United States (US)

Complete Form W-4 withholding form

W-4 tells your employer how much federal income tax to withhold from each paycheck. Fill out carefully based on expected annual income, filing status, dependents, and other income.

Complete Form I-9 employment eligibility verification

Form I-9 must be completed by employer and employee within 3 business days of starting work. Provide original documents proving identity AND work authorization (e.g., unexpired passport, or Green Card, or US DL + SSN card, or EAD).

Activate and verify your I-94 record on entry

When you enter the US, CBP issues an I-94 arrival/departure record electronically. This record — NOT your visa stamp — determines how long you may legally stay. Download your I-94 from cbp.dhs.gov immediately after entry to verify the admit-until date and class of admission.

Update address with USCIS, SSA, IRS, USPS

After any move, update your address with USCIS (Form AR-11), Social Security Administration, IRS (Form 8822), and USPS (mail forwarding $1.10).

File Form AR-11 address change with USCIS (if non-citizen)

All non-citizens (including Green Card holders) are required by law to notify USCIS of any address change within 10 days of moving. File Form AR-11 online at uscis.gov. This is free and takes 5 minutes.

Apply for Social Security Number (SSN)

Apply for SSN as soon as eligible. Required for employment, banking, credit, and most government services. Free. Takes 2-4 weeks to receive card in mail.

Register your pet with your city/county

Most cities require dog licensing (often also cats). Annual fee $10-50 usually, discounted for spayed/neutered pets.

Register with Selective Service (men 18-25)

All male US residents aged 18-25 (citizens, Green Card holders, and undocumented) must register with Selective Service within 30 days of turning 18 or moving to the US. Registration is mandatory — non-registration can disqualify you from federal jobs, financial aid, and naturalization.

Register your vehicle with state DMV

New car purchase or out-of-state move requires registering vehicle at state DMV. Requires title, proof of insurance, and emissions test (in some states).

File federal tax return (Form 1040) by April 15

All US residents must file federal income tax return annually. Software (TurboTax, FreeTaxUSA, H&R Block) simplifies. Complex international cases need CPA.

Enroll children in public school

US public schools are free and zoned by address. Enrolling requires proof of residency (lease/utility bill), child's birth certificate, vaccination records, and prior school records.

Register birth and obtain birth certificate for US-born child

Hospital typically files birth registration automatically. Request certified copies of birth certificate from your state's vital records office (usually $15-30 each). Apply for SSN at same time.

Get auto insurance BEFORE driving

Driving uninsured is illegal in 48 states and can result in license suspension, fines, and jail. Quote before buying a car — insurance can exceed $3,000/year for new immigrants without US credit/driving history.

Vaccinate pet and maintain US records

US requires rabies vaccination for dogs and cats. Many apartments, boarding, and daycares also require DHPP/bordetella/kennel cough.

File state tax return (if applicable)

41 states + DC impose state income tax. File separately from federal. 9 states have no income tax: AK, FL, NV, NH, SD, TN, TX, WA, WY.

Document move-in condition with photos and checklist

Landlords often attempt to withhold security deposits for pre-existing damage. Protect yourself by documenting every scratch, stain, and defect at move-in.

Get a US phone number

A US phone number is required for nearly everything — verification codes, delivery, employers, landlords. T-Mobile/AT&T/Verizon postpaid plans require SSN + credit. Prepaid (Mint, Visible, Cricket) accept no-SSN with passport.

Open a US checking account

A US checking account is essential for direct deposit, rent, utilities, and avoiding check-cashing fees. Major national banks (Chase, BoA, Wells) are easiest for branch access; online banks (Ally, Schwab) offer higher interest and no-fee ATMs.

Apply for a secured credit card to build credit

Without US credit history you cannot get most rentals, phone plans, or normal credit cards. A secured card (deposit = credit limit) is the fastest way to start building credit.

Enroll in employer health insurance within 30 days

Most US employers offer health insurance with a 30-day new-hire enrollment window. Miss it and you wait until annual Open Enrollment. Coverage typically starts first of the month after enrollment.

Exchange or renew driver's license

Most states require you to obtain a state license within 10-60 days of becoming a resident. Some states (MA, OH, WA) exchange without road test for foreign licenses. Most require full tests.

Obtain REAL ID driver's license or state ID

As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license is required to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities. Upgrade at your state DMV.

Obtain a state-issued non-driver ID

If you do not drive, get a non-driver state ID. It serves as government-issued photo ID for banking, TSA, purchasing alcohol, and any situation requiring ID short of international travel.

Set up direct deposit with your employer

Provide your bank routing and account numbers to HR. Direct deposit is faster than paper checks and required to waive most bank fees.

Choose and install home internet

US internet providers are geographic monopolies — you often only have 1-2 options. Comcast/Xfinity, Spectrum, Verizon Fios, AT&T Fiber are the largest. Fiber fastest if available.

Sign up for local emergency alerts and know 911 procedures

The US has a national emergency notification system (Wireless Emergency Alerts — WEA) that automatically sends alerts to your phone for extreme weather, AMBER Alerts, and other emergencies. Supplement this with your local county or city alert system for more granular notifications. Know how to call 911 — it is the universal emergency number for police, fire, and medical.

Set up electric, gas, and water utilities

Each utility is separate and usually requires setup 2-5 days before move-in. Some require a deposit for customers without US credit history.

Get renter's insurance

Most landlords require $100k liability + $15-30k contents. Covers theft, fire, water damage, and personal liability. Cheap ($10-20/month).

Create a Login.gov or ID.me account

Login.gov and ID.me are identity verification services used by IRS, SSA, USCIS, and other agencies. Creating an account in advance speeds up future government interactions.

Install IRS2Go and SSA mobile apps

IRS2Go lets you check refund status, make payments, and find free tax help. The My Social Security app shows earnings history and future benefit estimates.

Enroll in 401(k) and capture employer match

Contribute at least the amount your employer matches (typically 3-6% of salary) — this is free money. Contributions are pre-tax (traditional) or post-tax (Roth). 2026 limit $24,500.

Set up credit monitoring and check your credit reports

The US has three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion). You are entitled to one free credit report per bureau per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Monitor your credit to catch errors, fraud, and to track your score as you build US credit history. New arrivals start with no US credit history.

Find a primary care physician (PCP)

A PCP is your medical home — for annual physicals, referrals to specialists, and ongoing care. Use your insurance network directory to find in-network doctors.

Register with a local pharmacy

CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Costco pharmacies fill prescriptions. Transfer existing prescriptions. GoodRx offers discounts even without insurance.

Set up a telehealth app

Teladoc, MDLive, Amwell, and most employer plans include virtual urgent care. Great for after-hours, minor issues, prescription refills, and mental health.

Find an apartment

Zillow, Apartments.com, StreetEasy (NYC), Trulia, HotPads. Budget 25-40% of gross income for rent. Most US rentals are 12-month leases.

Read and sign the lease carefully

US leases are binding contracts. Read every clause — pet fees, early termination, renter responsibilities, security deposit terms.

Buy renter's or homeowner's insurance

Renter's ($120-250/year) or homeowner's ($800-2,500/year) insurance covers contents, liability, and temporary housing. Most landlords and all mortgage lenders require it.

Take a free ESL class

Adult schools, community colleges, and public libraries offer free English as a Second Language classes. Great for building vocabulary, accent, and business communication.

Understand when you need a notary public

Many official US documents require notarisation — a licensed Notary Public witnesses your signature and verifies your identity. Commonly notarised documents include: affidavits, power of attorney forms, vehicle title transfers, certain immigration documents (I-864 Affidavit of Support), and property deeds. Notarisation is not the same as apostille (international certification).

Find a local veterinarian

Establish care with a local vet before an emergency. Ask for recommendations from neighbors or check Yelp/Google reviews.

Register to vote (if eligible US citizen)

Only US citizens may register to vote in federal elections. Register at vote.gov or your state election office. Some states allow online registration, others require mail-in or in-person.

Get E-ZPass (or state equivalent) for toll roads

E-ZPass works in 19 states from ME to IL. FasTrak in CA, SunPass in FL. Saves 10-30% versus cash tolls and avoids mail-in toll bills for license plate.