The USA is an alluring destination for expats looking to start a new and exciting life abroad. Whether you settle in a laid-back sunshine state like Florida or California or opt for the big-city hustle and bustle of New York or Chicago, America is so vast and varied it’s like having fifty countries to explore in one.
After a decrease in immigration during the COVID-19 pandemic, expats are once again flocking to the US. Starting a new life in America could be one of the most important decisions you’ve ever made.
The first few months can be scary if you’re unsure where to start and what to expect in your new surroundings, so we’re here to guide you. Keep reading!
Tips for Immigrants to Navigate Their First Few Weeks in the US
Moving to the United States as a newcomer may not be very safe. If this is your first time visiting the US, you may encounter some unfamiliar circumstances. We have prepared various guides and tips to help you with this big move. Below are some things to consider when you first arrive in the US:
1. Housing in America
You must search for apartments to rent before or when you arrive in the United States. You can book a hotel or Airbnb for short-term rental. You will want to look for an apartment near your work or school. You can look on several websites before you even arrive in America.
Some websites to research for apartments are apartments.com, rent.com, and zillow.com. The apartment’s management would request a letter stating your stay in the US and work info to verify your identity. You may also need some credit, the first and last months, and a security deposit to move in.
2. Social Security Number (SSN)
Apply for SSN at least 7 days before arrival to get it immediately. You cannot get paid without having a Social Security Number(SSN). The very first thing you need to do is apply for SSN. Check the SSN website online and carry all the required documents to the SSN Office. You must work with your employer on this and get guidance if needed.
3. Open Up a Bank Account
Immediately after coming to America, you should go to any bank and open a Checking account. TD Bank generally opens checking accounts without a Social Security Number. By opening a bank, you will have a USA debit card immediately.
Also, it is a good idea to check their preferred bank with your employer and open an account in that bank, which makes your life easier. Also, checking with your employer about their preferred bank and opening an account is a good idea; it will make your life easier.
4. Learn to Drive
It is better to download and read the driving manual of the state you will enter. You will want to learn how to drive before applying for a driver’s license.
5. Explore American Cuisine
The USA is known for having big portions at restaurants. Today’s average fast-food meal is four times larger than in the 1950s. Another cool thing about American food is that it mixes different cultures. It’s a melting pot.
If you look closely, you can often trace American dishes back to their roots in other cultures. For example, Mexican Tacos became super popular thanks to the fast food chain Taco Bell. Tacos are the perfect handheld fast food. American-style tacos often use local ingredients: yellow cheese and beef, with spices like cumin.
Certainly, American food has been influenced a lot by European immigrants. Funny enough, even though they’re called French fries, they likely didn’t come from France. Belgium might be their true origin.
Interestingly, when fries arrived in the US over 200 years ago, they weren’t what we know today. Back then, they were either flat rounds or curly shapes. There’s a lot of fusion going on in American cuisine, even at Thanksgiving.
6. Familiarize Yourself with American Holidays
Here are some holidays you might not know about if you’re not from the USA
- Super Bowl Sunday (the second Sunday in February): The NFL (National Football League) championship game becomes a major cultural event. It’s a day for gatherings, parties, and watching the game. The halftime show and commercials are the real highlights, especially iconic moments like Rihanna’s performance. Stay tuned for more American holidays in our blog.
- Memorial Day (May 25–31): A day to remember those who died in US military service. Americans honor them by visiting cemeteries, attending services, and spending time with family.
- Labor Day (September 2, 2024): This day honors American workers and the labor movement and recognizes their contributions. Many treat it as the unofficial end of summer with barbecues and picnics.
- Thanksgiving (Last Thursday in November): Thanksgiving is when people get together for a special meal, usually with a roasted turkey. Families and friends gather to say thanks for the good things in their lives.
- Black Friday (Following Thanksgiving, the Last Friday in November): Black Friday happens right after Thanksgiving. It’s a day when stores offer big discounts, kicking off the Christmas shopping season. Lots of people rush to stores for great deals and sales.
7. Apply for Drivers License
A driver’s license is important in the US; you will still want to obtain a State ID if you don’t drive anywhere. Ensure you visit the state DMV website and get the learner’s driving license Permit information. You be prepared, read the material related to the learner’s permit, and take the exam.
You need to do this so that it does not delay your time getting your driver’s license. Make sure not to skip Step 4 so that you can be prepared for your test!
8. Build Credit, Apply for Secured Credit Card
It is very important to establish a credit history in the USA. Without credit, getting an apartment, cell phone plan, car, etc., is hard. The best way to start your credit is with a secured credit card. After opening a bank account, the next thing to do is apply for a secure credit card.
You should ask the bank where you opened a checking or savings account to issue you a secure credit card. This is nothing but a credit card that the bank gives for a smaller amount, like $500, by taking cash from you as a deposit. This is very important for building your credit history.
9. Get a Mobile Phone with a plan – Prepaid or Post Paid
You have two choices. Prepaid and Postpaid mobile phone plan. The Postpaid phone plans may do a credit check, so if you don’t have established credit, you may want to use a Prepaid phone plan. There are several prepaid phone plans you can apply for at Walmart, Boost, Cricket, Straight Talk, etc.
Living in the United States as an Immigrant
Learn about living in the US and find out how to get the help you need to settle. Living in a new country surrounded by new people and cultures can be exciting and stressful. You will face many changes and differences in your new life in America. Here are several categories that you should research and prepare yourself before immigrating to the US.
Geography
The United States of America is the world’s third-largest country and nearly the third-largest in population. Located in North America, it is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. Along the northern border is Canada, and the southern border is Mexico. There are 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Driving/Drivers License
In the United States of America, driver’s licenses are issued by each state, territory, and federal district rather than by the federal government because of the concept of federalism.
Drivers are normally required to obtain a license from their state of residence, and all states recognize each other’s driver’s licenses for temporary visitors subject to normal age requirements.
Although every state has different requirements for obtaining a US driver’s license, typically, the requirement includes:
- Being at least 16 years of age
- Having proof of identity
- Passing a written driver’s test
- Passing a driving test
Healthcare
Many distinct organizations provide health care in the United States. Healthcare facilities are largely owned and operated by private-sector businesses.
In the United States, health insurance is any program that helps pay for medical expenses, whether through privately purchased insurance, social insurance, or a government-funded social welfare program.
Banks in America
Both the federal and state governments regulate banking in the United States. The five largest banks in the United States include:
- JPMorgan Chase
- Bank of America
- Citigroup
- Wells Fargo
- Goldman Sachs