A Guide for International Professionals moving to the US.

Days 1-7: Getting Settled

1. Arrival and Immediate Needs

• Accommodation: Ensure you have a temporary place to stay if you haven’t secured permanent housing yet. Many professionals opt for short-term rentals or Airbnb. Some large corporations provide a house-hunting trip before the actual move. Do opt for this if it is feasible for you. It will allow you to look for accommodation and familiarize yourself with the neighborhoods.

• Transportation: Arrange for transportation from the airport to your accommodation. If you plan to buy or rent a car, start researching options and familiarize yourself with Texas traffic laws. You are allowed to drive for a few weeks on an International driver's license. Check some FB and social groups for cheap long-term car rental options.

2. Documentation and Compliance

• Social Security Number (SSN): This is usually the first step in setting you up for your company payroll and for opening a bank account. Apply for your SSN at the local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. You can fill the form online even from outside the country, but the actual appointment is in person. Most Social security administration offices don't provide scheduled appointments. So you will have to walk-in to the nearest one. You do need a proper local address for SSN application. If you don't have one yet, a friend/family or temporary accommodation address will do. Ensure you are planning to stay in the same address for 2-3 weeks after the SSN appointment, although usually you might get your SSN within 10 working days in most cases.

• Visa Documentation: Keep your passport and visa documentation photocopies handy. You may need to present these for various services and appointments.

3. Banking and Financial Setup

• Open a Bank Account: Choose a local bank and open a checking and savings account. Having a local bank account will make managing your finances and receiving your salary easier. A lot of banks provide good offers to open an account with them. You can explore your options, and some local banks often give much better rates than national banks.

• Credit History: If you plan to stay long-term, consider applying for a credit card to start building your U.S. credit history. It isn't easy to get a credit card without a credit history. Some banks, like Credit One and Capital One provide secured credit cards for people with no credit history.

Days 8-14: Settling In

4. Permanent Housing

• Find Housing: If you haven’t already, start searching for permanent housing. Use online platforms, real estate agents, or local classifieds to find options that fit your needs and budget. If you are not sure about the city/neighborhood yet, do opt for short term leases for 3-6 months. Remember it is impossible to get out of lease without impacting your renting history or paying a months rent. Also visit the property in person before signing the lease. Photos and videos don't always do justice.

• Utilities and Services: Set up essential services like electricity, water, gas, and internet at your new residence. These also serve as address proofs for some other services like drivers license.

5. Healthcare and Insurance

• Health Insurance: Check with your employer about health insurance benefits and enroll if necessary. If not provided, explore private health insurance options.

• Healthcare Providers: Find a local primary care physician and dentist. It’s a good idea to schedule an initial check-up to familiarize yourself with the local healthcare system.

Days 15-30: Integration

6. Legal and Administrative Tasks

• Driver’s License: Apply for a Texas driver’s license or state ID. You’ll need proof of residency and your current visa status. Visit the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for details. There is usually a long wait time for the appointment. So apply for one as soon as you have your accommodation finalized.

• Purchasing / Registering Your Vehicle: If you brought a car with you or bought one locally, make sure to register it with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This is applicable for those already in US and moving from other states. For those moving from outside the country, when you purchase a vehicle, the dealer usually assists with all the paperwork related to registering the vehicle. Without proper credit history, if you are looking to finance your car purchase, the interest rates are not favorable. Some options are buying a good brand used car in cash and use it for a few months until you build the credit history. Some dealers provide good leasing options for expats without credit history.

7. Social and Professional Networking

• Meet New People: Join local professional organizations, networking groups, or expatriate communities to build your social and professional network.

• Explore the Area: Get to know your neighborhood and explore local amenities, dining options, and recreational activities. It’s a great way to feel more at home and discover what Texas has to offer.

Days 31-60: Settling into Routine

8. Work and Professional Development

• Workplace Orientation: Attend any orientation sessions provided by your employer. Familiarize yourself with company policies, your new team, and your role.

• Professional Registration: Depending on your field, you might need to register with local professional organizations or obtain additional certifications.

9. Long-Term Planning

• Financial Planning: Set up a budget and financial plan that accounts for your income, expenses, and savings goals. Please consider meeting with a financial advisor if you need to.

• Legal Compliance: Keep track of visa requirements and deadlines to ensure you remain in compliance with U.S. immigration laws. If you are on an L1 visa, check with your employer on the EB1 Green Card process. EB1 process is the same as L1 and can be applied anytime. Employers might wait for a year or two to start the actual process.

10. Cultural Adjustment

• Understand Local Customs: Take time to learn about Texas culture and customs. Engaging with local traditions, food, and festivals can enrich your experience.

• Language and Communication: If English is not your first language, consider taking language classes or joining conversation groups to improve your communication skills.

Final Thoughts

These are some of the tips that may help you make a smooth transition to the US. Settling into a new country takes time, so be patient and embrace the journey.

Welcome to Texas, and best of luck on your new adventure!