U.S. Expat Moving & Compliance Checklist

USCIS generally requires aliens who are subject to the address-reporting requirement to report a change of address within 10 days of moving. USCIS currently encourages use of its Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) tool through a USCIS online account. There are exceptions and special procedures for certain categories, including A and G visa holders and visa-waiver visitors.

Possibly. Bank and account-opening requirements vary. Some institutions may accept a passport, immigration documents, U.S. address information, and other identification even when the customer does not yet have an SSN, while others may require additional documentation. Confirm the institution's current requirements before applying. Do not assume that every bank or financial technology company follows the same process.

There is no single nationwide 30-to-90-day rule. Driver licensing and recognition of foreign licenses are primarily governed by state law. Some states allow visitors or new residents to drive for a specified period, while others use different deadlines or requirements. An International Driving Permit may be useful or required in some circumstances, but it generally accompanies a valid foreign license rather than replacing the state's licensing rules. Check the DMV for the state where you live.

A U.S. person with a financial interest in or signature authority over reportable foreign financial accounts generally must file an FBAR when the aggregate value of those accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during the calendar year. The $10,000 threshold is based on the aggregate maximum value, not simply the year-end balance. Whether a particular visa holder is a U.S. person for FBAR purposes is a separate determination and should not be inferred solely from immigration status or from the substantial presence test.

Requirements vary by state and school district. Schools may request documents such as proof of residence, proof of age, immunization records, and prior school records where applicable. Public schools generally may not require immigration-status documents or a Social Security number in a way that unlawfully prevents or discourages enrollment. Check the local district for its current enrollment checklist and state vaccination requirements.

Not necessarily. A visa is generally used to seek admission to the United States, while the authorized period of stay after admission is reflected in the admission record, including Form I-94 for many nonimmigrants. The visa expiration date and the I-94 Admit Until Date are therefore different concepts. Always check your actual admission or status documents.

No. U.S. immigration status and federal tax residency are separate legal concepts. The IRS generally determines individual tax residency using the green card test or substantial presence test, subject to exceptions and special rules. Certain students, teachers, trainees, and other individuals may exclude qualifying days from the substantial presence calculation.

An SSN can make financial reporting and credit-building easier, but credit-card and lender requirements vary. Some products are designed for newcomers or applicants with limited credit history. A newcomer may have no U.S. credit history or a thin file rather than a FICO score of zero.

No. The FBAR threshold is based on the aggregate maximum value of reportable foreign financial accounts exceeding $10,000 at any time during the calendar year. A person can therefore have an FBAR filing obligation even if the year-end balance is below $10,000.

No. Driver licensing is primarily a state matter. Each state establishes its own rules for foreign licenses, IDPs, residency, testing, documentation, and the deadline for obtaining a state license. Use the DMV or motor-vehicle agency for the state where you will live.