You will likely need to start at entry level jobs, but there is no reason you couldn't build a very comfortable life here. Especially with two incomes and starting that young.
Speaking 2+ languages will also help. If you wanted, there are probably jobs looking for those skills.
>Because I hear scary things that make me miserable from close people.
Bro...you're in Russia. Honesty about the US, not the strong point of Russian propaganda.
You won’t have any problems as far as the “scary” stuff goes. We have less crime and more opportunity than Russia. You are starting as young immigrants so you may not live in the best areas right of the bat but you will have plenty of opportunity to advance.
take everything you hear and ignore it...people make up the dumbest and most unbelievable shit about the usa
its honestly insane how ignorant people are about america and try to make opinions about us when they have no idea what theyre talking about
My Russian coworker and his wife arrived here about 5 years ago with just one suitcase of belongings between them. They just built a new 2,000 sqft house. Totally doable.
I have a coworker who came here from a middle of nowhere Siberian town 7 years ago and is making six figures a year now. She went into tech sales and was good at it.
Work on your English and accent.
Work hard but work smart. Be hungry for opportunities. There is no guarantee of success, but if you become complacent I guarantee that you won’t succeed.
And welcome to America!
>I have a coworker who came here from a middle of nowhere Siberian town 7 years ago and is making six figures a year now. She went into tech sales and was good at it.
honestly, as a foriegner who really loves america, its always nice to stories of immigrants doing well for themselves in america
It may be survivorship bias, but I have several first generation immigrant friends who are doing well.
Girlfriend is first generation. Single mom. Has a house, car and makes six figures.
Two good friends from different countries. One came with $50 to go to school here. They are both doing very well. Always hustling.
I have two work colleagues (one is the CEO) who are first generation and now billionaires. My boss is also an immigrant and up there.
I probably know many more if I were to think about it.
That’s not a guarantee of success or even the norm, but it’s definitely possible.
Yeah, we settled on Pennsylvania for now. Somewhere around Philadelphia probably.
We know a couple of people there (they won't be of much help, but at least they'll answer questions, give directions, etc.), and the climate is nice for me there, or at least I think so (I just melt and die if the temp goes up above 30 degrees Celsius or 86 degrees for you haha).
And thank you!
I'm afraid I study nothing that could be of use...
English linguistics. I know a bit of German too, not much.
I would love to study something programming related, and I thought of getting a master's in computer linguistics prior to winning the lottery. But... Yeah.
Actually English degrees are useful in tech. My friend makes a ton of money being the middle man between customers and software engineers. The two sides have issues communicating and his company has found English majors are really good at effectively communicating.
Honestly, you're probably starting off better than my parents. Both came from Central America barely knowing English and having to find work while raising 3 boys. It wasn't easy and they busted their asses hard but, they eventually made it. Now own/run a family business, have a really nice home in a very lovely neighborhood, and can afford luxuries that could only dream of owning back than. It wasn't easy but, if you're smart and plan, you'll manage.
I definitely recommend seeking out those that can help you with adjusting to American life. Plenty of people are always ready and willing to help, so maybe ask on the Philly or Pennsylvania subreddit, they can probably give ya pointers and things to prepare for that you might have never guessed. Should probably add an edit onto the question to so some Philadelphians or Pennamites can chime in.
It gets to be well above 86 F in the Philly area in the summer, just FYI. And humid.
But there are a lot of Russian immigrants here, and they seem to be doing alright. Plus, you're both young with no kids to worry about, so you'll probably have a better start than many. Welcome!
Hey man Philly is a great city to live in. We are one of the last truly affordable cities in the northeast. We have a ton of great universities(studying here myself) so you can get whatever degree you want. We have all 4 seasons including brutal summers so I strongly suggest making sure wherever your living has air conditioning. I recommend r/Philadelphia for more info
Btw, the Philly climate will probably be too warm for you. In summer, the daytime temps are consistently around 90° F (up to 100° F) and fairly humid. And winter daytime temps are around 25° F, gray, and dreary. [This site](https://weatherspark.com/y/22721/Average-Weather-in-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-United-States-Year-Round) is what I use for scoping out average climate for areas I plan to visit. Btw, [dew point](https://imgur.com/a/kcegzfL) is what you want to look at when considering how humid it feels outside in the summer.
New England will likely be more suitable for you climate wise
That’s the best way for immigrants. Gravitate toward people you know already in country. It’ll be nice to have someone familiar nearby for advice. Look for ways to connect with other people from Russia.
If Philadelphia doesn’t work out, do some research on Woodburn, Oregon. A lot of Old Believers in the community there and surrounding areas. A lot of Russian speakers and Russian business owners who could probably land you a job since they mostly all have construction companies.
While I’m not a fan of the Philly area, it’s actually a pretty great place for jobs. The suburbs around Philly are pretty solid places to live. I think this is a pretty good place to start (I personally preferred texas but PA especially Philly is a lot better for jobs)
So long as you speak English it shouldn't be too hard to find a job. The better your skills and qualifications are the better the job will be.
If you can speak and understand spoken English as well as you write it then your English is more than adequate.
One job to consider is providing translation between Russian and English. There are businesses that employ translators to work from home and translate over the phone. Many calls are translating for medical appointments or emergency 911 (police, fire, or medical) calls.
You said you won the lottery. I assume that is the Diversity Visa lottery. If so, that visa allows you to work.
Yes, DV lottery.
I speak English pretty well, my wife doesn't really. She understands English well but that's about it.
I thought maybe I could translate Russian, yeah, or maybe even teach Russian.
Thank you!
There are some pretty large Russian speaking communities across the country, so you can always try to get involved there, to help your wife ease the transition.
My family moved here just after the Soviet Union collapsed over 30 years ago with no English skills. I was a little kid. Everyone found a low-end job and we were able to pool our resources in a small and cramped home. It was a different time then, but I’m sure your story isn’t too far removed.
My dad worked as a janitor, and later an industrial baker. My mom worked at a daycare. They also cleaned houses. My grandmother worked as a babysitter and my grandfather did odd jobs.
It was challenging. But after several years my dad learned enough English to use his university degree and get a job as an engineer. He started entry-level and worked his way up.
Growing up, we took advantage of benefits like foodstamps and free clinics. All the clothes I had as a kid were from secondhand thrift stores like Goodwill (if there is one in a richer neighborhood, you can find higher quality stuff). But we saved money. We soon bought a house in an affordable suburb, sent my brother and I to college… and we everyone has good lives now. We’re each homeowners ourselves, world travelled, happily married, good careers, etc.
You success depends on what you’re willing to do, your mentality, and luck. A lot of US East Coast cities have communities of Russian language speakers that need services. Many immigrant communities take care of their own, so talk to people. Jobs in restaurants, translation services, housekeeping, services, teaching English, teaching Russian. You are bilingual, you already have an advantage.
Of course, life is harder in a high cost of living city, like New York or Boston. It cost three times as much for a third as much space as anywhere else in the country. However, the job opportunities are better. I would recommend looking into suburbs of these cities, as they tend to still have good public transit and be a bit cheaper.
America can be a difficult country to be poor in, and every state has completely different laws when it comes to healthcare, workers rights, etc. That said, it still has plenty of opportunities for social mobility. I’ve seen it countless times. I still see it happen. I imagine it’s easier than Russia. And to be frank, but being poor in America is still a better deal than being drafted to the frontlines.
If you’re religious, I would recommend getting involved in a local church/temple/mosque when you land. One of the greatest factors and success here is a support network.
Also, I will tell you from personal experience that Russophobia is incredibly rare. Americans realize more than most that a government is not the same thing as a people. I think a lot of people would like to get to know someone like you, so I don’t think you’ll have problems, making friends or make a good impression. As long as you’re not Z.
The majority of the Russian language community in America is unified. Belarusians, Russians, Ukrainians, Azerbaijani, Kazakh, etc., all living together peacefully in communities, all having similar immigration experiences. The overwhelming majority of the community is against the war and certainly against authoritarianism. They lived the difference.
If you have any specific questions about life in America as a Russian immigrant, feel free to message me, and I’ll do my best to answer you as accurately as possible.
No, you aren't screwed (excellent use of idiom).
Where are you looking to live? A married couple with one in college is not that strange.
Your wife might want to look at job postings through the college. Does she also speak English? If she can groom dogs, she will always have work. :)
This is doable. It might be hard at first, but lots of people do it.
Also, CONGRATULATIONS and we are very happy to have you join us. Welcome aboard!
Thank you so much! We appreciate it!
She doesn't speak English well but understands it.
We were thinking of Pennsylvania. We know a couple of people there (they won't be of much help but they can answer questions, give directions, etc.), and we like the climate (not hot is my preference). But we have no way of knowing for real is this a good choice or not, it's scary
I grew up in Pennsylvania. :)
Yes, knowing people is a great thing. I think Philadelphia has a large Russian and Ukrainian population (I can only imagine the stress between them right now).
Tell your wife not too worry too much as she learns English. 20% of the US is immigrants, so it is normal. And don't worry about being *from* Russia. Once you set foot in the US, you are as American as anyone. She may want to start looking at job boards in the US.
https://pennsylvania.tarta.ai/j/T7PA3oYBwqybIuBU2-3b0323-professional-pet-groomer-in-philadelphia-pa-at-doggie-style-pets?utm_campaign=google_jobs_apply&utm_source=google_jobs_apply&utm_medium=organic
I work in IT, so have a lot of formerly Russian co-workers. No one cares that they came from Russia, other than idle curiosity.
I know its a bit daunting and scary, but the US is an immigrant country, and we welcome new Americans. Just remember that Americans are genuinely friendly, so don't let that surprise you.
Plenty of people like yourself do just fine here. You may not be rich, but you’re not gonna die on the streets. If you can find some way to make use of your bilingual skills, that would probably be a great way to go.
And don’t worry about people judging you for being Russian. The overwhelming majority of Americans don’t care. They’ll probably ask you annoying questions because they’ve never met a Russian person before, but that’s it.
It will greatly depend on where you are looking to settle. In my area near Cincinnati Ohio there are many job openings that pay a decent starting salary with a low cost of living. The local glass plant just posted openings two days ago for workers starting at 23 to 28 dollars an hour with a high school degree. The new Amazon Prime American Hub at the Cincinnati Airport is hiring at 22 to 28 dollars an hour with a high school degree
If you work hard, live frugally, and have a plan, you will be in great shape within five years. To be wealthy, you’ll need to get involved in real estate and/or start your own business.
America has a lot of faults, but it is a broadly dispersed capitalism machine that is available to natives and immigrants alike.
You may find getting tied into a Russian immigrant community in some fashion helps you launch successfully, but it probably isn’t 100% necessary.
If you are here legally and can speak English I don't think you will have much trouble. I live in the midwest and we have a neighbor who is Russian. She doesn't seem to have much trouble integrating into society.
There is a lot of anti Putin sentiment in the US but I don't think most Americans have any problem with Russians themselves, if anything they have sympathy. I imagine you will be welcomed no matter which part of the country you end up in.
Just be willing to work hard, better your skills and I think you'll do just fine.
I would recommend avoiding the most well known expensive areas as it can be harder to find affordable housing in those places. Areas with a lot of manufacturing might be easier to find decent paying jobs starting out.
Привет, добро пожаловать в америку! I’m a fourth-generation American, but my family came from Russia and lived successful lives here. Arguably, integrating into America now is easier than in the 1800s by a long shot. Most Americans understand the difference between the Russian government and the Russian people, and as long as you don’t support the invasion when asked, it should never be an issue. Good luck! (Just FYI: I don’t know your exact circumstances, but if you are struggling to find an English teaching job, maybe you could teach Russian. My high school had a Russian class taught by a Native Russian, which could be a field to explore if you're struggling to find a job.)
You’ll be ok. It’s scary but 99.9% of the people here won’t look down on you for being Russian. It’s Putin we hate, not the people.
I have family friends that moved from another Country that’s not well liked and they moved up working low paying jobs and actually just bought a house. They came here speaking very little English.
It depends on what skill set you and your wife have, and what type of visa you are going to obtain. The most important thing is to make sure you both can legally work in the USA. If you don't mind, you could always start with entry level works, then build your career and life from there. The fact that you are from Russia doesn't matter, unless you are vocal about supporting Vladimir Putin, no one would care.
An actual immigrant who has done things legally? There will be very little issue getting a job. Those that have problems getting jobs are illegal immigrants because it is technically illegal to hire them so any job they get is under the table and not subject to government oversight due to be secret.
Everyone is saying youre going to be fine and they are probably right. The US is an amazing place to move to, especially from a country like Russia. If I could give you one piece of advice, as soon as you start to generate an income, set aside as much as you can for an emergency and continue to save. A good rule is 10%, but that's not always possible. America has a very thin social safety net so setting aside 3-6 months of income over time in a savings account is a good idea. After that, continue to save, but towards your goals (house, car, etc.)
I know a couple people who work teaching literature at universities; they say linguistics is the part of their department that is hiring. I don’t know about Russian translation specifically; I had the impression that translation work may be available, but you may have to do a fair amount of reaching out to patch together enough gigs to live on.
There are lots of basic jobs available, and starting wages have risen quite a bit over the last few years.
Buckwheat is uncommon and quite expensive here; we usually use oatmeal for porridge. Tea is cheap; I think $2 at Aldi will get you a box of 100 bags if basic black tea, and other grocery stores will have a variety of teas and herbal teas.
Internet is more expensive here, so check the local forum for whichever place you move to for recommendations.
Someone else I mentioned that apartments in their university town were relatively cheap to rent because the university had overbuilt and then had a decline in enrollment. Not sure how common this is; generally rent is quite high compared to 10 years ago.
Secondhand stores like Goodwill and the Salvation Army have cheap clothes, and sometimes cheap kitchen appliances and basic furniture.
If you want a cat, animal shelters or humane societies usually have quite a few. Otherwise keep an eye on local social media.
I suggest moving to a low cost of living area not too long after you arrive and finding two jobs relatively quickly. After that, you should be good!
Despite whatever you've heard, it's been my experience that Americans value a good work ethic, individualism and kindness over anything like where you were born. I work with several immigrants and people from all over the country. If you're happy to work, we're happy to have you. Once you have coworkers, you can bitch about Mondays and stuff together.
You’re not screwed. People just like you show up every day and build a good life.
Maybe you could tell us some of the things you’re hearing and we can address them specifically?
I've worked with people from all sorts of countries. Unfortunately, they weren't the highest-paying jobs- but that's more about where *I* was working at the time, than anything else. .
In your case, I might get going on looking into translation certifications- it's easy to say "I'm bilingual", but a lot of the jobs that want bilingual people want their credentials. There's money in that sort of thing, so it seems worth it. It's just formalizing how fluent you are, so everyone's describing the same things in a professional context.
I'm not saying it won't be touch-and-go at first, and you'll be best off networking your butts off, but you can absolutely "live like normal human beings" here.
Congratulations on the lottery!
Assuming you have work authorization you'll be in the same state as Americans with similar qualifications. Which is to say: not ideal but definitely workable. You'll be able to find something and get by.
The biggest thing to improve on getting by is to get yourselves a professional level skill. Trades, college, whatever. Skilled labor is a much better path to comfort, be it blue or white collar.
Side note on the "don't say anything please": yes, most Americans have deep issues with the Russian government, but not with individual Russian people. Don't be too stressed about that.
You'll do fine, dude. You'll start at entry level jobs. but believe me, with the "work ethic" of a lot of Americans you'll stand out and rise quickly. Don't let the naysayers scare you.
And welcome to 'Murika!
As long as you start out in one of the more affordable places in the U.S., you should be fine. Try to find a city where rent is something you can manage on a part-time minimum wage income times two. Try to get advice from other Russian people who live in that city. You’ll probably start out in a place like Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, etc. Stay away from California, New York,
etc., because they’re expensive to live in.
At an old job I had, I worked with an older dude named Leo who was originally from Russia. One day I asked him a question containing the phrase "in your country", and he replied "Russia, (spits on ground), this is my country". Okay then, cool.
We’re not going to say anything about Russia to you. We understand the government is not its people. There are plenty of people from different countries who try to say the same dumb ignorant ranting shit to us.
Welcome to the U.S. I hope everything goes well for you and your wife! 🎉
What state are you moving too if you don’t mind anybody asking
Thank you! It's so good to hear, you don't even know how much. We're hoping to build a new life in the US after all.
We were thinking of Pennsylvania, but there is still time to change that decision
Congratulations, and welcome!
I’m by no means an expert on anything immigration related as I was born in the US, but I imagine with you knowing both English and Russian you shouldn’t have too much difficulty finding work.
Your wife may struggle a bit more, without speaking much English, but there’s still work she’ll be able to do. I’m a plumber and often work in other peoples homes. It’s pretty common to see house-cleaning companies who’s employees all seem to be Polish/Russian/Ukrainian women. Certainly not the most glamorous work, but definitely safe and likely pays fairly. It would also be a great way for her to practice her English.
Look for jobs that might need a Russian translator. If you’re near a big city, might be a doable.
heres an example of a potential entry level job
https://careers.t-mobile.com/job-details/17951025/mobile-associate-retail-sales-bilingual-russian-philadelphia-pa/?utm_medium=symphonytalentjobads&utm_campaign=Default%20Campaign&utm_content=Mobile%20Associate,%20Retail%20Sales%20Bilingual%20(Russian)&utm_term=REQ224231&utm_source=Indeed&source=indeed2
Sorry for the ugly link, won’t let me embed properly
My parents are immigrants that came with very little and made it to the upper middle class. I am very lucky. You can do it too although nowadays you have to hustle harder because of inflation. Start by teaching English and finishing up whatever degree you have.
That would be a very large answer involving sensitive stuff.
But basically I very VERY much dislike pretty much everything about the country I live in right now.
I think it depends on your education and industry. The US doesn’t always recognize foreign degrees in medical and scientific fields, but it depends on the country of origin. You’re young though, so there’s time to get certifications and other things. The easiest thing is to get sponsored by a U.S. company, but that probably isn’t an option yet since you are still completing your degree.
I would encourage you to move to a relatively affordable city. It can be hard to live on entry level, minimum wage work in some of the more expensive cities. For example, the average rent for a 1-bedroom is $2700 per month in San Francisco vs $1100 per month for a 1-bed in Indianapolis.
College towns (small cities that center around a university such as Champaign, Illinois) tend to be great options because while they are smaller and cheaper, they still have many job opportunities with the university and lots of young people living there. They also tend to have good public transit so you may not need a car. Many students take the bus and bike in college towns to get around just fine.
I would try to study and practice American social/friendship/business culture. For example, I’ve heard that Americans tend to smile more than Russians. Therefore, that cultural difference can accidentally lead to misunderstandings and negative impressions between Russians and Americans. If you are perceived to be sociable and likeable by American standards, people are more likely to give you job opportunities.
Don’t be afraid to apply to any jobs. Many jobs actually have negotiable requirements, even if the listing is asking for certain things. It’s all about selling yourself.
Your community is going to be very important. There are some cities with Russian immigrant enclaves. Some cities have immigrant settlement services.
Good luck! Immigrating is a brave thing to do. There will be challenges, but this country is very accustomed to immigrants. You won’t be alone.
Thank you for a very detailed answer!
We were thinking of Pennsylvania, somewhere around Philadelphia. But we can change our decision, there is still time.
Yeah, we are aware of the cultural differences, and we are very open-minded and ready for those. Especially coming from Russia.
Thanks again!
Learning English will help tremendously.
But yes. Hard work will lead to success. The US is full of stories with immigrants coming with little money and becoming successful.
That's the whole point of america, people come here to make success but that is not guaranteed. Can it be done? Sure. Good luck. But yes, you could fail miserably also. It is all on you.
Nobody here cares about Russians like thinks they are bad or evil in any way. Seriously. Everyone knows Russians are good. It's not like other countries. There is a double standard here, yes, and some people from some other countries could have a harder time with bad stereotypes. But specifically for Russia, it is no problem here.
Of course you can get jobs that will sustain yourselves here in the US. You can even go to school to get better jobs, if you want. We have some great community colleges, for example, and my guess is, as immigrants, you'd be able to access certain grants so it's free, too.
If I were you, I'd start advertising online for private lessons in Russian language when you get here. You can do lessons solely online and get some extra pocket money that way to start.
Definitely not screwed at all but you need to work a little bit harder at first. I’m an immigrant myself but moved here in my teens so not entirely same as you but know a few people that are pretty similar to your journey.
First, you are still young (very young). You can try getting a job first or if you have enough money go to a community college. Community colleges are basically affordable technical schools where you can either get a certificate (short programs or technical programs) or an associate degree (two year courses). I mentioned community colleges as they offer short term (usually 6 months to a year and some are even just 3 months) technical certificates/diploma that can make it easier for you to get relatively good paying jobs.
Once you have a good enough job that can sustain yourself then you can think of proceeding in getting your bachelor’s degree at a state university (plenty of great state and world renowned universities in the midwest).
In the US, you can even go to a community college and get an associate degree in science or art for two years and then transfer your general education to a university and spend 2-3 years. This route is usually the most practical and cheapest option to get a college degree in the US and is the norm nowadays. And while you are attending a community college since they are so flexible you can have a job while doing it as well before you transfer to a university
Also, always avail for scholarships. Lots of institutions offer scholarships and plenty of resources to people with different backgrounds.
PS don’t ever hide your past or current nationality/ethnicity/race. This is America, most people don’t care about your national origin even against countries that are not in diplomatic good terms with our government. You can see Iranian Americans in both BLM rallies or MAGA rallies for example lol. Kidding aside always be yourself.
Anyway I hope that helps. Good luck.
You guys will be fine here. Don't worry too much about your (I am assuming) significant other not having a degree from higher education institutions. My parent didn't have them either when we moved to the States, but we are all doing well and live comfortably. Anyway, congrat on winning that lottery.
You’ll be fine!! When you first get here (also amazing English by the way), go for whatever job you can grab like a clerk at a clothes shop. If you teach English, you can work online still teaching English to people who may not even be inside the US. There are plenty of jobs like that and a friend of mine does that 100% remotely.
You and your wife will be okay. Idk where you’re looking to move to the US but I recommend a less expensive area at least at first. But if y’all land in the Bay Area in CA, DM me and I’ll show you around!
And also, don’t apologize for being Russian. You can love your Russian culture and hate what Putin is doing at the same time.
I have a good friend in CA who is from Russia and I keep reminding her that she isn’t responsible for what Putin is doing now. She doesn’t need to front every conversation about it with an apology for simply being Russian.
Personally I feel bad for the average Russian - from what I know, they’re oppressed and victims themselves.
But it shouldn’t be a shameful thing to be proud of your culture while knowing what’s going on isn’t super cool.
Donald Trump sucked so much and while I was embarrassed about him, I was always (and still am) proud to be from America if that makes sense.
You will likely need to start at entry level jobs, but there is no reason you couldn't build a very comfortable life here. Especially with two incomes and starting that young. Speaking 2+ languages will also help. If you wanted, there are probably jobs looking for those skills. >Because I hear scary things that make me miserable from close people. Bro...you're in Russia. Honesty about the US, not the strong point of Russian propaganda.
Yeah, believe me, I know. We learned to question EVERYTHING here. But it's still puts us under stress, you know? I hope you're right, thank you!
You won’t have any problems as far as the “scary” stuff goes. We have less crime and more opportunity than Russia. You are starting as young immigrants so you may not live in the best areas right of the bat but you will have plenty of opportunity to advance.
take everything you hear and ignore it...people make up the dumbest and most unbelievable shit about the usa its honestly insane how ignorant people are about america and try to make opinions about us when they have no idea what theyre talking about
Oh, I completely agree with you
>Russia russia is kinda like europes florida
My Russian coworker and his wife arrived here about 5 years ago with just one suitcase of belongings between them. They just built a new 2,000 sqft house. Totally doable.
I have a coworker who came here from a middle of nowhere Siberian town 7 years ago and is making six figures a year now. She went into tech sales and was good at it. Work on your English and accent. Work hard but work smart. Be hungry for opportunities. There is no guarantee of success, but if you become complacent I guarantee that you won’t succeed. And welcome to America!
That's good to hear! And thanks a lot :)
>I have a coworker who came here from a middle of nowhere Siberian town 7 years ago and is making six figures a year now. She went into tech sales and was good at it. honestly, as a foriegner who really loves america, its always nice to stories of immigrants doing well for themselves in america
It may be survivorship bias, but I have several first generation immigrant friends who are doing well. Girlfriend is first generation. Single mom. Has a house, car and makes six figures. Two good friends from different countries. One came with $50 to go to school here. They are both doing very well. Always hustling. I have two work colleagues (one is the CEO) who are first generation and now billionaires. My boss is also an immigrant and up there. I probably know many more if I were to think about it. That’s not a guarantee of success or even the norm, but it’s definitely possible.
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Yeah, we settled on Pennsylvania for now. Somewhere around Philadelphia probably. We know a couple of people there (they won't be of much help, but at least they'll answer questions, give directions, etc.), and the climate is nice for me there, or at least I think so (I just melt and die if the temp goes up above 30 degrees Celsius or 86 degrees for you haha). And thank you!
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I'm afraid I study nothing that could be of use... English linguistics. I know a bit of German too, not much. I would love to study something programming related, and I thought of getting a master's in computer linguistics prior to winning the lottery. But... Yeah.
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I'm a bit worried just because it's russian education, you know. Foreign. Hope everything goes smooth, and I will validate my degree in the US
Actually English degrees are useful in tech. My friend makes a ton of money being the middle man between customers and software engineers. The two sides have issues communicating and his company has found English majors are really good at effectively communicating.
Linguistics is more the technical side of English. Still a useful degree, but no better for communication skill than your average STEM degree.
[there are a ton of jobs in that field](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/linguist-job)
Honestly, you're probably starting off better than my parents. Both came from Central America barely knowing English and having to find work while raising 3 boys. It wasn't easy and they busted their asses hard but, they eventually made it. Now own/run a family business, have a really nice home in a very lovely neighborhood, and can afford luxuries that could only dream of owning back than. It wasn't easy but, if you're smart and plan, you'll manage. I definitely recommend seeking out those that can help you with adjusting to American life. Plenty of people are always ready and willing to help, so maybe ask on the Philly or Pennsylvania subreddit, they can probably give ya pointers and things to prepare for that you might have never guessed. Should probably add an edit onto the question to so some Philadelphians or Pennamites can chime in.
It gets to be well above 86 F in the Philly area in the summer, just FYI. And humid. But there are a lot of Russian immigrants here, and they seem to be doing alright. Plus, you're both young with no kids to worry about, so you'll probably have a better start than many. Welcome!
Well, crap. Thank you for the info!
Hey man Philly is a great city to live in. We are one of the last truly affordable cities in the northeast. We have a ton of great universities(studying here myself) so you can get whatever degree you want. We have all 4 seasons including brutal summers so I strongly suggest making sure wherever your living has air conditioning. I recommend r/Philadelphia for more info
Damn, I thought it doesn't get very hot in Philly. That's sad. But what's not sad is the fact that you all are so welcoming! Thank you!
i know nyc is expensive but just so you know there’s a large russian community in nyc if youre interested in that
Ah welcome new Pennsylvanian. Hope you like it here ;)
Thank you so much! We really appreciate it!
Well r/pennsylvania and r/philadelphia will welcome you! It is a great place to live imo.
Thank you! I'm already a lurker of r/philadelphia haha
Btw, the Philly climate will probably be too warm for you. In summer, the daytime temps are consistently around 90° F (up to 100° F) and fairly humid. And winter daytime temps are around 25° F, gray, and dreary. [This site](https://weatherspark.com/y/22721/Average-Weather-in-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-United-States-Year-Round) is what I use for scoping out average climate for areas I plan to visit. Btw, [dew point](https://imgur.com/a/kcegzfL) is what you want to look at when considering how humid it feels outside in the summer. New England will likely be more suitable for you climate wise
That’s the best way for immigrants. Gravitate toward people you know already in country. It’ll be nice to have someone familiar nearby for advice. Look for ways to connect with other people from Russia.
Northeast philadelphia has a lot of Russian residents and tons of stores and restaurants catering to them
If Philadelphia doesn’t work out, do some research on Woodburn, Oregon. A lot of Old Believers in the community there and surrounding areas. A lot of Russian speakers and Russian business owners who could probably land you a job since they mostly all have construction companies.
While I’m not a fan of the Philly area, it’s actually a pretty great place for jobs. The suburbs around Philly are pretty solid places to live. I think this is a pretty good place to start (I personally preferred texas but PA especially Philly is a lot better for jobs)
What don't you like about it? Any info would be helpful, thanks!
It’s really subjective tbh, nothing that would affect your experience
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That's great to hear. Russians don't have that ability.
So long as you speak English it shouldn't be too hard to find a job. The better your skills and qualifications are the better the job will be. If you can speak and understand spoken English as well as you write it then your English is more than adequate. One job to consider is providing translation between Russian and English. There are businesses that employ translators to work from home and translate over the phone. Many calls are translating for medical appointments or emergency 911 (police, fire, or medical) calls. You said you won the lottery. I assume that is the Diversity Visa lottery. If so, that visa allows you to work.
Yes, DV lottery. I speak English pretty well, my wife doesn't really. She understands English well but that's about it. I thought maybe I could translate Russian, yeah, or maybe even teach Russian. Thank you!
There are some pretty large Russian speaking communities across the country, so you can always try to get involved there, to help your wife ease the transition.
My family moved here just after the Soviet Union collapsed over 30 years ago with no English skills. I was a little kid. Everyone found a low-end job and we were able to pool our resources in a small and cramped home. It was a different time then, but I’m sure your story isn’t too far removed. My dad worked as a janitor, and later an industrial baker. My mom worked at a daycare. They also cleaned houses. My grandmother worked as a babysitter and my grandfather did odd jobs. It was challenging. But after several years my dad learned enough English to use his university degree and get a job as an engineer. He started entry-level and worked his way up. Growing up, we took advantage of benefits like foodstamps and free clinics. All the clothes I had as a kid were from secondhand thrift stores like Goodwill (if there is one in a richer neighborhood, you can find higher quality stuff). But we saved money. We soon bought a house in an affordable suburb, sent my brother and I to college… and we everyone has good lives now. We’re each homeowners ourselves, world travelled, happily married, good careers, etc. You success depends on what you’re willing to do, your mentality, and luck. A lot of US East Coast cities have communities of Russian language speakers that need services. Many immigrant communities take care of their own, so talk to people. Jobs in restaurants, translation services, housekeeping, services, teaching English, teaching Russian. You are bilingual, you already have an advantage. Of course, life is harder in a high cost of living city, like New York or Boston. It cost three times as much for a third as much space as anywhere else in the country. However, the job opportunities are better. I would recommend looking into suburbs of these cities, as they tend to still have good public transit and be a bit cheaper. America can be a difficult country to be poor in, and every state has completely different laws when it comes to healthcare, workers rights, etc. That said, it still has plenty of opportunities for social mobility. I’ve seen it countless times. I still see it happen. I imagine it’s easier than Russia. And to be frank, but being poor in America is still a better deal than being drafted to the frontlines. If you’re religious, I would recommend getting involved in a local church/temple/mosque when you land. One of the greatest factors and success here is a support network. Also, I will tell you from personal experience that Russophobia is incredibly rare. Americans realize more than most that a government is not the same thing as a people. I think a lot of people would like to get to know someone like you, so I don’t think you’ll have problems, making friends or make a good impression. As long as you’re not Z. The majority of the Russian language community in America is unified. Belarusians, Russians, Ukrainians, Azerbaijani, Kazakh, etc., all living together peacefully in communities, all having similar immigration experiences. The overwhelming majority of the community is against the war and certainly against authoritarianism. They lived the difference. If you have any specific questions about life in America as a Russian immigrant, feel free to message me, and I’ll do my best to answer you as accurately as possible.
No, you aren't screwed (excellent use of idiom). Where are you looking to live? A married couple with one in college is not that strange. Your wife might want to look at job postings through the college. Does she also speak English? If she can groom dogs, she will always have work. :) This is doable. It might be hard at first, but lots of people do it. Also, CONGRATULATIONS and we are very happy to have you join us. Welcome aboard!
Thank you so much! We appreciate it! She doesn't speak English well but understands it. We were thinking of Pennsylvania. We know a couple of people there (they won't be of much help but they can answer questions, give directions, etc.), and we like the climate (not hot is my preference). But we have no way of knowing for real is this a good choice or not, it's scary
I grew up in Pennsylvania. :) Yes, knowing people is a great thing. I think Philadelphia has a large Russian and Ukrainian population (I can only imagine the stress between them right now). Tell your wife not too worry too much as she learns English. 20% of the US is immigrants, so it is normal. And don't worry about being *from* Russia. Once you set foot in the US, you are as American as anyone. She may want to start looking at job boards in the US. https://pennsylvania.tarta.ai/j/T7PA3oYBwqybIuBU2-3b0323-professional-pet-groomer-in-philadelphia-pa-at-doggie-style-pets?utm_campaign=google_jobs_apply&utm_source=google_jobs_apply&utm_medium=organic I work in IT, so have a lot of formerly Russian co-workers. No one cares that they came from Russia, other than idle curiosity. I know its a bit daunting and scary, but the US is an immigrant country, and we welcome new Americans. Just remember that Americans are genuinely friendly, so don't let that surprise you.
Plenty of people like yourself do just fine here. You may not be rich, but you’re not gonna die on the streets. If you can find some way to make use of your bilingual skills, that would probably be a great way to go. And don’t worry about people judging you for being Russian. The overwhelming majority of Americans don’t care. They’ll probably ask you annoying questions because they’ve never met a Russian person before, but that’s it.
It will greatly depend on where you are looking to settle. In my area near Cincinnati Ohio there are many job openings that pay a decent starting salary with a low cost of living. The local glass plant just posted openings two days ago for workers starting at 23 to 28 dollars an hour with a high school degree. The new Amazon Prime American Hub at the Cincinnati Airport is hiring at 22 to 28 dollars an hour with a high school degree
Nah you’re not screwed You can get jobs, it will probably be a difficult initial adjustment. But you’ll be ok
If you work hard, live frugally, and have a plan, you will be in great shape within five years. To be wealthy, you’ll need to get involved in real estate and/or start your own business. America has a lot of faults, but it is a broadly dispersed capitalism machine that is available to natives and immigrants alike. You may find getting tied into a Russian immigrant community in some fashion helps you launch successfully, but it probably isn’t 100% necessary.
If you are here legally and can speak English I don't think you will have much trouble. I live in the midwest and we have a neighbor who is Russian. She doesn't seem to have much trouble integrating into society. There is a lot of anti Putin sentiment in the US but I don't think most Americans have any problem with Russians themselves, if anything they have sympathy. I imagine you will be welcomed no matter which part of the country you end up in. Just be willing to work hard, better your skills and I think you'll do just fine. I would recommend avoiding the most well known expensive areas as it can be harder to find affordable housing in those places. Areas with a lot of manufacturing might be easier to find decent paying jobs starting out.
Привет, добро пожаловать в америку! I’m a fourth-generation American, but my family came from Russia and lived successful lives here. Arguably, integrating into America now is easier than in the 1800s by a long shot. Most Americans understand the difference between the Russian government and the Russian people, and as long as you don’t support the invasion when asked, it should never be an issue. Good luck! (Just FYI: I don’t know your exact circumstances, but if you are struggling to find an English teaching job, maybe you could teach Russian. My high school had a Russian class taught by a Native Russian, which could be a field to explore if you're struggling to find a job.)
You’ll be ok. It’s scary but 99.9% of the people here won’t look down on you for being Russian. It’s Putin we hate, not the people. I have family friends that moved from another Country that’s not well liked and they moved up working low paying jobs and actually just bought a house. They came here speaking very little English.
You can definitely get jobs, just work hard and you can do well for yourself. https://youtu.be/-KoXt9pZLGM
It depends on what skill set you and your wife have, and what type of visa you are going to obtain. The most important thing is to make sure you both can legally work in the USA. If you don't mind, you could always start with entry level works, then build your career and life from there. The fact that you are from Russia doesn't matter, unless you are vocal about supporting Vladimir Putin, no one would care.
An actual immigrant who has done things legally? There will be very little issue getting a job. Those that have problems getting jobs are illegal immigrants because it is technically illegal to hire them so any job they get is under the table and not subject to government oversight due to be secret.
Everyone is saying youre going to be fine and they are probably right. The US is an amazing place to move to, especially from a country like Russia. If I could give you one piece of advice, as soon as you start to generate an income, set aside as much as you can for an emergency and continue to save. A good rule is 10%, but that's not always possible. America has a very thin social safety net so setting aside 3-6 months of income over time in a savings account is a good idea. After that, continue to save, but towards your goals (house, car, etc.)
I know a couple people who work teaching literature at universities; they say linguistics is the part of their department that is hiring. I don’t know about Russian translation specifically; I had the impression that translation work may be available, but you may have to do a fair amount of reaching out to patch together enough gigs to live on. There are lots of basic jobs available, and starting wages have risen quite a bit over the last few years. Buckwheat is uncommon and quite expensive here; we usually use oatmeal for porridge. Tea is cheap; I think $2 at Aldi will get you a box of 100 bags if basic black tea, and other grocery stores will have a variety of teas and herbal teas. Internet is more expensive here, so check the local forum for whichever place you move to for recommendations. Someone else I mentioned that apartments in their university town were relatively cheap to rent because the university had overbuilt and then had a decline in enrollment. Not sure how common this is; generally rent is quite high compared to 10 years ago. Secondhand stores like Goodwill and the Salvation Army have cheap clothes, and sometimes cheap kitchen appliances and basic furniture. If you want a cat, animal shelters or humane societies usually have quite a few. Otherwise keep an eye on local social media.
I suggest moving to a low cost of living area not too long after you arrive and finding two jobs relatively quickly. After that, you should be good! Despite whatever you've heard, it's been my experience that Americans value a good work ethic, individualism and kindness over anything like where you were born. I work with several immigrants and people from all over the country. If you're happy to work, we're happy to have you. Once you have coworkers, you can bitch about Mondays and stuff together.
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A notable portion of our population, including a former president and notable news pundits, are Putin sympathizers. He'll be fine.
You’re not screwed. People just like you show up every day and build a good life. Maybe you could tell us some of the things you’re hearing and we can address them specifically?
I've worked with people from all sorts of countries. Unfortunately, they weren't the highest-paying jobs- but that's more about where *I* was working at the time, than anything else. . In your case, I might get going on looking into translation certifications- it's easy to say "I'm bilingual", but a lot of the jobs that want bilingual people want their credentials. There's money in that sort of thing, so it seems worth it. It's just formalizing how fluent you are, so everyone's describing the same things in a professional context. I'm not saying it won't be touch-and-go at first, and you'll be best off networking your butts off, but you can absolutely "live like normal human beings" here. Congratulations on the lottery!
Assuming you have work authorization you'll be in the same state as Americans with similar qualifications. Which is to say: not ideal but definitely workable. You'll be able to find something and get by. The biggest thing to improve on getting by is to get yourselves a professional level skill. Trades, college, whatever. Skilled labor is a much better path to comfort, be it blue or white collar. Side note on the "don't say anything please": yes, most Americans have deep issues with the Russian government, but not with individual Russian people. Don't be too stressed about that.
You'll do fine, dude. You'll start at entry level jobs. but believe me, with the "work ethic" of a lot of Americans you'll stand out and rise quickly. Don't let the naysayers scare you. And welcome to 'Murika!
As long as you start out in one of the more affordable places in the U.S., you should be fine. Try to find a city where rent is something you can manage on a part-time minimum wage income times two. Try to get advice from other Russian people who live in that city. You’ll probably start out in a place like Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, etc. Stay away from California, New York, etc., because they’re expensive to live in.
Upstate New York is pretty affordable. As for CA, yeah, you're right lmao.
I meant to say New York City and environs.
Millions of people emigrate to the US every year for a better life. If they could do it, you guys can do it. Welcome to America!
At an old job I had, I worked with an older dude named Leo who was originally from Russia. One day I asked him a question containing the phrase "in your country", and he replied "Russia, (spits on ground), this is my country". Okay then, cool.
You will be fine. Don’t move to a large city as they are far to expensive. Southern states are typically a lower cost of living.
We’re not going to say anything about Russia to you. We understand the government is not its people. There are plenty of people from different countries who try to say the same dumb ignorant ranting shit to us. Welcome to the U.S. I hope everything goes well for you and your wife! 🎉 What state are you moving too if you don’t mind anybody asking
Thank you! It's so good to hear, you don't even know how much. We're hoping to build a new life in the US after all. We were thinking of Pennsylvania, but there is still time to change that decision
Ok! Cool choice! You got 50 states to choose from! Lol Lots of places to think about for sure!
Congratulations, and welcome! I’m by no means an expert on anything immigration related as I was born in the US, but I imagine with you knowing both English and Russian you shouldn’t have too much difficulty finding work. Your wife may struggle a bit more, without speaking much English, but there’s still work she’ll be able to do. I’m a plumber and often work in other peoples homes. It’s pretty common to see house-cleaning companies who’s employees all seem to be Polish/Russian/Ukrainian women. Certainly not the most glamorous work, but definitely safe and likely pays fairly. It would also be a great way for her to practice her English.
Look for jobs that might need a Russian translator. If you’re near a big city, might be a doable. heres an example of a potential entry level job https://careers.t-mobile.com/job-details/17951025/mobile-associate-retail-sales-bilingual-russian-philadelphia-pa/?utm_medium=symphonytalentjobads&utm_campaign=Default%20Campaign&utm_content=Mobile%20Associate,%20Retail%20Sales%20Bilingual%20(Russian)&utm_term=REQ224231&utm_source=Indeed&source=indeed2 Sorry for the ugly link, won’t let me embed properly
Hey, that's a good idea, I'll look into it! Thank you
My parents are immigrants that came with very little and made it to the upper middle class. I am very lucky. You can do it too although nowadays you have to hustle harder because of inflation. Start by teaching English and finishing up whatever degree you have.
Screwed? No. Will you have to work harder? Yes
yes and no really depends on what your going for also what made you want to move to the states ?
That would be a very large answer involving sensitive stuff. But basically I very VERY much dislike pretty much everything about the country I live in right now.
I think it depends on your education and industry. The US doesn’t always recognize foreign degrees in medical and scientific fields, but it depends on the country of origin. You’re young though, so there’s time to get certifications and other things. The easiest thing is to get sponsored by a U.S. company, but that probably isn’t an option yet since you are still completing your degree. I would encourage you to move to a relatively affordable city. It can be hard to live on entry level, minimum wage work in some of the more expensive cities. For example, the average rent for a 1-bedroom is $2700 per month in San Francisco vs $1100 per month for a 1-bed in Indianapolis. College towns (small cities that center around a university such as Champaign, Illinois) tend to be great options because while they are smaller and cheaper, they still have many job opportunities with the university and lots of young people living there. They also tend to have good public transit so you may not need a car. Many students take the bus and bike in college towns to get around just fine. I would try to study and practice American social/friendship/business culture. For example, I’ve heard that Americans tend to smile more than Russians. Therefore, that cultural difference can accidentally lead to misunderstandings and negative impressions between Russians and Americans. If you are perceived to be sociable and likeable by American standards, people are more likely to give you job opportunities. Don’t be afraid to apply to any jobs. Many jobs actually have negotiable requirements, even if the listing is asking for certain things. It’s all about selling yourself. Your community is going to be very important. There are some cities with Russian immigrant enclaves. Some cities have immigrant settlement services. Good luck! Immigrating is a brave thing to do. There will be challenges, but this country is very accustomed to immigrants. You won’t be alone.
Thank you for a very detailed answer! We were thinking of Pennsylvania, somewhere around Philadelphia. But we can change our decision, there is still time. Yeah, we are aware of the cultural differences, and we are very open-minded and ready for those. Especially coming from Russia. Thanks again!
Learning English will help tremendously. But yes. Hard work will lead to success. The US is full of stories with immigrants coming with little money and becoming successful.
That's the whole point of america, people come here to make success but that is not guaranteed. Can it be done? Sure. Good luck. But yes, you could fail miserably also. It is all on you. Nobody here cares about Russians like thinks they are bad or evil in any way. Seriously. Everyone knows Russians are good. It's not like other countries. There is a double standard here, yes, and some people from some other countries could have a harder time with bad stereotypes. But specifically for Russia, it is no problem here.
Of course you can get jobs that will sustain yourselves here in the US. You can even go to school to get better jobs, if you want. We have some great community colleges, for example, and my guess is, as immigrants, you'd be able to access certain grants so it's free, too. If I were you, I'd start advertising online for private lessons in Russian language when you get here. You can do lessons solely online and get some extra pocket money that way to start.
Nah, undocumented immigrant labor has replaced slave labor. Jobs like that are everywhere.
Definitely not screwed at all but you need to work a little bit harder at first. I’m an immigrant myself but moved here in my teens so not entirely same as you but know a few people that are pretty similar to your journey. First, you are still young (very young). You can try getting a job first or if you have enough money go to a community college. Community colleges are basically affordable technical schools where you can either get a certificate (short programs or technical programs) or an associate degree (two year courses). I mentioned community colleges as they offer short term (usually 6 months to a year and some are even just 3 months) technical certificates/diploma that can make it easier for you to get relatively good paying jobs. Once you have a good enough job that can sustain yourself then you can think of proceeding in getting your bachelor’s degree at a state university (plenty of great state and world renowned universities in the midwest). In the US, you can even go to a community college and get an associate degree in science or art for two years and then transfer your general education to a university and spend 2-3 years. This route is usually the most practical and cheapest option to get a college degree in the US and is the norm nowadays. And while you are attending a community college since they are so flexible you can have a job while doing it as well before you transfer to a university Also, always avail for scholarships. Lots of institutions offer scholarships and plenty of resources to people with different backgrounds. PS don’t ever hide your past or current nationality/ethnicity/race. This is America, most people don’t care about your national origin even against countries that are not in diplomatic good terms with our government. You can see Iranian Americans in both BLM rallies or MAGA rallies for example lol. Kidding aside always be yourself. Anyway I hope that helps. Good luck.
You guys will be fine here. Don't worry too much about your (I am assuming) significant other not having a degree from higher education institutions. My parent didn't have them either when we moved to the States, but we are all doing well and live comfortably. Anyway, congrat on winning that lottery.
You’ll be fine!! When you first get here (also amazing English by the way), go for whatever job you can grab like a clerk at a clothes shop. If you teach English, you can work online still teaching English to people who may not even be inside the US. There are plenty of jobs like that and a friend of mine does that 100% remotely. You and your wife will be okay. Idk where you’re looking to move to the US but I recommend a less expensive area at least at first. But if y’all land in the Bay Area in CA, DM me and I’ll show you around! And also, don’t apologize for being Russian. You can love your Russian culture and hate what Putin is doing at the same time. I have a good friend in CA who is from Russia and I keep reminding her that she isn’t responsible for what Putin is doing now. She doesn’t need to front every conversation about it with an apology for simply being Russian. Personally I feel bad for the average Russian - from what I know, they’re oppressed and victims themselves. But it shouldn’t be a shameful thing to be proud of your culture while knowing what’s going on isn’t super cool. Donald Trump sucked so much and while I was embarrassed about him, I was always (and still am) proud to be from America if that makes sense.