Your first 30 days in New York City – a step-by-step checklist

Documents you need

• Passport

  required

• I-94 arrival record (non-citizens)

  optional

• US visa and approval notice or school form (non-citizens)

  optional

• Proof of your New York City address

  optional

• Signed lease

  optional

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Day 1 – at the airport and the border

   A Customs and Border Protection officer admits you and creates your electronic I-94 record. If you carry more than $10,000 in cash or monetary instruments, you must declare it on FinCEN Form 105. A few days after arrival, look up your I-94 on the CBP I-94 website and check your class of admission and "admit until" date. See US visas and green cards.

2. 2

   Step 2: Day 1 – save the numbers you need

   Save 911 (police, fire, ambulance), 988 (mental health crisis), 311 (City services and non-emergency help) and Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). If you cannot call, you can text 911 in English or Spanish. See Emergency numbers in the United States.

3. 3

   Step 3: Days 1 to 3 – ride the subway and buses

   Tap a contactless bank card, phone or an OMNY card at the turnstile or on the bus. A ride costs $3 (2026) and includes one free transfer within two hours; after $35 in seven days on the same card or device, the rest of the week is free. MetroCards can no longer be bought or refilled since 1 January 2026. See Public transport in New York City.

4. 4

   Step 4: Days 10 onwards – apply for your Social Security number

   If you did not request an SSN through your immigrant visa or a USCIS application, start online and visit a Social Security office or Card Center within 45 days with original documents. The SSA recommends waiting 10 days after arrival (48 hours after reporting to your school for F-1, M-1 and J-1 students). It is free. See Getting a Social Security number (SSN) or an ITIN.

5. 5

   Step 5: First week – open a bank account

   Banks must verify your identity and an identification number; many ask for an SSN or ITIN, and without one you may only be able to open an account that pays no interest. Some banks and credit unions accept a foreign passport or the IDNYC card as photo ID. Ask about monthly fees and minimum balances. See Opening a bank account in the United States.

6. 6

   Step 6: First weeks – start your health insurance

   Enroll in your employer's plan as soon as you are eligible; employer waiting periods may not exceed 90 days. If you have no employer plan, moving to New York usually opens a 60-day Special Enrollment Period on NY State of Health (855-355-5777). Children can get Child Health Plus regardless of immigration status. See Health insurance in the United States.

7. 7

   Step 7: First weeks – find a home

   View every apartment before paying anything. Since 11 June 2025, a broker hired by the landlord may not charge you a fee; a landlord may charge at most $20 for a background and credit check and a security deposit of at most one month's rent. See Finding a home in New York City and Renters' rights in New York City.

8. 8

   Step 8: Within 10 days of moving in – report your address to USCIS

   Non-citizens, except A and G visa holders and visa waiver visitors, must report every change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving, online through a USCIS account or with Form AR-11. Also update your address with your employer, bank and school.

9. 9

   Step 9: After you have an address – get an IDNYC card

   IDNYC is New York City's free photo ID for residents aged 10 and over, regardless of immigration status. Apply in person with 3 points of identity documents and 1 point of NYC residency; the card is mailed in 10 to 14 business days. See Getting an IDNYC card.

10. 10

    Step 10: After you have an address – enroll children in school

    For kindergarten to grade 8, contact your zoned school (find it on 311 or the NYC Public Schools school search). If you have no zoned school or need help, book an appointment with a Family Welcome Center (718-935-2828). Bring proof of your child's age, immunization records and two proofs of address. NYC Public Schools staff do not ask about immigration status. See Families, childcare and schools in New York City.

11. 11

    Step 11: First month – start work correctly

    Complete Form I-9 by your first day of work; your employer must check your documents within three business days of your start date. Fill in federal Form W-4 and New York Form IT-2104 for tax withholding, and check your first pay statement: the minimum wage in New York City is $17.00 an hour (2026). See Your rights at work in New York and Income tax in the United States.

Keep a document folder

Watch out

Common mistakes

• Applying for an SSN the day after arrival, before your entry can be verified.
• Leaving a gap between arrival and the start of health insurance.
• Forgetting to report the new address to USCIS within 10 days.
• Paying a broker fee to a broker who works for the landlord.

Tips

• Use the same card or phone for every subway and bus ride so that transfers and the weekly fare cap apply.
• Ask your temporary accommodation for a written confirmation of your address; it helps with banks and mail before you have a lease.
• Book your IDNYC appointment early; appointments are released every Friday for the following week.

Frequently asked questions

Editorial answers written by our team, based on the sources below.

Official links

In your plan

• Join a free English conversation classAdd to plan
• Enter the United States with the right documentsAdd to plan
• Apply for your Social Security numberAdd to plan
• Enroll your children in schoolAdd to plan
• Enroll in health insuranceAdd to plan
• Check your I-94 record onlineAdd to plan
• Complete Form I-9, tax withholding and direct deposit for your jobAdd to plan
• Find a long-term home and sign a leaseAdd to plan

Sources

Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 6 Jan 2027.