Glossary
Key terms for emigrating
401(k) (Retirement Plan)
The US retirement savings plan through your employer. Contributions are tax-free. Many employers match your contributions (free money!). Comparable to Dutch pension but individual.
Credit Score
Your US credit score (300-850). Determines whether you get a rental, credit card, car loan or mortgage. Starts at zero as a newcomer — build it with a secured credit card.
DMV (Motor Vehicles Department)
The service for driving licenses and vehicle registration. Rules vary by state. Some states accept an international driving permit, others require a US driving license.
EAD (Employment Authorization)
The work permit that certain visa holders (H-4, L-2, asylum seekers) need to work in the US. Apply via USCIS Form I-765.
Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
The US permanent residence card. Gives you the right to permanently live and work in the US. Can be obtained through employment, family, the Diversity Visa Lottery or investment.
H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupation)
The work visa for specialty occupations (minimum bachelor level). Annual lottery system with 85,000 spots. Your employer must sponsor the visa.
I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
The digital arrival/departure form that records your immigration status and permitted stay in the US. Always check your I-94 online after arrival — errors can have major consequences.
IRS (Internal Revenue Service)
The US tax authority. Here you file annual tax returns (before April 15). As a US taxpayer you must report worldwide income, even if you live in the Netherlands.
Medicare / Medicaid
The public health insurance programs. Medicare for 65+, Medicaid for low income. Most employees get health insurance through their employer. Without insurance, medical costs can be ruinous.
SSN (Social Security Number)
The US social security number. Essential for working, taxes, building credit, opening a bank account and virtually all official transactions. Apply at the Social Security Administration.
USCIS (Immigration Services)
The US immigration service. Handles all visa applications, Green Card applications, naturalization and work permits. Wait times vary greatly by category.
W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement)
The annual statement from your employer with your wages and withheld taxes. You need this for your tax return. Employers must provide it before the end of January.
W-4 (Withholding Certificate)
The form your employer uses to determine how much tax is withheld from your salary. Fill this out on your first day of work.