Page Updated 15 February 2026
Texas, the "lone star" state is huge. Outside of the US, Texas would be a country. In terms of land mass, Texas is second only to Alaska. And in terms of population, Texas is second to California- this is reflected in the distribution of the electoral college votes. Austin is the capital of Texas - you're forgiven if you thought it is Dallas because of the recent solar eclipse, JFK and the Ewing family.
The Green Card
Anyone wishing to live and work in the US needs to obtain a green card - the US Permanent Residency Card. The green card is the US equivalent of other Countries' "Leave to Remain" letter or stamp in a passport.
The quickest way to obtain a green card is to marry an American citizen or a green card holder. Another way is if you are rich enough, you can petition for an "Entrepreneur Green Card". Or, if you are fortunate to have a generous employer to sponsor you.
However, you don't have to marry anyone for a green card as you can self petition under National Interest Waiver, (NIW), if you are an Advanced Degree Professional, (ADP) in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, (STEM). The "National Interest" relates to the US national interest and the "Waiver" relates to the doing away with the need for a job offer and labour certification. "Advanced Degree" is Master's or PhD.
A green card is either for three years if you marry an American citizen or for five years in other cases. A green card holder can sponsor their spouse, (husband or wife) and unmarried children under 21 years of age. However, a green card holder cannot sponsor their parents, (mother and father) or siblings (brothers and sisters).
US Citizenship
A green card holder may petition to become a US citizen. You go through naturalisation process at the end of which you become a US citizen. The earliest date you can petition for citizenship is at the end of the three years from the date on your green card if you marry an American citizen, or at the end of five years from the date on your green card in other cases.
As a US citizen and if you are 21 years of age or older, you can petition for your parents and siblings. For each person you must file a separate petition. And you must show proof of sufficient income and/or asset to support each person you wish to sponsor in the US. "Asset" means savings, stocks and shares - things that you own that can be easily converted to cash. Note, anything you part own is not entirely yours and properties are not assets if they are mortgaged since mortgage is a debt.
As a US citizen you can apply for US Passport and you can register to vote.
Suspension of Visa
Effective 1 January 2026, the US Government is restricting and limiting the entry of certain foreign nationals. The Department of State is fully or partially suspending entry for and visa issuance to nationals of the countries on the list.
The pause is specifically for immigrant visa applicants. Dual Nationals applying with a valid passport of a country not on the list are exempt from the pause. The pause does not apply to tourist visas since tourist visas are non-immigrant visas.
In addition, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, (USCIS), stated it would pause the review of all pending applications for visas, green cards, citizenship and asylum. USCIS also said it would review applications from the countries on the list going back to 2021.
Visa Bonds
The Department of State has identified nationals of certain countries as needing visa bonds and has published a list of the countries.
Nationals travelling on a passport issued by any of the countries, who is eligible for tourist visa, must post a bond for US$5k, US$10k or US$15k. The amount is determined at the time of the visa interview.
In addition, as a condition of the bond, all visa holders who have posted a visa bond must enter and exit the US via designated ports so that their entry and departure are properly recorded. Failure to comply may lead to denied entry or departure and visa bond breach.
Public Benefits Usage
The US Government provides those in need financial assistance including child care, education and training, housing support, food assistance, health insurance, assistance with utility bills and more.
President Trump has made it clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a burden on American Taxpayers. He has published a list of national groups with high risk of Public Benefits Usage.
Effective 21 January 2026, the Department of State is pausing all visa issuance to immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of the countries on the list. The Department of State is undergoing a full review of all policies, regulations and guidance relating to visas, green cards, citizenship and asylum to ensure that immigrants from high risk countries do not utilise public benefits or become public liability.
Jobs in Texas
Texas is no place for beggars and freeloaders. If you are seeking others to support you financially, you will remain in poverty. American dream is about reward and incentive. There are opportunities in Texas. You won't get rich overnight, however, if you're focused, disciplined and prepared to work hard, you will prosper in time.
If you arrive as an ADP, (Advanced Degree Professional), you shouldn't be doing menial or low paid job. You will have transferable skills and therefore in a position to hit the ground running in terms of access to good and well paid jobs.
Simply being in Texas does not make you equal to everyone in the US. If you arrive without good education, or you are low skilled or you lack professional training, you are not in the same category as ADPs, you are behind playing catch up - you will struggle. However, you too will find work but it won't be high status or big money. Nurse Aide and Licensed Child Care Home Provider are jobs not difficult to get.
Nurse Aide
One of the jobs always in demand is Nurse Aide, also known as Nursing Assistant or Certified Nursing Assistant. You will be working in a Licensed Nursing Facility such as care home, hospital and rehabilitation centre. You will be providing basic patient care such as bathing, dressing and feeding. And provide support to Nurses, Doctors and other Health Care Professionals.
You can become a Nurse Aide (NA) in a matter of weeks by completing state approved training and passing the certification test. Your NA training would include first aid and CPR. On completion of the NA training and passing the certification test, you will need to register and be vetted to obtain a permit which would lapse if you stop working as NA. If you stop working as NA and you decide to go back, you may have to complete a refresher training and/or have to pass the certification test again.
It is important to note that NA is not a "profession" like being a Nurse and that NAs are not medically trained and they cannot give injections or prescribe medication. In addition, the first aid and the CPR training are neither academic nor professional qualifications. For anyone wishing to become a Nurse but do not meet the academic requirement to train as a Nurse, NA might not be a bad place to start.
In relation to first aid and CPR training, these are stand alone training - nothing to do with being NA. Anyone can complete first aid and CPR training. Indeed, employers encourage and support their employees to undergo first aid and CPR training. So, where ever you work, you're likely to have a "First Aider" and a "CPR Person" amongst colleagues. First Aid and CPR training are completed in a matter of days. However, you will need refresher training every few years to keep up your skills.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Programs
There are five levels of EMS certification in Texas and there are separate educational requirements for each level. You need a degree for the highest level. (1) Licensed Paramedic is the highest level, (2) EMT-Paramedic, (3) Advanced EMT, (4) Emergency Technician-Basic (EMT-Basic) and (5) Emergency Care Assistant (ECA) is the lowest level.
Licensed Child Care Home Provider (LCCHP)
This is a pretty straightforward job which does not require high level education, qualification, training or experience. And you don't even need to own your home as you can rent.
LCCHP is not a profession like being a Teacher. LCCHP is Childminding and it is Self Employment. You will be providing "care and supervision" at home for up to twelve children aged 13 or younger. Please note that Children don't stay over as they do in "Registered Child Care Homes".
Using a licensed child care home is not compulsory as others can provide care and supervision for children. For examples, neighbours, friends and relatives. It is important to understand that licensed child care homes are not schools and they are not substitute for schools - there is no need for LCCHP Uniform or a need for LCCHP T-Shirt. In addition, children are not in licensed child care homes for picnics and field trips. Who would pay for meaningless uniform, t-shirt, picnic and field trip? If you are not a qualified Teacher, being a LCCHP will not make you one. Teaching is a good profession which requires high educational qualifications, training and skills. Being a qualified Teacher pays better - regular pay cheque plus opportunities for progression which you won't get as a LCCHP.
As a first step to being a LCCHP, you will need to attend state organised induction where you will be provided with information and materials. You will need to consent to unannounced inspections. And you will need to have liability insurance and be vetted to obtain a permit which you must renew every two years to continue as a LCCHP. In addition, "conditions" may be imposed on your permit specifying what you must and must not do. Being a LCCHP is not all fun and pizza. You have to maintain a safe environment for everyone and you have to keep records - employees, children, incidents, income, expenditure and more.
In Texas, the maximum number of children in a licensed child care home at any given time is twelve - no more. And the minimum ratio is 1 adult carer to 4 children, meaning if you have the maximum twelve children, there must be a minimum of 3 adult carers. All carers must be US citizens or green card holders and must be vetted. Children are the most precious thing we can all have, so their safety and wellbeing is paramount.
Not every LCCHP makes money. Being a LCCHP is tough - you are more likely to make money from lodgers and selling online. The flip side of LCCHP is the restriction on maximum number of children and the minimum ratio of carer to children. Also attendance is unlike schools. Parents and Guardians may require child care for only a few hours a day, for a few days a week or for a few weeks. Further, as in any venture, if you're located in a low income neighbourhood, you will attract low income customers.
However, if money is no issue, setting up a "Licensed Child Care Centre" where you can cater for increased number of children might be a better option. Sometimes it pays to go big. You will benefit from economies of scale and be in a position to attract middle to high income families.
House Prices
House prices in some parts of Texas have always been cheaper compared to other parts of the US. For example, in Plano, Collin County, (Plano is North of Dallas, past Richardson). In 2010 the cheapest houses were US$100.00 per sq ft. So a 2,000 sq ft house cost US200k, (US$100.00 x 2,000 sq ft).. However, with negotiation you could purchase them for under $200k. A lot of these houses were valued at over $300k at the end of 2023, meaning a profit of over $100k if you've paid all taxes and there are no outstanding debts. And if you can afford new builds, Wylie and surrounding areas are worth looking into. You need to choose carefully. There are some zip codes which appear affluent but are in fact low income neighbourhood. Mortgage is 30yrs and you can remortgage.
Further Education
Texas boasts numerous colleges and universities for anyone wishing to further their education and advance their career. It is all part of American Dream. Life is what you make it.
Future Posting
I intend to write more about the US and would be uploading photos and videos.
DISCLAIMER
This publication is for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice. It is not a legal, financial or an investment advice. Before acting in relation to any information, you should seek appropriate advice. It is your responsibility to do due diligence.