In Progress

Week 1 (Day 0-7): "Get operational"

Create your "Life Admin Folder" (digital + physical):

Your documents are your lifeline in America. Buy a fireproof folder for your Passport, Visa, lease, and I-94. Scan everything to Google Drive with 2FA enabled. Download your I-94 from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home immediately—you'll need this number for almost everything.

You will handle a lot of important papers in your first few months. Keeping them organized and safe is the best way to avoid stress.

Buy a sturdy, fireproof folder. Keep your Passport, Visa, signed lease, and a printed copy of your I-94 here. Store this folder in a safe place that you can get to quickly if you ever need to leave in a hurry.
Scan every important document. Upload these scans to a secure place like Google Drive. Make sure you turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) so only you can see them. This way, if you lose a paper, you still have a copy on your phone.
Your I-94 is your official "Arrival Record." You need this number for almost everything, including opening your bank account. Go to the Official CBP site (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home) right after you land, enter your passport info, and save the PDF.

Resources

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