Checklist · after arrival · your ticks are saved
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Tick off items — your progress is calculated instantly and saved in your browser.
What to do in your first month after moving to the US
The first 30 days are when one task unlocks the next. Without a US phone number it’s hard to open a bank account; without a bank account, to rent a home; without an address, to get a driver’s license.
That’s why the checklist goes step by step: phone, SSN, bank account, first credit card, housing, driver’s license, insurance and change of address.
SSN: when and how to get one
A Social Security Number is the key number for work, taxes and credit history. If you have work authorization, apply at a Social Security Administration office. The number usually arrives by mail within a few weeks.
If you aren’t eligible for an SSN yet, some banks open accounts with a passport, and for taxes there is the ITIN.
Don’t forget to report your new address
Visa and green card holders must report a change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. It’s done online and free.
Deadlines and rules can change — check the official USCIS and state websites.
FAQ
What should I do first in the US?+
Get a US phone number and open a bank account. Almost everything else requires one or the other.
Can I open a bank account without an SSN?+
Yes, at some banks — with a passport and proof of address. Terms vary, so ask at the branch.
When should I switch to a US driver’s license?+
It depends on the state: in some, a foreign license is valid only for a limited time after you move. Check your state’s DMV website.
The magazine’s tools are for self-checking. They don’t diagnose and don’t replace a specialist’s advice. Calculations run in your browser.
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