Use the confirmed final pay date and the US employer’s actual payroll schedule. Add costs of any coverage option after checking its eligibility and exclusions with the provider. Keep immigration preparation expenses separate so the household can see what cash is needed before reimbursement or salary arrives.
Ask about terms before comparing prices
A quoted premium does not show whether a policy covers the intended circumstances or all family members. Obtain the terms and advice appropriate to the coverage decision. Avoid treating a low price as proof that a gap has been solved, and keep written confirmation of any chosen arrangement.
The port-of-entry application carries only the small TN and I-94 fees on the USCIS schedule. Keep written approval and itemised receipts for expenses the institution agrees to cover. Record employment pay accurately and identify actual filing, evaluation or preparation expenses separately. A relocation package paid as a reimbursement after the first payroll means the household funds the move first and recovers the money later. Obtain a clear scope before paying, separate official application charges from private services and verify current fees. Contract negotiation, immigration advice and government charges are distinct items even when the same agreement is relevant. Check the USCIS fee schedule rather than relying on a figure quoted for another case.