I’ll keep it short and straight to the point. This is one of the things I wish I knew when I landed in the USA and I’m sharing this with you my readers if you are in this position or know someone to whom this information can be of use, please share and pass the information.
There are two things you should do immediately that will make your life easier and help you move freely in the country. Movement is really important in the USA or else you cannot get much done.
Two Steps You Must Take
1. Get an ID/Driver’s
This goes without saying but having an ID is important and convenient. I remember having to carry around my passport and I didn’t like it. There’s also the risk of losing it and that is the only form of identification you have in a foreign country and also your way out if you want to go back to your country.
Yes, you may not have a Social Security Number but there are ways around that depending on the state you are in. For example, in a state like Texas, you have to apply for an affidavit to get an SSN and then use that to get an ID/Driver’s License.
There are 13 states currently that offer ID/Driver’sLiscence without an SSN and it is easier if you still have a valid Visa. You will not need a lot of documents to prove your identity, unlike situations where the Visa is expired. It is still possible if the visa is expired but it will require more documents depending on the state you choose to go to among the 13 which are: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, New York, New Mexico, Maryland, Utah, Vermont, and Washington
Each state has its own requirements and all the documents needed can be found on their driver’s license websites. Once you have a license, you can own a car and move around freely.
2. Open a Bank Account
Having a US bank account is important and advantageous even if you might be leaving the country. If you’ll be staying then even better, it is easy to open one when your visa is still valid. Banks need documents of identification and you can look them up on their website or just make a quick call to the bank of your choice and ask. Mostly what they require is Your passport, Visa, and an American mailing address.
For the mailing address, they need a document with the address in it ie. a lease, utility bill or phone bill and some banks take mail. Any other form of identity you have, carry that with you. Like if you are a student and have a student ID, use that too.
Don’t take no for an answer and keep trying one bank to another. If one says no, the next might say yes so keep trying.
Those are the things you need to get done as soon as possible. They can still be done even if your visa expires but then it’s more work, more tricky, more documents needed and the chances of not getting them are high. So take action quickly.
That is all for today, my readers. If you have any questions email contact@hustlers.byrackim.com
These are two very helpful tips for those that have arrived in the USA and while their visa is still valid. I assume these are only for those that have long term visas for work, rather than just visiting the USA as a tourist. Or would you also advise tourists to do these things?
You mention that one can still do it when your visa is expiring. But I thought if your visa is expiring you have to leave the country? How long before your visa expires is the latest to still be opening a bank account and applying for an ID? Thank you.
It doesn’t matter what type of visa you have. Having those two can be of help especially if you are planning to come back to the states or if you do change your mind and decide to stay then you are a step ahead. Plus having a USA bank account even if you are not in the country is advantageous in so many ways especially if you want to conduct business internationally. It’s a topic I will cover soon so stay tuned.
Yes, if your visa expires you have to leave or leave before it does, go back home and apply for another. Some people find themselves in a situation where they are still in the country even after the visa expires could be months or years. Yes, you can still get an ID and open a bank account. One of the 13 states I mentioned, should be possible. I am more familiar with how it works in Washington and I’ll share that soon too. It is challenging after the visa expires in that you’ll need a lot of documents like 4 or 5 to rove your identity and who you are but it’s possible.
Many thanks for this valuable and comprehensive post related to USA Visa. This is really a valuable post. Because many people do not understand these things. A friend of mine is hoping to go to USA. I think this post will be very important for him. I will definitely share this with him. Keep posting like this.
Thank you. Hopefully depending on the state he is landing in or will be staying, he can get things done.
Thank you for this effective article. I’ve never lived in the USAs but I have friends who did (and still do) and visa problems occur more often than you would think.
And having a bank account really helped my friend to get her visa problem sorted out quickly.
So thank you for reminding us about the basics and yet relevant and efficient to-do list
I’m glad to put this information out there for those who will need it. Thank you.
This is precious information for anyone entering the USA as a newcomer.
It is great to know about the rules in different states to apply for SSN. SSN is confidential info not to be shared to anyone unless there is an absolute necessity.
I wish I could have known when I came here as a student.
This is my story if you entertain me in this blog.
With time, these were inside my wallet including a credit card which helped build credit over time.
I had to get a learner’s permit which needed to study the rules of driving. Then I practical driving on the road, I learned from a licensed driver who was authorized to teach. It was never easy for me. I failed while doing the zig-zag in PA. They had to take more training to pass.
I spent $23 per hour lesson and took more than 10 lessons to get my license.
Thank you for making life easier. Every little bit helps.
I learned how to drive from a friend of mine. Couldn’t afford driving school. After that, I watched youtube videos. I took my test in Washington and their youtube channel has everything they’ll test you on.
I’m glad you figured things out quickly and got into it. If you have more tips to share from your experience I’m open to it.
This article is about how to enter the united states and tells us what we need to live there. Those who plan to stay or work in America must read this article. An ID card and a certificate are necessary to stay in America. The ID card is very necessary for living comfortably and also for returning to your country. When your visa has not expired, you have no problem, but if your Visa expires, it depends on the state you choose, in which case you need more documents to prove your identity. Secondly, having a bank account is very important, whether you stay in that country or want to return from that country. Banks require identification documents, such as Passport, visa and postal address, and if you are a student, you must have a student ID. Thanks for this helpful article.