If you are an H1B worker, you will have to do certain important or useful things once you land in the USA for the first time. Some are mandatory and some are purely for convenience. One thing to remember : in the USA you will have to do it all by yourself. Do not expect your employer to "help" you in doing things (eg: opening a bank account).
So here we go :
1) Immigration Check and i-94 update
* This step is optional, but good to do (because I had some Lastname trouble)
* Just when your plane lands on the airport, you will have to stand in the line for immigration check.
* When doing immigration check, the officer will update your i-94 entry in their database. (simply put, the i-94 database is what the USCIS uses to record your entry and exit details).
* If you have two names in your Surname (in other words, if you have a space character in your surname), there could be some update issues.
* In this case, better check with your immigration officer if your passport names and i-94 names are an exact match.
* After few hours or 1 day, check your i-94 entry on this link : https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/consent.html
* First, ensure that your latest entry is updated. Second, ensure that the details match with your passport entries (Firstname, Lastname, entry date, expiry date).
2) Open a bank checking account
* You will have to open a basic "checking" account for salary deposits. This is one of the easiest things to do once you land in the US.
* Bank of America (BoFA) is the most popular bank, but Chase and PNC are also equally good.
* For a basic checking account in BoFA, you will only need to show your Passport and another ID such as your home country's Driving license. If you don't have a driving license, they may accept your Employee ID badge (better to check this with the bank).
* BoFA or any other bank will give all you the following right way : temporary debit card, few check leaves, and a direct deposit form.
* Also check the Apply for a Credit Card section below. It is convenient and useful to have a credit card.
3) Apply for SSN
* SSN is the national ID in the US. You will need this to get your salary credited, apply for driver's license or to claim insurance. Apply for SSN in the first week itself.
* To apply for an SSN, all you will need is your passport and a printout of your i-94 page.
* Identify your nearest SSN office. Go to that office. Take a token for "new SSN". Wait for your turn, and then hand it over to the officer (Tip : Go early in the morning to avoid queues and waiting time).
4) Apply for Driver's License
* In most states (barring big cities), you will need a car for even buying groceries. To buy a car, you will first need a Driver's license.
* To obtain a Driver's License, first you must be eligible by scoring 6 points in the documents check.
* Your passport will give you 4 points, 1 point for SSN and 1 point for a bank debit card. So usually you will clear the 6-point verification once you have the SSN and the bank account.
* Next, you will have to clear the written test and the on-the-road test. Learn all the traffic signs, and rules. Make sure to take all the tests(repeatedly) from these websites:
****http://driving-tests.org/new-jersey/
5) Apply for a Credit Card
* Having a credit card in the US is kind of useful because it will help you maintain your "credit score" (better credit score = more trust)
* Getting a credit card is a bit difficult for first timers. You will have to go for something called "secured credit card".
* Another option is : BoFA has tie ups with some popular companies (only the bank staff can tell you which companies are eligible). If you are an employee of these companies, chances are you will get a credit card easily. May be they will give you low initial credit limit (say $2000), but good enough to get started with your credit history.
