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Prior to your departure for America, Passport USA will begin preparing you for your transition, helping you with arrangments for transitional and long term housing, identification of transportation solutions, providing you with resources to help you adjust to working in a new clinical environment.
Social Security Number
All residents of the United States are identified by a social security number, which is a number issued to citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents by the Social Security Administration of the government of the United States. The primary purpose is tracking working individuals for taxation purposes and to track Social Security benefits, but it is also used for other purposes, such as getting a telephone, driver license or cell phone.
In fact, a social security number is required for a wide range of paperwork and applications, and it is practically impossible to accomplish certain tasks without one. Passport USA or a representative of your assigned clinical facility will help you to apply for, and secure, your social security number as soon as possible. (usually during your first week of arrival)
In some states you will receive a social security number the same day that you apply. In other states, such as California, it may take up to six weeks to receive the actual card. In the meantime, you will receive a receipt stating that you have applied for your social security number, which will suffice in the interim for most tasks.
Each member of your family who applies for a social security number will need to show a copy of his or her birth certificate and passport. There is no charge involved with applying for a social security number.
Bank Account
Passport USA will help you establish a new bank account in the U.S. In most cases you will need a minimum of $100 to open a checking account and a minimum of $25 to open a savings account. Depending upon the location of your assignment, it may be smart to set up an account prior to your departure with a bank that has a presence in your home country and branch offices in your new destination state.
Utilities
Once in your new home, you will need to set up your electrical, water, phone and cable television and internet services. The process involves transferring all accounts into your name and paying initial deposits. Your Passport USA or assigned client facility representative will help you accomplish this within the first few days of your arrival.
Grocery and Household Shopping
nOnce you have secured a place to live in America, you will need to set up your household and secure groceries. Your Passport USA or assigned client facility representative will orient you to nearby grocery stores that offer dairy, meat, perishable and non-perishable items all in one store. These stores accept American currency and travelers cheques (with photo identification).
No doubt you will want to buy some household items for your new home. Your Passport USA or assigned client facility representative will help you find a "one-stop-shopping" chain store, such as Target or Wal-Mart. These stores are ideal for purchasing electrical equipment, crockery, pots, pans and other everyday items for your apartment at very reasonable prices.
Department of Motor Vehicles
An international driver's license, obtained in your home country before you leave, will allow you to legally drive in the U.S. for at least 30 days. However, to continue driving in your resident state, you will need a state-issued driver's license.
You will need to visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles office where you will apply for a license. Testing requirements differ from state to state, but you may be required to take a written exam and driving test. For the written exam, you can obtain a free booklet from the DMV that covers road signs, rules and driving information-all the material you will need for your written test. License fees vary from state to state-anywhere from $25 to $60.
Purchasing a Car
 While a few cities in the United States have reliable public transportation systems, you will likely need a car to get to and from your workplace. Your Passport USA representative will offer guidance and advice to help you find the right car for your needs.
Used cars in America are relatively inexpensive compared to many other countries. Due to the fact that you will probably not be able to obtain credit in the United States right away (even if your credit is well established at home, it does not count in America), you should plan on buying a used vehicle and have the full cash amount for the purchase. Your local representative will take you to a reputable dealer where you can test drive and shop for the right car.
Another option is to buy a car through Passport USA's car purchase partner, International AutoSource. This reputable company is accustomed to working with international clients and can help you find the right car for your needs, while staying within your budget. If you choose this option, you will need to make purchase arrangements for your car a few months before arriving in the United States. Your car will be available at a local area car dealer for you to pick up when you arrive in your new home.
If you prefer, you can rent a car for a few weeks using your overseas credit card. This will allow you time to become familiar with the car-buying process and to find the best deal.
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