Living in the U.S.: How to Plan Your Immigration and Tax Strategy
- Murtaz Navsariwala
- Nov 3
- 5 min read
Moving to another country is more than a dream - it’s a life project. And for those determined to make this dream a reality, there are two fundamental pillars that cannot be ignored: the immigration aspect and the tax aspect.
The way you enter the country, the type of visa you choose, the timing of your move, and even what you do with your assets back home can affect not only your legal status in the U.S. but also your finances. After all, no one wants to be surprised by unexpected tax obligations or immigration issues, right?
In this article, we’ll show you what you need to consider - in advance - to make your transition safe, legal, and smart. Let’s dive in!
Table of Content:
The right visa can save you a headache
Before buying your ticket, it’s essential to understand which immigration path fits your profile best. Entering the U.S. requires planning, and the visa you choose determines not only your legal status but also your tax obligations.
Some of the most common visa types include:
Work visa (H‑1B, L‑1): for those with a job offer in the U.S.
Investor visa (E‑2): for entrepreneurs or investors.
Merit-based visas (EB‑2 NIW, EB‑1): for highly qualified professionals or individuals with extraordinary abilities.
Family visas: for spouses, children, or relatives of U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Why does this matter?
Your visa type, length of stay, and even your entry date can affect when you become a tax resident in the United States.
How your move affects your taxes
One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving to the U.S. is ignoring the tax impact. Many focus only on immigration paperwork and forget that, without proper planning, they may end up paying taxes both in their home country and in the U.S. at the same time.
2.1 Tax residency: when you start being taxed in the U.S.
Tax residency in the U.S. is determined not only by visa type but also by physical presence and sometimes by your immigration status.
You may be considered a U.S. tax resident even shortly after arrival if you meet certain criteria, such as:
Staying more than 183 days in one year (the “substantial presence” rule).
Holding a Green Card (permanent residence).
Becoming a lawful permanent resident at any point during the year.
2.2 Declaring your worldwide income: what it means
If you become a U.S. tax resident, you are required to declare - and possibly pay taxes on - your worldwide income.
That means any income you earn outside the U.S. is also subject to reporting.
This includes:
Salaries earned in your home country
Rental income from properties abroad
Dividends from foreign companies
Investment earnings (stocks, funds, etc.)
Profits from selling property or assets outside the U.S.
And remember: this applies even if the income was never transferred to the U.S. - it’s based on when and where it was earned.
2.3 Informing your tax departure from your home country is essential
A common mistake among immigrants is not formalizing their tax departure from their home country, which can lead to double taxation.
Even after moving to the U.S., you may still be considered a tax resident back home, meaning you could be required to continue filing and paying taxes there.
The general rule is: if you don’t officially notify your government that you’ve moved abroad, you will likely remain a local tax resident - even while legally living in the U.S.
Each country has its own rules and deadlines, but the process usually includes:
Notifying the local tax authority of your permanent or long-term move.
Submitting a tax departure declaration stating the date and reason for leaving.
Settling all outstanding taxes before departure, reporting all income earned up to that date.
2.4 Other important points:
Exit declaration (Brazil and other countries): Some countries require an official “exit declaration” to confirm you’re no longer a tax resident. Without it, you may face taxation in both countries.
FBAR and FATCA: U.S. residents must report foreign financial accounts and assets through these forms. Noncompliance can result in severe penalties.
In short, moving abroad without tax planning can be costly. You need to understand how, when, and where to report your income.
Also read: What to Do After Getting a Green Card?
International planning: the key to avoiding losses
The best way to avoid immigration problems and tax surprises is to create a solid strategy before moving to the U.S.
That includes:
Choosing the best date to enter the U.S., based on the fiscal year.
Selecting the right visa, aligned with your goals (work, study, investment, family).
Restructuring your assets (bank accounts, properties, companies) to minimize taxes.
Formalizing your tax exit from your home country.
Preparing for U.S. tax obligations, such as worldwide income reporting, FBAR, and others.
Every case is unique - your plan should be customized based on your income type, asset volume, long-term goals, and visa category.
Living legally in the U.S. is absolutely possible - but it requires preparation.
By understanding the immigration and tax impacts of your move, you protect your wealth, your peace of mind, and your family’s future.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
Murtaz Law is a U.S.-based law firm founded by Dr. Murtaz, specializing in immigration to the United States. We work with strategy, empathy, and total focus on the legality and safety of your journey.
Ready to plan your move safely and confidently?
Contact us today and start your process with the peace of mind you deserve.
About Murtaz Law
With more than a decade of experience, we take pride in guiding families and individuals on their journey to legally immigrate to the USA, whether temporarily or permanently.
Our success story spans a variety of cases, including temporary immigration, family reunification, naturalization, and especially, work visas like the EB2-NIW, which leads to the Green Card. Over the years, we have built a solid reputation and become a reference for skilled professionals, artists, and elite athletes who wish to expand their careers or undertake ventures in the USA.
Our 99.5% approval rate in cases demonstrates our commitment to a personalized approach, combining ethics, creativity, and deep knowledge of the laws and economic issues. We recognize that each client has a unique story and work side by side, individually, to create tailored strategies that achieve the desired outcomes. We take the importance of our work in our clients' lives seriously. Your future deserves a unique strategy, and we at Murtaz Law have the experience and expertise to meet your immigration needs.