- 1. For all types of visas (tourist, study and work visas):
- 1. Passing through immigration control
- Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. They will check your visa and ask questions about the purpose of your visit.
- Be prepared to show all necessary documents: passport, visa, and documents supporting the purpose of your visit (e.g., Form I-20 for students or a letter from your employer for employees).
- 2. Registration of residence address
- In some cases, especially for study and work visas, you may be required to register your residential address with USCIS via Form AR-11 (Change of Address). This can be done online at https://ceac.state.gov/ceac/.
- 3. obtain health insurance
- Insurance is required: If you are traveling on a study or work visa, you must obtain health insurance (if not obtained in advance). For tourists, insurance is also highly recommended.
- For students, health insurance is usually provided by the institution, but it must be activated. For work visas, insurance is often covered by the employer.
- 4. opening a bank account
- Documents: To open an account, you will need a passport, visa, proof of residential address (rental agreement or utility bill), and an I-20 form (for students).
- Choose a bank (Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo) and open a current and savings account.
- 5. Purchase a SIM card
- Choose a cell phone carrier (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) and buy a SIM card. Check rates for international calls if you plan to call home.
- 6. Rent a place to stay
- If you haven't booked lodging in advance, start looking for long-term accommodations. Use websites such as Zillow or Apartments.com. It's important to make sure the rental agreement is legally correct.
- 7. Transportation
- Buying a car: If you plan to buy a car, research the buying process (including registration, taxes, and insurance).
- Public Transportation: Major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have extensive public transportation networks. Buy a transit pass to save money on rides.
- 2. Specific steps for different visas:For tourist visa (B1/B2):
- Trip Planning:Develop a detailed travel plan. Visit the sights, museums and parks you planned to see.
- Checking the length of stay: Make sure you do not exceed the length of stay stated on your visa and CBP stamp.
- Emergency Contacts: Familiarize yourself with the closest emergency contacts for your country's consulate or embassy.
For an educational visa (F-1):
Study Registration: Contact the international office of your institution within a few days of your arrival. You will need to confirm your arrival in the U.S. and begin your studies within the required time frame.
Filing in SEVIS: Your academic status must be activated in SEVIS. Contact the international office to activate and verify your SEVIS status.
Socialization: Join student organizations and clubs to better integrate into the student community.
Obtain a student ID: Obtain a student ID that will give you access to university resources and discounts.
For Work Visa (H-1B):
Notifying your employer of your arrival: Notify your employer of your arrival so you can complete the company registration process and begin work.
Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN): You will need a Social Security Number to start working. Visit your nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office to apply for an SSN. Bring your passport, visa, Form I-94, and a letter from your employer.
Tax paperwork: Discuss taxation with your employer and fill out a W-4 form to withhold income tax. Make sure taxes are paid correctly.
Obtaining a driver's license: If you plan to stay in the U.S. for an extended period of time, it is recommended that you obtain a local driver's license. This requires passing a traffic and driving test.
Additional tips for all visa types
1- Adapting to life in the U.S.
Learn the culture, customs, and laws of the United States. For example, state laws can vary widely on issues such as driving, alcohol, and taxation.
Maintain contact with your country's consulate in case of emergencies.
2. Know your rights
If you are employed, make sure you know your rights as an employee in the United States. For example, research minimum wage laws, working conditions, and hours of work.
3. Complying with visa requirements
Always keep track of visa expiration dates and renewal requirements (e.g., F-1 students must remain in study status). Work visas often require compliance with strict employment conditions.
4- Return tickets
If you are on a tourist visa, keep track of your stay and book your return ticket in advance.
By following these steps after arriving in the U.S., you will be able to successfully adapt, resolve all bureaucratic issues, and organize a comfortable stay in the country.