Relocation Checklist for Moving to the USA

I. Essential Documents (Keep Originals Safe & Have Digital & Physical Copies)

• Passport & Visa: Valid passport (ensure it's valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay).
• Valid U.S. Visa (appropriate for purpose of entry - e.g., work visa, student visa, immigrant visa).
• Copy of visa petition and approval notice (e.g., I-797, DS-2019, I-20).
• Identification & Civil Documents: Original Birth Certificate (and a certified English translation if not in English).
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable, with certified English translation).
• Divorce Decrees (if applicable, with certified English translation).
• National ID card from home country.
• Driver's License from home country (may be temporarily useful, but he'll need a U.S. license eventually).
• International Driving Permit (IDP), if he plans to drive soon after arrival.
• Academic/Professional Credentials: Academic transcripts and diplomas (original and certified English translations).
• Professional licenses or certifications (original and certified English translations).
• Letters of recommendation (from previous employers or professors).
• Resume/CV updated for the U.S. job market format.
• Financial Documents: Proof of funds (bank statements, letter from his bank).
• Credit history/reference from home bank (if possible, though U.S. credit history starts fresh).
• Information for wiring money (SWIFT codes, bank addresses for both home and potentially U.S. accounts).
• Medical Records: Vaccination records (especially if required for visa or school/work).
• Important medical history documents, including any chronic conditions or allergies.
• Prescriptions for any necessary medications (enough to last until he can see a U.S. doctor, plus a doctor's note). Check U.S. regulations on importing medication.
• Accommodation Documents (if arranged): Lease agreement or proof of temporary housing.
• Other Important Papers: Contact list (emergency contacts, important people in the U.S. and back home).
• Travel itinerary and tickets.
• Inventory of items being shipped (if applicable).
• Several passport-sized photos (U.S. specifications).
  
  

II. Financial Preparation

• Open a U.S. Bank Account: Research options before moving (major banks: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank; credit unions; online banks: Ally, Chime).
• You'll likely need to visit a branch in person to open an account as a newcomer.
• Required documents usually include a passport, visa, proof of U.S. address (even if temporary), and sometimes an ITIN or SSN (though some banks allow opening without SSN initially).
• Money Transfer: Plan how to transfer initial funds (wire transfer, services like Wise (formerly TransferWise), Remitly). Be aware of fees and exchange rates.
• Initial Funds: Bring enough cash in USD for initial expenses (e.g., first few days/weeks, transport from the airport, food) before your bank account is fully functional.
• Consider a prepaid debit card or traveller's checks for backup.
• Social Security Number (SSN) / Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN):SSN: If eligible (e.g., authorized to work), apply for an SSN as soon as possible after arrival. It's crucial for employment, banking, credit, and taxes.
• ITIN: If not eligible for an SSN but needs to file U.S. taxes (e.g., certain types of income), he may need an ITIN.
• Understanding the U.S. Credit System: He will need to build a U.S. credit history from scratch.
• Consider applying for a secured credit card to start building credit once he has an SSN and bank account.
• Budgeting: Research the cost of living in the specific city/state you're moving to (rent, groceries, transportation, and utilities are major factors).
• Create a budget for initial settlement costs and ongoing expenses.
  
  

III. Health & Insurance

• Health Insurance: This is CRITICAL. Healthcare in the U.S. is very expensive.
• If moving for work, check if his employer provides health insurance and when it starts.
• If not, he'll need to purchase a private plan (via the Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov or directly from insurers).
• Short-term international health insurance might be needed to cover the initial period.
• Prescription Medications: Ensure he has an adequate supply for the initial period.
• Have a doctor's letter explaining any prescribed medications.
• Research how to get prescriptions filled in the U.S. once he sees a doctor.
• Find Doctors/Dentists: Research how to find doctors and dentists in the new area (often through insurance provider networks).
  
  

IV. Accommodation & Utilities

• Temporary Housing: Arrange temporary accommodation for arrival if permanent housing isn't secured (e.g., extended-stay hotel, Airbnb).
• Permanent Housing: Research neighbourhoods, rental costs, and lease terms.
• Be prepared for security deposits (often 1-2 months' rent) and potential credit checks (which will be challenging initially).
• Landlords may require proof of income or a U.S. guarantor.
• Setting up Utilities (once housing is secured): Electricity, gas, water, internet, trash/recycling.
• This often requires an SSN and a deposit.
• Renter's Insurance: Highly recommended to protect belongings.
  
  

V. Communication

• U.S. Phone & SIM Card: Your current phone might work if unlocked and compatible with U.S. networks, but a U.S. SIM card/plan is essential.
• Major carriers: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile. MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators like Mint Mobile, and Cricket Wireless) can be cheaper.
• Purchase a prepaid SIM upon arrival for immediate use.
• Internet: Essential for job searching, communication, and information. Will be set up with utilities.
• Important Numbers:911: Emergency number (police, fire, medical).
• Local non-emergency police number.
• Embassy/Consulate of his home country.
  
  

VI. Transportation

• Public Transportation: Research options in the city (bus, subway, train). Many cities have apps for routes and schedules.
• Get a transit pass if available and suitable.
• Driver's License: You'll need to obtain a U.S. driver's license from the state you reside in. Rules vary by state.
• Home country license + IDP may be valid for a short period.
• Buying/Leasing a Car (if needed): A significant expense. Consider insurance costs, gas, and maintenance.
• Challenging without a U.S. credit history.
• Ride-sharing & Taxis: Familiarize with options like Uber and Lyft.
  
  

VII. Essential Apps (Download before/upon arrival)

• Navigation: Google Maps or Waze: Essential for driving, walking, and public transit.
• City-specific transit apps (e.g., Transit, Moovit, or local agency apps like MyMTA for New York).
• Communication: WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal: For international and local messaging/calls.
• Video calling apps (FaceTime, Skype, Google Meet, Zoom).
• Banking & Finance: U.S. bank account's mobile app.
• Afriex app, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle: For money transfers and international payments (Venmo/Zelle are U.S. focused).
• Budgeting apps (e.g., Mint, YNAB - You Need A Budget).
• Housing & Utilities: Zillow, Realtor.com, Apartments.com: For apartment hunting.
• Apps for his utility companies (if available).
• Food & Groceries: Yelp, Google Maps: For finding restaurants and reviews.
• Grocery delivery apps (e.g., Instacart, Shipt, Amazon Fresh) or store-specific apps (Kroger, Walmart).
• Food delivery apps (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub).
• Shopping: Amazon, Walmart, Target, eBay.
• Travel & Transportation: Uber, Lyft.
• Airline apps.
• Hotel booking apps (Booking.com, Expedia).
• News & Information: Local news apps for his city/area.
• Reputable national news apps.
• Productivity & Job Search: LinkedIn, Indeed: For job searching and professional networking.
• Note-taking and document apps (Evernote, Google Keep, Microsoft Office apps).
• Emergency & Safety: FEMA app: For emergency alerts.
• Citizen app: For local safety alerts (use with awareness of its nature).
• Weather apps for local forecasts.
• Language (if English is a second language): Google Translate, Duolingo.
• Community & Social:Meetup: To find groups and activities with shared interests.
• Facebook Groups: For local communities, expats from his country, etc.
• Nextdoor: For neighborhood-specific information and connections.
  
  

VIII. Job/School Related (If Applicable)

• Job: Confirmation of employment letter.
• Understand U.S. workplace culture (punctuality, communication styles).
• Networking is very important in the U.S. job market.
• School: Letter of acceptance, I-20 form (for F1 visa).
• Proof of tuition payment/scholarship.
• Familiarize yourself with the academic environment and resources.
  
  

IX. Cultural & General Knowledge

• Tipping Culture: Tipping is customary and expected in many service industries (restaurants, bars, taxis, hairdressers, etc.). The standard restaurant tip is 15-20% of the pre-tax bill.
• Sales Tax: Advertised prices usually don't include sales tax, which is added at checkout. Sales tax rates vary by state and locality.
• Greetings & Communication: Generally informal but polite. Handshakes are common in professional settings. Small talk is frequent.
• Laws & Regulations: Be aware of basic federal, state, and local laws.
• Diversity: The U.S. is very diverse. Be open-minded and respectful of different cultures and backgrounds.
• Measurement System: The U.S. uses the Imperial system (miles, pounds, Fahrenheit), not the Metric system.
• Time Zones: The U.S. has multiple time zones.
• Regional Differences: Culture, accents, and cost of living can vary significantly between states and even cities.
• Personal Space: Americans tend to prefer a bit more personal space than in some other cultures.
• Punctuality: Being on time is generally expected for appointments and work.
  
  

X. Things to Pack/Bring (Beyond Obvious Clothing & Toiletries)

• Power Adapters & Converters: The U.S. uses Type A and Type B electrical outlets and 120V voltage.
• Medications: As mentioned, initial supply with prescriptions.
• Important Documents: As listed above.
• Comfort Items from Home: Small things that remind him of home can help with homesickness.
• Laptop/Tablet & Chargers.
• Sentimental items.
• Good walking shoes: Many U.S. cities are walkable, or he might explore a lot initially.
• Professional attire: If job searching or for work.