1. Keep identity and immigration documents secure and share them only through verified channels.
Keep identity and immigration documents secure and share them only through verified channels. This step should be verified against the institution or agency involved in your situation. Requirements can vary, and a careful comparison is more useful than applying quickly.
2. Learn the difference between SSNs and ITINs from the issuing agencies.
Learn the difference between SSNs and ITINs from the issuing agencies. This step should be verified against the institution or agency involved in your situation. Requirements can vary, and a careful comparison is more useful than applying quickly.
3. Build a basic budget that accounts for housing, transport, insurance, taxes, and transfers abroad.
Build a basic budget that accounts for housing, transport, insurance, taxes, and transfers abroad. This step should be verified against the institution or agency involved in your situation. Requirements can vary, and a careful comparison is more useful than applying quickly.
4. Review bank statements and credit reports, and act quickly on unfamiliar activity.
Review bank statements and credit reports, and act quickly on unfamiliar activity. This step should be verified against the institution or agency involved in your situation. Requirements can vary, and a careful comparison is more useful than applying quickly.
What to do next
Write down the requirements, costs, and deadlines that apply to you. Use official channels for applications and never send sensitive personal information in response to an unsolicited message.
Sources
Use our neutral product overview after you understand the basics.
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