Hello! I’m Nami, living in Los Angeles.
Today, I want to talk in more detail about two very important things you need to do after arriving in the U.S.: applying for a Social Security Number (SSN) and opening a bank account.
What is an SSN (Social Security Number)?
An SSN is a very important number for anyone living in the U.S.
You’ll need it for things like:
- Receiving a paycheck
- Opening a bank account
- Handling tax-related procedures
Since it’s used in so many situations, applying for your SSN should be one of your top priorities after arriving in the U.S.
Step 1: Check-in with Your Visa Sponsor
If you’re in the U.S. on a J1 visa, the first thing you must do after arriving is to check in with your visa sponsor organization. You won’t be able to apply for your SSN until this step is complete.
Once you check in, your visa status becomes “active,” and only then can you move on to apply for your SSN. So make sure to complete this step as soon as possible after arrival!
📝 Note: If you are on a student visa (F1) and not authorized to work through OPT or CPT, you cannot get an SSN. Instead, you may need to apply for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).
Step 2: Apply for Your SSN
After checking in with your sponsor, you can go to a Social Security Administration (SSA) office to apply. Bring the following four documents with you:
- Original DS-2019 form (or your visa-specific document)
- Passport (for ID)
- Social Security Letter from your sponsor organization
- I-94 (entry record), which you can download online after entering the U.S.
When I applied, the process at the SSA office was simpler than I expected. I just submitted the documents and answered a few questions. That’s it!
Just one thing to keep in mind: it usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to receive your SSN card by mail. So try to apply early to avoid delays in other paperwork.
✅ Pro tip: Visit the SSA office early in the morning — lines are usually shorter then.
✅ You can also pre-register some of your information online to save time.
It might seem like a hassle, but getting your SSN makes everything else go so much smoother!
Opening a Bank Account
Next, let’s talk about how to open a bank account — another must-do for life in the U.S. You’ll need it for paying rent, receiving your salary, and managing your daily expenses.
I personally use Chase Bank, so I’ll walk you through the process using them as an example.
Why I Recommend Chase Bank
Chase is one of the largest banks in the U.S., with many branches and ATMs — super convenient if you ever need to withdraw cash.
Also, Chase’s credit cards are very popular among newcomers from Japan like those on J1 visas. Having a bank account with Chase might improve your chances of being approved for a credit card later on.
What You Need to Open a Bank Account
Here’s what you typically need:
- Passport (as ID)
- DS-2019 (or your visa-related documents)
- SSN
- Proof of U.S. address (like a lease agreement or utility bill)
⚠️ Important: Proof of address can be tricky. Some Chase branches are very strict — they only accept official documents that show recurring payments or are issued by a third party (like an employer or leasing company). In my case, I had to visit multiple times before my documents were accepted.
If you don’t have proper address proof yet, consider starting with another bank like Wells Fargo or Bank of America, which may be more flexible.
My Experience with Chase
After some trial and error, I finally opened an account with Chase. Here’s how:
- Make an appointment online to reduce waiting time
- Go to a branch and say, “I’d like to open a bank account.”
- A banker will review your documents and guide you through the process
There are usually two types of accounts:
- Checking Account – great for daily use
- Savings Account – good for saving, but often low interest rates
If you’re staying short-term (like on a J1 visa), a checking account is usually enough.
You’ll also need to make an initial deposit, so bring cash or a check with you.
Handy Features of Chase
Once your account is set up, they’ll show you how to use the Chase mobile app — super useful for checking your balance, sending money via Zelle, and managing your credit card if you get one.
Chase’s Total Checking plan has a monthly maintenance fee, but you can easily waive it by meeting certain conditions (like having direct deposit or maintaining a minimum balance).
Don’t Miss the New Account Bonus!
Sometimes, Chase offers cash bonuses when you open a new account — for example, $200 – $300 if you deposit a certain amount. Definitely check if there’s an ongoing promotion!
That’s All for Today!
I hope this helps you feel more confident about applying for an SSN and opening your first U.S. bank account. These two steps will really set you up for success in your American life!