What You Need to Know When You’re Moving to Columbus

Relocating to Columbus

About the City

Named after the explorer Christopher Columbus and founded officially in 1812, Columbus is the capital and largest city in the state of Ohio, USA. Its population of nearly 900,000 people also makes Columbus the 15th largest city in America. At the last census in 2010, over 60% of the population identified as White, with Black or African American citizens coming in second place with 28% of the population; there are also large Hispanic and Latino (5.6% of the population) and Asian (4.1%) communities in the city. Due to its strong, diversified economy, Columbus has experienced a rise in migration over the last five years, including both migration from within America and a large influx of expatriates. As Columbus is home to Ohio State University, there is also a large international student population in the city.

The Climate in Columbus

As it has a humid continental climate, expatriates and foreigners moving to Columbus will need to adjust to hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. During the summer months, temperatures range between 61.5°F (16.4°C) and 83.7°F (28.7°C), but it has been known to reach up into the 100s (40°C), especially during July, which is the hottest month. Summers in Columbus are extremely humid and muggy, and rainfall is more common than in the winter months. In addition, due to its location Columbus experiences extreme weather throughout the summer months, as is typical of many cities in the Midwest, including storms, thunder and lightning, hail, and even tornadoes. In contrast to the heat and humidity of the summer, winters in the city are cold and dry, with very little rainfall or snow. The average low temperature in January, the coldest month, is around 22.6°F (−5.2 °C).

Visas for Columbus

Expatriates wanting to move to Columbus will need a visa. There are many different types of visa available for expatriates and foreigners moving to America, but the most commonly applied for is a Green Card, which allows the holder to live and work permanently in the United States.

In order to obtain a green card, a family member or prospective employer must petition your application, after which you will be put on a waiting list for a visa number. After you have been allocated a visa number, you will be able to apply for your green card. This application must be submitted from your home country, although in some cases you can apply for a temporary visa that allows you to move to Columbus whilst you are waiting for your green card to be approved.

There are also a large number of temporary work and residence visas that you can apply for, some of which are designed specifically for expatriates working in highly skilled positions. You should contact your local embassy or consulate for more information.