Checklist Before Moving to the USA from Abroad

Months Before Moving (Ideally 6+ Months Out)

Immigration & Documentation:

• Confirm Visa/Green Card Status: Ensure your visa or immigrant petition is approved. Understand all conditions, validity dates, and entry requirements.
• Passport Validity: Check passports for all family members. Ensure they are valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into the U.S. Renew immediately if needed.
• Gather Essential Documents: Collect originals or certified copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, adoption papers, custody agreements (if applicable).
• Academic & Professional Records: Obtain official transcripts, diplomas, degrees, professional licenses, and certifications.
• Translations: Arrange for certified English translations of any vital documents not already in English.
• Apply for SSN (If Possible): If applying for an immigrant visa, you can often request an SSN on the DS-260 application. If not, plan to apply after arrival (see Getting an SSN guide).
• International Driving Permit (IDP): Obtain an IDP from your home country to accompany your valid foreign license if you plan to drive initially. Check your destination state's DMV rules on foreign license validity.
• Digitize Everything: Scan or photograph all essential documents and store securely in the cloud (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) AND on a separate USB drive. Keep these backups separate from originals.

Finances:

• Estimate Costs & Budget: Calculate potential expenses for moving (shipping, flights), initial setup (housing deposits, furniture), visas, and living costs for the first few months. Create a detailed budget.
• Notify Home Bank: Inform your bank about your move. Inquire about international wire transfer processes, fees, account closure procedures, or options for keeping accounts open.
• Research U.S. Banking: Explore U.S. banks, types of accounts (checking, savings), and requirements for opening an account as a newcomer (see Opening a Bank Account guide). Consider options like Wise for easier international money management.
• Savings: Ensure you have sufficient accessible funds (in USD if possible) to cover initial expenses before your first U.S. paycheck.
• Credit History: Obtain copies of your home country credit reports. While not directly transferable, they might occasionally be useful for context (e.g., some rental applications). Prepare to build U.S. credit from scratch (see Building Credit History guide).
• Taxes: Research potential tax obligations in both your home country (exit tax?) and the U.S. (see How Taxes Work guide). Consult tax professionals if needed.

Housing & Location:

• Research Destination: Investigate potential cities/neighborhoods. Consider factors like job market, cost of living (compare here), school quality (enrolling kids), safety, climate, and commute times.
• Temporary Housing: Arrange initial temporary accommodation (hotel, Airbnb, extended stay) for upon arrival while you search for permanent housing. Book well in advance.
• Permanent Housing Research: Understand the U.S. rental market (renting guide) or home-buying process. Be aware that securing housing remotely can be challenging without U.S. credit history or an SSN.

Employment/Sponsorship (If Applicable):

• Confirm Job Details: Verify start date, salary, benefits (especially health insurance), and onboarding process with your U.S. employer/sponsor.
• Understand U.S. Workplace Culture: Research typical communication styles, expectations, and work-life balance norms.

Healthcare:

• Obtain Medical Records: Get complete medical and dental records (including X-rays) for all family members. Request summaries of chronic conditions and treatments.
• Vaccinations: Ensure all routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Check U.S. entry requirements and specific needs for school enrollment (school guide) or visa medical exams. Get records translated if necessary.
• Prescriptions: Get copies of prescriptions and a doctor's letter explaining the need for medications, especially controlled substances. Bring an initial supply (check U.S. import rules).
• Research U.S. Healthcare: Understand the basics of the U.S. system (employer-based, marketplace, private). Arrange for travel medical insurance to cover the journey and initial period before U.S. coverage begins (see Getting Health Insurance guide).

Pets (If Applicable):

• Research Requirements EARLY: Check CDC, USDA APHIS, destination state, and airline requirements for importing your specific pet type from your origin country. Rules can be strict and time-consuming (see Moving Pets guide).
• Vet Visits & Paperwork: Schedule necessary vaccinations (especially rabies for dogs), microchipping, parasite treatments, and health certificates within required timeframes.

Weeks Before Moving (2-3 Months Out)

Moving & Belongings:

• Downsize Ruthlessly: Decide what to move, sell, donate, store, or discard. International shipping is expensive (usually based on volume); minimize what you take.
• Get Moving Quotes: If shipping household goods, get quotes from reputable international movers (check FIDI/IAM credentials). Understand service levels (door-to-door, port-to-port), insurance options, and customs procedures (see Choosing Movers guide).
• Shipping vs. Excess Baggage: Evaluate if shipping is cost-effective vs. paying for extra luggage on your flight, especially for smaller moves.
• Pet Travel Logistics: Finalize pet flight bookings (in-cabin or cargo), purchase IATA-compliant travel crates, and continue crate acclimation.
• Start Packing: Begin packing non-essential items if doing a self-pack or partial pack. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room. Create a detailed inventory list (essential for movers and insurance).

Travel Arrangements:

• Book Flights: Secure flights to the U.S. Pay close attention to luggage allowances and fees.
• Arrange Arrival Transport: Plan how you'll get from the U.S. airport to your temporary accommodation (taxi, ride-share, public transport, friend/family pickup).

Notifications & Cancellations:

• Notify Landlord/Agent: Give required notice for your current housing.
• Inform Key Parties: Notify schools, banks, utility companies (schedule disconnection), subscription services (gym, streaming, magazines), insurance providers, and government agencies (tax office, etc.) of your move date. Provide forwarding address if possible.
• Arrange Mail Forwarding: Set up official mail forwarding if available in your country.
• Cancel Memberships: Terminate gym memberships, club affiliations, etc.

Children's Schooling (If Applicable):

• Notify Current School: Inform the school and obtain official transfer documents, transcripts, and recommendation letters if needed.
• Research U.S. Schools: Identify potential schools in your U.S. destination and understand the enrollment process and document requirements (see Enrolling Kids guide).

Days Before Moving (Last Week)

• Pack Essentials Carry-On: Prepare a carry-on bag/box with CRITICAL items:
  • Passports, visas, Green Cards (if applicable), I-94 printout (if possible after arrival check online)
  • Flight tickets, travel itinerary, temporary accommodation details
  • Copies of all essential documents (birth/marriage certs, USCIS notices, job offer, etc.)
  • Medications (with prescriptions/doctor's letter)
  • Wallet, credit/debit cards, some USD cash
  • Phone, chargers, adapters
  • Basic toiletries, change of clothes
  • Important contact list (family, employer, lawyer, U.S. contacts)
  • Pet documents (if traveling with pet in cabin)
  NEVER pack irreplaceable documents, medications, or essential valuables in checked luggage or shipped containers!
• Final Packing: Finish packing remaining items. Clearly label boxes.
• Confirm Travel: Double-check flight times, airport transport, and pet arrangements (if applicable).
• Financial Tasks: Withdraw some USD cash for immediate arrival expenses. Notify credit/debit card companies of your travel dates to avoid blocks.
• Home Prep: Defrost fridge/freezer. Clean your current residence thoroughly. Dispose of perishable food. Arrange key handover.
• Say Goodbyes: Take time to connect with friends and family before you leave.
• Rest Up: Try to get adequate sleep before your travel day.