Moving to The United States from South Africa

If you are considering making the move from South Africa to The United States, this guide will tell you everything you need to know – from visa requirements to cost of living differences; healthcare top tips to rules about moving country with your pets – helping you to feel empowered when the time comes to make the big move.

Quick United States Facts:

Population: 331.9 million (2021 estimate)
Official Language: English (de facto) is spoken by 78.5% of the population, with Spanish being the second-most spoken language at 13.2%
GDP Per Capita: $70,248 USD (2021 estimate)
Random Fact: The flag of The United States was created by a high school student, Robert G Heft, who drew it as part of a school project (for which he received a B- grade!)
Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of late 2023, £1 = $1.21, €1 = $1.05, $1 CAD = $0.72, $1 AUD = $0.63

Sections

1. Moving Costs to The United States from South Africa

To get accurate moving quotes, you should use the form at the top of this page. But here are some sample prices for moves from South Africa to the US.

From South African City	To US City	Estimated Cost
Johannesburg	New York	$4,500 – $7,000
Cape Town	Los Angeles	$5,000 – $8,000
Durban	Chicago	$4,800 – $7,500

2. How Long Does It Take To Move to The United States from South Africa?

There can be big discrepancies in move time duration when it comes to America due to the vastness of the country.

Let’s take a look at some states from a range of locations in the north, east, south and west of the country to give you an idea of move time when relocating from South Africa.

Cape Town to New York – 1 day, 19 hours – $513
Cape Town to Los Angeles – 1 day, 21 hours – $740
Cape Town to Minneapolis – 23 hours – $730
Cape Town to Dallas – 1 day, 6 hours – $740

This duration covers the flight time only, so additional time will need to be added to get you from the terminal to your final location.

3. Moving Restrictions to The United States from South Africa

Moving from one country to take up residency in another will incur various restrictions – most notably, this comes in the form of visa requirements, which we will cover in the next section.

While the exact requirements will be different for each individual, broadly speaking, you will need:

A visa to gain entry to The United States which is relevant to the reason for your visit
To have an awareness of the customs and import regulations, and if these affect any items you’re planning to bring to the States
Adequate health insurance for your visit
Accommodation ironed out so that information is readily available when you enter the States

At the moment there are no COVID-19 restrictions between The United States and South Africa, but this can change at short notice, so it’s prudent to be aware of the latest information when it comes to your time for travelling.

4. Visa Requirements to The United States from South Africa

Alongside a valid passport, you will need a visa to grant you entry into the States. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates will carry the most up-to-date information for you to look at.

The visa application needs to be planned as visa appointments are notoriously hard to secure. An expedited service is available for last-minute travel, subject to the availability of the office.

The type of visa will change depending on the nature of your visit, but they can range from:

Business or tourist visa – suitable for short-term visits, tourism and meetings
Student visa – suitable for those studying in The United States
Exchange visitor visa – for those taking part in exchange programs
Work visa – suitable for those wishing to work in the States who have a job offer from a United States employer, and are deemed as having specialized skills
Intracompany visa – for those being transferred to the States as an employee of a multinational company
Investor visa – for those who have made a ‘substantial investment’ in a United States business

You will need to ensure your passport has at least six months left before expiration and two spare pages for customs stamps. When applying for your visa, you may also need to show any passports with any admittance to The United States in the past.

It may also be required that you provide supporting documents:

Bank statements
Invitation letters (from employer)
Letter of employment or employment contract
Marriage certificate (if applicable)

In all cases, you need to speak to a visa specialist to advise you on your circumstances and always keep up to date with the latest changes in the rules.

5. Cost of Living Differences in The United States

While this article is covering the United States as a whole, house prices will vary from area to area but the figures below will give you an indication of what’s available at what price.

As a general note, it is estimated that the cost of living in New York is 180.2% higher than that of Cape Town, with rent being around 481% higher.

Monthly Rental Prices in The United States:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $1,850+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,500+
3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: $3,000+
3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: $2,500+

The United States Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $4,900+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the City: $3,350+

Source: Numbeo

6. Tax Treaties in The United States

There is a tax treaty in place between The United States and South Africa to help mitigate potential double-taxation of income between countries.

When it comes to considering what your take-home income from employment in the States will be, tax treaties need to be included in the equation. The IRS notes that “residents of foreign countries may be eligible to be taxed at a reduced rate or exempt from U.S. income taxes”.

While this may be the case in the country, individual states can still operate under their own rules, meaning that the tax exemption treaty might not apply in a particular state. It’s important to review this on a case-by-case basis and enquire about your specific state and their jurisdiction instead of assuming you will be eligible for this, as it may not be the case.

In these situations, you will still be required to pay income tax on your U.S. tax return.

In all cases, it’s best to speak to a tax professional in either The United States or South Africa to ensure you are fully clued up on your rights and dos and don’ts when it comes to your income.

7. Working Rules in The United States

A ‘normal’ working week in The United States is agreed to be 40 hours, spread generally across blocks of 8 hours each day. Employment contracts will commonly involve benefits, such as health insurance and lifestyle perks, such as subsidised gym memberships or work-at-home office stipends, but this can vary from company to company.

There are several permits and visas required by citizens to enable them to work in the States legally. These range from:

Employment-based immigrant visa
Non-immigrant work visa
Permanent Residence Card (Green Card)
A work permit

Under these titles, there are many variations of work visas available, all with different specialisms – in the case of non-immigrant work visas, you can apply for a P3 for artists and entertainers, or an I visa for journalists or members of the media, to name two options.

You will usually need a U.S. employer to ‘sponsor’ your visa application – this means they will start off the application process for you, and prove your employment opportunity in the States. This will need to be completed well in advance of your visit to ensure everything is in order when it comes to starting work.

Green Cards are seen as permanent residency cards, and are granted through various schemes, including – but not limited to – those who show ‘extraordinary ability’ in certain sectors; those who hold a degree that would align with a job seen to be of ‘national interest’ for the States, and those who can invest between $50,000 and $1 million into U.S. businesses.

Whatever your employment circumstances, it’s important to have your visa ironed out before entering the country to ensure a smooth transition. It’s also important to get up to speed with taxes and any beneficial programs, such as healthcare schemes so that you are completely clued up on your rights.

8. Healthcare in The United States

All healthcare in The United States – whether urgent or elective – is paid for by the individual.

The U.S. government, however, does have two health plans – Medicare and Medicaid – which can help eligible individuals with the cost of healthcare.

Medicare is federal health insurance for those aged 65 and over, as well as some younger people with disabilities, and individualsinidivudals with end-stage renal disease. You can opt-in to different plans, covering you for hospital stays or the cost of medication, usually with an excess to pay (around 20% of the cost).

Medicaid covers an estimated 84.5 million citizens (2023 estimate) who are low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and those with disabilities. Usually, individuals won’t pay anything if the procedures are under ‘covered medical expenses’, but costs may incur for some specialist items or services.

For full information on these schemes, take a look at their websites.

9. Rules Around Moving With Pets in The United States

Moving house includes lots of boxes of belongings – but it can also include some particularly important furry friends, too! If you need to move to The United States from South Africa with a pet in tow, here’s what you need to know.

You will need to ensure that your pet has:

A microchip fitted
A rabies vaccination that has been administered after the microchip has been fitted
A rabies antibody test may also be necessary, after which there will be a waiting period to ensure the validity of the test
A health certificate granted by a veterinarian, issued within no more than 10 days before you plan to enter The United States

You will also need a USDA Endorsement to validate the above, and there may also be more requirements on a state level, which should be checked before travelling, and a quarantine period may also be needed.

It’s best to check your situation with the airline you are travelling with, as well as the State Department of Agriculture to see if there are any documents you need to have before boarding, as well as how to register your pet when you have landed in The United States.

10. Similar Cities

While there are several states to choose from in the US, each with their own personalities and quirks, when it comes to similar cities we can draw comparisons between California and Cape Town.

Both are coastal communities, and experience similar Mediterranean climates with wet winters and dry, hot summers. The ocean greatly influences local climates, with temperatures being moderated by the sea breeze by the coast.

Cape Town and California both have diverse communities, and thriving arts and entertainment scenes. Outdoor activities are common across both countries, owing to their climates, with surfing and hiking being favoured.

11. Pros and Cons of Moving to The United States from South Africa

Perhaps you’re moving for a new job opportunity, or just want to try out a completely different country and climate – whatever your reason for wanting to move from South Africa to The United States, let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons associated with moving.

Advantages of Moving from South Africa to the United States	Disadvantages of Moving from South Africa to the United States
The United States offers diverse career opportunities and a dynamic job market with various industries and sectors.	The cost of living in the United States, especially in major cities, can be relatively high, impacting housing affordability and everyday expenses.
The U.S. has world-renowned educational institutions, research facilities, and a wide range of academic and professional development opportunities.	Navigating the U.S. healthcare system, including potential differences in coverage and access, may require adjustment for expatriates. Additionally, healthcare costs can be significant.
The United States provides a diverse cultural experience, with a wide range of entertainment options, landscapes, and a mix of urban and natural environments.	Expatriates may encounter challenges related to immigration processes, visa requirements, and adapting to cultural differences, including work culture and social norms. Additionally, the legal and tax systems can be complex and vary by state.

Whatever you decide, you must understand the legal factors affecting your move – be sure to speak to the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa for all the information you need.