New Arrivals: Your First Steps in America
A clear first-month guide to paperwork, safe housing, banking, work, school, healthcare, scams, and reliable community support in the United States.
First-week checklist for newcomers
Protect your documents
Keep passport, immigration records, school certificates, medical records, birth certificates and important contact information secure. Keep digital copies in a private account.
Know your immigration deadlines
Rules vary by status. Check official USCIS information and get legal advice only from a licensed attorney or DOJ-accredited representative when necessary.
Arrange safe housing
Verify the landlord or property owner, inspect housing, get a written lease and receipt, and avoid wire-transfer deposits to unverified parties.
Set up communication and banking
Get a working phone number, understand account fees, compare low-cost banking and secured options, and never share verification codes.
Handle healthcare and family needs
Check health coverage eligibility, locate a primary-care clinic, and enroll children in school through the local district.
Build community connections
Use trusted churches, cultural groups, libraries, professional networks and community organizations—without giving strangers control of your documents or finances.