US Intern Advice.MD

Here are some more guides that are in depth which I referenced during my first internship in the US!

https://stephenholiday.com/Unofficial-Waterloo-USA-Intern-Guide

https://irenexychen.com/blog/2021/08/us-intern-guide-covid

On paperwork & embassy interview

• get your paperwork in ASAP! There might be delays if you require an embassy interview in Toronto!
• also if there are no dates available for the embassy interview, you should request for an EXPEDITED interview!
• You can't bring your phones into the embassy, but there is a convenient store down the street where you can store your stuff!

Getting your SSN

• you should try to call your local SSA office and ask if they do a walk-in or appointments
• if you call SSA, you will get a referral which might take a week to get back to you
• you can find the number for your local SSA office when you call SSA, if you cannot find it online

Money and Banking

• you should try to open a debit account when you get to the US and try to apply for a credit card whenever you can
• If you have a little over $1000 on hand, you can get a credit card approved with $700 limit the next day at Bank of America (consult your branch)

misc.

• don't arrive too early, anywhere around noon should be good.
• If you have an airbnb, be mindful of the check-in time.
• It is normal to be stressed ¹, you will be okay even if there are delays!

Footnotes

1. if you need someone to talk to about this experience, feel free to email me! ↩