An Explanation of the Administrative Procedures You Must Complete Early in Your U.S. Settlement



Green card approval is not an end, but a new beginning
Receiving a U.S. green card means being granted the status of a 'lawful resident.' However, changes follow that go well beyond simply switching visa types.
Only by completing all of the administrative procedures that form the foundation of daily life — taxes, health insurance, identification, the social security system, address registration, and more — can you achieve a stable legal and economic life in the United States.



① Social Security Number (SSN): The Starting Point for All Administration

The first thing to check immediately after receiving your green card is your Social Security Number.
If you have already worked under a nonimmigrant visa, you likely already have an SSN, but if not, you must apply in person at a nearby Social Security Administration (SSA) office.
Bringing your green card, passport, and birth certificate (or proof of visa status) will typically get you a number within about 2 weeks.

This number is the foundation for all administrative procedures, including employment, tax filing, opening a bank account, enrolling in health insurance, and obtaining a driver's license. Therefore, securing your SSN right after receiving your green card is the top priority.



② Tax Filing Obligations: Taxation on Worldwide Income Begins

From the moment you become a permanent resident, you are considered a 'U.S. tax resident' under U.S. tax law.
This means you must report and pay taxes under U.S. tax law not only on income earned within the United States, but on your worldwide income, including interest, dividends, and real estate rental income earned abroad, including in Korea.

In particular, if your Korean financial accounts exceed an average of $10,000 per year, you become subject to FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) filing,
and intentional omission can lead to criminal penalties. Therefore, in the early stages of immigration, it is important to carefully review your U.S. tax filing obligations and the Tax Treaty preventing double taxation with Korea through a tax professional.



③ Health Insurance: A System You Must Enroll In

Public health insurance in the United States is very limited. Therefore, permanent residents must enroll in health insurance on their own.
There are broadly three options.

Employer-based Plan
– The most common option, with premiums automatically deducted from your paycheck.

Individual Health Insurance (Marketplace Plan)
– Can be selected directly on Healthcare.gov, with government subsidies applied depending on income level.

Medicaid (public insurance for low-income individuals)
– Income requirements vary by state, and permanent residents may qualify if certain conditions are met, but new immigrants with a short duration of residence are often excluded.

In the United States, a single emergency room visit alone can cost thousands of dollars, so it is essential to enroll in advance to avoid any gap in coverage.



④ Driver's License and State ID

You can obtain a driver's license or a State ID from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
A driver's license is not just a driving credential — it effectively serves as identification, so it is required for opening bank accounts, entering public institutions, signing lease agreements, and more. The required documents usually include the following.​

- Permanent Resident Card
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)

Since the testing process and wait times vary by state, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance through your state's official DMV website.



⑤ Address Registration and Mail Management: You Must Report to USCIS

If you change your residence within the United States, you must report it to USCIS within 10 days using Form AR-11 (Address Change Form).
Failing to comply with this requirement can leave a violation record under immigration law, even for a permanent resident.
Changing your address can be done simply online, and you should also update your address collectively with related agencies such as the IRS (tax authority), SSA (Social Security Administration), and DMV, in addition to USCIS.

In particular, since mail from USCIS is directly tied to future procedures such as green card renewal, citizenship applications, and reentry permits, it is advisable to use the USPS Mail Forwarding service to prevent lost mail.



⑥ Banking and Credit Management: The Starting Point of Your U.S. Credit History

In the United States, credit is trust. From the moment you receive your green card, all transaction records — bank accounts, credit cards, car leases, cell phone plans, and more — are reflected in your Credit Score.
In the beginning, it is advisable to start with a low-limit product such as a 'Credit Builder Card' and consistently build a record of use and repayment over 3 to 6 months. Your credit score will affect future home loans, auto financing, and even employment screening.



The Gateway from Lawful Status to True 'Settlement'

Obtaining a green card is only the acquisition of legal status to reside within the United States; completing an actual life foundation requires integration into the administrative, financial, and insurance systems.
From your Social Security Number, tax filing, health insurance, and driver's license, to address registration and credit management — only when these six steps are properly completed is true 'settlement' achieved.