New To USA on H-1B–Important Things To Do

 

• Get Your Social Security Number and Card
  
• Start Building Your Credit History / Rating / Score - Bank Account – ATM/Debit and Credit Cards
  
• Job Hunting on H-1B Work Visa
  
• Preparing Your Resume / CV
  
• Create Dice Profile, Recruiter’s Response, Selecting Mobile Carrier, Billing and Package, Voice Mail Settings, Leaving Messages
  
• Understanding Employment Types and Tax Terms
  
• Preferred Vendor, Direct Client and Subcontracting
  
• Initial Screening, Telephonic and Face to Face Interviews
  
• Finding an Apartment on Rent
  
• International Driving Permit, Foreign Driver License, Interim Permit and Learner Permit

In USA on H-1B–First Thing First–Your Social Security

 

The first thing you should do is to get enroll for Social Security.

You need a Social Security number to get a job, collect Social Security benefits and receive some other government services. But you don't often need to show your Social Security card. Do not carry your card with you. Keep it in a safe place with your other important papers. [Source – SSA]

You only need I-94 and your original Passport, which will be a proof of your Age and your Identity, which is required to file an application for Social Security Number/Card.

You can locate the SSA offices or affiliates that are closest to you from - https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp

When you reach the relevant SSA office, you will have to fill an application form called, Form SS-5, see snapshot below:

Officials will ask some questions mostly related to your Age and/or Identity i.e. your Passport. If every thing is ok, then they will inform you about the time when you can expect the Social Security Card in your Mail.

A Social Security Card looks like:

Valid for work only with DHS Authorization.