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New to the U.S.? Let Us Help You Set Up
We’ve put together a set of guides to help you settle into your new community
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Most Popular Articles
How to apply for an American Express Card with your foreign credit history
Moving to the U.S. used to mean that you need to build credit from scratch in order to apply for credit cards. Using Nova Credit, you can now use foreign credit history to apply for American Express cards in the U.S.
How to build credit in the U.S.
This article discusses how to build credit in the U.S. when you first move here—including applying for secured cards, using your credit score from your home country, and more.
How to get Credit Cards for non-U.S. citizens in 2023
This article walks through some of the best credit card options for non-U.S. citizens, which you can even apply for before you have an SSN or a U.S. credit history.
All About American Culture
Moving to New York City? Here’s what you need to know
New York has always been a city of immigrants. The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of welcome for many, stands proudly in New York Harbor. Today, New York has 3.2 million immigrants, the most in its history. Below, find a get-started guide to your New York.
What is an ITIN? A complete guide to the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
If you plan to work in the U.S., you’re required to pay taxes. If you’re not eligible to receive a Social Security Number (SSN), you’ll need to an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). In this guide, we’ll discuss ITINs in greater detail.
Moving to Chicago? Here's what you need to know
Chicago is home to nearly 2.7 million people--more than sixty percent of whom are immigrants. Moving to a new city can always be nerve-wracking, but we highlight a few things from housing to finances to help you prepare for your move from abroad
Building Credit
How to Apply for a Credit Card with an Independent Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
This article provides an overview of the Independent Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), including what an ITIN is, how it is different from an SSN, and how you can use it to apply for a credit card in the U.S.
How to use your foreign credit report to get credit in the U.S.
Newcomers to the United States can use their foreign credit history to apply for U.S. credit cards, loans, housing and more—rather than needing to start all over.
How to get Credit Cards for non-U.S. citizens in 2023
This article walks through some of the best credit card options for non-U.S. citizens, which you can even apply for before you have an SSN or a U.S. credit history.
Education
18 Universities in the United States that Offer Day One CPT
Students who are admitted to the United States must be enrolled in Curricular Practical Training, or CPT
How does Optional Practical Training (OPT) For F-1 Students Work?
This guide explains the F1 student visa as well as OPT program eligibility and key benefits.
An F-1 Visa employment guide
Obtaining a degree in the U.S. can open doors to young people to obtain good jobs in their home countries or elsewhere in the world after they graduate. Here are your options while in school.
Finding Housing
Top tips for Australians moving to the U.S. in 2023
Many people may still be hoping to move to the U.S. despite the COVID-19 pandemic, whether it’s to reunite with family, pursue a new job or enroll in school. Here are some tips to navigate the move if you find yourself making the leap in the next year.
How do mortgages work in the U.S. for Canadian citizens?
It is not uncommon for Canadian citizens living and working in the United States to want to own real estate in the country. Let's take a look at how mortgages work for Canadians in teh US
Moving to Chicago? Here's what you need to know
Chicago is home to nearly 2.7 million people--more than sixty percent of whom are immigrants. Moving to a new city can always be nerve-wracking, but we highlight a few things from housing to finances to help you prepare for your move from abroad
Jobs & Careers
The Different Type of U.S. Work Visas
This article provides an overview of the different types of U.S. work visas, including application requirements, intended uses, and links to additional resources, so that you can choose the best path for your circumstances.
Why a Social Security Number (SSN) is so important
This guide will provide a brief overview of what a Social Security Number is, how to get one, and why it is important in the United States—from employment and taxes to applications for bank accounts, drivers licenses, and more.
A comprehensive guide to the Labor Certification Process
Obtaining an employment-based green card is a multi-step process, one that usually begins with a job offer from a U.S. employer. One of the main hurdles in the entire process is the PERM certification process.
Managing Your Money
How to Choose a Bank in the U.S.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the key considerations when choosing a U.S. bank, including the types of institution, features and fees to consider, documentation requirements, and more.
How to use your foreign credit report to get credit in the U.S.
Newcomers to the United States can use their foreign credit history to apply for U.S. credit cards, loans, housing and more—rather than needing to start all over.
How to get Credit Cards for non-U.S. citizens in 2023
This article walks through some of the best credit card options for non-U.S. citizens, which you can even apply for before you have an SSN or a U.S. credit history.
Navigating Visas
How to get an ITIN as an international student
As an international student, you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to pay taxes on non-wage income if you do not have an SSN. Here’s how to get one.
How to get a U.S. visa appointment from India
This article provides an overview of the U.S. visa application process coming from India, from understanding your visa type’s requirements to getting a visa appointment and passing your visa interview.
The Different Type of U.S. Work Visas
This article provides an overview of the different types of U.S. work visas, including application requirements, intended uses, and links to additional resources, so that you can choose the best path for your circumstances.
Become An Expert In Moving to the U.S.
Our newsletter, The Arrive, has the best advice on setting up life in the U.S., whether you’re planning the move, have recently arrived or are staying long-term.