Settling in the capital, Washington D.C., is a direction worth considering, as it is a political center with many professional jobs and an international environment. Understanding it helps with assessment. This article introduces settling in the capital, Washington D.C.
Settling in the capital, Washington D.C.: living environment
Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States, a federal district (not part of any state) on the East Coast. It is the nation’s political and administrative center, home to many agencies, international organizations and research institutes. The greater capital region (including nearby areas in Virginia and Maryland) has an international, multicultural environment. As such, settling in the capital, Washington D.C., offers a distinctive environment.
The capital region has a large multicultural community, including Vietnamese people (especially in nearby areas of Virginia). This is advantageous for new settlers. Washington D.C. is rated as having a good quality of life, but the cost of living in the capital and surrounding areas is relatively high.
Jobs and opportunities
Washington D.C.’s economy is tied to the public sector, international organizations, research institutes, consulting, technology, healthcare and professional services. This is an area with many highly professional jobs. The greater capital region (including Northern Virginia and Maryland) creates a large labor market for residents of the area.
With EB-3 – a federal skilled immigration visa based on employer sponsorship – workers can look for opportunities in Washington D.C. if they have a sponsoring employer. Note that EB-3 is a federal program applied nationwide, so choosing Washington D.C. depends on where the sponsoring employer is and where you want to live.
Considerations when choosing Washington D.C.
To consider settling in the capital Washington D.C., interested individuals should: research professional job opportunities and EB-3 sponsoring employers, take advantage of the Vietnamese community in nearby areas, weigh the relatively high cost of living, and assess the international environment. The area suits professionals in the public sector and services.
You should refer to USCIS information on EB-3 and information from the U.S. Department of Labor about the skilled immigration path in Washington D.C.
Summary
Settling in the capital Washington D.C. offers an international, multicultural environment with many highly professional jobs tied to the public sector, international organizations, research, technology, and healthcare. The extended capital region (Northern Virginia, Maryland) has a Vietnamese community and a large labor market. The cost of living is relatively high. EB-3 is a federal visa based on employer sponsorship. You should research professional opportunities and sponsoring employers.
