When you come to the USA, be prepared for several "chicken and egg" problems because of tight visa and immigration rules and the various requirements for US citizenship. Do you remember the "chicken and egg" problem? Which one comes first, the chicken or the egg? Since September 11, 2001, many government agencies are confronted with rules and regulations that they are not trained to handle. So have patience. Some of the problem areas are getting a:



social security number,

driver's license, and a

bank account.

First, the Social Security Number, and Social Security card. In brief, you need to go to a nearby office of the Social Security Administration (SSA) to apply in person. Call 800-772-1213, put in your ZIP code, and it will tell you where the nearest local Social Security office is. Or look it up on the website www.ssa.gov. Note that it takes several weeks to obtain a Social Security Number because the SSA confirms your permission to work with the immigration service USCIS.

Second, you need a Driver's License. Cars are the most important means of transportation in America. You apply for it at your local Department of Motor Vehicles, usually just called DMV. The procedure is different in every state. In many of the U.S. States, such as California and New York, you can usually drive with your foreign Driver's License for up to 1 year. Thereafter, you need a U.S. Driver's License. In some States, at the DMV, you only need to show your foreign Driver's License, take the written exam and a vision test. It helps if you obtain an international Driver's License at your country's automobile association, because it can serve as a translation of your foreign Driver's License. By the way, a driver's license is your usual "ID." When you are asked "identification", you usually show your drivers license.

Third, you will need a bank account. Unfortunately, you need a Social Security Number to open your bank account. Sometimes, if the bank serves your employer, they allow you to open the bank account and provide the Social Security Number later.

A bank account, to be exact "checking account," is very important in the USA. You pay many invoices and bills with a check. Wire transfers are not as common as in Europe. People usually do not carry a lot of cash.

Once you get these three things and complete all of the requirements for US citizenship, you are well on your way to being able to live and work effectively in the USA.