United States
Your start in New York City
Home to 8,804,190 people at the 2020 census (43.6% of New York State) and about 3.1 million foreign-born New Yorkers in 2023. Newcomers deal with federal agencies (USCIS, SSA, IRS), New York State (NY State of Health, DMV, taxes) and the City (311, IDNYC, public schools, housing).
At a glance
New York City had 8,804,190 residents at the 2020 census, a record high. It is made up of five boroughs: Brooklyn (2,736,074 residents in 2020), Queens (2,405,464), Manhattan (1,694,251), the Bronx (1,472,654) and Staten Island (495,747). NYC Planning reports that about 3.1 million foreign-born people lived in the city in 2023, around 38% of the population.
Who handles what for newcomers
- Immigration status: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); report every change of address within 10 days.
- Social Security number: the Social Security Administration, online and at a Social Security office or Card Center.
- Federal tax: the IRS. State and City income tax are filed together on the New York State return with the Department of Taxation and Finance.
- Health insurance marketplace: NY State of Health; NYC Care for people who cannot get insurance.
- City services: call 311 for everything from heat complaints to IDNYC appointments and the Tenant Helpline.
- Transport: the MTA subway and buses; a ride costs $3 and OMNY caps fares at $35 in seven days (2026).
- Schools: NYC Public Schools, through your zoned school or a Family Welcome Center.
Renting in New York City
Two out of three households rent their home. The city's net rental vacancy rate was only 1.41% in 2023, and about 996,600 apartments were rent-stabilized. Since 11 June 2025, a broker working for the landlord may not charge tenants a fee, and New York law caps security deposits at one month's rent and background check fees at $20. Rent-stabilized renewals starting between 1 October 2026 and 30 September 2027 have a 0% increase guideline.
The HomiStart New York City guides are general information, not legal, immigration or tax advice. Confirm details with the official sources linked in each guide.
An overview of moving to the United States, your first month in New York City and the numbers to save on day one.
Moving Several months of preparation for most visa routes; the first registrations take a few weeks after arrival Arrival Most steps fit into your first month; finding a long-term home can take longer Emergencies Five minutes to save the numbers in your phone
Visa, status and I-94; H-1B, L-1, O-1, F-1 and J-1; green cards; and keeping your status once you are here.
Your Social Security number or ITIN, a bank account, health insurance, an IDNYC card and paying for the subway.
Registration About 20 minutes online plus an office visit; once approved, the card usually arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days Banking About an hour at a branch, or less online Healthcare About an hour to compare plans; enrollment usually takes effect from the first of a following month Registration One appointment of about an hour; the card is mailed within 10 to 14 business days after approval Transport A few minutes to set up a payment method
Finding an apartment, legal fees and deposits under the FARE Act and state law, rent stabilization, Good Cause Eviction, heat and repairs, and free legal help.
Housing Often several weeks; plan temporary accommodation for your first month Housing About 30 minutes to check which rules apply to your apartment
Looking for work and visa sponsorship, credential evaluation and licensed professions, minimum wage, Protected Time Off and Paid Family Leave.
Jobs Job searches often take several months; plan for work authorization first Employment About 20 minutes to check your pay statement and leave balance
Employer plans, NY State of Health, Child Health Plus, NYC Care, emergencies and crisis lines.
Healthcare About an hour to compare plans; enrollment usually takes effect from the first of a following month Emergencies Five minutes to save the numbers in your phone
Banking and credit history, 2026 federal, New York State and New York City tax rates, withholding, filing and free tax help.
Banking About an hour at a branch, or less online Taxes Setting up withholding takes minutes; a first-year return can take several hours or a tax preparer
Subway and bus fares, OMNY and the weekly fare cap, Fair Fares, commuter trains and the free Staten Island Ferry.
School enrollment, vaccines, free 3-K and Pre-K, Child Health Plus and family tax credits.
Neighbourhoods on the map
Select a pin to read about a neighbourhood.
Map of neighbourhoods in New York City