# 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.