United States of America

GJN Consulting will guide you through visa and work permit requirements as well as healthcare and educational issues.

Climate

From the glaciers in Alaska to the deserts of Arizona, the USA has a very diverse climate.

Currency

US Dollar. There are 100 cents to a dollar. Notes are available in $1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 denominations. All notes are in the same colour.
Cents come in 1 (penny), 5 (nickel) 10 (dime), 25 (quarter) and 50 (half dollar) coins. There is also a one dollar coin.

Language

English. Spanish is also widely spoken in certain states.

Driving

Driving is on the right hand side. Petrol is called ‘gas’ and, despite the recent oil crisis, still much cheaper than the UK. Distances are measured in miles. Proof of insurance and driver’s license should be carried with you.

Sales Tax

America does not have an equivalent of VAT. Instead each state, and each county and city within a state can charge their own local tax on purchases. Some cities even have several rates depending on the type of goods or services purchased.

The price shown usually excludes the tax.

Work Permits

The H-1B non-immigrant work visa allows professionals such as accountants and financial analysts to work in the US for up to three years although this can be extended to six. The employer makes the petition detailing the need for the non US resident employee.

The web site for the US embassy in London at www.usembassy.org.uk has information on visas, including the processing of the application.

Education

Most US states require children aged 3-5 to enrol in a pre-school education program. Formal school education begins at 6 but can be between 5 years and 7 depending on birthday and start of school year. This formal education phase last for 12 years and each year is called a grade. Many students will then go on to further education at college or university.

The Major Cities

All the major cities, be they in the north, south, east or west, offer a varied cultural experience.

For information on some of the major cities, check out the following websites:-

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