City Hub · JFK

Moving to New York

What official sources say about arriving, settling in, and working in New York, United States. Every point links to the page it came from.

Checked against official sources · last verified 24 Oct 2026

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Decide

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New York at a glance

The basics about New York City, plus official sources for time, weather and living costs.

New York City had about 8,585,000 residents in July 2025, according to Census Bureau estimates reported by City Planning. The total was essentially flat on the year before (down about 12,200).
Source: New York City population estimates and trends, March 2026 — NYC Department of City Planning ↗
Net international migration added about 65,800 residents in the year to July 2025, but about 113,700 more people moved to other parts of the US than arrived from them.
Source: New York City population estimates and trends, March 2026 — NYC Department of City Planning ↗
The city is made up of five boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island.
Source: New York City, Yonkers, and MCTMT — NYS Department of Taxation and Finance ↗
New York uses Eastern Time. In 2026, daylight saving time runs from 8 March to 1 November; clocks change at 2 a.m.
Source: Daylight saving time — NIST ↗
For official forecasts and weather warnings, use the National Weather Service forecast office for New York, NY.
Source: NWS Forecast Office New York, NY — National Weather Service ↗
Zumper's rent data for New York, NY lists an average of $4,700 a month for a 1-bedroom and $5,500 for a 2-bedroom (page updated 24 October 2026).
Source: New York, NY rent prices — Zumper ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Laws and customs

Everyday New York rules that often surprise newcomers.

Cannabis is legal for adults 21 and over. You can carry up to 3 ounces of flower and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis.
Source: Cannabis in NYC: legal use — NYC Health ↗
Smoking or vaping cannabis is banned in parks, beaches, boardwalks, pedestrian plazas, restaurants, bars, schools and motor vehicles, even as a passenger or while parked.
Source: Cannabis in NYC: legal use — NYC Health ↗
Smoking and e-cigarettes are banned in city parks, on beaches and boardwalks, and in pedestrian plazas such as Times Square. You can get a $50 ticket.
Source: Smoke-free parks and beaches — NYC Parks ↗
Sales tax in New York City is 8.875%. Clothing and footwear items under $110 are exempt; items at $110 or more are taxed at the full rate.
Source: Sales tax · NYC311 ↗
Single-use plastic carryout bags are banned. Shops covered by the ban must charge 5 cents for each paper bag, except for customers paying with SNAP or WIC.
Source: Single-use plastic bags — NYC.gov ↗
Call 911 if you are in danger or need immediate medical help. For mental health support, call or text 988, free and 24/7.
Source: NYC 988 — City of New York ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Arrive

The first 72 hours

Arriving in New York

Getting from JFK into the city, and your first admin steps.

AirTrain JFK costs $8.75 a ride when you enter or leave at Jamaica or Howard Beach; travel between terminals is free. Pay by tapping a contactless card, phone or OMNY card.
Source: AirTrain JFK — JFK Airport (Port Authority) ↗
At Jamaica, AirTrain connects to the E, J and Z subway lines (Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport) and the Long Island Rail Road. At Howard Beach it connects to the A train.
Source: MTA Subway Stations dataset — data.ny.gov ↗
AirTrain JFK fares are capped at $43.50 within a rolling 30-day period if you use the same card or device each time.
Source: AirTrain JFK — JFK Airport (Port Authority) ↗
Since 1 January 2026 you can no longer buy or refill a MetroCard. Tap a contactless card, phone or OMNY card instead.
Source: Subway and bus fares — MTA ↗
If you are not a US citizen, you must report each change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. A US Postal Service change of address does not update USCIS. A and G visa holders and visa waiver visitors are exempt.
Source: How to change your address — USCIS ↗
If your Social Security number was not requested with your visa or green card application, the SSA suggests waiting 10 days after arrival before you apply, so your documents can be verified.
Source: Social Security Numbers for noncitizens (Pub. 05-10096, Feb 2026) — SSA ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Getting around

Subway, buses, fares and tolls.

The subway and local bus fare is $3 (from January 2026). Express buses cost $7.25. Seniors and people with qualifying disabilities pay half fare.
Source: Subway and bus fares — MTA ↗
Tap and ride with the same card or device and you pay no more than $35 for subway and local bus rides in a 7-day period. With express buses, the cap is $67.
Source: Subway and bus fares — MTA ↗
You get one free transfer within two hours of paying: subway to bus, bus to subway or bus to bus.
Source: Subway and bus fares — MTA ↗
Up to three children under 44 inches tall ride free with a fare-paying adult on subways and local buses.
Source: Subway and bus fares — MTA ↗
Cash is still accepted on local buses for now, but the MTA says MetroCard and cash will both stop being accepted in 2026, on a date to be announced.
Source: Subway and bus fares — MTA ↗
Driving into Manhattan at or below 60th Street costs a congestion toll of $9 for a car with E-ZPass at peak times (5 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends), charged once per day. It is due to rise to $12 in 2028.
Source: About the Congestion Relief Zone toll — MTA ↗
LIRR and Metro-North fares rose by an average of up to 4.5% in 2026, and monthly tickets are capped at $500.
Source: MTA Board adopts fare and toll increases to take effect January 2026 — MTA ↗

External links

Subway and bus fares (MTA) ↗Congestion Relief Zone (MTA) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Settle

Home, school, doctor, bank

Neighbourhoods and housing

Renting rules, rent-stabilised apartments and local costs.

The Rent Guidelines Board voted a rent freeze: 0% for both 1-year and 2-year renewals of rent-stabilised leases starting between 1 October 2026 and 30 September 2027 (Order #58, 25 June 2026).
Source: Order #58: apartment and loft guidelines, Oct 2026 to Sep 2027 — NYC Rent Guidelines Board ↗
Use the state housing agency's (HCR) online portal to find out whether an apartment is rent-stabilised and to get its rent history.
Source: FAQs — NYC Rent Guidelines Board ↗
Since 11 June 2025, brokers hired by a landlord cannot charge you a broker fee (FARE Act). All fees you must pay have to be shown in the listing and in a written disclosure you sign before the lease.
Source: FARE Act FAQ — NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection ↗
A landlord can charge at most one month's rent as a security deposit and must return it within 14 days after you move out.
Source: Changes in New York State rent law — NY Attorney General ↗
Before you sign, a landlord can charge at most $20 for a credit and background check. Late fees are capped at $50 or 5% of the monthly rent, whichever is less.
Source: Changes in New York State rent law — NY Attorney General ↗
For an apartment that is not rent-stabilised, the landlord must give written notice before raising the rent by 5% or more: 30 days if you have lived there under a year, 60 days for 1–2 years, 90 days for 2 years or more.
Source: Changes in New York State rent law — NY Attorney General ↗
New York City residents pay city income tax on top of New York State income tax.
Source: New York City, Yonkers, and MCTMT — NYS Department of Taxation and Finance ↗

External links

Zumper NYC rent data ↗Check if an apartment is rent-stabilised (HCR) ↗FARE Act broker fee rules (DCWP) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Schools

Enrolling children in NYC public schools.

Everyone aged 5 to 21 can attend a public school regardless of immigration status, and regardless of when they arrived in the US.
Source: Family services — NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs ↗
Most elementary and middle school students can enrol directly at their zoned school. Family Welcome Centers help with enrolment all year round.
Source: Family services — NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs ↗
Free 3-K and Pre-K are open to all children aged 3 or 4, regardless of the family's immigration status. You can apply by phone on 718-935-2009.
Source: Family services — NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs ↗
To pre-register, bring proof of your child's age (birth certificate, passport or baptism record), two proofs of address such as a lease or a utility bill from the last 60 days, and immunisation records if you have them.
Source: Pre-registration checklist — NYC Public Schools ↗
Students in temporary housing do not need documents to enrol; the school must provisionally register them.
Source: Pre-registration checklist — NYC Public Schools ↗
The 2026-27 school year started on Thursday 10 September 2026 and ends for students on Monday 28 June 2027. Winter recess is 24 December to 1 January.
Source: 2026-27 school year calendar — NYC Public Schools ↗

External links

Family Welcome Centers ↗Pre-registration checklist ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Healthcare

Health insurance and low-cost care in New York.

NY State of Health is the state's official health plan marketplace. Open enrollment for private plans starts each 1 November; for 2026 coverage it ran from 1 November 2025 to 31 January 2026. Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan are open all year.
Source: Open enrollment for 2026 coverage — NYS Department of Health ↗
A permanent move into New York State can count as a qualifying life event for a special enrollment period, but generally only if you had other health cover in the previous 60 days.
Source: Enrollment periods fact sheet — NY State of Health ↗
Since 1 July 2026, people with incomes between 200% and 250% of the federal poverty level are no longer eligible for the Essential Plan; most can buy a Qualified Health Plan instead. Coverage for about 1.3 million enrollees below 200% continues.
Source: Update on federal approval to preserve health coverage (23 Mar 2026) — NYS Department of Health ↗
From 1 January 2027, some adults on Medicaid must show 80 hours a month of work, school, training or volunteering, or earnings of $580 a month.
Source: Changes to Medicaid coverage starting January 2027 — NY State of Health ↗
NYC Care gives low- or no-cost care at NYC Health + Hospitals to residents who can't get or afford insurance. It does not ask about immigration status. Call 646-NYC-CARE (646-692-2273).
Source: NYC Care — ACCESS NYC ↗
NYC Health + Hospitals treats people regardless of immigration status or ability to pay, with fees on a sliding scale.
Source: Financial assistance — NYC Health + Hospitals ↗
Free enrollment counselors can help you choose a plan: call 866-INSURED (866-467-8733).
Source: Health coverage — NYC.gov ↗

External links

NY State of Health ↗NYC Care ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Banking and ID

Social Security numbers, tax IDs, bank accounts and city ID.

Noncitizens can usually get a Social Security number only if DHS has authorised them to work. Applying is free; you start online and then visit a Social Security office within 45 days with original documents.
Source: Social Security Numbers for noncitizens (Pub. 05-10096, Feb 2026) — SSA ↗
If you are not eligible for a Social Security number but need a US tax number, apply for an ITIN using IRS Form W-7.
Source: U.S. taxpayer identification number requirement — IRS ↗
To open a bank account you usually need photo ID (some banks accept a foreign passport or consular ID), proof of address and an SSN or ITIN. Without an SSN or ITIN you may only be able to open a no-interest account.
Source: A newcomer's guide to managing money: opening an account — CFPB ↗
Bank deposits are insured by the FDIC up to at least $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category, at each insured bank.
Source: Understanding deposit insurance — FDIC ↗
IDNYC is a free photo ID for any city resident aged 10 or over, regardless of immigration status. It can be used at some banks and for library cards and city services.
Source: IDNYC — ACCESS NYC ↗
Ask a bank in advance whether it accepts your foreign passport or consular ID, and check minimum balance, ATM and overdraft fees.
Source: A newcomer's guide to managing money: opening an account — CFPB ↗

External links

SSN for noncitizens (SSA) ↗IDNYC ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Driving and cars

Licences, insurance and parking.

You can drive in New York State with a valid licence from another country while you are visiting.
Source: Drivers from other countries — NY DMV ↗
Once you become a New York resident, you must get a New York licence within 30 days. Living in New York for 90 days counts as presumed evidence of residency.
Source: Exchange your out-of-state driver license — NY DMV ↗
A licence from another US state or a Canadian province can be exchanged at a DMV office with a vision test, if it is valid (or expired under 24 months) and was issued at least 6 months ago.
Source: Exchange your out-of-state driver license — NY DMV ↗
With a licence from another country, you must pass a written test, complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course and pass a road test to get a New York licence.
Source: Drivers from other countries — NY DMV ↗
If your foreign licence isn't in English, bring an International Driving Permit or a certified translation to the road test.
Source: Drivers from other countries — NY DMV ↗
A car registered in New York must have New York insurance; the DMV never accepts out-of-state insurance.
Source: Moving to or from New York State — NY DMV ↗
Alternate Side Parking signs (a 'P' crossed by a broom) mean you must move your car for street cleaning. Check suspensions on NYC311 or @NYCASP. Double parking is always illegal.
Source: Alternate Side Parking and street cleaning · NYC311 ↗

External links

Exchange your licence (NY DMV) ↗Drivers from other countries (NY DMV) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Thrive

Work, study, belong

Jobs and work

Pay, leave and rights at work.

The minimum wage in New York City, Long Island and Westchester is $17.00 an hour from 1 January 2026 ($16.00 in the rest of the state).
Source: New York State's minimum wage — NY.gov ↗
The statewide minimum wage will not change on 1 January 2027; from 2027 future increases are due to be tied to inflation.
Source: New York State's minimum wage — NY.gov ↗
Most NYC employees can get up to 40 or 56 hours of paid protected time off a year, plus 32 hours unpaid and 20 hours of paid prenatal leave.
Source: NYC's Protected Time Off Law — NYC DCWP ↗
Job adverts for work in New York City must include a good-faith pay range (since 1 November 2022). Report violations to the Commission on Human Rights on (212) 416-0197.
Source: Salary transparency in job advertisements — NYC Commission on Human Rights ↗
Paid Family Leave gives up to 12 weeks of job-protected paid leave at 67% of your average weekly wage, up to $1,228.53 a week in 2026. Employees pay 0.432% of wages, capped at $411.91 a year.
Source: New York Paid Family Leave updates for 2026 — NY Paid Family Leave ↗
City worker protections apply regardless of immigration status. DCWP does not ask about status; call 311 (212-NEW-YORK outside NYC) about city pay and leave laws, or the NYS Department of Labor on 888-469-7365 about minimum wage.
Source: Workers' Bill of Rights (updated 26 Feb 2026) — NYC DCWP ↗

External links

Know your worker rights (DCWP) ↗Minimum wage (NY.gov) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Universities

Major universities and help for international students.

Columbia University was founded in 1754 as King's College and moved to Morningside Heights in 1896.
Source: History — Columbia University ↗
Columbia's main campus is in Morningside Heights, with a separate medical center campus.
Source: About Columbia — Columbia University ↗
NYU has more than 50,000 students. Its degree-granting campuses are in New York, Abu Dhabi and Shanghai.
Source: About NYU — New York University ↗
The State University of New York (SUNY) had 387,446 students in fall 2025.
Source: Fast facts — SUNY ↗
CUNY, the city's public university, answers questions on 800-CUNY-YES (286-9937); SUNY's line is 800-342-3811.
Source: Family services — NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs ↗
International students must be accepted by an SEVP-certified school before applying for a student visa. The SEVP Response Center is on 703-603-3400, weekdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
Source: Students — Study in the States (DHS) ↗

External links

Study in the States (DHS) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Communities and support

Where to get free help and connect with others.

The Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) runs a network of more than 125 centers offering free immigration legal help and support.
Source: Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs — NYC.gov ↗
MOIA's free Immigration Legal Support Hotline is 1-800-354-0365. You can also call 311 and say 'Immigration Legal'. It is open to all immigrants regardless of status.
Source: MOIA Immigration Legal Support Centers — ACCESS NYC ↗
Households above 200% of the federal poverty level may not qualify for some City-funded legal service providers.
Source: MOIA Immigration Legal Support Centers — ACCESS NYC ↗
We Speak NYC offers free weekly English conversation classes for beginner and intermediate learners, online or in person.
Source: We Speak NYC — Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs ↗
IDNYC can also get you a public library card, entry to public buildings and discounts at museums and theaters.
Source: IDNYC — ACCESS NYC ↗
Complaints about cellphone, internet or satellite TV providers go to the NY Attorney General; landline complaints go to the Department of Public Service on 800-342-3377.
Source: File a complaint — NYS Department of Public Service ↗

External links

MOIA ↗We Speak NYC ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

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