Sedona AZ (August 28, 2013) – Arizona is not only one of the most rapidly growing states in the entire country, it is also a popular destination for tourists, retirees and so-called snow birds, people who move to Arizona during the winter months, to escape the frosty climate of their home state.
However, unlike these snow birds, many expats in the USA move to Arizona indefinitely (or at least for the duration of their job assignment). Aside from the work opportunities that lure many employees from abroad to the Grand Canyon State, there are various reasons for a move to Arizona. First and foremost, many expats appreciate the great weather: The state boasts 300+ days of sunshine annually. Still, winter sport enthusiasts have no reason to despair. Flagstaff offers lots of opportunities to indulge in some skiing or snowboarding fun. On top of that, the countryside is a sight for sore eyes: mountains, canyons, and breathtaking desert landscapes are abundant in Arizona.
The state which spreads from Utah, California, New Mexico, and Colorado down to Mexico is also a mecca for the arts, particularly Native American art. Aspiring artists can join the thriving art communities in Tubac or Sedona and explore the state’s natural beauty in their own way.
However, as they settle in the desert state, many expats greatly underestimate the amount of paperwork it takes to move to Arizona. First and foremost, there are the immigration requirements one has to abide by. While lots of nations participate in a visa waiver program which allows tourists to travel to the United States without securing a visa first, expats need to get a work visa before their move to Arizona. Most of them will apply for a non-immigrant visa which applies to those who move to the US without the intention to settle there permanently.
Car insurance and driving license are other details that many an expat has to take care of. After all, it is easiest to explore the vast desert landscapes of the state by car. Unfortunately, you cannot exchange a foreign driving license for a local one. Instead, expats need to retake a driving test to get a local license. Licenses and insurance papers that have been secured elsewhere in the United States have to be transferred right after your move. Only snow birds are largely exempt from this rule and often do get away with out-of-state license plates.
InterNations is the largest expatriate network worldwide. It was created to help members meet other high-profile expatriates from around the world living in their city and connect with them, both online and in real life through events and activities.
InterNations also offers its members the know-how and support to make moving abroad more manageable. InterNations was founded in 2007 and now has over 900,000 members in more than 360 Local Communities around the world. Click here to visit the InterNations network.
Seems like people that obey immigration laws aren’t from Mexico & Central America, this proves there are means to obey the law for all….?
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I think this article is good and I like the information on the IN network but it isn’t as unfriendly & difficult to move in the states as an expat as you might think from reading this. All US states welcome expats & it is easier to relocate to the US than any other country but there are no controls. I lived in five other countries and the US is best. Thank you the IN information. I am joining a group.
As a Brit let me say the best thing about Arizona is its sunshine!
You can drive in the US using your international license. Nobody cares what license plate is on your car, you see license plates from every state all the time. People might go ah hah look Hawaii but it’s a fun notice.
From Africa to here was a long journey for me & my family. American people of color are luckiest people on planet & they are not appreciating. I appreciate America opportunity. Great country. God bless America.
:::)))) AMERICA FOREVER :::))) Sedona rocks !!!