You have finally arrived in the USA from India. Congratulations, my friend. Now the real work begins. After the excitement of landing settles, you are faced with a mountain of questions. What documents do you need first? Where do you open a bank account? How do you get a phone connection, find a home, enroll your kid in school, or even see a doctor? The list feels endless, and nobody hands you a manual at the airport.
I went through this exact situation when I moved to the USA with my family. I had no idea where to start, what the administrative processes looked like, or what things I needed to buy to settle a life here. It was overwhelming, and I could not find a single comprehensive guide written by an Indian who had actually done it all. Hence, I decided to document everything I learned so that the next person does not have to figure it all out from scratch.
This is a practical, step-by-step checklist based on my personal experience of settling in the USA from India. I have tried to arrange these steps in a logical order, but feel free to adjust based on your situation. If I have missed anything or you have a better tip, please share in the comments below. I will update this article with your wisdom 🙂
Let's quickly dive into the details:
What Should You Do First After Landing in the USA from India?
In your first two weeks, focus on three things: get your I-94 printout, secure a mobile connection, and open a bank account. Everything else builds on these three. Once you have these basics, the SSN application, credit card, driving license, and housing search all fall into place naturally. Below is the full breakdown of each step.
In one of my previous articles, I talked about things to do in India before traveling to the USA, where I explained what should be done in India before you fly to the USA. I also wrote about what to buy and bring to USA from India and the step-by-step process at the airport when flying to USA from India. This article picks up from where those left off.
How Do You Get and Use Your I-94 Document?
Your I-94 is the first document you need after landing. It serves as proof of your legal entry and authorized stay in the USA, and you will need it at almost every step that follows.
As soon as you arrive in the USA, download your I-94 from the Official Website of the Department of Homeland Security. Take a printout and keep it with you at all times until you receive a local State ID or Driving License. Also save a soft copy on your phone locally so you can access it without the Internet. Being an immigrant in this country, this is one of the most important documents you will carry, and officers may ask for it at any point.
Keep in mind that the I-94 shows your admission class (H1B, H4, L1, etc.) and the date until which you are authorized to stay. Verify that all details are correct immediately after downloading. If there is any error, contact CBP at the port of entry or file a correction request online through the CBP website. Errors in the I-94 can cause problems later when applying for SSN, driving license, or visa extensions.
Why Do You Need a Verification of Employment Letter (VOE)?
The VOE letter from your employer confirms your employment status, job title, and salary. You will need this letter for almost every government or financial application in the USA.
Ask your HR department to provide you with a Verification of Employment letter as soon as you start working, unless you already have one. You will need to carry this letter when applying for SSN, opening a bank account, renting an apartment, and several other processes. Like the I-94, store a soft copy on your phone. You never know where you might need it 🙂
Some employers provide a standard template, while others may need you to request a specific format. If your company has a US HR team, they will usually know the format that banks and government offices expect. In my experience, Bank of America and the Social Security Administration both accepted the standard VOE without any issues.
How Do You Get a Mobile Connection in the USA?
A mobile connection is essential from day one. You need it for calls, navigation, two-factor authentication for banking, and staying connected with family back in India.
The major carriers in the USA are AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. For newcomers from India, T-Mobile and Mint Mobile are popular choices because they offer affordable unlimited plans starting around $25-30/month with good coverage. If you want the widest network coverage, Verizon is the strongest but also the most expensive at $65-80/month for unlimited plans.
One important tip: do not cancel your Indian mobile number immediately. Keep it active for at least 6-12 months because many Indian banking apps, Aadhaar verification, and government portals still require OTPs sent to your Indian number. You can get a low-cost plan or port to a plan like Airtel’s Rs 179 long-validity plan just to keep the number alive for OTPs. Trust me, this saves a lot of headaches later when you need to access your Indian bank accounts or government services online.
How Do You Open a Bank Account Without SSN?
You do not need an SSN to open a bank account in the USA. Most major banks accept your passport, I-94, and VOE letter. Get this done in the first week itself.
Once you have the I-94 and VOE letter, walk into any bank on a Saturday and get your account opened. I use Bank of America and have visited the local branch maybe once a year after the initial setup. Their app and net banking handle everything. The bank will need your I-94 copy, VOE letter copy, I-797 document, and passport with a valid visa to open the account. No SSN is required at this stage.
When opening the bank account, choose to open both Savings and Checking accounts. The Savings account helps organize your funds, and this separation has helped me a lot with budgeting. As of 2026, Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo all accept accounts without SSN. Chase offers a $200-300 sign-up bonus periodically, so check for current offers before walking in.
One important thing: when opening the account, do NOT opt for paperless statements initially. You need physical mail delivered to your address as proof of residence for the SSN application. Once you have your SSN sorted, you can switch to paperless. This is a small detail but it saves you from having to request paid bank statements later.
Why Should You Apply for a Secured Credit Card Immediately?
Building credit history in the USA is critical. Your credit score affects everything from renting an apartment to getting a car loan, mobile postpaid plan, or even certain job applications. Start building it from week one.
In the United States, every loan or credit application goes through a credit check. The better your credit score, the better the interest rates and limits you will get. As a newcomer, you have a clean slate with no credit history at all. This means higher interest rates and security deposits on almost everything.
The solution is a secured credit card. Many banks offer these to help newcomers build credit history. You deposit an amount (say $300-$500) as security, and that becomes your credit limit. Keep your monthly spending at about 10-12% of the limit and pay the full statement balance every month. Within 6-12 months, you will have a credit score of 680-720, which is considered good.
As of 2026, the best secured credit cards for Indian newcomers include the Discover it Secured (gives cash back rewards from day one), Capital One Quicksilver Secured (1.5% cash back), and OpenSky Secured (does not require SSN at all). If you had a credit history in India, American Express offers a Credit Passport program that can translate your Indian CIBIL score to help you qualify for an unsecured card directly.
For an average earning person like me, things are a bit hard always here to start up life, and with single earning, it is mostly living paycheck to paycheck for the first couple of years 🙂 But the secured credit card is one investment that pays off massively when you need a car loan or apartment lease later.
How Do You Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)?
The SSN is the most important document in the USA. Think of it as the Aadhaar card equivalent. Everything from loans, utilities, tax returns, and memberships is tied to your SSN.
You need to visit a nearby US Social Security Administration office after about 10-14 days of your arrival. Do not go too early because your immigration records may not have been updated in their system yet. According to the SSA guidelines for noncitizens, the agency needs to verify your immigration status with DHS, and this verification can take time if you arrive too soon.
Search for “SSN office near me” on Google Maps to find the closest office near your work or home. Keep in mind that most SSN offices are crowded and do not open on weekends. You will need to take time off from work. Carry your I-797 (visa approval), VOE letter, passport with valid visa, and two pieces of mail or letters showing your US address. The two letters can be any utility bill, bank statement, or any mail delivered by USPS to that address with your name on it.
As of 2026, SSN processing typically takes 2-4 weeks after your visit. You will receive the card by mail. Once you have the SSN, update your bank account immediately as it unlocks several features including higher transaction limits and eligibility for unsecured credit cards.
How Do You Get a Driving License or State ID?
A US driving license serves as your primary photo ID and helps reduce car insurance premiums. Even if you plan to drive on your Indian license initially, getting a US license should be a priority.
You can legally drive on an Indian driving license or International Driving Permit for up to one year in most US states. However, getting a local driving license not only acts as photo ID proof but also significantly reduces your car insurance premium. Without a US license, insurance companies charge substantially higher rates.
To get a driving license, visit a DMV center near you. The process varies by state, but generally you need to: (1) get a medical/vision test, (2) pass a written knowledge test for a learner’s permit, (3) practice driving, and (4) pass a road driving test. The knowledge test can be prepared using free mobile apps available on Android and iOS. These apps cover all the questions you will face, and preparing on the app is much easier than reading the entire driving manual.
You can also get a State ID for yourself and your spouse if either of you does not plan to drive. A State ID costs about $30 and serves as an identification document and address proof. You will not need to carry your passport, visa, and I-94 as hard copies everywhere. However, if you are confident about clearing the driving test within a month or so, you can save the $30 as the driving license will serve the same purpose.
How Do You Find an Apartment to Rent in the USA?
Finding the right apartment involves balancing rent, commute distance, school district ratings (if you have kids), and lease terms. Start looking online within the first week itself.
As you work on your documents, start looking for apartments. Websites like Apartments.com, ApartmentGuide, and Zillow will help with your preliminary search. However, always visit apartments in person before signing a lease. Pay close attention to the lease terms, especially the early termination fee. Some apartments charge 2-3 months’ rent if you break the lease early, while others have more flexible month-to-month options after the initial term.
Most apartments offer referral programs. If you have a friend already living in a complex, ask them to refer you. Both of you get a benefit (typically $100-500 off rent). You need the apartment anyway, so it is a good deed to benefit your friend with no extra effort from your side 🙂
As of 2026, expect to pay around $1,200-2,000/month for a one-bedroom apartment in suburban areas and $1,800-3,500/month in metro cities like New York, San Francisco, or Seattle. In cities like Dallas, Charlotte, and Phoenix, you can find decent apartments for $1,000-1,500/month. Always factor in utilities (electricity, water, gas) which typically add $100-200/month on top of rent.
How Do You Choose the Right School for Your Child?
If you have school-going kids, the school district should be the primary factor when choosing where to live. In the USA, school quality varies dramatically by area.
In the United States, both school districts and individual schools have national ratings on a scale of 1-10. The better the school district, the higher the apartment rental rates in that area. This is a direct correlation and something many Indians do not realize until after they have signed a lease. Check school ratings at Niche.com and GreatSchools.org before finalizing your apartment. A school rated 7+ out of 10 is generally considered good.
Public schools in the USA are free for all residents, regardless of immigration status. You will need proof of address (lease agreement), the child’s age verification (birth certificate or passport), and immunization records. Some schools may also ask for previous school transcripts. The admission process is straightforward as your child is assigned to the school based on your residential address in that school zone.
How Do You Find a Family Doctor After Moving to USA?
Unlike India where you can walk into any pharmacy and buy prescription medicines, the USA requires a doctor’s prescription for most medications including antibiotics. Finding a family doctor early saves you expensive emergency room visits later.
Once you find a home, the next thing to do is find a Primary Care Physician (PCP) and a pediatrician if you have kids. Check ratings and reviews on Google, Healthgrades, and Zocdoc. Your health insurance plan will have a network of approved doctors, so choose one from your insurance network to avoid out-of-network charges which can be very expensive.
In the USA, you need a referral from your PCP before visiting any specialist. So if you develop any health issue, the PCP is your first point of contact. Without a registered PCP, your only options are urgent care centers ($100-300 per visit) or emergency rooms ($500-2,000+ per visit). Setting up a family doctor early prevents these expensive surprises.
Do You Really Need a Car in the USA?
In most suburban and rural areas, yes, a car is essential. Unlike Indian cities where auto-rickshaws and buses are everywhere, American suburban life revolves around driving.
If you have moved to a suburban area, your life will be very difficult without a car. Even grocery shopping becomes a challenge as public transport is limited outside of major cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. You have three options: lease a new car, buy a new car, or buy a used car (certified or non-certified).
Websites like Kelley Blue Book (KBB), Edmunds, and TrueCar will help you research fair prices. For a newcomer with no credit history, leasing a new car typically requires a higher security deposit ($2,000-4,000). Buying a reliable used car in the $8,000-15,000 range is often the smarter first move. Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra hold their value well and have low maintenance costs.
Keep in mind that car insurance is mandatory in the USA and can cost $150-300/month for a newcomer without a US driving record. This is why getting your US driving license quickly matters. Once you have 6 months of US driving history, insurance rates typically drop by 20-30%.
How Do You Set Up Internet at Home?
A home internet connection is not optional in the USA. You need it for work, streaming, staying connected with family in India, and almost every daily task.
Once you have a home, apply for an Internet connection immediately. Depending on your area, the main providers are Xfinity (Comcast), AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, and Verizon Fios. Many providers offer first-year promotional rates around $30-50/month for 100-300 Mbps, which is sufficient for most families. After the promotional period, rates jump to $60-90/month, so mark your calendar to renegotiate or switch providers.
One money-saving tip: buy your own modem and router instead of renting from the service provider. The rental fee is typically $10-15/month, which adds up to $120-180/year. A good modem-router combo costs $80-150 as a one-time purchase and pays for itself within the first year. Plus, you do not have the burden of shipping the rented equipment back when you move.
What is ITIN and Why Do Your Dependents Need It?
If you are married or have kids, your dependents need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for filing joint tax returns. Without it, you cannot file taxes and may face penalties.
As an employed person, you get the SSN for yourself. But to file tax returns jointly with your spouse (which almost always results in a lower tax bill), your spouse and kids need ITINs. You can apply for ITIN by mailing the W-7 form, tax return, proof of identity, and foreign status documents to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You can also make an appointment at a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center nearby and apply in person.
Act quickly on this. Apply for ITIN as soon as you receive your W-2 form from your employer, because without your spouse’s and kids’ ITINs, you cannot file tax returns. As of 2026, ITIN processing takes 7-14 weeks by mail. If you apply in person at an IRS office, the process can be faster (4-6 weeks). The tax filing deadline is April 15, so plan accordingly.
Is a Costco Membership Worth It for Indians in the USA?
If you ask me what I love most about America, a Costco membership is definitely in my top five 🙂
A Costco Gold Star membership costs $65/year (as of 2026) and is absolutely worth it if you have a family. You get high-quality products at wholesale prices, including Indian staples like lentils (dal), basmati rice, naan bread, and spices. The savings on groceries alone can easily cover the membership cost within 2-3 months for a family of three or four.
Beyond groceries, Costco is great for electronics, clothing, household items, tires, and even prescription medications (you do not need a Costco membership to use their pharmacy). Their Kirkland Signature brand products are consistently rated as high quality at lower prices. If you eat out, the Costco food court offers the famous $1.50 hot dog and drink combo that has not changed in price since the 1980s.
What Other Things Should You Know as a New Indian Immigrant?
Beyond the 14 core steps above, here are a few additional things that I wish someone had told me when I first moved.
Money transfers to India: Apps like Wise (formerly TransferWise), Remitly, and Xoom offer much better exchange rates than bank wire transfers. For regular transfers to family in India, these apps can save you $20-50 per transaction compared to traditional bank transfers.
Indian grocery stores: Almost every mid-sized American city has at least one Indian grocery store (Patel Brothers, India Bazaar, Subzi Mandi are common chains). Google Maps will help you find the nearest one. These stores carry everything from atta, ghee, pickles, and papad to pressure cookers and Indian cookware.
Health insurance: Your employer typically provides health insurance, but understand the terms. Know your deductible (the amount you pay before insurance kicks in), copay (fixed amount per visit), and out-of-pocket maximum. The US healthcare system is expensive, and not understanding your insurance plan can result in surprise bills of thousands of dollars.
Emergency number: 911 is the universal emergency number in the USA for police, fire, and medical emergencies. Save it on speed dial. For non-emergency situations, most areas have a 311 number for city services.
First 90 Days Checklist After Moving to USA from India
Here is a quick timeline to help you plan your first three months. This is based on what worked for me, and you can adjust it based on your specific situation and state requirements.
Week 1: Download I-94, get a mobile connection, open a bank account (do NOT go paperless), apply for a secured credit card, start apartment search online.
Week 2-3: Visit the SSN office (wait at least 10 days after arrival), visit apartments in person, sign a lease, set up utilities and Internet.
Week 4-6: Apply for learner’s driving permit at DMV, find a family doctor and pediatrician, enroll kids in school, get a car (used or leased).
Month 2-3: Clear the driving test and get a full license, receive SSN card (update bank account), explore Costco and Indian grocery stores, file AR-11 if you changed address, start looking into ITIN for dependents when W-2 arrives.
Conclusion
In the last few articles of this series on moving to USA from India, I shared with you:
- The tips and guides of things to be done in India before moving
- What to buy and bring to USA from India
- Step-by-step process at the airport when flying to USA from India
Now that you have arrived in the USA and you are looking to start a new life, I hope this checklist helps you get organized and avoid the mistakes I made. The first few months are the hardest, but once you have these basics sorted, things start falling into place.
Feel free to post any questions or doubts in the comments section below. If any of your family or friends are moving to USA from India for the first time, do share this article with them. Every bit of help counts when you are starting from scratch in a new country. And if you have tips or experiences of your own, share them in the comments. I will update this article with your inputs.
Stay tuned for more articles in this series on living the life of a desi Indian in the USA 🙂
Last Updated: March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get SSN after moving to USA from India?
You should visit the Social Security Administration office 10-14 days after your arrival to allow time for your immigration records to be updated in the system. After submitting your application, the SSN card typically arrives by mail within 2-4 weeks. If the SSA needs to verify your immigration status with DHS, it may take slightly longer.
Can I open a bank account in the USA without SSN?
Yes. Major banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo allow you to open a checking and savings account with your passport, I-94, visa, and VOE letter. The SSN is not mandatory for opening a bank account. Once you receive your SSN, you can update it on your bank account.
How do I build credit history as a new immigrant in the USA?
Start with a secured credit card where you deposit $300-500 as security. Use it for small purchases and pay the full balance every month. Keep utilization at 10-12% of your credit limit. Within 6-12 months, you will build a credit score of 680-720. After that, you can apply for regular unsecured credit cards with better rewards.
Can I drive in the USA with an Indian driving license?
Yes, most US states allow you to drive on an Indian driving license or International Driving Permit for up to one year. However, getting a local US driving license is recommended as it serves as photo ID, reduces car insurance premiums, and is required for long-term residency in most states.
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What is ITIN and when should I apply for it?
ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is needed for your spouse and kids to file joint tax returns. Apply as soon as you receive your W-2 form from your employer. Processing takes 7-14 weeks by mail or 4-6 weeks in person at an IRS office. The tax filing deadline is April 15, so start early.
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in the USA?
Rent varies significantly by location. In suburban areas, expect $1,200-2,000/month for a one-bedroom apartment. In metro cities like New York or San Francisco, the same apartment costs $1,800-3,500/month. Cities like Dallas, Charlotte, and Phoenix offer more affordable options at $1,000-1,500/month. Add $100-200/month for utilities.
What documents should I carry at all times after moving to USA?
Until you get a State ID or driving license, carry your passport, visa, I-94 printout, and VOE letter. Once you have a State ID or driving license, that single document serves as your primary identification. Always keep digital copies of all documents on your phone as backup.
Is it mandatory to file AR-11 when I change my address in USA?
Yes. All non-citizens must file AR-11 (change of address notification) with USCIS within 10 days of moving to a new address. You can file it online at uscis.gov/ar-11. Failure to update your address can affect future visa applications, green card processing, and other immigration benefits.
