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I just arrived. What do I do first?

This is the practical version. Not a thousand scattered links. Just the first moves that matter: documents, phone, bank, housing, TPS, work, and community.

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Week 1 checklist

If you do only these seven things in your first week, you're in much better shape than most people trying to figure it out alone.

1
Keep every immigration document in one folderPassport, I-94, parole paperwork, USCIS notices, work authorization, lease, utility bill. Physical + phone photos.
2
Get a U.S. phone numberYou need it for employers, banks, landlords, doctors, and two-factor logins.
3
Open a bank account fastBring your passport, proof of address if available, and any immigration paperwork. Ask what they accept before you go.
4
Apply for Social Security / work documents if eligibleDo not wait until you have a perfect plan. This affects work, payroll, taxes, and credit history.
5
Lock in temporary housing that is safe, not just cheapIf something feels off, slow down. Scams hit newcomers hard.
6
Start income search immediatelyEven if your long-term career move takes time, get short-term stability first.
7
Join community channelsTelegram, local groups, church networks, and verified community resources will save you weeks.

Documents & IDs

Your life gets easier when your paperwork is organized. Create one simple folder and keep copies of everything. Employers, schools, landlords, and legal services will ask for the same documents over and over.

Phone, bank, money

Do these before you chase complicated long-term plans. A working phone number and bank account make everything else easier: job applications, direct deposit, doctor appointments, landlord communication, and app logins.

Housing & essentials

Do not send money just because a listing feels urgent. Verify the address, the person, and the terms. If you can, get another Ukrainian community member to sanity-check the offer before paying anything.

TPS / immigration

This is where missing a deadline hurts. Track every filing date, renewal date, and USCIS notice. When in doubt, talk to a verified legal aid organization or immigration lawyer — not random comments online.

Work & income

The first job does not have to be your forever job. Stabilize first. Then improve. Use UkraineHub jobs, local employers, restaurants, construction crews, caregiving, office roles, and remote work if your background fits.

Telegram updates beat checking a website all day

We’re setting up Telegram-first updates for new jobs, events, and urgent immigration/community alerts. If you live in Telegram, that’s the fastest way to stay in the loop.

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Need work fast?

Browse current job categories and start with roles that get income moving this week.

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Legal questions?

Use the legal section for TPS, immigration, and verified next-step resources.

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