Working in the USA
Home Services Employment News Pictures Contact Search

Kama is hiring,  if you have an H1 visa,  we can transfer it

 

 

Working in the USA    

Much the same as taking a cruise, where you get to the ship and the staff takes care of the rest. When you make a decision to join Kama, the staff of Kama will take care of you every inch of the way from advising you before your arrival to helping you with Driving licenses, buying a car, accommodations etc. We have done these things many times and while it may seem a daunting task to settle in a new country. We make it a very pleasant experience.

We identify and hire employees with certain data processing skill sets that are in demand in the United States. Kama is organized to have few boundaries. We recruit worldwide including; America, Canada, Britain South Africa and Australia. This provides our clients the opportunity to utilize the best and brightest consultants in the particular required skill set. Kama has a wealth of experience in relocating and settling consultants wherever they may be required. The relocation process from Kama's initial interview procedure through the legal issues (visas), arrival in the USA and finally to starting work at the client is the responsibility of Kama.

Cost of Living in the United States
Living in the US can be relatively inexpensive--taxes are much lower than in other countries and inflation is usually less than 3%. The price of automobiles, their upkeep, and gasoline is considerably less than anywhere else in the world. Although costs vary from state to state, food is reasonably priced, and competition keeps the price of clothing and other products in check. The cost of living varies, depending on where you live and work. New York is one of the more expensive cities, while cities in the Midwest and the South tend to be much less expensive. KAMA pays its employees at rates that are based on educational background and length of experience and compare favorably with the American market scale, regardless of location. Consequently, our employees enjoy a good standard of living. Most of them are able to travel quite extensively and visit many states during the course of their work contract. Relocating to another country has its inevitable costs, such as the need to purchase furniture and household goods. We recommend that you bring money from your home country to finance at least some of your initial start-up costs.

Income Tax
Since tax rates vary from state to state and according to individual circumstances, we are unable to provide the exact amount that will be withheld from your paycheck for taxes. Nevertheless, the table below should give you a good idea of the approximate percentages of the taxes you could expect to pay in the US. We advise you to keep receipts for all your purchases, especially during your first year in the US. If you were in the country for less than 183 days during the previous tax year, you could be classified as having "worked away from home" for the period and may be allowed to deduct certain of your living expenses as legitimate business expenses.

Type of Tax

Approximate Percentage Paid By Employee

Percentage Paid By KAMA

Explanation

 

 

 

 

Federal Tax

22%

 

Varies slightly depending on marital status, etc.

State Tax 

2%

 

Varies slightly from state to state

Social Security

7.62%

7.62%

Similar to government pension fund (compulsory) 

State Unemployment

0.625%

2.8%

Levied on part of annual income (a ceiling exists)

State Disability

0.5%

0.5%

Levied on part of annual income (a ceiling exists)

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

32.775%

10.95%

APPROXIMATE

 

Accommodation

 A two-bedroom apartment can rent for as much as $1,200 per month or as little as $500, depending on the area of the country. Generally, consultants who have children prefer living in suburban areas within easy commute of their work site, because they can usually rent a larger apartment or house for less money.  Some rental agreements require one month's rent in advance, as well as a security deposit equal to one month's rent, while others may ask for a much smaller security deposit. Generally apartments are equipped with a stove and refrigerator. A washer, dryer and dishwasher are sometimes included as well.  Telephone, gas and electricity connections are supplied by private corporations, who will also require a deposit. The connection of these utilities can usually be arranged by telephone, and the service is prompt and efficient. 

Furniture

Setting up an apartment need not be expensive. Furniture to fill a small apartment (living room, dining room, and bedroom) can often be leased for around $150 per month. You can also furnish an apartment inexpensively by buying "assemble-it-yourself" furniture or used furniture. Many new employees have enjoyed shopping for bargains at the neighborhood yard sales. 

Food

 Supermarkets are plentiful and conveniently located in the US. They are open 7 days a week and, in many cases, 24 hours a day. New KAMA employees often comment on the tremendous variety of produce and the excellent quality and prices of goods sold in American supermarkets. 

Transportation 

Before you leave your home country, get an International driving permit as well as a driving record to show how many years you have been driving, accident record etc.  This will help with your insurance within the USA.  As a general rule, you will not be able to get by without a car in the U.S. Cars are relatively inexpensive, although imported cars are more expensive than American cars. The most economical way to obtain a new vehicle is through a lease program. For example, a new Toyota Corolla with manual transmission and air conditioning can be leased for a down payment of $1,500 and $180 per month over two years. Other models are available for even less, and frequent promotions make it possible to lease base models for as little as $100 per month. The only negative factor to keep in mind is a monthly mileage limit -- usually a charge is incurred at the end of the lease for mileage in excess of 1,250 per month.  Second-hand cars are competitively priced. If you would prefer to own a car rather than lease one, you should be able to find a good used car for around $3,000. Consumer reports are available listing the recommended second-hand models as well as those to be avoided.  Car insurance is compulsory in the US and will cost you around $100 per month. Some states require that insurance premiums be paid either annually or in three installments with a 40% down payment to start.  Gasoline (petrol) is inexpensive. The current price for a US gallon (3.75 liters) of premium grade gasoline is around $1.20 and the price is not fixed by the government. Gasoline is freely available 24 hours a day. 

Schools

All public schools are free, with the exception of occasional requests for donations to projects. The standard of education at public schools varies from excellent in many middle-class suburbs to poor in most inner-city areas. As an immigrant it will never be necessary for you to live in an inner-city neighborhood, so schooling should not present a problem. The private schools will initially be too cost-prohibitive to be considered as an option. Usually school buses are available to transport your children to and from school. Low cost lunches are available at most schools. The school year runs from late August to early June.  

Credit 

Foreign nationals sometimes find it difficult to obtain credit in the US, since they do not have a US credit history. If you already have a Visa or Mastercard, a credit reference from your home country may help you acquire a card in the US. However, circumstances and rules change often, so this will not necessarily "guarantee" credit approval.  There are companies offering a "secured credit card," on which credit is limited to an amount you deposit with the company. This is a useful way to build up a credit record. Proper management of a credit card account is one sure way to establish a good credit history.  It is advisable to get a complete credit report from you home country before leaving,  this may help you to get credit in the USA.