If arriving to the United States for employment, one should do the following.
Many employers, financial institutions, government offices, may require an I-94 for those new to the United States. It is useful to get a printed copy of an I-94; if necessary, commute to a store with printing services (ex. Staples) to print a copy if one believes it is necessary to have an I-94 for upcoming document verification.
The official government portal for obtaining I-94’s is here: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/
A social security number (SSN) is fundamentally needed for almost everything money-related (ex. getting loans, receiving employment pay, etc.).
One should go to a Social Security office to apply for an SSN as soon as possible.
Social Security offices, like most government offices, can get packed with long lines; it is important for people to arrive at the office earlier (preferably upon opening) than later.
One should open a chequing account. Interestingly, an SSN is not mandatory to open a chequing account. Note that most banks require other forms of identification for non-US aliens, particularly those without SSN’s; this may include passports, immigration documents, etc.
<aside> 💡 SSN’s/TIN’s are generally not needed for opening chequing accounts
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It is essential for one to establish a credit history in the United States. One should be aware that credit history from other countries (ex. Canada) do not carry over into the United States.
<aside> ⚠️ Credit history from other countries are generally not used within the United States; new aliens likely will have no credit history upon entering the United States
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Since it is difficult to obtain decent credit cards upon entering the United States without a credit history, one may need to initially open a credit card. For students, student card applications are more likely accepted; otherwise, one may seek credit cards from local credit unions or grocery/retail stores.