefully to see when and where parking is allowed. Most paid parking lots are self-service and generally charge by the hour. After payment, the parking fee machine will print out a receipt. Be sure to put this receipt in a place that is easily visible from outside the car, otherwise the vehicle will be charged. May be towed. In addition, when parking, be careful not to park your vehicle in parking spaces designated for disabled people or parking spaces with other special signs.
6. Facing the honking vehicle. When you hear a siren on the road, whether it is a police car, fire truck or ambulance, you must pull over and slow down to let the siren vehicle pass first.
Part 9 Questions and Answers about U.S. Immigration
1. Why does the number of U.S. immigration applications remain high?
Answer: The United States has unlimited business opportunities and does not have immigration supervision , has an excellent educational environment. After the applicant immigrated to the United States, immediate or collateral relatives, whether married or unmarried, can immigrate to the United States.
2. Is it necessary to apply for investment immigration?
Answer: There are many ways, including relatives, specialized occupations, people with outstanding talents, etc. But if the conditions are not met, investment immigration is the most convenient and quickest method with the least requirements on personal conditions.
3. After getting the permanent green card, how long do you need to stay in the United States?
Answer: There is no limit on the stay time, but you can go once every six months, and there is no limit on the length. To retain your green card status, you must show your sincerity for permanent residence, such as buying property in the United States, having children studying in the United States, filing taxes every year, and having deposits in the bank, etc.
4. How many years after obtaining the permanent green card can I apply for citizenship?
Answer: You can apply as long as you meet the following conditions: (1) After five years of obtaining the permanent green card or marrying a U.S. citizen It has been three years since you obtained your green card; (2) you have lived in the United States for more than half of the five years; (3) you have not left the United States for more than one year; (4) you must be 18 years or older.
5. After the main applicant has obtained a green card, if he is not in the United States for a long time, will it affect the residence rights of his family members in the United States?
Answer: After obtaining the green card, they will be independent. will affect each other.
6. What is the difference between a conditional green card and a permanent green card?
Answer: There is no difference in substantive benefits, but the conditional green card must be held 90 years before the card was held for 2 years. Apply to the Immigration Bureau within 10 days to remove the "conditional" status in order to exchange for a permanent green card.
Chapter 10 Strategies for Reasonable Tax Avoidance for American Immigrants
Strategy One:
Americans mainly use two methods to avoid inheritance tax, one is a shield trust, and the other is a shield trust. It is a family limited partnership.
A shield trust effectively avoids the uncertainty of who will die first. It sets up a trust for each spouse. Whichever spouse dies first, part of the assets of the spouse will be transferred to the child's trust. This way, neither spouse’s tax deduction is wasted.
Families that create a family business can set up a family limited partnership, which is established in middle age, with the parents serving as general partners, and then transferring the assets bit by bit to the children's accounts, and finally, all children have a small share. For Chinese families who like to purchase commercial properties, it is very suitable to use a family limited partnership to transfer assets.
Strategy 2:
The principle of taxation in the United States is that taxes are generally only imposed on realized income, that is, property is taxed when it is bought, sold or transferred. If the property has not been transferred, no value-added tax will be levied on the added value in the book.
There are many situations where the value-added on the books is not realized, such as the increase in the price of real estate, the increase in the value of stocks, bonds and jewelry. New immigrants are likely to encounter the issue of U.S. property appreciation tax when disposing of property. Since you do not have to pay taxes on property brought from abroad when you become a U.S. resident, the simplest way is to cash out the unrealized income from book appreciation before reporting, such as selling stocks or transferring real estate. Wait until you obtain status and then use the cash on hand to invest in new stocks and real estate. This way, you don’t have to pay taxes on these properties that increase in value. On the other hand, if you have a loss-making investment, you don’t have to rush to sell it. You can wait until you get your green card before selling it, so that you can deduct taxes in the future.
Strategy 3:
For immigrants, green cards, citizenship and taxes are contradictory. U.S. immigration law stipulates that green card holders must stay in the United States for more than half a year every year, otherwise the green card may be confiscated. However, if there are reasonable reasons for not being able to return to the United States within six months, you can apply for a re-entry permit (white paper). The re-entry permit is valid for 2 years. In addition, to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must stay in the United States for more than two and a half years within the five years of holding a green card, and you must file tax returns honestly.