The Journey / First 90 days
Your first 90 days on an H-1B
Social Security number, a bank account, credit from zero, renting without history, a driver's license and health insurance, in the order that makes things easier.
The first weeks are a chain of small tasks, and several depend on each other. This order usually works best.
Week 1: documents first
- Download your I-94 from CBP’s website right after you arrive and check the name, class (H-1B) and end date. Mistakes here cause problems later.
- Make a folder (paper and cloud) with your passport, visa, I-797 approval notice, I-94, degree certificates and job offer letter.
Social Security number
You need an SSN to be paid properly, file taxes and build credit. Apply in person at a Social Security office with your passport, I-94 and I-797. Some people who ticked the box on their visa application get a card automatically; if not, apply. Wait about 10 days after arrival so your arrival record reaches SSA’s system.
Bank account
Many large banks open accounts with a passport and a US address, even before your SSN arrives. Set up direct deposit with your employer as soon as you have the account.
Credit from zero
Your credit history from home doesn’t transfer. Common first steps:
- a secured credit card (you put down a deposit, often $200 to $500);
- keeping balances low and paying in full every month.
A score usually appears after about six months of use.
Renting
Landlords check credit. Without history, offer your offer letter and pay slips, a larger deposit, or look at corporate housing for the first months. Read the lease’s break clause; job changes happen.
Driver’s license
Rules vary by state. Most require your passport, I-94, I-797, SSN (or proof you’re not eligible yet) and proof of address. Your license may be valid only until your I-94 end date. Some states let you convert a foreign license; many require written and road tests.
Health insurance
Enroll in your employer’s plan during the enrollment window, usually 30 days from your start date. If you miss it you may wait until next year. Add your spouse and children at the same time.
Phone
Prepaid plans need no credit check. Postpaid plans may ask for a deposit until you have a score.
The good
- Most steps can be done in the first two to three weeks
- A secured credit card builds a credit score within about six months
- Employer health plans usually start on day one or within a month
The hard
- No US credit history makes renting and phones harder at first
- Each state has its own driver's license rules
- Keep copies of every immigration document; you will need them again and again
Recent from immigration lawyers
From independent law firms, newest first. Not reviewed by h1b-life, not legal advice and not an endorsement.
- DHS Proposes to End Deference to Prior Approvals on H-1B and Other I-129 ExtensionsReddy Neumann Brown · Nov 10, 2026
- Equity-Rich, Salary-Light: The H-1B Wage and SOC Code Audit for Senior Technology ExecutivesBerardi Immigration Law · Nov 9, 2026
- I have a valid H1B visa stamp showing my former employer’s name, and my new employer’s H1B petition has been approved. Do I need a new visa stamp before traveling?Murthy Law Firm · Nov 3, 2026
- H-1B 240-Day Rule: Can You Stay in the U.S. After Day 240?Reddy Neumann Brown · Nov 2, 2026
Sources
- Social Security Administration: Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: How to build credit
- CBP: Get your I-94 record
- USA.gov: State motor vehicle services
Rules change often. If something here looks out of date, it probably is; check the official source and talk to an immigration attorney about your own case.