Establishing residence immediately after arriving in US

[KM & ST 1]

I have a question for those of you already in the States. To get started looking for apartments, we will be living in a month-long AirBnB when we first arrive in Texas from overseas. For a plethora of reasons, we would like to establish official residence status in TX while living in the AirBnB immediately, since it might take a month or two to find the right apartment. Does anyone know how to establish this residence when effectively living in temporary housing? The utility bills etc. for an AirBnB obviously wont have our names on it. And I am unsure whether I can set up bank accounts and get a drivers license etc. based on a temporary address. Any tips on the fastest way to get properly registered as a resident?

[Mike E 11,723]

1. Ask a relative. or friend if you can use their address as your official address.  I did this when I was an LPR just after a divorce. I moved to a different state and used a friend’s address as my address for AR-11 and mortgage application.  Meanwhile I would stay at hotels while waiting for my home purchase to close.  I used paperless options for bank, financial, and other bills, so they my friend didn’t have to deal with most of my mail.  
 

2. Once 1 is done set up a virtual mailing  address so that USCIS, banking, drivers license stuff, etc are sent there.  You can then have the physical mail sent wherever you want or you just have it scanned.  I changed my mailing address for all my bills to my virtual mail box and mostly relied on scanning. One  exception was my drivers license which I had redirected to my friend’s house.  
 

3. File AR-11 again when you move into permanent quarters.  I would keep the virtual mail box as your USCIS mailing address especially if you have to do I-485 or I-751.  

Edited February 18, 2022 by Mike E

[millefleur 5,037]

14 minutes ago, Mike E said:

2. Once 1 is done set up a virtual mailing  address so that USCIS, banking, drivers license stuff, etc are sent there.  You can then have the physical mail sent wherever you want or you just have it scanned.  I changed my mailing address for all my bills to my virtual mail box and mostly relied on scanning. One  exception was my drivers license which I had redirected to my friend’s house.

Curious what service you used for the virtual mailbox? I've heard about those but don't know anyone who used it. Another option for mail is just set up a PO box and check it regularly. PO boxes are fine for having your mail go there, it just can't be used to prove residency.

 

6 hours ago, KM & ST said:

And I am unsure whether I can set up bank accounts and get a drivers license etc. based on a temporary address. Any tips on the fastest way to get properly registered as a resident?

Use a friend's or family member's address for the bank account set up, even if they're in another state. With banks nowadays it's fairly easy, CapitalOne for example allows you to open accounts online. For the DL, that is trickier because they'll want to see pieces of mail or other proof of address in your name with a Texas address. Some states are stricter about it than others, you'll need to look up your local DMV in Texas and see exactly what they want to get a DL.

 

If you're not able to use a family member or friend's address, consider looking for a short term lease. Sublet.com has furnished short term leases and if you search around for furnished short term housing, you may be able to find other options where you can get a lease in your name, even if for a few months.

[millefleur 5,037]

**Moved from General Immigration Discussion to Moving to the US and Your New Life In America**

[Mike E 11,723]

16 minutes ago, millefleur said:

Curious what service you used for the virtual mailbox? 

I would say but that would put me at risk of a ban.   At minimum it is my experience a moderator will edit my post for referencing a commercial product. 

Edited February 18, 2022 by Mike E

[carmel34 3,531]

9 hours ago, KM & ST said:

since it might take a month or two to find the right apartment

It may take that long if you are super selective.  Depending on the city, there may be lots of available apartments for rent that you could find in a week or less, sign a lease, move in, and immediately start getting documents needed to prove residency for a driver's license (most states require at least one utility bill or something similar), open bank accounts, etc.  I have found an apartment in a few days, living temporarily in a hotel or Airbnb when moving to a new city.  You can do a lot of advance searching online these days, and look at floor plans, amenities, rental rates, availability, and neighborhoods/schools/locations, and even set up appointments, so that when you arrive you can immediately visit the shortlist and make a decision.  Good luck!

[KM & ST 1]

Thanks a lot for the feedback everyone!