What to do after landing in the US: first 72 hours
In short
A calm plan for your first three days: papers, phone, money, food, sleep, and what can safely wait until next week.
The first three days feel like a hundred things at once. Most of them can wait. This is the short list that cannot.
Day 1: land safely
1
At the airport, keep your passport, visa papers and arrival documents in your carry-on bag, not in a checked bag.
2
Get online. Use airport Wi-Fi, an eSIM, or a prepaid SIM. See Getting online when you land.
3
Send a message home that you arrived.
4
Get to where you will stay. Use the official taxi line, a rideshare pickup zone, or the person meeting you. Write the full address on paper in case your phone dies.
5
Eat something, drink water, and sleep at the local bedtime if you can. Jet lag is worse if you nap all afternoon.
Day 2: check your papers and your money
1
Download your I-94 (your record of entry) from i94.cbp.dhs.gov and check your name, date of birth, class of admission (your visa type) and the "admit until" date. Mistakes are easier to fix now. See Your I-94: download it and check it today.
2
Take photos of your passport, visa, I-94, I-20 or DS-2019, and any approval notice. Save them in a secure place online and keep the originals at home.
3
Check how much cash you have and whether your home card works here. Buy only what you need for a few days.
4
Find the nearest grocery store and pharmacy on a map app.
Day 3: set up the basics
Phone: if you used a travel eSIM, choose a US plan. A US number helps with banks, apartments and two-step codes.
Food and household: buy a few days of food, toiletries, and a phone charger that fits US plugs.
Students: follow your international office's check-in steps. Your SEVIS record must be confirmed on time.
Green card holders: keep the immigrant visa stamp in your passport safe. It works as temporary proof of status until the card arrives by mail.
Everyone: save 911 (emergencies) in your head and learn your address, including the apartment number.
What can wait until week 1
Social Security number, bank account, driver's license, apartment hunting, and furniture. They are all important, but none needs to happen in the first 72 hours, and doing them rested goes better.
Common mistakes
Buying a big phone plan or furniture on day 1 before you know your area.
Packing your passport in checked luggage.
Not checking the I-94 until months later, when a wrong date has already caused a problem.
Trying to do everything while exhausted. Sleep is part of the plan.