First Week in the USA as a J-1 Intern: What to Do After Arrival
You have landed, passed immigration and arrived at your new home. The excitement is real, but so is the to-do list. Your first week in the USA sets the tone for the whole internship: if you complete the important tasks early, you can focus on learning and enjoying your new city instead of chasing paperwork.
This guide walks you through the first week in the USA step by step, from validating your program and checking your I-94 record to setting up a bank account, a phone and transport, and starting at your host company on the right foot.
Day 1: Arrival and Rest
- Get to your housing safely: use the transport you planned in advance, such as an airport shuttle, taxi or pick-up arranged by your host company.
- Let people know you arrived: message your family, your host company contact and, if required, your sponsor.
- Keep documents safe: store your passport, DS-2019 and visa in a secure place at home, and keep photos of them on your phone.
- Rest: jet lag is real. Try to adapt to local time and get a good night’s sleep before your first shift.
Day 1–2: Check In with Your Sponsor
Every J-1 participant must check in with their sponsor after arrival. This step allows the sponsor to validate your program in SEVIS, the government database for exchange visitors. Many sponsors use an online form and ask for your US address and phone number. Do this as soon as possible, ideally within your first couple of days, because other steps, such as applying for your Social Security number, depend on it. The State Department’s pages for J-1 participants explain your responsibilities during the program.
Day 2: Check Your I-94 Record
Your I-94 is the electronic record of your arrival. Download it from the official I-94 website of US Customs and Border Protection. Check that:
- your name and passport number are correct;
- your class of admission shows J-1;
- the admit-until date shows D/S (duration of status).
If anything is wrong, contact your sponsor immediately. Errors on the I-94 can delay your Social Security number and payroll.
Day 2–5: Start at Your Host Company
Your first days at work usually include orientation and paperwork:
- Employment forms: including tax withholding forms; nonresidents follow special instructions. Our J-1 tax return guide explains how taxes work.
- Uniform and equipment: ask what is provided and what you need to bring, such as non-slip shoes or knives for kitchen interns.
- Schedule: learn how shifts are published and how to request days off.
- Training plan: review your DS-7002 with your supervisor so you both agree on the first phase.
Arrive early on your first day, introduce yourself and ask questions. First impressions matter in hospitality teams.
Within 10 Days: Apply for Your Social Security Number
You need a Social Security number (SSN) to be paid correctly. Most sponsors recommend applying several business days after your program has been validated, so the systems have time to update. Our step-by-step guide to the SSN for J-1 visa holders explains the documents, the office visit and what to do if there are delays.
Open a Bank Account
A US bank account lets your employer pay you by direct deposit and makes everyday payments easier. Many banks open accounts for international interns with a passport, visa, DS-2019 and proof of address; some ask for your SSN later. Look for a bank with branches or ATMs near you and few monthly fees. Choose a bank insured by the FDIC, the US agency that protects deposits in member banks.
Tips for your first week in the USA with money:
- Bring a card from home or some US dollars to cover your first days.
- Ask about debit card delivery times; you may receive a temporary card.
- Set up online banking and alerts to monitor your account.
Get a US Phone Number
A local number makes it easier for your employer, colleagues and housing contacts to reach you, and many services send verification codes by text. Options include:
- Prepaid plans: no credit check, easy to start, good for interns.
- Contract plans: may require a credit history or deposit.
- eSIM: quick to activate if your phone supports it.
Make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel if you want to use a US SIM card.
Learn Your Way Around
- Commute: test your route to work at the time of your shift, especially for early or late shifts.
- Public transport: buy a transit card if available and download the local transit app.
- Essentials: find the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, laundry and urgent care clinic.
- Emergency: in the US, call 911 for police, fire or medical emergencies.
Understand Your Health Insurance
J-1 participants must have health insurance for the entire program. During your first week, find your insurance card or policy number, check how to find in-network doctors and urgent care centres and save the insurer’s phone number. US healthcare is expensive without insurance, so knowing how to use your plan before you need it saves stress later.
Groceries and Everyday Costs
Your first paycheck may take one or two weeks to arrive, so plan your spending during the first week in the USA carefully:
- Groceries: large supermarkets are usually cheaper than convenience stores. Store loyalty cards can give discounts.
- Sales tax: prices on shelves and menus usually exclude sales tax, which is added at checkout and varies by state and city.
- Staff meals: many hotels and restaurants offer employee meals during shifts, which helps your budget.
- Household basics: bedding, towels and kitchen items may not be included in housing; ask before you buy.
- Tracking spending: note your expenses in the first weeks to set a realistic monthly budget.
Safety Basics
Most interns have a safe and positive experience, and a few simple habits help keep it that way:
- Save emergency numbers, your sponsor’s contact details and your host company’s address in your phone.
- Share your work schedule and housing address with someone you trust.
- Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps late at night, and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas after dark.
- Never carry your passport or DS-2019 unless you need them; a photo ID or copy is usually enough day to day.
- Be cautious with calls or messages asking for money or personal information, even if they claim to be from a government agency.
First Week in the USA: Checklist
| Task | When | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Check in with sponsor | Day 1–2 | Validates your program in SEVIS |
| Download and check I-94 | Day 2 | Needed for SSN and employment records |
| Start orientation and payroll forms | Day 2–5 | So you can be paid on time |
| Apply for SSN | Within about 10 days, after validation | Required for payroll and taxes |
| Open bank account | First week | Direct deposit and daily payments |
| Get a US phone number | First days | Work contact and verification codes |
| Learn commute and essentials | First days | Safe, punctual start |
| Review health insurance | First week | Ready if you get sick |
Common First-Week Mistakes
- Delaying the sponsor check-in, which then delays the SSN and payroll.
- Not checking the I-94 record for errors.
- Buying a long phone or gym contract you cannot cancel when the program ends.
- Underestimating transport time for early shifts.
- Spending too much before the first paycheck arrives.
Avoiding these small mistakes makes your first week in the USA much calmer, and lets you focus on what you came for: learning in a new workplace.
One more tip: at the end of your first week in the USA, sit down for ten minutes and review what is done and what is still open. A short list on your phone, with your sponsor check-in, I-94, SSN application, bank account and first paycheck date, helps you see clearly where you stand and what to follow up on next week.
Settling In: Culture and Wellbeing
The first week in the USA can be tiring as well as exciting. Give yourself time to adjust:
- Keep a simple routine with regular sleep and meals, especially when shifts change.
- Get to know colleagues; invite them for a coffee or ask about their favourite local places.
- Learn local customs, from small talk to tipping culture in the USA.
- Stay in touch with home, but also explore your new city on your days off.
- If you feel overwhelmed or face problems at work or in housing, contact your sponsor; supporting participants is part of their role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check in with your sponsor so your program can be validated, then download your I-94 record and confirm that the details are correct.
After your sponsor has validated your program. Many sponsors recommend waiting several business days after validation, often around 10 days after arrival.
Often yes. Many banks accept a passport, visa, DS-2019 and proof of address, and add your SSN later. Requirements vary by bank.
It is strongly recommended. Your employer, colleagues and many services will expect a local number, and prepaid plans are easy to set up.
Call 911 for police, fire or medical emergencies. For non-urgent medical issues, use an urgent care clinic covered by your insurance.
Start Your Internship Prepared
A well-planned first week in the USA makes the rest of your internship easier. Cardelest prepares hospitality, tourism and culinary candidates for every step, from placement and visa to arrival. Learn more about our USA Internship & Trainee Program, see our J-1 packing list or contact us for a free pre-assessment.
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