What esle do I need to do?

[gyselle 4]

Hi

(Moderator, please feel free to transfer to another thread if this is in the wrong place).

Other than the AOS paperwork (Ap, EAD etc) and SSN, what esle do I need to do in this "new country?"

For example:

1. Should I go to the DMV and get an ID?

Can I go now (with my SSN) or should I wait till my conditional GC to come in and then go?

( i have a driving licenses from home, but I dont plan to get a driving license here)

2. Insurance

I'm unfamiliar with the medical insurance in the US (back home, it is so much easy!). Do i need to get my own insurance? Right now..my husband's company covers me under his contract.

3. File for Taxes

I just got here. what does this mean for Taxes? will i get taxed? (i dont have a job yet)?

I know i should file with my husband (joint); but ...do i even need to file at all?

Thanks all

3.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

1. Usually people can't get a Driver's License until they have their GC, but you can check your state laws (DL are given by state). If you don't want to drive then there is no need for a license.

2. If you are included in your husband's insurance then you are fine. It is common for people to have one plan for their whole family.

3. Taxes are due mid-April for last year. If you were married in 2011 then you and your husband can file joint taxes for 2011. Your husband will probably get a bigger tax return because now his household size is bigger. It is in your best interest to file, so you get more money back. They won't charge you if you didn't work (though if you worked abroad last year you have to report the income, but you won't get taxed).

I think the main thing to do is settle in and figure out how things work! Good luck!

[Lainie B 465]

Even if you don't drive it might be useful to have a state ID. I don't know about your state, but in mine, the State ID document requirements (to show residency) were the same as those for getting a drivers license, and I could use my EAD to get a drivers license or state ID (didn't have to wait for GC).

Edited January 19, 2012 by Lainie B

[gyselle 4]

Thank you very much for all your responses.

Yes, I was thinking of getting a state ID (CA) instead of carrying around my singaporean identification.

Just wondering if its too soon to go if i dont have my EAD and GC on hand.

On the issues of taxes, i've worked from Jan to Nov in my home country; but I only entered/got married in USA in December.

Do i still need to declare my Jan-Nov work?