Your first 30 days in the USA
Your first month is a chain of tasks where each one unlocks the next. A US phone number, an address and your arrival record come first, because almost everything else asks for them.
In 30 seconds
- Day one: check your I-94 arrival record is correct and get a US SIM. Banks and landlords want a local number
- Week one or two: open a bank account and apply for your Social Security number. Choose your work health plan before your employer’s deadline
- Then: your state driving licence, a longer-term home and school places. Most non-citizens must report a change of address within 10 days of moving
The order of things
| When | Task | Why now |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Check your I-94 on the CBP website | It is your record of arrival and status. Mistakes are easier to fix early |
| Day 1 | Get a US SIM or eSIM (phones and internet) | Banks, landlords and apps send codes to a US number |
| Days 1–3 | Confirm a temporary address (hotel, short let or friends) | Banks, the SSN office and your employer ask for one |
| Week 1 | Open a bank account (bank accounts) | So your employer can pay you by direct deposit |
| Week 1–2 | Apply for your SSN (SSN and tax) | You need it for credit, many accounts and your tax return |
| First days of work | I-9 and W-4 forms, benefits sign-up (first day at work) | You must show your I-9 documents within 3 working days of starting |
| Before your employer’s deadline | Choose your health plan (healthcare) | Miss it and you may have to wait for the next open enrolment |
| Within 10 days of each move | Tell USCIS your new address (online, or Form AR-11) if you are not a US citizen | Required by law for most non-citizens |
| Within your state’s deadline | Get a state driving licence (driving) | Deadlines vary: California says new residents must get one within 10 days |
| Weeks 1–4 | Find a longer-term home (finding a home) | Where you live decides a lot, including which state school your children can go to |
| As soon as you have an address | Enrol children at school (schools) | Each school district sets its own enrolment steps and dates |
Why the order matters
Many tasks depend on others. A bank wants a US address and phone number. The SSN office wants your passport and I-94. Landlords want ID, proof of income and a credit check, which is harder with no US credit history. Your employer needs your bank details, W-4 and SSN to pay you properly. Doing them in order saves repeat visits.
Health cover from day one
There is no NHS. Most people get health insurance through their employer, and cover may not start on your first day. Ask HR when yours starts and think about short-term travel insurance to fill the gap. If you won’t have a work plan, moving to the US from abroad can open a Special Enrollment Period on the ACA Marketplace (HealthCare.gov or your state’s site), usually for 60 days. Job-based plans must also give at least 30 days to join after certain life events. See Healthcare and insurance.
Your driving licence
Each state sets its own rules for visitors and new residents, and the deadline for getting a state licence varies. California, for example, counts you as a resident if you intend to live there for six months or more in a year, and gives new residents 10 days. In many states you will take a written and a road test. Check your state before you rely on your UK licence: see Driving in the USA.
Two rules for non-citizens
First, non-citizens, including green card holders, cannot vote in federal, state and most local elections. When you get a driving licence, you may be asked if you want to register to vote: say no unless you are a citizen. If you are unsure, ask an immigration attorney before you sign anything. Second, most men aged 18 to 25 who live in the US as immigrants, including green card holders, must register with the Selective Service System within 30 days of arriving. People on current temporary (nonimmigrant) visas are generally exempt. Check the Selective Service chart for your status.
What the first month costs
- Temporary accommodation while you look for a home
- Security deposit and first month’s rent (and sometimes last month’s) for your new home
- Furniture, if your shipment is still at sea
- A car, or transit passes
- Phone and internet set-up, and utility deposits if you have no US credit history
- Health costs before your plan starts
The moving fund calculator adds these up for your city and household. See also Moving money from the UK for deposit rules by state.
Look after yourselves
The first month is tiring, especially with jet lag. Don’t try to do everything in the first few days. Book in some time to explore your new area.
What to do next
- Check your I-94 record on the day you arrive
- Open a bank account and apply for your SSN in your first two weeks
- Note your health plan enrolment deadline and your state’s licence deadline
- CBP: I-94 official website
- Social Security Administration: Request a Social Security number for the first time
- Social Security Administration: Social Security numbers for noncitizens (publication 05-10096)
- USCIS I-9 Central: Completing Section 2, employer review and attestation
- USCIS: How to change your address
- HealthCare.gov: Special Enrollment Period
- HealthCare.gov: Getting coverage outside Open Enrollment
- California DMV: Fast Facts 5, requirements for a California driver license
- Selective Service System: Who needs to register (2026 chart)
- USAGov: Who can and cannot vote
- FDIC: Deposit insurance
- IRS: About Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate