Guide to Immigrating to the USA
Just landed in the USA with a visa in-hand, ready to start your new life? Immigration can be stressful, living abroad a real challenge. Here are some basics to help you get started on the right path.
Part One: Social Security Card, Driver's License and Auto Insurance
Social Security Card: Needed for Many Purposes One of the first things you will want to do is to apply for a Social Security card. As you will quickly find out, this card has come into common use for purposes that far surpass the original intentions of the government. Social security is a US Government system that was designed to track income and earnings. Retired and disabled persons can collect payments based on how long they contributed to Social Security. But because the numbers are completely unique to each individual, many other organizations began to use the numbers. Now, it is virtually impossible to get credit, open a bank account or enroll in school without a social security number. Even utility companies ask for them, so you may need one to have phone service or electricity in your new home. Visit a Social Security Office & Be Prepared Check your local phone book for the nearest SS office. Go to the office to get an application and bring your:
-Birth certificate
-Passport
-Visa
-Any other identifying documentation, such as a marriage license or driver's license, that might be relevant. (Other acceptable forms of i.d.--originals or certified copies--include divorce records, military records, employer ID card, insurance policy, health insurance card (but not Medicare), adoption record and school ID.)
Fill out your application and in a few weeks you can expect to receive your card, assuming you are eligible. Be sure to provide a proper, long-term address where you can receive mail.
Driver's License or DMV-Issued Photo ID Card -A driver's license is necessary in the USA to operate a motor vehicle. Even if you don't anticipate having a car or driving, it is a good idea to get a license in case of emergency, and as a solid form of ID. -Many places, such as banks, require a driver's license before they will do business with you. If you absolutely don't want to get one, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will issue you a photo ID that can serve the same purpose, except that you won't be allowed to drive. First, you will need to have a social security number. Next, you should enroll in driving lessons. If you drove in your home country, you may only need a few lessons, but they are still a good idea since so many differences in traffic rules, road conditions and geography. Lessons are not required by law, but may facilitate a reduced rate on your auto insurance. Speaking of insurance, make sure that your student lessons include insurance or, if you rent a car to practice, be sure to get insurance coverage. Your concurrent step should be to go to your nearest DMV office and get study materials for the written exam. You'll then want to schedule a date to take that exam. You will need two forms of official ID such as a passport and birth certificate. If you have any INS paperwork, bring that as well. And be prepared to pay a small fee of about $15-$25 to being the application process. If you have auto insurance, bring proof of the same. In addition, bring utility bills, a lease, or any other official documentation to prove that the address you provide is valid. DMV will require you to take the written and sign test, a vision test and the driving test to get your license. If you fail any of them, they can be taken again. Ask for details at DMV. Once you pass the written, sign and vision, you can schedule the driving test. Good luck!
Auto Insurance You must have a driver's license in order to get auto insurance. In some states, you must have liability insurance in order to get a license. This can be a catch 22 that the insurance company or a DMV rep should be able to help you with. Often, an international or foreign license will do. Automobile insurance provides coverage for you when you drive, promising to--in the event of an accident--replace or pay for repairs on the car you are driving (if you have collision), medical costs for anyone who gets hurt, and other vehicles that are damaged. It also covers guest drivers, although it is preferable that anyone you lend your car to have their own insurance. Insurance and buying your car If you buy a car, you will purchase insurance specifically on that car. But even if you don't have a car, you can buy non-owner insurance for a small fee, that will cover you when you drive someone else's vehicle or a rental car. To get the insurance you will need to title and official bill of sale for your automobile, as well as the Vehicle Identification Number or VIN, found either on your official paperwork or on the driver's side of your windshield.