PearlyLemons

Any Essex girl worth her salt will understand a penchant for Jane Norman clothing...

I have ordered some clothes online (JN can deliver to the U,S) but that the U.S may place import tax/clothing tax on the clothes and I may have to pay a fee. Has anybody had any experience with ordering from a U.K website and then having it shipped to the U.S? I don't mind paying the 9% tax (oh, Illinois...) but do you think there is going to be a big kerfuffle about it? Will I have to go to some scary dingy government office and answer question as to why all the clothing is leopard print?!

Thanks!

O'Hare is where I've always flown into . It is a pretty large airport and can get pretty busy, but I think the longest I stood in a line was around an hour. The Border Patrol staff can come across as a little stern but definitely helpful. I did have an issue when I entered with my K1 visa - the officer forgot to press an enter button and so I did not get my I-94 # until my husband and I had spent 4 hours trying to get through on the phone (we were told originally we'd have to drive for 4 hours to go to O'Hare in person to sort it out but that's a whole other story). My advice is just confirm that they've entered you in manually and taken your brown embassy package.

It's also a little expensive to get food there though so bring a few extra dollars for snacks/a meal.

Hello U.K VJers,

I have a question - I have recently adjusted from a K1 visa and have been granted my 2 year GC. I am hoping to plan a trip back to the U.K at the end of this month and thought it would be a good time to renew my passport and update it in my married name in person in London. Now, I use my married name and my U.S documents are in my married name. I know there will not be an issue leaving the U.S or entering the U.K as I will have my marriage license as proof of name change and my plane ticket will be in my maiden name( as my passport is), BUT, if I get my passport renewed whilst in the U.K, will I have issues with the round trip plane ticket being in my maiden name? I've heard that your passport name needs to match names on the tickets - so it will be fine leaving the U.S but I'm not even sure they will be okay with me boarding a plane at Heathrow with my maiden name on ticket. Since it's cheaper to book a round ticket than two singles, does anyone know a way around this or if it will cause issues? Also, do I get to keep my defunct passport? It has my K1 visa page in it, which I know isn't too important now , but y'know, would like to keep it just in case, hah!

Thank-you

Emmy

Okay contacted uscis this evening and was told my EAD card was released for production today, but they could not tell me about the AP or AOS. at least we will get something. I guess it pays to call some times, but man it took them 90 days just to issue the EAD, so I guess it will be next year for the AOS.. Thanks for your input folks it really means a lot to know your not alone in the boat.

Regards,

Hi Chanhungli,

Even though you file separately for the EAD/AP. the document you receive (a card), will suffice for both EAD and AP. My AP status still says something alone the lines of "post decision activity", whereas my EAD status is "this document was mailed to you...". You should be getting it soon!

An update - I got my Illinois driver's license last week (spur of the moment thing - a 3 hour wait in the DMV for a 7 min drive around a few streets..., but hey, I passed, so yay!) and I also have a job lined up which I hope to start next Monday. The job is in a daycare as a toddler teacher - I actually have a degree in Early Years Ed. so this is a nice starting job.

Hope you're all keeping well. I haven't heard anything about my GC yet - we're still in acceptance.

Third world country? I think it's more politically correct to say developing world country....

Anyway, enroll her in a driver's ed course. They are a little pricey but it sounds as though she needs to learn the very basics of driving a vehicle. They are used to teaching beginners.

Insurance-- isn't it verifying the car you take the test in is insured? Over here, they insure cars, not people. You could borrow Grandma's car and drive without having your name on her policy. Her car would still be insured if you wrecked it. Or Grandma could borrow your husband's car without being named as a regular driver on the policy. Maybe the instructor was just warning you to take the proof of insurance on the car you take the test in, so you don't get there and say "oh darn, that's in my husband's wallet,"

Nich, this has just clicked with me. The car I have is insured. I always find it strange that people insure the cars and not people, but hey ho! Thanks!

I agree with Nich-Nick. They just want to make sure they car you are using for your driving road test is registered and insured properly before you take it out on the road. But your husband should be able to change your name on this insurance now. You are legally married and have the paperwork to prove you are legally allowed to change your name.

As for driving, my husband drove with his UK license until just last week when we went to the IL DMV and got him an Illinois driver's license. He moved here October 6th, and we submitted AOS Nov 18. Technically, I believe IL says you can drive on your license for 90 days after you make IL your home. But you can't get a license until you have permanent residence proof (EAD or green card), so I would venture to say that you could argue that the 90 day rule begins when you submitted AOS and declared intent to reside here permanently.

Good luck!

ChicagoSarah, thank-you! would even go as far as to say you're not a resident until USCIS are like 'Hey, welcome, here's your GC. You can live here!'. Haha!

Just going through same experience- my new social security card took a couple of weeks to arrive in the end. I also had a delay at the drivers Centre for a week until the SS card and immigration status were checked- I would wait until you have your new SS card before going to apply for licence, to avoid having to make an extra trip. Finally...yes as I understand it the insurance document is just for the car.

Good luck with it all, I know how you feel- it can all be very frustrating and confusing at times.

Lufu, it's nice to know you're not only one going through this very frustrating process. I think I will wait for my new SS card and then take my test.

Thank-you all so much - definitely feeling better now . Wish I could all invite you over for tea and cake!

1st part: its normal, it won't take that long and you'll have your new ssn soon.

2nd part, just wait for your ssn in your married name and you'll be fine. Get your husband to change insurance to married name.

Thank-you Agnes. I realize my post sounded whiny (wanting to pack it all in)- I didn't mean that truly. I'm just having a low day. Do you think I can drive on my U.K license for now?

Hi Everyone,

Just looking for some advice/words of wisdom.

Came to the U.S Sept 2013, applied for SSN in my married name. This was fine. We got married in Oct 2013, and then applied for AOS in November. Received my EAD/AP card around 2 weeks ago. Last Friday, my husband and I went to change my name on my Social Security card. The lady at the SS office said she needed to make sure USCIS would give her permission (wth?) to be able to change my name (even though my EAD is in my married name...) and she said I would have to wait for up to a month because she sent them a letter (I watched her put a photocopy of my EAD and marriage certificate in an envelope). She did, however, give me back from original SSN card with my maiden name. Is this normal? One post I read on VJ had something similar to my dilemma and even USCIS wouldn't verify the name change and they had to wait for the GC to change their name.

This leads on to my next point - I was told by two women at the DMV that I could drive in Illinois on my U.K license until I got my residency( my GC, I assume?). I now want to apply for a Illinois driver's license( because I think it's very iffy and I don't want to be doing anything illegal) but when I called the DMV today, they said my SS card had to be in my MARRIED name, because they wouldn't be able to verify who I was and my EAD is in my married name. Furthermore, I was told my my driving instructor here in the U.S that the driving examiner would need to verify my auto insurance ( I am under my husband's with my U.K license and maiden name) but of course that won't be my insurance and my name won't match up to the SS card once it's changed. The bummer is, the insurance company won't let me take out insurance in my own name because I do not have a valid U.S/IL license. This all feels like a catch-22. Right now, what with being coupled with homesickness and the uncertainty whether or not I can drive is just making me want to pack it all in. I can't work if I can't drive, unless I take a cab, which is expensive in these parts.

Should I have just waited for my GC to start all these name changes and driver's license stuff?

I'm having a bad day

Congratulations on your EAD/AP approval! Just a word of caution though - check the requirements for that Immigration Officer job. I have a feeling you may have to have been a LPR for at least 2-3 years or be a U.S citizen.

You could do a CNA course and then move into one of the medical fields. CNAs are always in demand, and the courses are usually little to no cost to you. It's probably the same amount of pay as a preschool teacher (anywhere between $8-12), but you get paid a little more on night shifts and holidays, too. If you find a job at a hospital the benefits are usually good as well.

Hi everyone,

Not too sure if this is in the right place or not.

I just received my EAD/AP combo card, which is in my married name. I am also going to be going for driver's permit within the next two weeks which will also be in my married name. My question is, when is a good time to change my name on my Social Security card

Is there a real urgency for a name change? I'm also applying to jobs right now which require the SS # to look you up, I suppose. They do ask for other names used on job application forms , so I'm assuming they can look you up by your married or maiden name which means it's not too much of an issue if your SS card is in your maiden name? Is is better to change your name after the whole AOS process and once you've received your GC?

Thank-you.

Nobbie, I'm a November filer too. My EAD/AP got approved last week and I just got a status update to say it's been posted to me today. My GC is still in acceptance also - I haven't heard anything from UCSIS regarding it.

I went through this process in the Summer of last year. I have a feeling there was a way to book interviews at the embassy for other types of visas, but NOT a K1. Please ensure you both double check as sometimes there's confusion with IV (Immigrant Visas) and Non-Immigrant Visas (NIV). A K1 is classed as the latter but is also treated as somewhat special. I'd call DOS or send an online information form to the London embassy asking if you do have an appointment. Good luck.

Our EAD was approved today

Congratulations!

Congratulations to everyone else who has their EAD/AP approved/in production! Looks like things are movingly along nicely for us all!

EAD & AP approved today .

Keeping my fingers crossed for all those still waiting.

Went to the doctors today, sigh, he said I have elevated Blood Pressure, and that I would need to come back on Monday and get a 24 hour BP test down, to see if I am suffering from white coat raised BP (when the thought of getting your BP done by the doc raises it). He said he could write off that document to the Knightsbridge People, as soon as he had the results from that. So hopefully only a minor delay.

He also decided to give me a speech about Americans and how expensive health care is for someone who has a high Blood Pressure....sigh.

I've seen a few posts around here where the BP was high at the Knightsbridge medical, and most of the time it is the white coat hypertension. I wouldn't worry too much. I think the medical side of the visa process is very invasive and some of seems very unnecessary. I'm sure you'll get your visa just fine .

Yup. Mine actually went from "Acceptance" to "Interview and Testing", so the info I mentioned before didnt even happen to me! All the others (130, 765, 131) are still in Initial Review, not that it matters with an Interview 3 weeks away...

You're basically stuck in traffic until your lane is open!

Mine says the same...Nov 21st But it's all good, no RFE and I'm sure it won't be long until I have my EAD and AP (not that I really need it but it's one step closer to getting the greencard and going back to college).

just sit back, relax and play the waiting game Good luck!

You guys are awesome - thanks for the words of encouragement, they are definitely needed today! What are you guys doing with all this spare time on your hands?

Thanks for the words of wisdom . I'm just anxious because when I log onto my case status on the USCIS website, my case apparently hasn't been touched since the 21st November...

I'm sure it will all be fine and work out (I'm still well within the 90 days), but staying at home all day is getting to me and I just can't wait to work and get balls rolling.

Congratulations to everybody moving forward!!! I see that users getting approved have their NOA dated somewhere in between the 10th and the 20th of november... We are noa November 18th so hopefully we will hear something soon! Our case number was never found online (they have some issues with some random case numbers on the "case status" thing on USCIS website and we are one of the "lucky" ones... So i guess well have to wait for the actual mail to find out if we are approved!!! Or i may call tomorrow asking about it! I've been calling everyweek, they might be tired of me but oh well, it us what it is... They been being pretty nice and helpful though...

Well, ill keep u guys updated!

Good luck!!!!

Hi there

My husband and I have the same NOA date as you .

Just out of curiosity, who are you calling to find out information on your case? Are they helpful at all? Are they able to tell you what's going on with your case?

Thanks

Hi AbbeyRoad3057

Here is a link to the U.K Border Agency;http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/

If you got married in the U.S you would not be able to travel & stay in the U.K with your boyfriend. Your husband( assuming you marry in the U.S) will have to go back to the U.K and apply for a spousal visa for you, and this can take a while. Is there any particular reason you guys want to live in the U.K, rather than the U.S? It might be easier for you guys to get married here (assuming the visa he traveled to the U.S on allows him to adjust his status), and then change his status to a spouse, so you guys can live together in the U.S.

Another alternative is you getting married and him going back to the U.K for a while and you applying for a spousal visa for him - I believe this is classed as DCF and it's a CR-1 visa. A further option would be for him to go back to the U.K, and you apply for a K1 visa for him (a fiance visa). However, if you did this, it can take a while and he would not be able to work for a while once he got to the U.S as your fiance and you would then have to apply for him as your spouse( it's called adjusting status).

If legal and possible, you should perhaps look into getting married now and get him to adjust his status, or get married, have him go back and apply for a spousal visa. To live together in the U.K as bi-national couple and with a non-EU spouse is pretty difficult right now. The U.K citizen needs to be earning around 18,500 GBP for at least 6 months for your application to be considered.

Good luck.

Glad to see the cases for your parents were approved! When do they move over?

Did they not update your status online?

Wishing you all the best.

Unless the USC has been involved with sexual offences, violence against women (it be domestic abuse) or murder, I don't think it will affect your petition.

No, you cannot wait to activate your visa. Once it is in your passport, and you visit the States, you will be entering the country as a K1 immigrant. The K1 visa is then void, and you have 90 days in which to get married. You can visit on an ESTA whilst in the K1 process.

.

Just got an update from USCIS website. My EAD and AP have been approved and card production is on the way.

Congratulations!

Oh, I lie! Just checked and my EAD and AP are on their way Yay!

Congratulations!

Did you guys receive emails/texts or check your online status?

I know what you mean about public transport - where we are in the suburbs of NJ, there is not much either...and there aren't even taxis really unless you want to go to the airport!

It is extremely dull..I can't imagine how it is for someone who hasn't even driven before. My hubby has done the sample tests for the driving, signs, situations, etc and is nearly flawless..it's all the fines and stuff that are a bit nuts to learn. Hopefully he will take this week and get that done! Good luck to Gema!

He is super handy..I never even dated anyone who was handy so marrying someone who is handy is quite lush.

We can't seem to get a straight answer on whether he needs to be re-licensed. I believe he can teach in charter schools and private schools right away...NJ Teacher's association seriously doesn't even pick up the phone. We have heard that since he has so much teaching experience, he may not need to be re-certified. Our plan is to have him start substituting and see if he can make some contacts to get him the answers. He may also do some tutoring work as well...have you thought about doing either of those?

I'm not sure about the biometrics answer - maybe someone else can answer that...they wouldn't let me in the back with my hubby.

That's great that he has so much experience! I hope he finds something he enjoys!

I think I can also work in private schools( at their discretion) but most private schools in our area are religious and of a particular denomination (which I am not), so we will see. There are a few daycares and preschools around so I will try my luck with those . LOL, my husband is quite handy but not into DIY..... which is a shame because I have soooo many ideas and he's like," erm, I refuse to look at your Pinterest board", haha! He's very good at other stuff I'm not though so all is well. He did teach me how to jump start a car the other day though, something I never thought I would do!

Reading all of this gets me quite worried, I'll be in Oregon in a month and I don't have any university degree. I'm very well-trained in hospitality and coffee, so I don't mind doing a sub-minimum wage job for tips. I don't need much, I just want to get by. Does anybody know much about working in Oregon?

I hear Oregon is one of the most desirable states to live in (economy, weather, etc) so I think you'll be fine! If you can get your first job waiting tables at a nice, upmarket restaurant, you should be doing quite well money-wise. Americans tip very generously here. I think it's between 15-20%.

I'm still waiting for my EAD. I can't wait to start working.

We received a text/email this morning that our case status for both the EAD and AP had been updated and both have been approved!

After biometrics we did get our appointment letter back and our case status didn't update to show any touches until today when both EAD and AP were approved.

Congratulations on your approval! How exciting .

Thanks for your input, also. I was beginning to worry. Bit off topic, but I've been to Hungary (Budapest) and I have to say it was definitely one of my favorite cities!