Official U.S. government resources for newcomers

Immigration and documents

• USCIS — Settling in the U.S.: USCIS resources for new immigrants, including its guide Welcome to the United States.
• USCIS — Avoid Scams: how to recognize immigration scams and who may give you legal advice.
• CBP — I-94 website: find and check your arrival record. Guide: your I-94 arrival record.
• CBP — Money and other monetary instruments: reporting amounts over $10,000 when you enter or leave the U.S.
• DOJ — Recognition & Accreditation Program and List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers: official lists of authorized, free or low-cost immigration legal help. Guide: free immigration legal help.

Numbers and taxes

• SSA — Request a Social Security number. Guide: Social Security number.
• IRS — ITIN. Guide: ITIN explained.
• IRS — Free tax return preparation: free tax help through IRS volunteer programs. Guide: U.S. taxes for newcomers.

Money, credit and scams

• CFPB — Your rights when you send money abroad. Guide: sending money home.
• FDIC — Understanding Deposit Insurance. Guide: opening a U.S. bank account.
• AnnualCreditReport.com: free credit reports. Guide: building U.S. credit from zero.
• ReportFraud.ftc.gov: report scams and fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.
• IdentityTheft.gov: steps to take if someone misuses your personal information. Guide: scams that target newcomers.

Health and emergencies

• 911 — Calling 911, 988 Lifeline, SAMHSA’s National Helpline and Poison Help. Guide: who to call in the U.S..
• HealthCare.gov — Health coverage for immigrants. Guide: health insurance for newcomers.
• HRSA — Find a Health Center. Guide: where to get medical care.

Work

• USCIS — Form I-9 Acceptable Documents, DOJ — Immigrant and Employee Rights Section, DOL — Minimum Wage and USAJOBS. Guide: finding a job in the U.S..

Housing

• HUD — Report Housing Discrimination. Guide: renting your first apartment.

ID and driving

• USA.gov — State motor vehicle services and TSA — REAL ID. Guide: driver’s licenses and state IDs.

Education and English

• ED — Recognition of Foreign Qualifications. Guide: getting your foreign degree recognized.
• USA Learns and USA.gov — Learn English. Guide: learning English for free.
• For school enrollment, see enrolling your child in a U.S. public school.

Common mistakes and scams to avoid

• Clicking the first search result. Look-alike websites can charge for things that are free. Check that the address ends in .gov, or use the links on this page.
• Giving personal information to someone who contacted you first. Contact the agency yourself, using an official website or phone number. See scams that target newcomers.

Where to get free, trustworthy help

• Start with your first 30 days, step by step, or the pre-departure checklist if you haven’t moved yet.

Ask the community

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