Moving to the USA is an intimidating process. But there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.

 2. For most visa types, including TN Visa, you’ll need to request a SSN and an ITIN for TD Visas.

The second most important step for planning your move is requesting a social security number. This can be a little complex, because the process is different depending on your Visa. My main takeaway? Go in person to the Social Security Office nearest you. They will be able to help! 

Most families in Michigan migrate with one person’s TN Visa, and the rest of the family will have TD Visas. TD Visa holders can’t legally work (which, I know, is a real obstacle). Children can attend school, though! 

TD Visa holders can’t have social security numbers, just ITINs. So, the TN Visa holder will request an SSN, and the spouse and family will need the ITINs mentioned above. Check with your accountant if they are approved to process this ITIN number. It'll save you time and headaches.

To apply, the work permit Visa holder will need to go in person to any SSA Office. You’ll need a few documents: read this quick article for a full how-to. 

If you’re in the Green Card process, getting a social security number might look different. Your local SSA Office should be able to help.

3. After moving to Michigan, request a driver’s license as soon as possible.

You made it to Michigan! Congratulations. Now you need to go to the Michigan Department of State and request a driver’s license – this will serve as an official legal ID, and you’ll be able to renew it easily once it expires. 

You’ll need your ID for all kinds of things, like buying certain products, entry to certain places, and proof of who you are for many legal proceedings including medical appointments. You can typically use a passport too, but it’s best that your ID is in English so everyone can read it.

You’ll need to take a written test. It’s not too difficult, and is actually very helpful for preparing to drive in the USA where some laws are different. There are study guides available through Michigan.gov. It shouldn’t be too hard, and it will be short! You can also take this online practice test either in English or Spanish. 

There will also be a road driving test. Don’t panic–it should be easy, even if you’ve never taken one before. Just brush up on what skills you’ll need, practice them a little bit, and you’ll pass with flying colors. 

You can drive in Michigan with your Mexican driver’s license. But it is a legal document that needs a certified translation, for using as a valid ID or for requesting a new driver’s license in the USA. You can check the SOS requirements for a driver’s license translation here.

I’m a translator, so I can help with that! Just upload your legal documents to get a free quote, and I’ll get you the certified translation of your driver’s license. 

4. Time to open your new bank accounts.

First of all, to open a bank account, you’ll probably need a social security number and an ITIN  for your dependents (tax identification number). 

Many banks require a social security number (SSN), but you probably won’t have one yet even if you started the process. Some banks take your US driver’s license or ITIN from your dependants as well, which is why it’s best to just get that taken care of ASAP! 

Then you can open your bank account. If you’re not a citizen, it’s easier to do this in person. Online portals are often not equipped to deal with “alternative” IDs from foreigners. 

So, in most cases you’ll need a valid USA ID to start the process. You’ll also need proof of residence, which can just be some utility bills with your current address. You might need a small amount of money to open your account. 

The most common banks I’ve seen in Michigan are Chase, Huntington, and Bank of America, but choose the one that works best for you. 

5. Now for the kids. Let’s look for a school for them, shall we?

Your school district will depend entirely on where you live, unless they attend online classes or a private school. This is one of the main features of the USA’s school system–sending your kids to a different school district from the one you live in isn’t generally allowed. 

Here’s that list of the best school districts in Michigan again–I linked to them in the step where you decide where to move, so hopefully you found the best place for you!

You’ll need a number of documents, and those documents often need to be translated, but you can verify with the school to confirm if it is a requisite. Legal documents like birth certificates or marriage certificates need certified translations (You can reach out to me for translation services!). 

You’ll need the kids’ birth certificates and immunization or vaccination records, as well as a record of a physical exam, medical records, and proof of residency (but as mentioned before this can change based on each school district). You should also ask for an appointment with a pediatrician as soon as possible.

That’s quite a list, and your specific school district might have more requirements. But just take it step by step, and start preparing early! 

The most of the school districts will have all the information you need available in Spanish, and will typically be helpful and proactive in helping you get your child enrolled. 

6. Lease a car and get the mandatory insurance.

If you’re not looking to buy a car right away, you’ll need to lease one–it’s like renting. It’s very difficult to get around Michigan (and the entire USA) without a car, so this is pretty important. 

Leasing a car can be pretty expensive, and you still need to get your own car insurance. Long-term car leases range from around $270–550/month, and you might need to leave a down payment of $1,500–2,000 USD. 

Insurance is a different beast. Car insurance is required by law, and getting into an accident or getting pulled over without insurance can get you in legal hot water. Not to mention, it would be extremely expensive to replace a totaled car without insurance.

You’ll probably also need renter’s insurance for your home if you’re renting. Or, home insurance if you own your own home! Bundling your insurance can save you a lot of money, and it’s more convenient–the best deal I’ve found for home and car insurance is AAA. 

7. Explore health insurance options, and find help for your taxes.

Health insurance isn’t required by law like car insurance is, but you should definitely have one. In the USA, if you don’t have insurance, you’ll pay out of pocket for health expenses. 

Think of it like this: having a child in any hospital here can cost over $10,000, even with zero complications. And without insurance, you’ll need to pay for the entire thing (yikes!). 

You can often get health insurance for you and your family through your job! But if your job doesn’t offer it, there are options–a trusted one is Blue Cross Blue Shield. 

So, health insurance is pretty tricky in the USA, and more complicated than it needs to be. But so are taxes. Luckily, there are excellent accountants to help you!

A trusted accountant will make doing your taxes a breeze. My personal recommendation is Nancy Arredondo  HOME - ARCONSULTING % (arconsultingg.com). 

8. Let’s get that credit score up! Apply for a credit card ASAP. 

Credit scores are a bit of a unique concept. Essentially, how it works is that you prove you pay back your debts on time, and then you’re trusted with more money. 

The better your credit score is, the more likely a bank is to give you a loan. You can also easily qualify for apartments or anything else you rent. 

The main way to build your credit score is to apply for a credit card, and then pay it off every single month! If you’ve never had a credit card, you’ll probably be eligible for starter credit cards to get you off the ground.  You can also explore the secure card option as a way to start building your credit. I encourage you to check the offers from your trusted bank.

They also come with perks and rewards, like cash back or free flights. It’s like a cheat code! The catch is that you should treat it like a debit card, and only spend money you know you have. It’s not free money, and credit card debt is incredibly hard to get out of. 

But once your credit is great, you can get better and better deals and credits!

9. The hardest step: Prepare to see snow!

This might be the one step I haven’t quite mastered yet. In Michigan, the snow falls for many months of the year, and it falls hard. It’s cold, damp, and hard to get around. But that also opens the door to so many new things…

Get ready for a culture of  sweaters, dressing in layers, warm tea, hot chocolate and marshmallows, snow angels, and roaring fires. It’s a coziness I’ve come to love–it’s peaceful, quiet, and special. 

Now, is it worth never seeing the sun? Of course not. So good thing the summers here are actually gorgeous! It’s temperate, beautiful, warm, and full of adventure. I know you’ll love it.

10. Join our Mexican community. We’ve got you.

You might think there aren’t many Mexican people in Michigan. You’d (happily) be wrong! We’re here, and growing. 

Our friendly Mexican group Mexicanas en Michigan is here for you, four thousand people strong and growing every day. We’ll be here for you and your family as you take the steps we’ve all taken before. We’ve been there, done that, and we know just what to do. 

Not just that, but we know exactly what you’re going through. 

Starting a new life in the USA, and specifically Michigan, is fun and exciting, full of adventure and also worries and wonder. 

We know you left one heart in Mexico, but I promise you that half of your heart is also here–you just haven’t found it yet. 

Wait and see :-)