5 things to know about immigrating to the U.S. from Hungary

Many people immigrate to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream. But it can be a major bureaucratic ordeal if you have no idea how to go about it.

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Immigrating to the U.S. from Hungary

It’s worth hiring an immigration law attorney to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and prepare you to make intelligent decisions.

For Hungarian immigrants to successfully immigrate to the U.S. for work, marriage, school, or other reasons, there are five things to know about immigrating.

1. Visa and Green Card Opportunities

The first thing to do when immigrating to the U.S. is to know what visa or category of residence you fall under. America has various avenues for Hungarians to immigrate through. They are as follows:

Work visas: These are appropriate for individuals who have worked for U.S.-based employers or possess some exceptional skill set.

Student visas: These are appropriate for Hungarians who wish to study at American colleges or in exchange programs.

Family-based immigration: You can qualify under this class if you have close relatives (spouse, child, parent) who are U.S. citizens or green card holders.

Diversity visa program: Hungary is one of the countries that belong to the U.S. Green Card Program, where residents of the participating countries are qualified to apply for legal residence.

Hungarians require the assistance of immigration lawyers or competent consultants to get applications filed correctly and promptly because of the intricacies of American immigration legislation.

2. Prepare for Language and Cultural Adjustment

Some Hungarians speak English—particularly younger people. However, if your English is poor and requires improvement, it’s advisable to refresh your English language skills.

Whether for a job interview, to go to a bank, or to mingle with neighbours or co-workers, English is required.

Aside from language, cultural norms are also crucial. Hungarians will find the following:

Americans are less formal and more polite in everyday interaction.

Restaurants, cab drivers, and barber shops all expect tips.

It’s going to take time to get accustomed to such cultural norms, but you’ll do yourself a favor by preparing beforehand by studying English and learning about U.S. culture.

3. Financial Planning Is a Must

It costs money to immigrate to America, and there needs to be good financial planning. Consider things such as the following:

Application and visa fees: Application and visa fees can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on the visa category.

Relocation costs: Expenses associated with travel, shipping of household effects, and temporary accommodation will add up.

Cost of living: This depends more on the city. New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, for instance, cost significantly more than small towns and rural areas.

4. Documents and Requirements

Hungarians who immigrate need to prepare documents both before coming into the U.S. and afterward. Things to keep in mind on this front include the following:

Consular processing or adjustment of status: Depending on your immigration pathway, you’ll either complete your paperwork in Hungary before entering the U.S. or apply to change your status once in the country.

Social Security Number (SSN): Once eligible, the SSN can be beneficial for employment, taxes, and other facets of daily life.

Driver’s license or state ID: Residency needs to be established in most states before issuing an ID.

Hungarians must also be on the lookout for double taxation. Both the U.S. and Hungary have a double taxation agreement. It’s always a good idea, though, to seek advice from an international tax expert.

5. Having a Support Group Is Essential

It can be overwhelming to get accustomed to life in a foreign country, but it’s easier with support. 

You can turn to Hungarian-American groups, online discussion forums, and Hungarians you meet at work or elsewhere.

There are boundless opportunities for learning, work, and self-enrichment in the U.S., but such a move takes time, patience, and preparation. For the motivated risk-taker, the experience is difficult—but it can be one of the finest challenges you ever tackle.

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