Things New Immigrants Should NOT Do in the US
Moving to the US is an enormous transition, and most advice focuses on what you should do. But the mistakes people make early on can cost thousands of dollars, create legal complications, or delay the path to a green card. Here's what to avoid.
Don't Travel Without Checking Your Visa Status
Traveling outside the US with a pending I-485 (adjustment of status) application and no Advance Parole document can be treated as abandonment of your application. Always consult an immigration attorney before booking international travel while any USCIS petition is pending.
Don't Miss Your OPT or H-1B Deadlines
F-1 students must apply for OPT up to 90 days before graduation. H-1B registrations open in March each year for a narrow window. Missing these windows by even one day can set you back an entire year. Put these dates in your calendar the moment you arrive.
Don't Skip Building Credit
Many immigrants avoid credit cards out of habit or caution. But without a US credit history, you'll pay higher rates on car loans, mortgages, and even apartment rentals. Open a secured credit card your first month, charge a small amount, and pay it in full monthly. This one habit builds credit faster than almost anything else.
Don't Use Unlicensed Immigration Help
"Notarios" and immigration consultants who are not licensed attorneys can take your money and file your paperwork incorrectly. USCIS holds you responsible for errors, not your preparer. Only work with licensed immigration attorneys or accredited representatives recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Don't Confuse Your Visa Stamp with Your I-94
Your I-94 record controls how long you can legally stay in the US — not your visa stamp. Many immigrants confuse these. Check your I-94 at i94.cbp.dhs.gov after every entry. Your visa stamp is only needed to re-enter the US from abroad.
Don't Forget to Update Your Address with USCIS
Federal law requires you to notify USCIS of any address change within 10 days using Form AR-11 (available free at uscis.gov). Failing to do this means missed notices for pending applications — some of which have hard deadlines for response.
Keep a dedicated folder — physical or digital — with all your immigration documents: passport, visa stamps, I-94 printout, approval notices, EADs, and travel documents. You'll need these more often than you expect, and having them organized saves serious stress.