Ellesse

Hi there

Hope you don't mind me pitching in here, but I noticed that your profile states that you live in Lancaster, Ohio, and I'm here too, so wondered if I could provide you with some local information about groups that might be useful for networking in and around the Lancaster area.

Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce, Lancaster: http://www.lancoc.org/

Young Professionals of Lancaster: https://www.facebook.com/YoungProfessionalsofLancaster

Young Professionals of Columbus: http://www.ypcolumbus.org/

There are also some professional meetup groups on meetup.com that might be worth looking into, although I haven't looked at these in any great detail: http://professional-networking.meetup.com/cities/us/oh/columbus/

Other posts have mentioned architecture, so I didn't know if you would have tried the American Institute of Architects, Columbus chapter.

I've not checked out their websites, but there are other groups that may be help too: Kiwanis, the Rotary Club or getting involved in volunteering to, again, make those connections.

Would also like to add that, on a personal note, I found networking in Lancaster pretty tough (and still do), but hang in there! If you need any further information, then let me know.

Good luck!

L

What are xe.com like to use ... I planned to use Moneycorp to transfer to the US specifically for transferring the funds from my house sale here.

Some one else mentioned using xe.com ... have you got any experience of moving money with them to the US?

Unfortunately not - only moving money the other way. But, the experience I have had with them has been really good. I had problems with my US bank account at one point and they wouldn't let me use one method of paying, so xe switched it to something else without charging me an extra penny for changing arrangements once the deal was set up. It does take time for the money to be moved - it's sometimes taken about a week once I've been advised the money is going and it's gone from my US account, but it's always arrived within the timespans they quote and with no hassle whatsoever. I do also get charged a fee (because I'm wiring the money over), but it's about $30, so I don't think that's bad. I know it's not exactly what you're asking, but I would hope their service would be the same whichever way the money is going.

Wonder if others have anything else to add about xe.com? Or other transfers? The other company I was looking at was Ukforex:

http://www.ukforex.co.uk/

I didn't use them in the end as I had to have over a certain amount, which may work better for you if you're transferring house sales proceeds?

L

Oh, and I forgot to add: I opened a post office international payments account in the UK to allow me to transfer money over to the US too, in case I needed it. You have to have recent evident of UK residency though, so it might be easier for him to do it whilst he's in the UK. Think I had to provide a copy of my driving license and a recent bank statement or bill with the address on it. Here's the link:

http://www.postoffice.co.uk/international-payments

I also have an account with xe.com; this allows me to move money the other way to pay UK bills and stuff. That could help him with depositing money into his UK account without his sister having to do it for him.

It may sound a bit convoluted, but being able to move money between different countries that I needed as and when was really helpful when I first moved over (and still is!)

L

This is great. What did you guys do about your bank accounts? I thought it would be best for him to add his sister to the account in case anything needs to be paid or deposited after he leaves.

Hey there

Agree with KLB - I kept a current account and a credit card open, and use online banking. When I got here, I didn't have any credit history, and I'm guessing your fiance won't either? Because of this, I kept my UK credit card so I could use it for higher value things that I might need to buy in the interim whilst I build credit here, and a current account so that we can move money over and use it when we travel over there. I also did use my current account once I was over here - I used some of my savings to pay for stuff whilst I wasn't working, and never had a problem using my current account card for transactions here. I continue to use my UK credit card to pay a monthly bill here to keep it active. I've still got the address as being with my parents, and advised HSBC (my credit card provider) that I was going to be in the US for a while. I didn't feel comfortable cutting all ties with the UK, and think it's good to keep our options open.

Hope that makes sense! I seem to have rambled a bit!

L

Hi everybody.

At this point, Simon's about 10 days away from making the move to ths US.

I'll be headed there on Thursday and he'll be coming back with me on the 11th.

I'm curious what things he will need to take care of that he may not think of. Was there anything you didn't think of (or did)?

He's selling a lot of his stuff. I have a house here, so he won't need to bring anything he doesn't want.

He's already gotten rid of or is planning to cancel most things. He's been living with his parents since he came back from staying here this summer, so that simplifies a lot.

He's turned his notice into work, cancelled cable, will be cancelling his car insurance and cell phone.

Is there anything else? I thought I saw somebody mention something about taxes on here the other day??

We'd appreciate any help!!

Hi there

Agree with the above advice about completing a P85. Also, what about voting abroad and maintaining other links to the UK (if that's what he wants to do)? NI contributions in case you both are thinking of returning to the UK at some point and he is then (potentially, depending on what it looks like then) entitled to a state pension? Know I used this site in another thread on this forum, but this gives some great advice about who to inform about what:

https://www.gov.uk/moving-or-retiring-abroad

I also popped into my local GP surgery to tell them I was moving as they tend to send medical records to a central office if you're no longer living in the UK. Again, if you decide to go back at any stage, he can then have those records transferred to his new surgery.

Good luck on his move!

L

After moving to the US and getting married, I'll be obviously taking my maiden name. What would I need to do with regards to amending my name on my UK passport? What's usually done with this?

Hi there

After getting married, I took my husband's name but have kept my british passport in my maiden name. You'll need your passport for filling out the I-485 with the entry form and visa that you got in it, so I wouldn't advise doing anything that would mean your passport isn't in your possession during that process.

My green card is in my married name. When I travel abroad, I take my marriage license to link between my passport and my green card and book tickets with my maiden name. I've travelled a few times now, and not had any problems. If you did want to get your passport changed after AOS is complete, then you can apply via the UK Embassy in Washington - this site will give you all the information you need:

https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

L

I interviewed on a Friday and got my passport back the following Thursday - did include the late August bank holiday though, so 3 business days.

L

Hi there

My timeline from NOA2 to interview was about 3 months - I don't know how London is doing at the moment, but I think Nich is right that it's not likely that you'll make it, but it's always worth trying and seeing if a request on your cover letter helps.

Also would like to add that I've been around the board for a few years now, and Nich-Nick has provided invaluable advice to me and a lot of others - when you comment about wanting to know more about the process and not having done the process before, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone on the UK boards who knows more than her (as she's walked it herself and helped a lot of others through it too), and I believe that's the spirit in which she offered her advice.

Good luck with your journey!

L

Hey there

Another one who got a couple of lessons with a driving instructor once I got here. I had been driving for many years but, as a previous poster stated, wanted to make sure that I got rid of some bad habits in order to be able to pass the test, and to ensure I knew all the rules in practise. The instructor I had was excellent, gave me information on exactly what I would be tested on and techniques that would be useful, and leant me some cones to practise a specific part of the test that you have to take in Ohio.

I did a quick google and found these two in North Virginia:

http://www.ezdrivingschoolva.com/

http://www.aaplusdrivingschool.com/adults.html

Looks like it they have adult lessons too, so might be a good place to start?

Good luck with the search!

L

This question pops up pretty often, so this is one of my previous replies:

Original thread here

Thanks for this. Had noticed a few threads about moving UK money to the US (and actually contributed to the thread you linked) but hadn't seen any for moving money the other way. Didn't think I could use the same company that I had used before (the Post Office), hence the question.

Thanks

L

Thank you all so much for your replies! It sounds like xe.com might be the first option to look for, given the responses.

To answer the other recommendations - I have a US debit card that I can use internationally but that won't work in this instance, unfortunately, and, as I'm still building credit, I don't have a very big limit on my credit card to pay larger bills.

And, yep, I have a UK and US bank account, and am looking at how to transfer from one to the other to pay the bill without getting paid high fees, as bank-to-bank charges are pretty high.

Thanks everyone!

L

Have you tried PayPal?

Actually, I haven't - that hadn't even entered my head! Ooops! Will have to look into that one.

Thanks!

Hey there

So, I wondered if anyone has used any companies to transfer money from the US to the UK; need to pay some bills and wondered what others had used. The amounts I'm looking at moving are pretty small, so can't use www.usforex.com due to their minimum limits. I've seen www.tranzfers.com does this kind of stuff, but was interested in what anyone else had used.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

L

Hi there,

I used the Post Office to transfer money over (and still do) - I linked it to my UK and US accounts and it worked really well. This is the link: https://postoffice.hifxonline.co.uk.

If I requested a transfer before 5pm (UK time) on, say, Tuesday, it would be in my account on the Wednesday morning in the US; I've been really impressed with the service I've received.

One thing to note though: it's always easier to register whilst you're still in the UK as you have to go through a security procedure that includes a UK address (and evidence of it - so, a bank statement or something like that dated within the last 3 months).

Good luck!

L

Hey VJers,

My husband and I are considering returning to his country (Argentina) to continue our studies. They have great universities there and the education is free (or nearly free).

Our only concern is being able to use the degrees we earn there to find work in the US when we return.

Anyone have experiences with this either in Speech-Language Pathology or Teaching? or any other fields? I would love to hear others experiences.

Thanks,

Kelah

Hi Kelah

I am a speech pathologist and trained in the UK. As the UK and the US have a Mutual Recognition Agreement for their training programmes, my UK Speech-Language Pathology credentials were recognised by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). I had to get the UK equivalent of ASHA to write a letter of goodstanding and send this to ASHA, and I had to sit the SLP Praxis exam. Once I'd passed that, I was able to get ASHA membership and get licensing with the Ohio Board. If Argentina doesn't have a mutual recognition agreement (which you'd have to look into), then you'd need to get your credentials recognised by ASHA. Have a look at this to find out more:

http://www.asha.org/certification/CredEval/

Good luck!

L

Hehehe.. What a neat word.

Congrats on your progress. Great to get out there indeed.

Thanks. That word seemed apt as I spent a lot of time in the flat when I first moved here. Can start to feel claustrophobic after a while.

Good for you! My wife has worked 3 months now as a temp for a large banking firm in their post mortgage processing department. She recently was asked to apply for a permanent job with the company. Usually openings are for permanent positions are broadcast department wide, they have 100's of temps, but this opening opportunity was given only to her as far as she knows. She has a phone interview on Friday with the HR department. She also was given a bronze award for her work yesterday. That's pretty good progress for someone with 3 months on the job. Also after 10 months in the USA she has finally started to really consider the USA her home. As I'm sure many here have learned, there's a big difference between moving somewhere and considering that new place home.

That's terrific to hear - congratulations to your wife. Sounds like she's doing a good job and that's being rewarded, which must be wonderful for both of you. I agree - there really is a difference between moving and feeling 'at home' somewhere. Can't say I feel that yet, but I am starting to feel like I'm building a life here now with my husband, and that's what we both wanted (and something we could only talk about and hope for this time last year).

L

Great idea for a thread!

I got my EAD back in January. I made things a bit more complicated for myself, as my husband and I had a second larger wedding (and honeymoon as I could then travel) in March, so trying to get jobs before the middle of March was not good!

However, when we got back from honeymoon, I spent most of my time posting my resume, looking for jobs and talking to employment agencies. I had a couple of interviews by the end of March and was offered a job at the beginning of April. As I work in healthcare, I was able to pick up a similar job to the one I was doing in the UK (and the pay is a lot better too, which is a bonus). I've been working at that job for a month or so now (as I had a long lead time before I could start), and it's GREAT to be working again. Now I'm not 'flat-bound' anymore, and am finally able to contribute to the money that comes in, things are SO much easier and the time I spent waiting around for AOS to be approved and all that other stuff has faded. Now, I look back and think 'wow - we've achieved a lot in the last year' and it feels like life can get back to normal again! I hope those currently in the middle of the process (which can be motivation-sapping at times) are able to move through it quickly and get out the other side!

L

Just to echo what others have said - employers will often look into your history in other countries. When I was applying for the job I've been offered, I had to complete a form showing my addresses over the last 7 years (which was a bit of a pain as I've moved at least every year!) and provide information on my degrees.

L

this wait....now 46 days.

it is so hard waiting for her.

tying up loose ends, getting her things shipped out.

saying goodbye, visiting family and friends.

it has just been too long since we been together.

we have rare fights. good news is they are less destructive, and no one needs to be right.

we seemed have learned its ok to leave it unsettled and open. no one has to "win"

still lonely and all that...it is hard. i wish she was here.

I'm sorry you're having such a hard time - I understand it and remember it only too well! Hopefully you won't have to wait to much longer. I know this probably won't be any consolation now, but this will pass, and will fade once you're together.

L

i think it depends on the bank.

Which I think is why Darnell was asking us to report back with the details of the bank?

Responses to Darnell's requests in bold:

benuk - ya, the wacko bit is that it worked for you. Congratulations !

To anyone else reading this -

all depends on the bank you go to, the staff you deal with, and 'who shows up' to get things done.

Lots of variances here, lots of variables, but in the end, if you get what you went in for, please report back:

1. name of bank Chase

2. city of bank Small town Ohio (sorry - don't want to be too specific)

3. approx date you did this Within a week of arriving in the US in October 2011, before getting married

as it helps those coming up behind you that have the problem to get bank accounts.

Thanks so much !

Just to add - what helped me with mine was having an HSBC credit card. I had my SSN and passport (with visa) with me, but the credit card from HSBC showed that I was reliable to have a bank account in their eyes.

L

I am so concerned about my greencard... I'm schedule to travel to my home country on may 18th to pick up my k2 follow to join daughter. I have my AP already, but the fact that I am travelling without a green card still bothers me. I heard from some people that it is "risky" to travel overseas without the greencard.

If you look at my timeline, my case will be on it's 6th month in the next 2 weeks or so. How does that senator/congressman thing work? How can i contact them? And would it help if i call USCIS and ask for a service request? I've spoken to a USCIS rep just once in my life, and it wasn't helpful at all. She just basically read everything that I can see on my end everytime i check my case status online.

Hi there

I'm sorry to hear you're still waiting for your green card - how frustrating for you! I've not contacted a senator/congressman, so can't answer that part of your query.

With regards to travelling with AP - I travelled outside the US for a week with my AP, and I had no difficulties. I took my marriage license in addition to my passport and EAD/AP card to show the name change between the two. I was sent to secondary due to having to be parolled back in, but it was the easiest experience I've had there. Travelling with your AP is no different to travelling with your K1 visa, or your green card for that matter; you are never guaranteed entry (and CBP always say that - a visa is given to allow you to attempt entry, but the final decision always rests with the CBP at POE, even for US citizens), but that didn't stop you when coming on your K1, and I really don't think it should stop you now either. I mean - that was the point of having AP: so that you could travel if your green card hadn't arrived.

Good luck!

L

Hey! I JUST got my social security card in the mail today. There was another thread that you and I had discussed that. It was only about two weeks, but they got it all fixed and my card is now in my married name. What my local SSA office did was make a copy of my Green card, passport, old SSN etc, and they sent it all to Homeland Security to get fixed up. Not sure why they wouldn't do that for you. Maybe go back there and ask them to try that? I was given a date range of 4-6 weeks, so 2 weeks is pretty good.

Hi there

Thanks for the reply - funnily enough, I got my card through to this weekend, so finally got it sorted. From what I could tell from the SSA office, they sent all my information off to Buffalo to update it. Like you, I'm really pleased that I only had a 2 week wait rather than the 60 days I'd been quoted!

L

Thanks for the reply - I'm waiting for SSA to process a name change, which they said could take about a month, so I guess I'll need to wait for that to happen.

If I don't hear anything in the next few weeks, then I'll make an InfoPass (thanks for that suggestion!)

L

Some great posts in this thread, and I can relate to a lot of what's been said already. One thing that stuck out was what Vanessa wrote:

I too got the "Aren't you SO happy you get to live in the US?"... um no? i don't really think about it. I'm not "living in the US", I'm "living with my husband". I am living away from my family and instead closer to his family who are (the vast majority are) bad people. My personal income is non-existent at the moment but even when I was working it was about half what I was earning back home. Yes the cost of living is lower here but I read a post just the other day were the lady was talking about how much financially better they are now (after many many years) and it got me thinking actually we're WORSE off. I'm sure it'll get better but there you go.

I don't hate living here (anymore ) but it doesn't mean I LOVE living here, I'm pretty ambivalent about it actually. It doesn't mean I should "go home" (like is so often said in reply to these kinds of posts). In fact I've had people get pretty insulting if I don't say I love it here. They get this curl of distaste on their lip... like I'm this selfish self-absorbed immigrant who doesn't realise how lucky I am.

I'm getting to the point where I dislike being asked that question if I was happy to move here as I know that people are expecting me to say 'yes, I am SO happy here and the US is the best place on earth'. And when I hesitate, or say 'well, it's different from the UK', I get a confused look - it really infuriates me at times as I don't want to insult people here, but I also can't pretend the US is the best country on earth as it isn't: it has faults like any other country, and, believe it or not, some things about the UK I prefer. That's not to say it's worse - I'm not saying that at all, but it's my experience that people just can't conceive that you wouldn't love being here. And, of course, I made the choice, but I wouldn't have moved here except to be with my husband, particularly small-town America. And, sometimes I wish my accent wasn't so much of a talking point. I'm used to being with people from other countries so wouldn't comment on how much I 'love' an accent, but people will do that here, and sometimes interrupt a conversation to tell me how much they love it, which I think is pretty rude! I realise it's people trying to be friendly, but it gets old quickly.

Anyway, just wanted to say that I can totally relate to your original post, OP - I am happy to be where my husband is, but I do sometimes feel unhappy, which surprised me. I'm still not working (although I will be in the next month or so), and I don't think that's helped. Add to that that I moved in to where my husband already lives and the fact that he still does all the social activities that he did before, and ..yeah..it can be tough.

Here's hoping things get easier!

L

Hi there

I just wanted to say that I've been there too. Me and my husband (then fiance) started the process back in February last year. Fast forward a year, and we're together and have completed AOS. I know the process is hard and can make you feel your life is in limbo, but it WILL pass (although I know it can be difficult to believe that).

One thing I would say (and I know it's repeated on here) is that, whilst it's difficult being apart, there are also challenges once you get over here too (not being able to work, potentially being at home with limited transportation). Not trying to be bleak here, as I'm so glad to be with husband now, but all I'd say is: enjoy where you are at the moment, plan for your future but don't focus on it too much to the exclusion of everything else, and good luck with your visa journey! Some members I see on here seem to focus only on getting over to the US, which is fine, but I wonder what then fills the void once you are over here, if that makes any sense.

I hope it all goes well!

L