Top 6 Things after immigrating to U.S.

This hub provides key information for first time travellers to U.S. who are coming here on work or student VISA. This information is based on the first experiences of author, not only related to settling himself, but helping number of his own friends who came here on student or work VISA. So here is article

When i got the news that I am hired in US and have to move, sounded like a great idea as the country I am from, US is seen as land of opportunity. Everything looked green. Wound up my settled life and came here in U.S. Man i went through so many items that I had no experience about and thanks to my colleagues and friends who helped me.

God gave me chance to help fellow friends who came afterwards and it looked like I have paid by debt. So here is another way that I am paying my debt by sharing all the first hand information on what I feel is important to know for you:

1) Social Security: A most important item in U.S. living is this number without which you can not even get pay from an employer. So when you come in, the first thing you do is file for social security. Try using the address of a fellow colleague or relative for application and then fill in another form later on to change the address with social security administration. More available at ssa.gov

2) Renting an Apartment: finding the good apartment to live in is important. There are lot of sites available to find an apartment, I used rent.com... my advice, ask colleagues more and more who are renting. A renter would give you best advice than home owner. Here are few items that would help:

a) if you love comfort, make sure you get an apartment that has washer/dryer inside the apartment. Depending upon where you arrive in U.S, most apartment communities have washer/dryer as coin operated laundry. So make your choice.

b) Second item is AC unit. Some apartments are centrally air conditioned and some have one AC in living room only. So look out for that

c) The apartments these days run credit checks for renters. So if you are new to U.S. you may have to have 1-3 months deposit as you would not have credit history

d) Coming as married, then good apartment properties need you spouse to sign all the paperwork too! Take your spouse with you when going for signing. Some may hand over papers to you to get it signed if spouse is not along

3) Driver's license: this is something that many states would not allow an application unless you get social security. So sleep on it until you get social security. Meanwhile, make sure to take at least one driver's training class. It definitely helps. I have been driving for few years before coming to U.S. but it really helped taking a 2 hour class for about $60.

4) Bank Account: Banks also need social security for opening accounts; however some banks may be flexible and would allow you to open account with some time commitment on providing social security. Try finding out from employer about any credit union affiliation. Having accounts in credit union helps you a lot for car loans etc.

5) Buying First Car: If the area you come in need s you to have car for all needs, then you would have to wait until you get driver's license. Many state laws prohibit car dealers to sell cars to people without Driver's License. Once you have one, look for deals for H1 VISA holders. You may get some great rats if you are an engineering or management professional even without having credit history

6) Get a secured credit card: The secured credit card is a great way of building credit history. Try opening at least $1000 secured credit card. The credit scores build faster if you use regularly under 50% of your credit limit. America is a country of card money. So credit card is useful for many places. Lot of shopping is done online here, and credit card is a big help. Credit card companies would issue you a credit card at all (especially in light of ongoing credit crunch). So without wasting time, whenever you get social security, go to your bank institution and open a credit card. Even if you are a student! I had some employees who were here is U.S on study VISA for 5-10 years but never built credit history. Now when they are employed and need car, they do not get approved for loan as they did not built credit history.

7) research deals: Resetting home is big thing. so you need to learn to research online for best price deals, do not hesitate asking fellow colleagues for advice or ride to nearest store. You would save tons of money by getting help in this small purchase matters.

8) carry enough money: We who come from outside of U.S., should carry plenty of money with us. At least $10,000. Do not depend upon the signup money as it would come in few days (sometime as long as month or two). Try pushing with you manager (if you come on h1b) to get advance check of you sign-up money. Many companies would not give you cash/advance until you have social security

This all can save you a lot of effort, time, money, embarrassments and troubles. I have helped at least 3 of my friends in settling and this all is not just coming from m y own experience but days I have spent helping them

If you new to U.S. I can be your first social friend who would share all experience free. Just post a question on my hub page.

Enjoy and good luck!