You and your spouse can get Social Security numbers right away without waiting for work permits, and you can open a bank account before you have a permanent address. You will need to take a written and driving test to get your California driver's licenses, as California does not allow a direct exchange of a Canadian license. Your children will not be eligible for Social Security numbers.
“I am a Canadian citizen moving to California on an E1 visa, staying in an Airbnb for the first 60 days. How do I get my California driver's license (can I just exchange my Canadian one?), SSN, and bank account set up, and what documents do I need for myself and my E1 derivative spouse and kids?”
Summary
You can cross the work permit worry off your list: as an E-1 visa holder and an E-1S spouse, the Social Security Administration recognizes your status as automatically authorized to work. You do not need to wait for an Employment Authorization Document to get your numbers.
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Getting your California driver's licenses
You asked if you can simply exchange your Canadian license. California requires you to pass both a knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test before you can get a driver's license.
To get a REAL ID license, you must prove your California residency using two different documents. Since you are staying in a temporary rental and do not have a lease or utility bills, you can use employment documents and bank records to satisfy this requirement.
Social Security numbers for your family
You and your spouse qualify for Social Security numbers immediately. The rules state that E-1 treaty traders and their spouses are authorized to work incident to their status. This means your spouse does not need to present an Employment Authorization Document to get a card.
To apply, bring your passports and your I-94 records to a Social Security office.
Your E-1 derivative children are not allowed to work under their visa status. Because they do not have work authorization, they are not eligible for Social Security numbers.
Opening your US bank account
You can open a bank account even if you do not have a Social Security number yet. Banks will ask for a government-issued photo ID, like your passport.
They will also ask for proof of your address. If you do not have a lease agreement, banks typically accept a paycheck or an employer pay stub showing your name and current address.
Next steps
Because the DMV requires a Social Security number and proof of residency, you need to visit the Social Security office and open a bank account first. Here is the exact order to follow.
Retrieve your I-94 records
Go to the Customs and Border Protection website and download the I-94 arrival records for you and your family.
Apply for Social Security numbers
Visit a local Social Security office with your passports and I-94 records. You and your spouse are authorized to work based on your E-1 and E-1S visa status, so you do not need an Employment Authorization Document.
Open a US bank account
You do not need a Social Security number to open an account. To prove your address without a formal lease, you can use an employer pay stub or a letter from your employer.
Apply for California driver's licenses
Once your bank account is open and you have employment documents, you can use those bank and employment records to prove your California residency to the DMV. You will need to pass both a knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test.
Legal sources
Every fact in this answer comes from the following government and legal sources.
Section 1: The California Driver's License
California requires all applicants to pass a knowledge and driving test to get a license.
Before you can get a driver’s license in California, you are required to pass the knowledge and behind-the-wheel drive tests based on information in this handbook.
List of Docs REALID
Employment documents and bank records are accepted as proof of California residency.
Two different documents are required from the list below. • Home utility bills (including cellular phone) • Deed or title to residential real property, property tax bill or statement, original copy of an approved claim for Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption (BOE-266) form fled with a local California County Assessor • Medical documents • Car or Boat registration • Employment documents • School documents (includes Date of Birth), proof of payment of resident tuition at a public institution of higher education in California • Insurance documents • Bank and Financial institution records • Change of Address confrmation by the U.S. Postal Service • A document issued by a government agency (local, state, or federal) • Mortgage bill, rental or lease agreement (signed by owner and tenant)
SSA POMS RM 10211.530
E-1 visa holders and their spouses are authorized to work by their status and do not need a separate work permit for a Social Security number.
Additionally, DHS granted spouses of principal E-1, E-2, E-3, and L-1 work authorization incident to status. These spouses do not have to present an EAD to receive a work-authorized SSN card.
SSA POMS RM 10211.530
Children on E-1 visas are not authorized to work.
E-1, E-1Y | Child of principal E-1 alien | Legal alien not allowed to work
Nolo — SSN for Nonimmigrant Workers
You need your passport and I-94 record to apply for a Social Security number.
The documents you will need to apply for an SSN are your passport and I-94, which you can obtain from the CBP website.
PNC — How to Open a US Bank Account for Non-Residents
You do not need a Social Security number to open a US bank account.
No, you do not need an SSN to open a bank account in the United States. Many banks, including PNC Bank, allow non-residents to open a bank account without an SSN.
Chase — US Bank Account for Non-Residents
Banks accept an employer pay stub to prove your US address.
Proof of U.S. address must be provided in the form of a document that shows both your name and address to ensure you’re associated with the property. This can include: - Employer's pay stub or paycheck
SettleKit is not a law firm. This is general information, not legal advice. You should confirm these details with a licensed immigration attorney.
SettleKit is not a law firm and this is general information.
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