What are the basic documents you need to have in the US?

– Passport: it is essential to have an original, valid passport with the visa stamp. Be careful not to let your passport or visa expire while you are in the country.

– I-94: stamp you receive from the immigration officer when entering the country from the immigration officer upon the landing at the airport. Be careful not to stay past the expiration date stated on your I-94 pass.

– Social Security Number (SSN): The Social Security number (SSN) is a document that is equivalent to the CPF, which is used for income tax returns, to work legally in the country and to build credit in the United States. If your immigration status does not allow you to obtain a SSN, you must get an ITIN Number.

– Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN): You can obtain the ITIN number if you are not eligble for a SSN. The ITIN is the equivalent to the Brazilian CPF.

– Driver’s License: The US driver’s license is an acceptable form of identification. To get it, consult your local Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you are driving a rental car, you can use your Brazilian driver’s license and do not need a US driver’s license after being checked out by the car rental company.

– Health Insurance Card: it is necessary to present this card when in need of any medical attention and when purchasing prescription medicine. After you buy the insurance policy, you and the members covered in your family will receive health insurance cards.

To open a bank account in the US, you will be asked for your original passport, valid visa, I-94, proof of address, SSN or ITIN and perhaps other specific documents.

Getting credit card in the US can be a bit more of a complex process, but generally everyone gets it in the end. This is because a credit history is required and foreigners typically do not have  credit history in the US. However, you can start with a credit card with a very small limit and pay it off right away as you spend money to build a credit history. Over time, as you build your credit history and continue to pay your card on time, you will no longer need to make deposits as collateral and your limit will increase considerably.

To connect basic services such as water, electricity, gas, telephone, internet, TV, among others, you may be asked to present your SSN or ITIN, or a credit card.

To file income tax returns, you will need to have your SSN or ITIN.