A complete pre-departure to first-month checklist for moving to the United States in 2026.
Overview
Moving to the US is process-heavy at multiple stages — pre-arrival visa/petition, port of entry I-94 issuance, post-arrival registration with SSA + IRS + state DMV + state insurance commissioner + school district + private healthcare insurance enrolment. There's no single 'within X days' federal deadline; instead, you have multiple state and federal touchpoints that need to be completed promptly to function in American daily life. Critical first-month tasks: Social Security Number (SSN) application at SSA, US bank account opening, driver's license at state DMV (most states require within 30-90 days of residency), health insurance enrolment (typically employer-sponsored or via ACA marketplace), tax registration (IRS), and (if children) school district enrollment. The US has 50 states each with their own residency rules + Department of Motor Vehicles + insurance commissioner + tax structure, making the moving process more state-specific than other countries. This guide walks through every step, verified against ssa.gov, uscis.gov, travel.state.gov, and state DMV resources.
Pre-Departure (8-12 Weeks Before Arrival)
- USCIS petition + visa: Confirm I-797 approval (USCIS petition), pick up visa at US consulate, ensure passport valid 6+ months beyond visa.
- Apostille documents: Birth certificate, marriage certificate, academic degrees + transcripts, police clearance. Get apostilles before departure.
- Certified translation queue: Most foreign documents need English translation (USCIS-compliant) for in-US use.
- International moving company: Get 3 quotes. USD 5,000-25,000 typical for international relocation depending on origin.
- Banking research: Identify US banks for opening on arrival. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo widely available. Online banks (Chime, SoFi, Capital One 360) increasingly common. International-friendly: HSBC US, Citi, Capital One.
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See Paid Plans →Frequently Asked Questions
When can I apply for a Social Security Number after arriving in the US?
Generally any time after arrival, but waiting at least 10 days after arrival allows for I-94 record to be in SSA system. Apply at any SSA Field Office. Bring passport, visa, I-94 printout (from i94.cbp.dhs.gov), employer letter if work visa. Free. Card mailed in 2-4 weeks. You can begin employment using a 'Receipt for Application' if waiting for card. Required for tax filing, bank account opening, driver's license, employment, credit applications.
How long does it take to open a US bank account?
1-2 days at branches familiar with international clients (Chase, Bank of America, Capital One, Citi). Bring passport, visa, I-94, SSN (if available), address proof. Online banks (Chime, SoFi, Capital One 360) can open accounts faster but may have lower limits. Without SSN, some banks open 'ITIN account' option for tax purposes. Some banks have minimum deposit requirements (USD 500-2,500); others have no minimum.
When do I need to get a US driver's license?
Most states require within 30-90 days of establishing residency (varies by state). DMV process: written knowledge test + vision test + driving test (or just paperwork conversion for some countries with reciprocal agreements — UK, Germany, France, Switzerland, etc. have agreements in some states). Fee USD 25-150 typical. Bring passport, visa, I-94, SSN, proof of state residence (lease, utility bill). California, New York, Texas, Florida all have multi-language exam materials.
How does US health insurance work for new arrivals?
No automatic universal coverage like Europe. Most working adults get employer-sponsored health insurance — costs vary widely ($100-500/month employee contribution; employer typically pays 70-80% of premium). For non-employed: ACA Marketplace (healthcare.gov) enrollment during open enrollment (November-January) OR with a Qualifying Life Event. Premiums USD 300-1,500/month per adult unsubsidized; subsidies available for incomes under 400% Federal Poverty Level. Children may qualify for Medicaid/CHIP.
Can I bring my household goods to the US duty-free?
Yes for personal effects accompanying or following you within 10 years of becoming a US resident. Submit CBP Form 6059B at port of entry + relevant supplementary forms. Items in use for ≥1 year qualify for duty-free as personal effects. New items purchased shortly before moving may attract duty. Vehicles imported as personal effects: complicated — must meet US safety and emissions standards (or be a 'Show & Display' specialty vehicle, age 25+ years, etc.).
Can I drive in the US on my foreign license?
Yes for up to 30-90 days depending on state (most states allow 30-90 days). After that, convert to US state license. Many states require theory + practical tests for non-reciprocal agreement countries. International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended for the first 6 months. Reciprocal-agreement countries include: UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and several others (varies by state). Outside agreements, full DMV testing required.
How does US income tax work?
Federal income tax: progressive rates 10-37% on income; payroll withholding via Form W-4 with employer. State income tax: varies — most states 4-12% progressive; states with no income tax include Texas, Florida, Nevada, Washington, Tennessee, Wyoming, South Dakota, Alaska. Annual tax return Form 1040 filed by April 15 for prior calendar year (October 15 with extension). Self-employed file quarterly estimated taxes.
When do my children need to start US school?
Compulsory schooling typically from age 6 to 16-18 depending on state. Apply at local public school district office — free for residents. International schools (English-language) USD 15,000-30,000+/year — cluster around major cities. American public schools are funded by state + local property taxes; quality varies dramatically by district. Many international families research school districts before choosing housing.