Over the past few years, the percentage of digital nomads in the US have surged especially after the pandemic.
Many people are quitting their jobs to become digital nomads due to the flexibility and greater travel opportunities.
The US is a popular destination for digital nomads because of good work opportunities, facilities, infrastructure and recreational areas.
People who want to travel to the US and work as digital nomads have trouble figuring out the complicated aspects of the process like visas and taxes.
Given below is a guide for nomads who wish to travel to the US.
Passport And Visa
There is no special passport for nomads who travel or work in the US. Although there are other visas and residence permits that can be availed by foreigners who want to work there.
The type of visa may vary from one individual to another depending on how long you will be staying and working in the country.
For example, if you plan to work only for a summer or for a certain program, you will have to apply for the J category of visas. In cases of temporary employment, another category of visa might be applicable.
Make sure you do thorough research about your passport and visa requirements and check which category you fall under. This includes checking the documents you require.
Contact your embassy for more information and try contacting fellow foreign nomads in the US for their experience with the visa.
Transportation And Accommodation
It is important to plan out your accommodation and transportation well in advance.
Depending upon the city you are residing in or traveling in, accommodation can get very expensive.
Fortunately, there are a good number of options for digital nomads even for ones who are constantly moving from one place to another.
- Nomad-Stays – Nomad-stays offer budget-friendly accommodation options with working spaces and wifi enabled rooms. You can opt for monthly or weekly stays depending on your travel schedule.
- Nomad Pass – This is a great option for remote workers who travel a lot. You can book any space ranging from fancy hotels to villas and co-living spaces. It is also a good opportunity to work with other nomads and find community.
- Airbnb – This is one of the more popular options which are still used by a lot of digital nomads. If you need short-term accommodation with apartment-style rooms, this will be a good option. They do tend to be more expensive so take note of that.
Make sure you are practical about your transportation costs.
Try to rely on public transport like buses to get to your destination. In popular cities like New York, using a subway will help you cut down expenses.
Making Money
Digital nomads can make money both through traditional 9-5 online jobs or freelancing.
Many freelancers who have just started their work or are planning to open a business may work part-time jobs to pay for extra expenses.
Some of the popular digital nomad jobs include teaching, marketing, programming, travel blogging and freelance writing.
Teaching English to non-native adults is one of the best jobs because many training companies offer online opportunities for digital nomads who wish to work remotely.
You would need to complete a TEFL course as a basic qualification. Higher level TEFL diplomas like a Level 5 TEFL Diploma will enable you to get more job opportunities with a better income.
Taxes
If you fail to pay your taxes, you will be subject to penalties.
All digital nomads are required to pay taxes on their income earned in the US.
If you plan on staying in the US long term, it will also affect your residency application.
In the event there is a tax treaty between your home country and the US, you might qualify for an exemption depending upon your job, income sources and your possession of a US tax identification number.
Conclusion
Try to get professional help when it comes to figuring out your visa and tax requirements even if it requires an investment.
Do thorough research about the best destination for digital nomads and try to get contacts from people who know about remote work in the US.
