Moving to the U.S.: your first 30 days, step by step

A step-by-step checklist for your first weeks in the United States, in the order things usually happen — with a guide for each step.

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When
Your first 30 days
For
Everyone moving to the U.S.

At a glance

  • Who this is for: anyone who has just moved to the United States from another country, or is about to.
  • How to use it: go through the steps in order and skip what doesn’t apply to you. Each step links to a guide with the details and the official sources.
  • Cost: most first steps are free when you use official services. If someone asks you to pay for a free government form or service, stop and check.

The U.S. government also publishes a general guide for new permanent residents, Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants, which you can find on USCIS’s Settling in the U.S. page. The steps below put the most common first tasks in order and link to our guides.

Step 1 — Before you leave

Step 2 — Your first days

Step 3 — Your numbers: SSN or ITIN

  • Social Security number. The Social Security Administration says you may need it to file taxes, start a job, open a bank account or apply for a loan (SSA). See how to get a Social Security number.
  • ITIN, if you can’t get an SSN. The IRS issues it for federal tax purposes only. See ITIN explained.

Step 4 — Money

Step 5 — A place to live

  • Rent your first apartment. Learn what landlords check, what to ask for in writing and how to spot fake listings. See renting your first apartment.

Step 6 — Health care

Step 7 — ID, work and English

Step 8 — Your first months

  • Find out your tax status. The IRS decides whether you are a “resident” or “nonresident” for tax purposes, and that is different from your immigration status. See U.S. taxes for newcomers.
  • Build your circle. Feeling lonely after a move is common. Small, regular steps help. See building your circle.
  • Look ahead. What comes after the first 30 days, month by month: see your first year in the U.S..

Common mistakes and scams to avoid

  • Paying for something that is free. Many government forms and services cost nothing. When in doubt, use the official website and check the address carefully.
  • Taking immigration advice from someone who isn’t allowed to give it. USCIS says only an attorney or an accredited representative working for a Department of Justice–recognized organization may give you legal advice on immigration matters (USCIS — Avoid Scams). See free immigration legal help.
  • Trying to do everything in the first week. Some steps depend on others. Following the order above saves trips and repeated paperwork.

You’re not alone

Everyone who builds a life in a new country starts with a long list of unfamiliar tasks. You don’t have to do them all at once, and you don’t have to do them alone.

Where to get free, trustworthy help

Ask the community

A place to ask people who have been through the same first weeks is coming soon to 4Livo.

Sources

  1. USCIS — Settling in the U.S. (last reviewed September 22, 2023; accessed October 27, 2026)
  2. USCIS — Avoid Scams (last reviewed August 4, 2026; accessed October 27, 2026)
  3. Social Security Administration — Request Social Security number for the first time (accessed October 27, 2026)

Every step above links to a 4Livo guide; the official sources for each fact are listed in that guide.

Changes to this guide

  • October 27, 2026: Hub created.
  • October 27, 2026: Reviewed and approved by the 4Livo team.