🇺🇸 Moving to United States from South Africa
The United States offers high salaries and huge career opportunities, especially in tech, finance, medicine and engineering, but the immigration system is complex and often lottery-based. Most South Africans arrive with an employer's sponsorship or an intra-company transfer.
Visa routes for South Africans
- H-1B specialty occupation: Employer-sponsored for degree-level roles, with an annual lottery. Dual intent, so it can lead to a green card.
- L-1 intracompany transfer: For staff of multinationals moving from a South African office to a US one, after a year with the company.
- O-1 extraordinary ability: For people with sustained national or international acclaim in their field.
- Employment-based green cards (EB-2 / EB-3): Usually employer-sponsored, with labour certification. EB-2 National Interest Waivers allow self-petitioning.
- Diversity Visa lottery: A free annual lottery for green cards. Eligibility depends on country of birth and changes each year, so check the current year's instructions.
Getting your qualifications recognised
- Nurses: Credentials review (for example through CGFNS), then the NCLEX-RN exam and state board licensure.
- Doctors: USMLE exams, ECFMG certification and usually a US residency programme.
- Degrees in general: Employers and immigration often ask for a credential evaluation from a service such as WES or ECE.
- Accountants: State boards license CPAs. Many CA(SA)s take the US CPA exam or use an international qualification pathway.
Where South Africans live in United States
Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Southern California (Orange County, San Diego), Florida, Denver and the New York area all have large South African communities, and there are SA shops and rugby clubs in most big metros. Browse South African shops, restaurants and pubs in United States and upcoming Saffa events.
Settling in: practical tips
- Your US credit history starts at zero. A secured credit card helps you build one.
- Health insurance is usually through your employer. Compare plans carefully.
- Driving licences are issued by each state, and most require written and road tests.
Official sources
Before you go, work through our emigration checklist and read up on SARS and tax residency.
Visa-sponsored jobs in United States
Entry-Level Engineer - Water - Hiring Event with AECOM – Boston, MA
Chelmsford, MA, United States
**Work with Us. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations. With accelerating infrastructure investment…
Mission Systems Software Developer (Experienced & Senior)
USA - Daytona Beach, FL
BDS is a global leader in the development, production, maintenance and enhancement of fixed-wing and rotary wing aircraft, commercial and government satellites, human spaceflight programs and weapons. Key markets include aeronautics, space and weapons. Core capabilities are in development, production and mission enabling upgrades of integrated solutions. BDS delivers the most digitally advanced,…
Senior Power Module Product Design Engineer
Long Beach, CA
## **Overview** At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation—grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move. - Job Type: Full time - Work Type: Hybrid We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see…
Principal Radar Mode Software Developer - Gen4 Airborne Radar
El Segundo, CA
**Date Posted:** 2026-09-23 **Country:** United States of America **Location:** US-CA-EL SEGUNDO-R01 ~ 2000 E Imperial Hwy ~ BLDG R01 **Position Role Type:** Onsite **U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:** Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. We bring the strength of…
A taste of home in United States
Biltong USA
Deli · Sunset · 🇺🇸 United States
3814 US Highway 287 North Access Road, 76270
Lekker Coffee and Baking Co.
Coffee and baking · 🇺🇸 United States
Queen Saffa Market & Deli
Convenience · 🇺🇸 United States