Before you start

A valid visa or other admission category
An electronic I-94 record from the CBP website
Work authorisation from DHS for a Social Security number
A DC, Maryland or Virginia address — and the choice matters

Step-by-step

1
Download your I-94 in the first few days
It records your admission class and 'admit until' date. Retrieved electronically from the CBP website. Note that A and G visa holders are typically admitted for 'duration of status' rather than a fixed date, which works differently.
OnlineWho: YouWeek 1
2
Wait about ten days, then apply for a Social Security number
SSA verifies your status against DHS systems that lag entry by one to two weeks. File Form SS-5 in person with your passport, visa and I-94. There is no fee.
In personWho: YouFrom ~day 10Free
3
If you are on G-4, understand what it does and does not give you
G-4 staff of international organisations are generally exempt from US tax on their organisation salary, but that exemption does not extend to other income, and G-4 time does not build toward a green card through employment. Dependants need separate work authorisation. Get advice from your organisation's HR before assuming anything.
Via employerWho: You
4
Choose your jurisdiction deliberately
DC, Maryland and Virginia have different income tax, vehicle taxes, licensing rules and schools, and the Metro crosses between them in minutes. DC and Virginia have income tax reciprocity with Maryland, so residence rather than workplace decides where you pay. Decide before signing a lease.
OnlineWho: You
5
Get a DC licence or ID within 30 days
DC issues licences regardless of immigration status under its Limited Purpose credential, though a limited-purpose card is not REAL ID and cannot be used to fly. Ask for a REAL ID if eligible.
In personWho: You
6
Track your status expiry yourself
Nobody will remind you. USCIS extensions take months, so start well before the I-94 date.
OnlineWho: You

Documents you’ll need

Passport with valid visa
I-94 admission record from the CBP website
Form SS-5 for a Social Security number, or IRS Form W-7 for an ITIN
Organisation letter, for A and G visa holders
Two proofs of DC residence for the DMV

Things most newcomers don’t know

DC has more G-4 visa holders than anywhere in the world, and the rules are genuinely different.

Staff of the World Bank, IMF, IDB and the other multilaterals hold G-4 status. Their organisation salary is generally exempt from US income tax, but that exemption does not cover a spouse's separate earnings or investment income, and G-4 years do not count toward employment-based permanent residence. People spend a decade here and discover the last part too late.

Source: IRS — foreign government and international organisation employees

Most federal and contractor jobs require citizenship and a clearance.

The two largest employment sectors in the region — federal agencies and government contracting — are substantially closed to non-citizens because security clearances require US citizenship. Newcomers targeting 'DC jobs' without knowing this waste months. The multilaterals, NGOs, universities and the private tech sector are the open routes.

Source: community-reported

Where you live decides your income tax, not where you work.

DC, Maryland and Virginia have reciprocity arrangements so you pay to the jurisdiction you live in. DC's top rate is 10.75%; Virginia's is 5.75%; Maryland adds a county tax on top of the state rate. A Metro stop across the river can be worth several thousand dollars a year.

Source: DC Office of Tax and Revenue

The visa sticker's expiry is not your permission to stay.

A visa authorises travel to a port of entry; the officer there decides how long you may remain and records it on the I-94.

Source: US Customs and Border Protection — I-94 record

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming G-4 years build toward a green card — they do not, through employment.
Targeting federal or contractor roles without knowing clearances require citizenship.
Signing a DC lease without comparing the Virginia and Maryland tax position.
Visiting a Social Security office before DHS records have synced.
Accepting a Limited Purpose credential and expecting to fly with it.

Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.

Make it your personal checklist

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