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Essential Guides

The NRI Playbook

Practical guides to life in America, researched from official government sources — every article lists its sources and none of it is professional advice.

New to America? Start here →
01Your Journey in America7 guides
Moving to the USA: The Complete 24-Point Relocation Checklist11 minGetting Your Social Security Number: The Complete Process9 minOpening Your First US Bank Account: Documents, Choices, Traps10 min
+ 4more in this section ↓Getting a US Driver's License: The Universal Playbook10 minBuilding US Credit From Zero: The Complete 12-Month Plan9 minYour First US Tax Return: The Newcomer's Complete Primer10 minFinding Your Community: Where Indians in America Actually Connect10 min
02Immigration6 guides
The H-1B Visa, Explained: Timeline, Costs and Common Mistakes11 minGreen Card EB-1, EB-2, EB-3: Which Category Fits You11 minH-4 Status and the H-4 EAD: The Complete Rules for Spouses10 min
+ 3more in this section ↓F-1 to H-1B: The Student's Complete Roadmap10 minSTEM OPT Extension: Eligibility, the I-983, and Staying Compliant10 minUS Visa Stamping in India: The Complete Interview Playbook10 min
03Study in America4 guides
Applying to US Universities from India: The Complete Roadmap11 minEducation Loans for US Study: Collateral, Co-signers and the No-Cosigner Route11 minFunding Your US Degree: Scholarships, Assistantships and the Real Cost Math11 min
+ 1more in this section ↓SAT, ACT and Your Testing Plan: US Admissions Tests from India11 min
04Student Corner3 guides
Top Mistakes Indian Students Make in Their First Year11 minChoosing a School in America (K-12): Public, Private, Charter and Magnet10 minOPT Survival Guide: Every Rule That Can End Your Work Authorization11 min
05Money & Taxes3 guides
NRI Tax 101: Residency, FBAR and FATCA Without the Jargon11 minSending Money to India: The Complete Remittance Guide10 min401(k), IRA and HSA: America's Three Wealth Machines, Explained10 min
06Career3 guides
The US Resume: A Complete Rewrite Guide for Indian Professionals10 minSalary Negotiation in America: Data, Rules and the Visa Question10 minLaid Off on H-1B: The Complete 60-Day Playbook10 min
07Family & Parents3 guides
Parents Visiting America: The Complete 22-Point Checklist10 minVisitor Medical Insurance for Parents: How the Products Really Differ10 minGreen Cards for Parents (IR-5): The Complete Sponsorship Guide10 min
08Healthcare3 guides
US Health Insurance, Decoded: HMO vs PPO, Deductibles and Enrollment11 minUnderstanding (and Fighting) US Medical Bills: Your Federal Rights10 minER vs Urgent Care vs Primary Care: The Complete Decision Guide10 min
09Housing & Daily Life3 guides
Utilities, Internet and Essentials: The 20-Point Day-One Setup10 minThe US School System, Explained for Indian Parents10 minRent vs Buy in America: The Framework NRIs Actually Need10 min
10India–US Life3 guides
OCI Card FAQ: Everything Indian-Origin Americans Ask10 minReturning to India for Good: The 22-Point Master Checklist11 minOwning Property in India as a US-Based NRI: The Complete Rules11 min
11FAQs3 guides
Travel FAQ: The Questions Every NRI Asks Before Flying11 minEmergency FAQ: Who to Call in America, for What — Save This Page10 minLife in America FAQ: The Everyday Mechanics Nobody Teaches10 min

Written and verified by the SOSGI Editorial Team · Facts verified as of August 20, 2026 · Our standards

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