NEWCOMERS · UNITED STATES
Your first 30 days in the United States
The order that saves you months: the number to apply for on day one, how to bank without a credit history, the photo ID everything depends on, and the free help that exists in almost every county.
Last reviewed 12 September 2026.
Week one: your number and your papers
If you are authorized to work, apply for a Social Security number (SSN) with the Social Security Administration. It is free. Never pay anyone to get one for you.
If you are not eligible for an SSN but must file taxes, apply to the IRS for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
Keep your passport, visa, I-94 arrival record and any employment authorization document together and scanned. Print your I-94 from the CBP website — it is the record most agencies ask to see.
A bank account, a phone and credit
Open a checking account early so wages can be deposited directly. Many banks and credit unions accept an ITIN or a passport plus proof of address when you have no SSN yet; credit unions are often the most flexible and the cheapest.
Get a U.S. phone number in your first week. Prepaid plans need no credit check; postpaid plans usually do.
Your credit history does not travel with you. A secured credit card used for small purchases and paid in full every month is the standard way to build one from zero.
State ID or driver's license
Each state issues its own photo ID through the DMV. Book an appointment as soon as you have an address — in busy states the wait is weeks, and almost nothing else can be done without photo identification.
Bring proof of identity, proof of lawful status where required, a Social Security number or a letter saying you are not eligible, and two documents proving your address.
If you plan to drive, check whether your state recognises your foreign license and for how long — the grace period is often only 30 to 90 days.
Somewhere to live
Expect to be asked for the first month's rent, a security deposit, and sometimes the last month's rent. Deposit limits and return deadlines are set by state law, so check yours before you hand over money.
Fair housing law makes it illegal to refuse you housing because of your national origin, race, religion, sex, disability, or family status. Refusals framed as 'we don't rent to foreigners' are unlawful and reportable to HUD.
Never wire money, buy gift cards or pay in crypto for a place you have not seen in person.
Health coverage and school
If your job does not offer insurance, check the Health Insurance Marketplace — moving to the U.S. can start a Special Enrollment Period. Children and pregnant people may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP depending on the state and status.
Federally qualified health centers treat patients regardless of insurance or ability to pay, on a sliding scale. Find your nearest one before you need it.
Enroll children in the local public school straight away. Schools must take all children in the district, whatever their immigration status.
Free help near you
Dial 211 for food, housing, utility help and community programs across most of the U.S.
Local resettlement agencies, immigrant service organisations and public libraries run free English classes, job-search help and form-filling clinics.
For immigration matters, use a licensed attorney or a Department of Justice accredited representative. A 'notario' is not a lawyer in the United States.
Common questions
What should I do first when I arrive in the United States?
Apply for a Social Security number if you are work-authorized. It is free through the Social Security Administration, and it is required to be paid legally, to file taxes and to open most accounts.
Can I open a U.S. bank account without a Social Security number?
Often yes. Many banks and credit unions accept an ITIN or a foreign passport plus proof of address. Requirements vary by bank, so call ahead and ask exactly which documents that branch accepts.
Do I need a driver's license to get a state ID?
No. Every state issues a non-driver photo ID card through its DMV or equivalent. It is the identification most landlords, employers and pharmacies expect, and it is cheaper and faster than a license.
Can my children enroll in public school without immigration documents?
Yes. U.S. public schools must enroll all children living in the district regardless of immigration status, and cannot require you to disclose it. You will normally need proof of address, age and immunizations.
Where can newcomers get free help in the U.S.?
Dial 211 for local community services, and look for a nearby resettlement or immigrant services agency, a public library, and a federally qualified health center for low-cost medical care.
Official sources
- Social Security Administration — Social Security numbers for noncitizens
- IRS — Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Get your I-94 record
- HUD — Fair housing: your rights
- HealthCare.gov — Coverage for immigrants
- HRSA — Find a health center near you
Rules differ by state and change over time. This guide is general information, not immigration or legal advice — check the official sources above for your own situation.