H-1B Newcomer Checklist

Congrats on getting your H-1B visa! 🎉 You’ve taken a big step toward building your career and life in the 🇺🇸 United States. We’ve put together a list of key things every H-1B holder - and their family - should take care of when settling into life in the U.S.

Safeguard Important Documents 🗂️

Keep all the important documents you brought from your home country in a safe, secure place. As you start your life in the U.S., you’ll collect new documents - such as your I-94 record, lease agreements, and tax papers. Make copies (both physical and digital), and store them respectfully. It’s always good to have backups just in case something gets lost.

Get a Social Security Number (SSN) 🔢

Your Social Security Number (SSN) is one of the most important identifiers in the U.S. It’s issued by the U.S. government and is used by banks, employers, and other agencies to verify your identity. You can find your nearest Social Security office on the official website: ssa.gov.

You’ll often need to provide the last four digits of your SSN for identity verification, so it’s helpful to memorize them.

Once you arrive in the U.S., wait about 10 days for your immigration records to update before applying for your SSN. Bring your original documents (no copies):

Your SSN card will be mailed within about two weeks.

Give Your New Address to USCIS 📬

If you move to a new apartment or house while living in the U.S. on an H-1B visa, you must notify USCIS within 10 days of changing your address. Don’t skip this step - it’s a legal requirement, and it helps make sure you don’t miss any important mail or updates about your immigration status. Remember, official U.S. government websites always end with “.gov”.

If your U.S. employer has an HR or immigration representative who manages your case, let them know right away. They might take care of the address update on your behalf, but it’s still your responsibility to make sure it gets done.

How to Write a U.S. Address Correctly 🏠

Here’s the proper address format: Street Address (include apartment or unit number if any), City, State Abbreviation ZIP+4 Code, USA

📝 Example: 1234 Pear Avenue, Apt 6A, Sunnyvale, CA 1234, USA

In the U.S., ZIP codes are key - sometimes different cities or streets share similar names, and the ZIP code helps pinpoint the exact location.

What to Expect When Renting a Place to Stay

Be prepared: in many cities, rent can take up to 35-45% of your income, depending on the area and your lifestyle.

Apartments, condos, and houses all have their pros and cons, so think about what matters most for you and your family:

It’s worth running the numbers - sometimes paying a little more for rent can save you hours (and money) on commuting.

Pets 🐶, Parking, and Other “Little” Surprises

Leases 📝, Deposits, and the Fine Print

Most leases in the U.S. are for one year, though you can sometimes find short-term rentals (month-to-month or furnished places). Before signing anything, make sure you understand:

💰 A rental security deposit - often equal to one month’s rent - is refundable when you move out, as long as the place looks as good as when you moved in. (So maybe don’t paint the living room neon green without asking.)

Always read the entire lease carefully - yes, all the pages! It includes important details about what you can and can’t do: hanging wall shelves, repainting, who to contact for repairs, and more.

No Credit History Yet? 💳 No Problem (Well… Kind of)

Here’s the tricky part: many landlords will ask for your U.S. credit history - something you probably don’t have yet as a newcomer. Don’t panic! You can often ask your employer, a trusted friend, or someone with a solid credit score to act as a co-signer on your lease.

After a year of paying rent and building credit, you’ll be able to rent future places on your own name - no co-signer required. (And yes, that’ll feel like a small victory worth celebrating with pizza 🍕 in your new living room.)

Getting a Driver’s License or State ID - Real 🆔

If you plan to drive in the U.S., you’ll need a driver’s license - issued by the state where you live. Already have a license from your home country? Great! In some states, you might be able to exchange it for a U.S. license. Check with your local office - it could be called the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Administration, or Department of Public Safety - depending on where you live.

Your driver’s license isn’t just for driving - it’s also your primary ID for everyday life. Want to open a bank account, pick up a package, or board a domestic flight? Your license (or ID) is often the go-to document.

Study Up and Pass That Test

Each state has its own rules, so don’t assume you can wing it - even if you’re a seasoned driver. Take some time to read the state driver’s manual. It’s your secret weapon for passing the written exam on the first try. If your state requires a driving test, be prepared.

✨ Real ID

If you or your family members don’t plan to drive, you can get a state ID (or Real ID) instead. It’s a valid form of identification in the U.S., easy to replace if lost, and saves you from carrying your passport everywhere. Think of it as a little safety net - your passport stays snug at home while your state-issued ID handles the day-to-day.

Buying a Car 🚗

Thinking of buying a car in the U.S.? Keep in mind that car insurance, registration, and license plates are required - and traffic in some cities can be intense. Consider all costs, commute needs, and benefits before making the leap.

10 Tips for Driving Safely in the U.S.:

Finance - Getting a Bank Account 💳

In the U.S., you’ll find two main types of financial institutions: banks and credit unions. Both offer personal accounts, but their rules and perks can differ slightly.

–> The most common accounts are checking accounts (for everyday spending) and savings accounts (for stashing cash and earning a bit of interest).

–> You can open an account just for yourself or a joint account with your spouse or someone you trust. To open an account, you’ll need to prove your identity - usually with a passport and visa documents.

Start early! Opening an account is also the first step toward building your U.S. credit history. You can access your money using checks, an ATM, or a debit card, but make sure only you (and your joint account holder, if any) have access.

Your Credit Rating / Credit Score 📊

Your credit score is a number that tells lenders how reliable you are with money. It’s based on things like:

A good credit score makes it easier to rent apartments, get a car loan, or even open certain accounts. Start building it early - it pays off in more ways than one!

Paying Taxes 💰

Income Tax: Paid to the federal government. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) collects it. How much you pay depends on how much you earn. If too much is taken from your paycheck, you’ll get a refund. If too little, you’ll owe the IRS at tax time.

Social Security & Medicare Taxes: Also withheld from your paycheck. Your employer pays half, and you pay half. There’s a maximum annual Social Security contribution, so once you hit it, you stop paying for the year.

Sales Taxes: These are state and local taxes added to the cost of many purchases, like clothes, electronics, and sometimes food. Unlike income tax, you pay it at the point of purchase, so keep that in mind when shopping or buying a coffee.

Health Care & Medical Insurance 🩺

In the United States, medical care can be quite expensive, so most people rely on health insurance to help manage costs. And staying healthy can sometimes feel like decoding a new language.

As an H-1B visa holder, your U.S. employer will typically offer health insurance for you - and often for your family too. Some employers cover the entire cost of your monthly premium; others split the cost with you. Most employer plans include medical, dental, and vision insurance - so you can take care of everything from checkups to clean smiles and clear sight.

Make sure to talk with your HR or benefits department about:

If there’s a waiting period before your employer’s plan starts, consider buying a short-term health plan to bridge the gap.

After about 6-10 months in the U.S., many H-1B workers become resident aliens for tax purposes, which can open the door to additional long-term insurance options. Always take time to read your insurance policy carefully so you understand what’s covered - and what’s not.

If your employer’s plan doesn’t include your dependents (spouse and children), you can look into private plans or check the Health Insurance Marketplace for family coverage.

Schooling and Education for H-4 Children 🎒

Your children (H-4 dependents) can attend public or private schools, or even homeschool, while living in the U.S. Their legal stay is tied to your H-1B status, so make sure both are kept up to date.

🏫 Public Schools:

Public education in the U.S. is free from kindergarten through grade 12, and children can also attend preschool as early as age 3 (though preschool isn’t free in most areas).

Most schools are coeducational - meaning boys and girls study together - but some private or charter schools may be single-gender.

To enroll your child in a public school: contact your local school district office or visit its website to find your assigned school.

Bring required documents such as:

🎓 Private Schools

Some have day programs, while others are boarding schools where students live on campus. They often offer smaller class sizes and specialized programs, and tuition can vary widely.

📚 Homeschooling

Another option is homeschooling - teaching your child at home. Each state has its own rules for homeschooling, so contact your state’s Department of Education for specific requirements.

☀️ Summer Schools

Many families enroll their children in summer programs - from academic refreshers to fun camps in art, sports, or science. Plan ahead, as spots can fill quickly (and early registration often means better prices!).

🧩 Special Education & ESL Support

If your child needs English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, most schools offer language support - just ask!

And if your child has a disability, rest assured: every child in the U.S. has the right to a free public education, with accommodations and resources tailored to their needs. You can learn more on the official U.S. Department of Education website.

Final Tip - Legal Assistance ⚖️

An immigration attorney is your best teammate for the journey ahead. Stay curious, stay calm, and enjoy your H-1B adventure! 🇺🇸