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Newcomer setup · USA

First 30 Days in the USA: A Newcomer Setup Checklist

SSN or ITIN, banking, DMV driver's licence, health insurance and school enrolment — what to handle in your first month in America.

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Federal ID
Social Security Number (SSN) — apply at SSA after arrival
Tax ID alternative
ITIN via IRS for those ineligible for an SSN
Driver's licence
State DMV — rules and waiting periods vary
Health insurance
Private (often employer-sponsored) — confirm start date
School enrolment
By residential address into the local school district

The USA is administered at the federal, state and even county level — which means your first 30 days depend heavily on the state you land in. The federal essentials (Social Security Number, immigration status documents, IRS basics) are constant. State items (driver's licence at the DMV, vehicle registration, school district) vary widely. This guide focuses on the steps almost every newcomer needs, with notes on where it diverges by state.

Week one — SSN, banking and a US phone number

  • If eligible, apply for a Social Security Number at the nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office — many work visas allow application after arrival.
  • If you are not SSN-eligible but need to file taxes, apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) via the IRS.
  • Open a US checking account — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citi and several digital banks accept newcomers with a passport, visa and US address.
  • Get a US SIM or eSIM — a US number is required by most apps, banks and delivery services.

Week two — health insurance and family

Healthcare in the USA is private and fragmented. If you have an employer plan, confirm the exact effective date and what is covered for dependants — there can be gaps between arrival and policy activation. If you are self-employed or on a non-employment visa, look at marketplace plans (healthcare.gov or your state exchange) and short-term plans for any gap.

  • Confirm employer health-plan effective date and coverage for spouse and children.
  • Register dependants for SSNs if eligible.
  • Choose a primary care provider in-network for your plan.
  • Carry the first-month's prescription supply with original packaging and a doctor's note.

Week three — DMV, vehicles and credit

  • Visit the state DMV (or RMV in Massachusetts, MVD in some states) to apply for a driver's licence — typically requires SSN or denial letter, proof of address and immigration status documents.
  • Register any imported or purchased vehicle — emissions, safety inspection and insurance vary by state.
  • Buy auto insurance — minimum liability rules vary by state.
  • Start building US credit — secured credit cards or Deserve / Capital One newcomer cards if you lack a US credit history.

Week four — schools, taxes and household goods

  • Enrol school-age children in the local public school district for your residential address; bring proof of residence, prior school records and immunisation records.
  • Note the IRS tax year is January–December and US persons (including green-card holders) are taxed on worldwide income.
  • If you shipped household goods, ensure your CBP Form 3299 has been filed by your mover and customs has cleared the shipment before delivery.
  • Set up renter's insurance if leasing — landlords frequently require it.

How to sequence the first 30 days

For the USA, the practical sequence below works well: newcomer registrations interlock — many require a local address, which requires a lease, which often requires a tax ID, which requires the residence permit. Mapping the dependency chain in advance avoids the classic chicken-and-egg loops that delay banking, schooling and healthcare. Build a sequenced 30-day plan before you land, not after.

  • Identify which IDs/numbers are pre-requisites for banking, leasing and schooling.
  • Book registration appointments before arrival where the country allows it.
  • Keep certified copies of passports, marriage certificates and birth certificates with you.

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Frequently asked questions

How long until I get an SSN?

If you apply at an SSA office shortly after arrival, the card is typically mailed within a few weeks. Some employers can pay you against an SSN application receipt in the interim. Confirm current processing with the SSA.

Can I drive on my home licence?

Most states let you drive on a valid foreign or international driver's permit as a visitor for a limited period. Once you are a state resident, you generally must obtain a state licence — check your state's DMV for the exact deadline and process.

Will I have health insurance immediately?

Only if your employer's plan starts on day one. Otherwise, plan for a short-term private policy or marketplace coverage. Travel insurance with US medical cover is common for the first weeks.

How do school districts work?

Public schools in the USA are funded and zoned at the local level. Your home address determines which schools your children may attend. Some districts allow inter-district transfers; private and charter schools are separate processes with their own admissions.

When do I file my first US tax return?

If you are tax-resident at year end, you generally file by 15 April for the prior calendar year. Tax residency rules (substantial presence test, green-card test) are complex — engage a US tax advisor familiar with cross-border filings.

This guide is general information for planning purposes only. Visa, customs, tax, school admissions and shipping rules change. Always confirm requirements with the relevant government authority, school or licensed advisor before making decisions.