Well, I'm learning and I thought I'd pass on some wisdom :) For those of you who may need to start their lives all over here in the US relocating from somewhere far far away as I did.
What I'm saying is that there are some absolutely necessary things that you would want to get as soon as possible if you're starting here. I will list those now in the preferable (and sometimes mandatory) order you should be getting them.
First, the Social Security Number. You must get this, and you must do it first of all because all other things are dependent on it. You will not be able to work in the US without a social security number. It takes 2 to 4 weeks for you to get the social security card with your number on it, however, it would probably be beneficial if you pass by the social security office a week or 10 days after you apply with your reference letter and ask for your number, you may be able to get it before your card is mailed to you which is always helpful.
If you're coming from a select few countries you can do this at the US embassy before you leave for the US, otherwise you have to check your local social security office after you land here. Everything you need can be found at ssa.gov
Second, a driver's license.
While waiting for your social security number you should try your best to read your respective state's driver's guide so that you are able to get a driving license as soon as possible. You can usually get a copy at your local dmv office. A good place to start is probably dmv.org You can find the guide that you need to study for your written exam online. Notice that you will need to just study and not actually apply for the test till you get your social security number. That is because with a social security number on the license it serves as identification, and you do need that. You will find through your stay that a driver's license is just as good as a state ID and is needed in lots and lots of places.
Third, a credit card. And although this may seem counter-intuitive to think of a credit card as essential, just read on for the rationale.
You will have lots of financial transactions when you land here, starting off you'll probably have lots of things you need to buy. Inevitably you will have to use credit or a loan at some point or the other.
And here's the catch, you can get some amazing deals here on financing and loans if you have a good credit history and score, I elaborated on that part in an earlier post. And you can't have good score and history without having previous financial transactions with the banks here. That's why you need a credit card here, as soon as you have your social security card, go get a credit card. And use that for all your financial transactions, even when the cash is in your pocket. Later you can go deposit the cash in the credit account. Over time, this will provide the good credit history that you need. Also credit history is generally not transferrable from anywhere in the world, not even Canada!
Back in Egypt a credit card was considered an unnecessary luxury, definitely not the case here.
That's what I've learnt so far, I will surely learn more over time here but I can't guarantee you I'll be blogging about it again :P
Catch ya later.
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4 comments:
The most important thing that you left to US before me, is to learn such things and give them to me as soon as i get there :D
hey:)
i've missed you, since i'm always not here when dad or mum talk with you, so i thought of saying Hi:) btw i passed my listening test and with good accuracy too;) anyway Amged is sending you his regards and he is telling you that his PC is broken:) so c u around, take care of urself, luv u:)
You forgot to add a firearm and a Hummer (essential American necessities). :D
-UKD
lol @ UKD
Well, seriously, the neighbourhood here seems so quiet and friendly, we left the laptop in the car door and left the car door completely swung open and returned back an hour later only to find everything as is. And the door was fully open not just unlocked!
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