United States of America (USA) is a great country and many Filipino workers dream of working there. However great opportunities comes with great responsibilities so if you are offered a job in America, you need to ensure that you are ready to face the challenges of your new life there. Here are some practical tips to make your work transfer to America smooth and hassle-free:

Before you leave:

Do not leave the Philippines with a bad company record. Even if there is a good job waiting for you in America, you should not leave your current/last employer in the Philippines in a bad note. Leave in a decent manner by filing a formal resignation. For all you know, there will come a time that you will seek the help of your former employer again.

Do it the legal way. If you are going to America to work, make sure that you have the proper and legal working documents. Your papers should be processed by the agency that handles overseas job deployment, the POEA and OWWA. Being a legal OFW gives you more protection and lets you enjoy privileges such as free travel tax.

Be oriented. The POEA requires hired workers to attend a Pre-departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) that aims to prepare the workers on the new life that they are going to have in a foreign country. The agency that handled your application may also hold an orientation for their deployed applicants. It’s a must for you to attend these lectures because it will give you an insight on what to expect overseas. You will gain information about the culture of the country, the cost of living, the work ethics, etc.

Take care of your SSS, Philhealth and Pag-Ibig Fund. Being a member of the said institutions has lots of benefits. For those who are not yet a member, apply before leaving and strive to continue your membership even while you are already working abroad. By doing this, you will have something to look forward to upon your return to the Philippines.

Upon entering America

Bring your documents to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service.

(USCIS). You should bring all the important documents with you. Present it together with the original copies at the USCIS.

Identify your contact person in America. Any foreigner who enters America needs to have a valid purpose for the entry. So it’s a must that you have a contact person in US upon your entry. In case of emergency, this is also the person that will be contacted.

Leave all pirated items in the Philippines. The US is very strict when it comes to anti –piracy law so don’t bring any pirated items with you, whether dvd’s, books, etc. The customs officer might check your luggage and if they found any pirated items with you, you’ll be in for a big trouble and embarrassment.

Honesty and politeness will be appreciated. It is of great value everywhere you go so practice it at all times especially when you are talking to an immigration officer. Being honest and polite will decrease your chance to be scrutinized.

When you are already living in America:

Get a Social Security Number (SSN) right away. You will need the SSN for almost all transactions in America so applying for it as soon as you arrive would be of great help. You should memorize this number and remember not to share it with anyone.

Do not get an International Drivers’ License because it is just a waste of money. Upon arriving in America, you can still use you Philippine driver’s license for six months.

Limit your credit card spending. This is applicable everywhere you go because credit cards often leads one to overspend beyond what he or she can afford. As interest rates is relatively lower in America, you might be tempted to used it frequently.  Remember to always live below your means.

When you are already working in America:

Questions/inquiries are welcome. Don’t be afraid to raise your concerns or questions especially during the orientation period. Pretending or assuming that you already know something when you are really confused will lead you nowhere.

Respect cultural differences. Leave your narrow mindedness behind. This is a new country with a different culture. Don’t show dislike or frown on things you do not understand or you are not accustomed to. Show respect and accept others for what they are so you can also expect the same treatment.

Be eager to do extra work. As long as you can still handle it, asking your boss for an additional workload is good. This will let the management know that you are an excellent employee and you are not afraid to do extra tasks. It will also pave the way for future promotions and salary increases.