A few things I'd like to know (UK)

[Rmmm12345 15]

Hey everyone - me again!

I'm just wondering a few things RE our K1... So firstly, I'm a bit confused when it comes to gaining a police report from the UK - how much does one cost? I've never had any sort of police interaction and as I'm only 21 don't know if I can even collect one from my local station? As I think it stated somewhere online it counts your legal record from the age of 18 or 20...

Also, I'm wanting to use our FaceTime's every single night as proof of relationship but I cannot seem to find on my iPhone records of every nights conversations. Only the most recent one :/.

Also, I've seen a few people have had problems with credit rating and building it up after they move to the U.S what is the best way to ensure I maintain a good credit rating? Am I allowed to apply for credit as soon as I arrive? I obviously want to take out a contract cell phone so don't know if I, or my fiancé should purchase it?

Lastly, I've gone through all of my driving lessons and I'm at a point where I could sit my test anytime now - however, it's so expensive over here and if I fail first time and have to resit it'll just cause me more unnessacary stress and excessive costs on top of this visa.

Thank you in advance :-)

[LisaK 3]

Hi I'm currently awaiting NOA2. You need to get a police certificate from acro website, better to have it valid within 6 months at time of your interview, think it costs £ 45 or so, it's a Must.

[Georgia16 2,858]

Can't you use your iMessages instead?

There is a lot of how to build credit the best way in here:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/15-moving-to-the-us-and-your-new-life-in-america/

And you won't be able to drive on your DL in US you'll have to do their test and so on (it's different from state to state) If you do a search in the toolbar on top you'll see a lot of others talking about this also in NY and you can also read about it in the provided link. It has most stuff that happens once you enter

[Rmmm12345 15]

Can't you use your iMessages instead?

There is a lot of how to build credit the best way in here:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/15-moving-to-the-us-and-your-new-life-in-america/

And you won't be able to drive on your DL in US you'll have to do their test and so on (it's different from state to state) If you do a search in the toolbar on top you'll see a lot of others talking about this also in NY and you can also read about it in the provided link. It has most stuff that happens once you enter

Hi I'm currently awaiting NOA2. You need to get a police certificate from acro website, better to have it valid within 6 months at time of your interview, think it costs £ 45 or so, it's a Must.

Thank you both so much - makes it a lot clearer now I'm too eager now I just want to get my medical and interview done.

Thanks,

R

[yuna628 9,840]

Hey everyone - me again!

I'm just wondering a few things RE our K1... So firstly, I'm a bit confused when it comes to gaining a police report from the UK - how much does one cost? I've never had any sort of police interaction and as I'm only 21 don't know if I can even collect one from my local station? As I think it stated somewhere online it counts your legal record from the age of 18 or 20...

Also, I'm wanting to use our FaceTime's every single night as proof of relationship but I cannot seem to find on my iPhone records of every nights conversations. Only the most recent one :/.

Also, I've seen a few people have had problems with credit rating and building it up after they move to the U.S what is the best way to ensure I maintain a good credit rating? Am I allowed to apply for credit as soon as I arrive? I obviously want to take out a contract cell phone so don't know if I, or my fiancé should purchase it?

Lastly, I've gone through all of my driving lessons and I'm at a point where I could sit my test anytime now - however, it's so expensive over here and if I fail first time and have to resit it'll just cause me more unnessacary stress and excessive costs on top of this visa.

Thank you in advance :-)

Everyone needs a police certificate, regardless of if they have done anything wrong or not. Order one from acro. https://www.acro.police.uk/police_certificates.aspx

Evidence regarding chat logs, phone records, or face times, emails etc: are not needed for London interview. Relationship evidence will not be looked at, at all. London behaves very differently than other consulates. You can bring whatever evidence you have (besides the important and required stuff) if it gives you peace of mind.

Credit rating takes a few years of work. Whether or not you can obtain a 'contract' phone will depend on the company. Most likely not at first. My husband has a go-phone which we set to our joint account. ATT had no problems with him having a go-phone plan. but it's not considered a 'contract'. Secured credit cards usually are ways to establish some credit. The main goal when you arrive is to work on getting an SSN, get married, adjust status.. have spouse add you to bills, joint accounts etc.. then maybe look for secured credit.

If you have not taken a driving test and do not have a UK license (I think it must be at least a year in good standing?) then you will not be able to drive in the US legally. Once you adjust status and have your EAD, you will have to start from scratch in the US. That means following all the regulations for a new driver - learners permit/log hours on the road/classes if applicable/tests etc. There is some cost to this. This is quite different than an already established UK driver, which is allowed to drive as a visitor for a period of time from the get-go, and then can skip most of the regulations (beyond simple testing) to obtain a state license. The rules vary from state to state, but you should not expect to get very far without having an EAD. So you'll have some time waiting around.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Hey everyone - me again!

I'm just wondering a few things RE our K1... So firstly, I'm a bit confused when it comes to gaining a police report from the UK - how much does one cost? I've never had any sort of police interaction and as I'm only 21 don't know if I can even collect one from my local station? As I think it stated somewhere online it counts your legal record from the age of 18 or 20...

Apply here. London consulate instructions say it is valid for 12 months. https://www.acro.police.uk/police_certificates.aspx

Also, I'm wanting to use our FaceTime's every single night as proof of relationship but I cannot seem to find on my iPhone records of every nights conversations. Only the most recent one :/.

Forget it. You absolutely, positively will not need that at your London interview.

Also, I've seen a few people have had problems with credit rating and building it up after they move to the U.S what is the best way to ensure I maintain a good credit rating? Am I allowed to apply for credit as soon as I arrive? I obviously want to take out a contract cell phone so don't know if I, or my fiancé should purchase it?

You probably won't be given credit as soon as you arrive. You might have to go through your fiancé or a pay as you go plan.

Lastly, I've gone through all of my driving lessons and I'm at a point where I could sit my test anytime now - however, it's so expensive over here and if I fail first time and have to resit it'll just cause me more unnessacary stress and excessive costs on top of this visa.

Thank you in advance :-)

Some people drive on their UK license when they arrive until they get a state license. But with you being inexperienced driving in general, you may not be ready to take off on your own in an American car or even have a car of you own immediately. Since it is going to be expensive, you could skip having a UK license.

[Rmmm12345 15]

Apply here. London consulate instructions say it is valid for 12 months. https://www.acro.police.uk/police_certificates.aspx

Forget it. You absolutely, positively will not need that at your London interview.

You probably won't be given credit as soon as you arrive. You might have to go through your fiancé or a pay as you go plan.

Some people drive on their UK license when they arrive until they get a state license. But with you being inexperienced driving in general, you may not be ready to take off on your own in an American car or even have a car of you own immediately. Since it is going to be expensive, you could skip having a UK license.

Perfect that's great!!! The thing is I can actually drive. Just need to sit the test. I've been driving motorcycles etc for years also so have a partial license. But I guess I'll start from scratch over there.

Thanks for all of your help!

So no evidence at all in London? Okay that's fine. No updated letter of intent or anything? Also, do I need both my sponsor and co-sponsors 3 years worth of tax slips?

Thanks ,

R

[yuna628 9,840]

Perfect that's great!!! The thing is I can actually drive. Just need to sit the test. I've been driving motorcycles etc for years also so have a partial license. But I guess I'll start from scratch over there.

Thanks for all of your help!

So no evidence at all in London? Okay that's fine. No updated letter of intent or anything? Also, do I need both my sponsor and co-sponsors 3 years worth of tax slips?

Thanks ,

R

For London: the co-sponsor only provides the I-134 and financial evidence. Nothing from the USC fiancé if they are using a financial co-sponsor. Evidence to supply with the I-134 is as an employer letter and the most recent tax transcript. Have a read over of this thread, it tells you everything you need to bring: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/474161-london-k1-a-complete-guide-do-not-post-questions-in-thread/

If you have been driving motorcycles in the UK, it is possible you could obtain a motorcycle license for the US if you were interested in that. The process is probably the same for immigrants - an EAD will be needed.

Edited April 26, 2016 by yuna628

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Perfect that's great!!! The thing is I can actually drive. Just need to sit the test. I've been driving motorcycles etc for years also so have a partial license. But I guess I'll start from scratch over there.

Thanks for all of your help!

So no evidence at all in London? Okay that's fine. No updated letter of intent or anything? Also, do I need both my sponsor and co-sponsors 3 years worth of tax slips?

Thanks ,

R

If you have the money and want a UK license, then get one. It won't be of much use in the US past the first couple of months, if that long. It doesn't help you get your state driver license. If you need to save money, then that's a way...skip the fees for multiple tries at a UK license.

Updated letter of intent only if you don't interview before your NOA2 expires. (Four months). Most interview before their four months are up.

Sponsors--just read the two replies about that from yesterday. I don't want to write it all out again http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/593668-london-embassy-form-i-134-and-i-864-w-co-sponsor/

USEFUL:

Your specific instructions from London https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/fiancee-2/applying-for-the-visa/

Visa Journey's UK Forum http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/99-united-kingdom/

Edited April 26, 2016 by Nich-Nick

[yuna628 9,840]

I also wanted to add: despite the cost I personally would try and get a UK license, as you could then take a few months stateside (while waiting for the EAD) to practice driving, so that you are more confident to drive and perfectly ready to take a US test (which will absolutely be a requirement - period.)

I don't know how long the UK process is for you guys before you sit your driving lesson (it's been so long ago since I remember hubby going through that), but the US process in some states is lengthy, once you have a learning permit you go through classroom and hours of training in Maryland for instance, you will have a restricted or provisional license for at least 18 months before being eligible for a full license without any restrictions (in NY it is 6 months I believe). So from starting by scratch, you can expect by the time you receive an EAD and can apply for a license it will be at least over a year before completing the license program. A person with a UK license already bypasses most of that process. It really all depends on what you'd like to put up with doing.

[Rob&Jen 14]

Hey everyone - me again!

I'm just wondering a few things RE our K1... So firstly, I'm a bit confused when it comes to gaining a police report from the UK - how much does one cost? I've never had any sort of police interaction and as I'm only 21 don't know if I can even collect one from my local station? As I think it stated somewhere online it counts your legal record from the age of 18 or 20...

Also, I'm wanting to use our FaceTime's every single night as proof of relationship but I cannot seem to find on my iPhone records of every nights conversations. Only the most recent one :/.

Also, I've seen a few people have had problems with credit rating and building it up after they move to the U.S what is the best way to ensure I maintain a good credit rating? Am I allowed to apply for credit as soon as I arrive? I obviously want to take out a contract cell phone so don't know if I, or my fiancé should purchase it?

Lastly, I've gone through all of my driving lessons and I'm at a point where I could sit my test anytime now - however, it's so expensive over here and if I fail first time and have to resit it'll just cause me more unnessacary stress and excessive costs on top of this visa.

Thank you in advance :-)

The police certificate must be ordered from the Acro website as mentioned by Nick and costs either £45.00 or £80.00, depending how quickly you want the certificate to be delivered (11 days for £45). If you have a clean history it will come back as "no trace" which is what you want. Expensive, but mandatory.

Even though relationship evidence may not be necessary with London I personally will be taking transcripts of conversations on Facebook over a certain time period. Not too much, mind you, but enough in case I get that one interviewer who makes me into the exception.

As far as I know your credit rating starts from scratch when you become a permanent resident, or at least, doesn't carry the same value as it does over here.

If you intend to return to the UK every few years to visit family you might want to be able to drive during that time so a licence would be useful. Otherwise, it might be worth abandoning your UK test and focus on getting your US licence. You're not likely to be driving stick in the US, after all.

[TheAndies 50]

Hey! As others have mentioned the ACRO certificate I won't dwell on that...

Credit

I have a long (perfect) credit history in the UK... aside from my AMEX (more paperwork), it doesn't transfer over. Capital One will start sending you mail for credit building cards once you get EAD though, so you can build history from there if you like - or get a card from your bank (though i'd personally wait till you work auth to avoid being rejected).

Driving

Am I right in assuming (via your profile) you'll be moving to NY State? If so, I can shed some light on the exact details of driving here -

I have a UK drivers license (10+ years), but opted to not drive whilst filing for Adjustment of Status. Once I got EAD, I went to the social security office and applied for a SSN, and when that arrived in the mail about a week later, I took my EAD card, SSN and passport as 'proof' and went to the local DMV for a learners permit.

- NY State wont take into account prior driving experience from the UK, they only accept Canadian drivers licenses for a straight swap - so you would get treated as a straight new driver (though as others have said - get a license in the UK for driving experience if nothing else).

- NY State DMV will ask you to surrender your UK license if you do file for a learners permit. But they don't specifically ask unless you mention it, so just don't mention you have one

- Once you file for it, they give you the DMV handbook (you can download it in advance off their site), I spent 2 days reading it to familiarize myself in differences between UK and US roads (School buses, stop signs and flashing amber/ red lights on traffic lights). I then walked in and took the written test in my local DMV office, it's multiple choice, really not tough and I scored 100% after literally 5 minutes in the room. Just memorize the alcohol/drug bits.

- Once you've got that and your permit in hand, book the 5 hour classroom (either through a car school or university), I did mine in an evening, EZ.

- Once you've got your certificate of attendance, you can book a road test. You need 48 hours of 'real world' driving in the US. I just booked it. It takes about 3 months for a slot. Be prepared to be overly nice to the road test instructors. I've never heard of stories of nice ones. Mine yelled at me solidly throughout the road test, mocked my driving ability, questioned my judgement and then told me I passed with flying colors before yelling at a pedestrian. Nice people(!). They give you a receipt there and then which is as good as a license, whilst your main one is printed and mailed.

That's all there is to it! I wrapped mine up in 3 months, and that was largely due to waiting for the road test. Be aware your learners permit/license will say 'temporary visitor' on it with your EAD expiry date on it (if you go down the EAD route). I'm actually heading to the DMV today to show my (new/second) green card to remove that condition. Also take the defensive driving course if offered (or book it online), it lowers your car insurance further.

One side note - When getting car insurance here, I was asked by the person on the phone if I had a UK driving experience, I said yes - and they classed me as a 'experienced, competent driver' and lowered my and all the drivers in the house's insurance by $30 a month.

Hope this helps! sorry for the wall of text!

[Rmmm12345 15]

Hey! As others have mentioned the ACRO certificate I won't dwell on that...

Credit

I have a long (perfect) credit history in the UK... aside from my AMEX (more paperwork), it doesn't transfer over. Capital One will start sending you mail for credit building cards once you get EAD though, so you can build history from there if you like - or get a card from your bank (though i'd personally wait till you work auth to avoid being rejected).

Driving

Am I right in assuming (via your profile) you'll be moving to NY State? If so, I can shed some light on the exact details of driving here -

I have a UK drivers license (10+ years), but opted to not drive whilst filing for Adjustment of Status. Once I got EAD, I went to the social security office and applied for a SSN, and when that arrived in the mail about a week later, I took my EAD card, SSN and passport as 'proof' and went to the local DMV for a learners permit.

- NY State wont take into account prior driving experience from the UK, they only accept Canadian drivers licenses for a straight swap - so you would get treated as a straight new driver (though as others have said - get a license in the UK for driving experience if nothing else).

- NY State DMV will ask you to surrender your UK license if you do file for a learners permit. But they don't specifically ask unless you mention it, so just don't mention you have one

- Once you file for it, they give you the DMV handbook (you can download it in advance off their site), I spent 2 days reading it to familiarize myself in differences between UK and US roads (School buses, stop signs and flashing amber/ red lights on traffic lights). I then walked in and took the written test in my local DMV office, it's multiple choice, really not tough and I scored 100% after literally 5 minutes in the room. Just memorize the alcohol/drug bits.

- Once you've got that and your permit in hand, book the 5 hour classroom (either through a car school or university), I did mine in an evening, EZ.

- Once you've got your certificate of attendance, you can book a road test. You need 48 hours of 'real world' driving in the US. I just booked it. It takes about 3 months for a slot. Be prepared to be overly nice to the road test instructors. I've never heard of stories of nice ones. Mine yelled at me solidly throughout the road test, mocked my driving ability, questioned my judgement and then told me I passed with flying colors before yelling at a pedestrian. Nice people(!). They give you a receipt there and then which is as good as a license, whilst your main one is printed and mailed.

That's all there is to it! I wrapped mine up in 3 months, and that was largely due to waiting for the road test. Be aware your learners permit/license will say 'temporary visitor' on it with your EAD expiry date on it (if you go down the EAD route). I'm actually heading to the DMV today to show my (new/second) green card to remove that condition. Also take the defensive driving course if offered (or book it online), it lowers your car insurance further.

One side note - When getting car insurance here, I was asked by the person on the phone if I had a UK driving experience, I said yes - and they classed me as a 'experienced, competent driver' and lowered my and all the drivers in the house's insurance by $30 a month.

Hope this helps! sorry for the wall of text![/quote

]

That's so great!!! Thank you so so much woooo!!!!

[TheAndies 50]

No problem, If you have any other UK/NY state specific questions - don't hesitate to ask! We wouldn't have made it this far without this forum, so happy to help!

[Limey 551]

Re getting a cell phone without credit rating. I signed up for "go phone" on AT&T. I bought my UK phone with me (Nokia Lumia Windows), and had previously had it unlocked (so it runs with any network). Most of the world including the EU/UK use GSM standard phones - AT&T and T Mobile in USA use these, verizon and sprint use a different system. I wanted to use GSM so I could use my existing phone, and my phones in future would work around the world. If you just want a cheap phone you can buy an android gophone at walmart for about 60 bucks - does all the smart phone stuff, just not as nice as an iphone or Windows phone.

Before i left I switched my UK phone number to pay as you go. I have to remember to use it about once every 3 months to keep it alive but its good to know i have a UK number when i visit etc. I changed my UK vmail message to say I've moved to the USA, and give me US number.

AT&T go phone doesn't require a credit check. You pay each month in advance, a set amount for X amount of data, texts etc. The limitation is that I can't text or call outside the US/Canada/Mexico (but i have lots of data so can use skype and other messaging apps). Unfortunately they don't seem to have anything like our Pay as you go packages, else I'd have used that. The AT&T package i have is 40 bucks per month (i get 5 buck discount by setting up autopay from my bank account). Its less than half what the missus pays for Verizon, and i'm able to do things like share the internet connection with PCs and ipads (verizon would charge my wife extra to do this).

Hopefully now I have a bank account for a few months and a house future credit checks wouldn't be a problem. I don't have a credit card in the US at present but I think having one (and using it and paying on time) help build up credit score.

Edited April 29, 2016 by Limey