Expat Topics
Tom Bradley
US Immigration & Tax Specialist
Tom covers US immigration policy, expat taxes, and the H-1B/green card landscape for Americans moving abroad and immigrants to the US.
Articles by Tom Bradley(12)
US Visa Holders Now Under Continuous Vetting — Your Visa Can Be Revoked at Any Time
The State Department has confirmed that all US visa holders — H-1B, F-1, tourist, and every other category — are now subject to continuous vetting. Visas can be revoked without notice for overstays, criminal conduct, or new security information.
March 19, 2026
EB-2 Green Card Wait Drops by 17 Months — The March 2026 Visa Bulletin Is Historic
The March 2026 Visa Bulletin shows an unprecedented 335-day surge in EB-2 India filing dates. EB-2 for Mexico, Philippines, and rest of world is now current. This is one of the most significant bulletins in years.
March 19, 2026
H-1B Visa Lottery Is Dead: The New Wage-Weighted System Changes Everything
The random H-1B lottery is officially gone. Starting February 27, 2026, a wage-weighted selection system gives higher-paid roles up to a 61% selection rate while entry-level positions drop to 15%. Here's what it means for tech workers and employers.
March 18, 2026
Do I Still Pay US Taxes If I Move Abroad? What Every American Expat Needs to Know
Yes — the US taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where you live. But the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion lets you exclude up to $130,000 in 2026. Here's how it works.
March 16, 2026
What Happens to Your US State Taxes When You Move Abroad? California, New York & the States That Won't Let Go
You moved to Portugal. You think you're done with California taxes. You're not. Some US states follow you around the globe — here's which ones and how to escape.
March 14, 2026
The Tax Mistake That Cost Me $10,000 as an American Expat (And How to Avoid It)
I didn't know I had to report my foreign bank accounts. The IRS did. Here's the mistake that cost me five figures and the simple steps that would have prevented it.
March 14, 2026
US Visa Fees Just Got Expensive — Every 2026 Fee Hike Expats Need to Know
USCIS raised fees on everything from ESTA to H-1B premium processing in 2026. Here's the full list of what changed, what it costs now, and who gets hit hardest.
March 14, 2026
Do I Still Have to Pay US Taxes If I Move Abroad?
Yes, US citizens must file federal tax returns and report worldwide income regardless of where they live. However, exclusions like the FEIE can eliminate most or all of your tax bill.
March 12, 2026
Americans Are Leaving the US in Record Numbers — Here's Where They're Actually Going (2026)
For the first time since the Great Depression, more people left the US than moved in. At least 180,000 Americans relocated abroad in 2025 — and the wave is growing. We break down the real numbers, the top destinations, and what's driving the exodus.
March 11, 2026
7 Tax Mistakes American Expats Make (and How to Avoid Them in 2026)
The United States is one of only two countries that taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live. In 2026, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion covers up to $132,900, but many American expats still make costly mistakes — from forgetting FBAR filings (penalties up to $165,353 per violation) to ignoring self-employment tax obligations. Here are the seven biggest errors and how to avoid them.
February 19, 2026
Best Countries for American Retirees in 2026: Where Your Social Security Goes Furthest
Approximately 790,000 Americans currently receive Social Security payments abroad. In countries like Greece, Mexico, Thailand, and Ecuador, a $2,000/month Social Security check covers rent, food, healthcare, and leisure with money to spare. This guide ranks the best retirement destinations for Americans in 2026, with real cost breakdowns and visa details.
February 3, 2026
How to Move Abroad in 2026: The Complete Step-by-Step Checklist
Moving abroad in 2026 requires 4–6 months of planning across visa applications, financial prep, healthcare setup, and logistics. This complete checklist walks you through every step — from choosing your destination to your first week in-country — so nothing falls through the cracks.
January 12, 2026