Immigrant Guide
New to the USA?
Here's what to do first.
Banking, SIM cards, sending money home, building credit, and finding South Asian professionals in your city — all in one place.
Opening a bank account
No SSN required options
Most banks require a Social Security Number (SSN), but you don't need one right away. Several banks accept your passport, visa, and ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or will let you open an account while your SSN is pending.
Chase Bank
Most popularVisit a branch with passport + visa. No SSN required to open. Widely accepted for direct deposit.
Capital One 360 Checking
No feesOnline application. Accepts ITIN in place of SSN. No monthly fees. Great mobile app.
Wells Fargo / Bank of America
Branch requiredBoth accept passport + visa at a branch. Ask specifically about their "no SSN" account opening process.
💡 Tip: Bring your passport, visa, I-94, and a utility bill or lease agreement as proof of address. Many branches have Hindi/Gujarati/Tamil-speaking staff — call ahead.
Getting a SIM card
Best prepaid options for new arrivals
You don't need a Social Security Number or credit history to get a US SIM card. Prepaid plans work immediately with just a payment.
Mint Mobile
Best valueRuns on T-Mobile network. Plans start at $15/month. Buy online with a debit card. Excellent for areas with T-Mobile coverage.
Visible (Verizon)
Best coverageUnlimited data on Verizon's network for $25/month. Great if your area has weak T-Mobile signal.
T-Mobile Prepaid
Walk-in readyAvailable at Walmart, Target, or T-Mobile stores. Activates instantly. No ID required for cash purchase.
💡 Tip: Buy a SIM at the airport (T-Mobile and Verizon kiosks are common) before leaving. Don't use your Indian SIM for more than a day — roaming costs add up fast.
Sending money home
Best rates to India, Pakistan & Bangladesh
Your US bank's international wire transfer is almost always the worst option — high fees ($25–$45) and a bad exchange rate. These services are cheaper and faster.
Wise
Best rateUses the mid-market exchange rate with a transparent fee (~0.5%). The best rate you can get outside a currency desk.
Send with Wise →Remitly
FastestExpress option delivers to Indian bank accounts in minutes. Economy (3–5 days) has slightly better rates.
Send with Remitly →Xoom (PayPal)
Cash pickupGreat if your family is comfortable with PayPal. Supports cash pickup across 200,000+ locations in India.
Send with Xoom →💡 Tip: Set a rate alert on IndicWave to get emailed when USD→INR hits your target rate. Set a free rate alert →
Building US credit
Start before you have a credit history
No US credit history? No problem. Several cards are designed for new immigrants and international students.
Nova Credit
Translates Indian creditTranslates your Indian (CIBIL), Mexican, Canadian, or Australian credit history directly to US lenders. Access premium cards from day one.
Deserve EDU / Discover it Secured
No SSN requiredNo SSN required to apply. Secured cards where you deposit $200–$500 as your credit limit. Good stepping stone.
Become an authorized user
Quickest startIf you have a friend or family member with a good US credit score, ask to be added as an authorized user on their card. Your score starts building immediately.
💡 Tip: Pay your full balance every month — never just the minimum. Interest rates in the US (20–30% APR) are much higher than India.
Finding South Asian professionals
Accountants, lawyers, doctors who understand your situation
Some immigration and tax situations are unique to South Asians — H1B transfers, OPT/STEM extension, FBAR filings, DTAA tax treaty benefits. Working with a professional who has handled hundreds of similar cases saves money and prevents mistakes.
Immigration Lawyers
Most neededH1B transfer, green card sponsorship, EB-1/EB-2 NIW, OPT/STEM extension, spousal EAD — find lawyers who specialize in these.
Find immigration lawyers →Tax Accountants (CPAs)
Tax seasonFBAR filings, DTAA treaty benefits, RSU/ESPP tax treatment, Indian mutual fund reporting — find accountants who've done this before.
Find accountants →Doctors & Healthcare
HealthcareFind South Asian doctors in your city who speak your language and understand your medical background.
Find doctors →Find your professionals
Connect with verified South Asian immigration lawyers, CPAs, real estate agents, and more across the US and Canada.