Moving from South Korea to the United States is an exciting, life-changing decision. Whether you’re moving for a new job, for school, or to join family, the “American Dream” is a journey that begins long before you ever step on the plane.
It’s also a complex process. Navigating the legal, logistical, and cultural hurdles can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the move into manageable phases to help you plan your transition from the “Land of the Morning Calm” to the U.S.
Phase 1: The First Hurdle – Your U.S. Visa
This is the most critical and time-consuming part of your move. You cannot legally move to the U.S. without the proper visa. The ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) is only for tourism or short-term business visits up to 90 days—it is not for moving, working, or studying.
Your purpose for moving will determine your visa category.
Disclaimer: U.S. immigration law is extremely complex. This is a general overview. Always consult with a qualified U.S. immigration lawyer before starting any application.
Common Visa Categories
- Work-Based Visas (Non-Immigrant):
- H-1B (Specialty Occupation): For professionals in fields like tech, finance, and engineering. This requires a U.S. employer to sponsor you and is subject to an annual lottery.
- L-1 (Intracompany Transferee): For employees of a multinational company (e.g., Samsung, LG, Hyundai) transferring from the Korean office to a U.S. office.
- E-2 (Treaty Investor): As South Korea is a treaty country, you can apply for this visa by making a “substantial” investment in a new or existing U.S. business that you will direct and develop.
- O-1 (Extraordinary Ability): For individuals with extraordinary abilities in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
- Student Visa:
- F-1 (Student Visa): For academic and language studies. You must first be accepted by a SEVP-certified school, which will then provide you with a Form I-20 to apply for your visa.
- Family-Based Visas (Immigrant & Non-Immigrant):
- K-1 (Fiancé(e) Visa): For the fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen. You must marry within 90 days of arrival.
- IR-1/CR-1 (Spouse Visa): For the spouse of a U.S. citizen. This grants you a Green Card (permanent residence) upon arrival.
- Family-Based Petitions (I-130): For other close relatives of U.S. citizens or Green Card holders (e.g., parents, children, siblings).
The General Visa Process
- Petition: For most work and family visas, your U.S. sponsor (employer or family member) must first file a petition (like Form I-129 for work or I-130 for family) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Approval: Once USCIS approves the petition, your case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.
- Application: You will complete an online visa application (the DS-160 for non-immigrant visas or the DS-260 for immigrant visas).
- Medical Exam: You must complete a medical examination with an embassy-approved physician in Seoul.
- Interview: You will schedule and attend a mandatory visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. You’ll need to bring a significant number of documents, including:
- Your valid passport
- Visa photos
- Your interview confirmation
- Korean documents like the Gajok Gwangye Jeungmyeongseo (Family Relation Certificate) and Gibon Jeungmyeongseo (Basic Certificate), along with certified English translations.
Phase 2: The 3-Month Countdown – Logistics & Planning
Once your visa is approved, the logistical planning begins. Start this process at least 2-3 months before your flight.
📦 Shipping Your Belongings (해외이사)
You have two main options for your haewoe isa (international move):
- Sea Freight: This is the most common and cost-effective option. It can be a Full Container Load (FCL) if you’re moving a whole house, or Less than Container Load (LCL) if you’re sharing container space.
- Pros: Cheapest option for bulk items (furniture, etc.).
- Cons: Very slow. Expect it to take 2-3 months from pickup in Korea to delivery in the U.S.
- Air Freight:
- Pros: Very fast, often arriving in 1-2 weeks.
- Cons: Extremely expensive. This is best reserved for a few essential boxes you need immediately.
Key Document: You will need to complete U.S. Customs Form (CBP) 3299 to declare your personal household goods for duty-free entry. Your moving company will help you with this.
Pro-Tip: To Ship or Not to Ship?
- DON’T ship Korean electronics. The U.S. runs on 110V power, while Korea uses 220V. Even with a converter, large appliances like TVs, rice cookers (unless they are dual-voltage), and fans will likely break. Sell them on Karrot (당근마켓) or Joonggonara (중고나라) and buy new ones in the U.S.
- DO ship items that are expensive to replace in the U.S., like quality furniture, books, and sentimental items.
📝 Your “Shutting Down Life in Korea” Checklist
- Settle Finances: Pay all your bills (phone, gas, electric). Visit your bank to get your documents in order and inquire about international wire transfers.
- Housing: Give your landlord notice and make arrangements to get your jeonse (전세) or wolse (월세) deposit back.
- Phone: Cancel or suspend your Korean phone plan.
- Documents: Get certified copies and English translations (if needed) of essential documents. It’s wise to get an Apostille on official documents like your driver’s license, university diploma, and family registry.
- Driver’s License: Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your local police station. This will be essential for driving in the U.S. before you get a state driver’s license.
Phase 3: The First 30 Days – Settling In
You’ve landed! The first month is all about setting up your new life.
- Social Security Number (SSN): If you are authorized to work, this is your TOP priority. You will need an SSN to get a job, open a bank account, get a driver’s license, and build credit. You typically apply at a local Social Security Administration office.
- Open a U.S. Bank Account: You’ll need an SSN (in most cases) and proof of your new U.S. address.
- Get a U.S. Phone Number: This is essential for… well, everything.
- Find Housing: Be prepared for a challenge. U.S. landlords run a credit check on all applicants. As a new arrival, you will have no credit history. You may need to:
- Pay a larger deposit (e.g., 2-3 months’ rent).
- Find a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to co-sign your lease.
- Show proof of employment and income (your job offer letter).
- Get a State Driver’s License or ID: Your IDP is temporary. You must apply for a driver’s license in the state you live in. This will be your primary form of identification.
Phase 4: The Cultural Leap
The final piece of the puzzle is adjusting to the new culture. While American media is common in Korea, living it is very different.
- Healthcare is Not the NHI: This is the biggest shock for most Koreans. There is no national, universal healthcare. Health insurance is overwhelmingly private and tied to your employer. It is also very expensive, with co-pays, deductibles, and complex networks. Understand your health plan before you need to use it.
- Tipping Culture: Tipping is not optional in the U.S. It is an expected part of the wage for service workers.
- Restaurants (full service): 15-20%
- Bartenders: $1-2 per drink
- Taxis/Rideshares: 10-15%
- Food Delivery: 10-15%
- Communication: American communication is generally very direct (low-context) compared to Korean high-context, indirect communication. Don’t be surprised by direct “yes” or “no” answers, and feel empowered to give them yourself.
- The Credit Score: Your life in the U.S. runs on your credit score. It’s a number that determines your ability to rent an apartment, get a phone plan, buy a car, and get a loan. Start building it immediately with a secured credit cardfrom your bank.
Final Thoughts
Moving from South Korea to the U.S. is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s a long process filled with paperwork and challenges, but it’s also an incredible opportunity for growth. Be patient with the process and, most importantly, be patient with yourself as you adjust.
Good luck on your journey!