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Morada › Journey · United States

United States, step by step.

14 steps in 3 phases, in the order they usually happen. Each one with the official source and the date it was checked.

Not legal advice. Rules change and may vary by region.

Arrive

7 steps

  1. SSN or ITIN

    Your SSN identifies you for work, wages and taxes. If you can't get an SSN, an ITIN is used only for filing taxes.

    Who it's for
    SSN: people authorized to work in the U.S. ITIN: people who need to file taxes and can't get an SSN.
    Where
    SSN: start at ssa.gov and finish at a Social Security office. ITIN: by mail to the IRS, at a Taxpayer Assistance Center, a VITA site or an Acceptance Agent.
    What they usually ask for
    • SSN: valid passport
    • SSN: immigration document (I-94, EAD or Green Card)
    • SSN: birth certificate, if you have it
    • ITIN: Form W-7 with your tax return
    • ITIN: passport or other ID accepted by the IRS

    TipThe SSN is free. Wait about 10 days after arriving to apply. An ITIN can also be free at an IRS office or VITA site; a paid agent only saves you from mailing your passport.

  2. Bank account

    Get paid, keep money safe and avoid check-cashing fees.

    Who it's for
    Anyone who will receive or keep money in the U.S., with or without an SSN.
    Where
    A bank or credit union. Call first and ask which foreign IDs they accept.
    What they usually ask for
    • Photo ID (U.S. or foreign, like a passport or consular ID)
    • ID number: SSN, ITIN or passport number
    • Second document: a bill with your name and address, or birth certificate
    • Opening deposit (usually $25 to $100)

    TipCredit unions often accept an ITIN and passport more easily. Without an SSN/ITIN the account may not earn interest. Later, a secured credit card (with a deposit) is the common way to start a credit history from zero.

  3. State ID

    A U.S. photo ID so you don't have to carry your passport.

    Who it's for
    State residents. Accepted documents vary by state.
    Where
    Your state motor vehicle agency (DMV/RMV/MVC). Find yours at usa.gov/state-motor-vehicle-services.
    What they usually ask for
    • Proof of identity (e.g., passport, Green Card)
    • Proof of SSN, if you have one (card, W-2 or pay stub)
    • Two proofs of address in the state (lease, utility bill, bank statement)

    TipThere's REAL ID (with a star) and a standard ID. REAL ID needs more documents. To fly, your passport also works.

  4. Proof of address

    Many agencies and banks ask for proof of where you live, especially the DMV.

    Who it's for
    Anyone getting an ID, a driver's license or a bank account.
    Where
    From your landlord, the utility company or your bank.
    What they usually ask for
    • Lease in your name
    • Electric, gas or internet bill in your name
    • Bank statement with your address

    TipIf you share a home you may have no bills in your name. Ask to be added to the lease or put a bill (internet, phone) in your name early. A bank statement often works too.

  5. Health insurance

    Doctors and hospitals in the U.S. are very expensive without coverage.

    Who it's for
    Marketplace: lawfully present immigrants. Community health center: anyone, priced by income.
    Where
    The Marketplace at healthcare.gov (or your state's site), an employer plan, or a nearby community health center.
    What they usually ask for
    • Immigration document (for the Marketplace)
    • Proof of income
    • Proof of address

    TipStarting 1/1/2027, Marketplace savings are only for Green Card holders, Cuban/Haitian entrants and COFA migrants. Without insurance, try a community health center: price depends on your income.

  6. Watch out for "notario" fraud

    In the U.S., a notary is not a lawyer. Bad help can cost you money and hurt your case.

    Who it's for
    Anyone looking for help with immigration paperwork.
    Where
    The DOJ accredited representative list (justice.gov/eoir) and free forms at uscis.gov/forms.
    What they usually ask for
    • Check the person is a lawyer (state bar) or a DOJ-accredited representative
    • A receipt for everything you pay
    • A copy of every form filled out by you or for you

    TipNever sign a blank form or let anyone keep your original documents. USCIS forms are free, and USCIS doesn't take payment by Western Union, MoneyGram, PayPal, Venmo or gift cards.

  7. Find a place to live without getting scammed

    Fake room and apartment listings catch many newcomers.

    Who it's for
    Anyone looking for a place to live.
    Where
    Listings, agencies and referrals. Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, to local police and to the listing site.
    What they usually ask for
    • If you can, see the place before you sign or pay
    • Check who owns it (county property records) or the agent's business card
    • Don't give your SSN until you've agreed to rent

    TipBe wary of very cheap rent, owners who are "traveling" and can't show the place, and pressure to pay fast. No real landlord asks for payment only by wire, gift card or crypto.

This list, in your pocket.

In Morada, every step becomes a reminder, with what to bring and where to go, and you tick off what's done. We'll let you know when the app is out.

Settle in

3 steps

  1. Driving licence

    Drive legally in your state. For many in construction, cleaning and delivery, it's a work tool.

    Who it's for
    State residents who will drive. Rules vary by state.
    Where
    Your state motor vehicle agency (DMV/RMV/MVC). Find yours at usa.gov/state-motor-vehicle-services.
    What they usually ask for
    • Proof of identity
    • Proof of address in the state
    • SSN or a statement that you don't have one (depends on state)
    • Written and road tests

    TipYour home license and an IDP are for visitors; residents get a state license. Some states, like Massachusetts, issue standard licenses without asking immigration status. Foreign documents may need an English translation.

  2. Tax return

    Report what you earned in the year. You may get a refund, and it builds a record of work and residence in the U.S.

    Who it's for
    People who earned over the IRS limit, or had more than $400 net self-employment earnings.
    Where
    With the IRS (online or by mail). Free help at a VITA site for incomes up to about $70,000.
    What they usually ask for
    • SSN or ITIN (you can apply for an ITIN with the return)
    • W-2 and/or 1099 forms
    • Records of everything you earned and spent for work

    TipThe usual deadline is in April. App and cash income count too, even without a 1099. An ITIN expires if unused on a return for 3 years in a row.

  3. Taxes when you're self-employed

    App, cleaning or construction work without a boss has no tax withheld, so the whole bill can hit at year end.

    Who it's for
    Self-employed workers (1099 or cash).
    Where
    Pay online with the IRS, by mail or by phone.
    What they usually ask for
    • Record of what you earned
    • Receipts for work expenses (gas, supplies, phone)
    • Form 1040-ES to figure the payment

    TipEstimated payments are due 4 times a year: Apr 15, Jun 15, Sep 15 and Jan 15. Setting aside part of every payment avoids penalties and surprises.

Stay

4 steps

  1. Renew your Green Card (I-90)

    Keep your resident card valid to work, travel and prove your status.

    Who it's for
    Permanent residents whose 10-year card expired, expires within 6 months, or was lost.
    Where
    Online in your USCIS account or by mail.
    What they usually ask for
    • Form I-90
    • Current Green Card (copy)
    • Fee (see USCIS fee schedule)

    TipThe I-90 receipt plus your expired card proves your status for 36 months. Holders of a 2-year conditional card don't use the I-90.

  2. Remove conditions on a 2-year Green Card

    Swap your 2-year conditional Green Card for a permanent one.

    Who it's for
    People with a conditional Green Card (recent marriage or investment).
    Where
    USCIS, within the 90 days before the card expires.
    What they usually ask for
    • Form I-751 (marriage) or I-829 (investment)
    • Evidence of shared life or of the investment
    • Fee (see USCIS fee schedule)

    TipMissing the window can cost you your status. Add the expiry date to My documents.

  3. Apply for citizenship (N-400)

    Become a U.S. citizen: vote, get a U.S. passport and stop renewing your Green Card.

    Who it's for
    Permanent residents for 5 years, or 3 if married to a U.S. citizen, who meet the other requirements.
    Where
    Online in your USCIS account or by mail.
    What they usually ask for
    • Form N-400
    • Copy of your Green Card
    • Fee, reduced fee or waiver (see the N-400 page)
    • Biometrics and interview with English and civics test

    TipYou can apply up to 90 days before you reach the time. Online costs less than paper, but fee reduction or waiver requests must be on paper.

  4. Petition for a relative (I-130)

    The first step for a close relative to live in the U.S. permanently.

    Who it's for
    U.S. citizens and permanent residents who want to bring or adjust a close relative.
    Where
    Online in your USCIS account or by mail.
    What they usually ask for
    • Form I-130
    • Proof of your status (citizenship or Green Card)
    • Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate)
    • Fee (see USCIS fee schedule)

    TipAn approved I-130 doesn't give a Green Card right away. Some relatives wait years; spouses, unmarried children under 21 and parents of citizens don't wait in line.

This list, in your pocket.

In Morada, every step becomes a reminder, with what to bring and where to go, and you tick off what's done. We'll let you know when the app is out.