The first month sets up the next five years. Get the sequence right.
Week 1
- Apply for SSN in person at the nearest SSA office (don't wait — appointments fill up).
- Open a bank account. Chase, BoA, and Wells Fargo accept passport + I-94 + employer letter without SSN for the first 60 days.
- Get a prepaid phone plan (Mint, US Mobile) to avoid credit checks. Switch to postpaid once you have SSN + 3 months of history.
Week 2–3
- SSN typically arrives in 10–14 days. The moment it does: apply for a secured credit card (Discover It Secured, Capital One Platinum Secured) and pay it off every week.
- Lease apartments using your employer letter as proof of income. Many landlords accept 2–3 months rent upfront in lieu of US credit history.
Week 4
- Enroll in employer benefits — especially HSA if offered. The triple-tax advantage is unmatched anywhere in the world.
- Get a state driver's license. The written test is easy; the road test varies wildly by state.