unforgettable fire
-
Posts
315 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Partners
Immigration Wiki
Guides
Immigration Forms
Times
Gallery
Store
Blogs
Posts posted by unforgettable fire
-
-
Went home for lunch and checked the mail-there were our NOAs for AOS, AP & EAD. Receipts dated Apr 4, and in my sweaty little hands on Apr 7, 9 days after dropping them off at the post office...
Excellent! Congratulations and good luck in your journey!
-
Blimey, Wells Fargo charged you as well as Natwest? When I withdrew some money out at WF last November, it was only Barclays that charged me (about £2 for withdrawing £150).
Banks :/
Stu
Unfortunately so... Well you know banks don't get enough money of us as it is.... **** inserts sarcastic laugh in here****
-
For everyone in CA. here are some practice tests that I have been using! Gotta share the good knowlege ! Good Luck My VJ family
Make sure you know the hand signals for the road test. Its is the first thing they ask you and it is an automatic fail if you dont know them.
Cheers for the input! I'll make sure to get everything tight before I go to the exam! ;-) I'm currently learning how to park... The lamp posts are still intact, I might be doing something right me thinks
Hope you guys enjoyed the weekend!
-
[...] everytime I draw money from the cash point I get charged twice (in total about £4). I believe an international transfer would be cheaper (between £10 or £20).
That's interesting, I could have sworn I saw a TV ad for Natwest the other day that said they don't charge for transactions abroad, although perhaps that was on a Natwest creditcard or doesn't apply to money withdrawals or something.
Or I completely misheard! Wouldn't be the first time.
Stu
Everytime I draw cash in Wells Fargo, using my Maestro (debit card) Natwest Bank, I get charged first $3 by Wells Fargo and around £2 by Natwest. I also have a Visa and a Mastercard with Natwest and I do get charged a little bit everytime I make a purchase. Go figure! I guess this is how the banks make the most money!
I do get free commission on currency exchange, but that is not helping me right now...
I'm really going to try what 'Boiler' is suggesting and see if I can get a big chuck transferred to my Wells Fargo account. It'll be cheaper in the long run!
Once again thank you guys for the help!!!
-
And which part do you remember the most ? I liked when in the Shining,Jack Nickleson chops down the door and says "Heeeeres Johnny."
JU-ON (the original version of The Grudge) that scared the ####### out of me!
-
Made a transfer 2 days ago.
Ring Nat West
Go through Security.
Ask for International team to make a transfer.
Give them details of your US Bank account.
Tell them you have heard their terms of biusiness and do not want to hear it again.
2 choices are standard or urgent. Urgent costs more.
Wow this is grand! Thanks for the info, everytime I have called Natwest they have sussed me away telling me it was not possible to make a transfer over the phone, they did not inform me about the International team. Bunch of idiots!
Thanks so much for your help, I will let you know how it went!
-
With Citibank, Jeremy was able to actually transfer the money from the US himself from my bank account if that is any help - I'll e-mail him the link to this thread anyway and see what he says
That would be aces! Thanks so much for the help!
-
I bank with Natwest and all it takes it a telephone call to set up a transfer to my US Wells Fargo account.
I only use NatWest if I want to transfer a small amount as the rates banks give isn't the best. Normally I just call and have them transfer it to MoneyCorp in London who handle the currency exchange and send it on. Not only a better rate but a lot cheaper than Natwest, especially if you want a regular monthly payment such as a pension sent over.
Really? I have talked to different people in Natwest bank ad no help.... They told me I either need to send them a letter authorizing the transfer or there is no go. It is extremely frustrating
Thanks so much for the link, I will have a look at it and probably give them a ring next week.
Have a good weekend!
-
I moved here in January and transferred my money using http://www.xe.com/fx/
It takes a few days to set everything up but it's really easy to use after that and their exchange rates are excellent.
Gillian
Thanks so much!
Did you transfer your cash prior to entering the US or once you arrived... The problem with me is that Natwest is not allowing me to transfer my cash elsewhere unless I go to a branch in person. I think it is ludicrous considering all the malarkey I have to go through everytime I log onto my account (you have to type first a banking code and then two different passwords).
I'm pretty upset at the manager who told me I was gonna be able to make international transfers online...
I'm definitely gonna have a look at the link you sent me and see if I get lucky. Thanks again!
-
I don't understand it all yet as Jeremy set it up - he opened a citibank account and got me to open one as well - I can transfer money from my natwest to citibank then from my citibank to his... it sounds a bit long-winded but he seems to understand it!!!
I can ask him about it if you want? He's at work right now but..
Thanks so much! If you could please ask him that would be grand. Would I be able to open a Citibank account here in the US?
This is driving me down the bend! Bloody banks!
Hope you are having a good Saturday!
-
Oh I also forgot to add, "The drivers evaluation score sheet " . It would be fun for your spouses to play Instructor/evaluator!
http://www.hep.man.ac.uk/u/christina/photo.../scoreSheet.jpg
Now, this is very neat! Thanks so much once again!
-
Hi there!
I was wondering if any of you have encountered the same problem. I bank with Natwest and I also have online banking. For some reason I was misinformed by one of their managers who told me I was gonna be able to make international transfers via online banking. He was wrong...
I'm currently in the US going through the AOS process and even though I have a joint account with my hubby here in the US my money is stuck in the UK. Of course I can use the ATM machines and visa card but this is costing me a hell of a lot more since everytime I draw money from the cash point I get charged twice (in total about £4). I believe an international transfer would be cheaper (between £10 or £20).
I called Natwest and they told me I can only make a transfer if I go to the branch in person... HELLO! I'm in the U.S!!!
Anyone with this problem? Do you guys have any suggestion of how I can get this sorted out?
All input is very much appreciated and have a great weekend everyone!
-
For everyone in CA. here are some practice tests that I have been using! Gotta share the good knowlege ! Good Luck My VJ family
Thanks so much for all the information!!! It really helps!!! Thanks for putting a small on my face!
To all of you guys: HAVE A FAB WEEKEND!
-
I'm bilingual in English and Spanish. I never really used the Spanish when I was living back home (England) but here in California it certainly is an advantage!
Mucha suerte con las lecciones!!!
-
I am in Texas...and got my SSN when my I-94 was still valid...and now I found out that they just accept the I-94 in these situations:
A Foreign Passport with a visa (valid or expired) and: Form I-94 with status code F1or F2, an unexpired Form I-20, and evidence of current enrollment in an educational institution located in Texas or sponsorship in a visiting working program:
Form I-94 with status code J-1 or J-2 and an unexpired Form IAP-66 or Form DS-2019 or: Unexpired Form I-94 with a defined expiration date: Form I-94 must have been issued for a period of at least one year and have at least six months validity remaining.
Thanks so much for the input! I really appreciate it, I think I'm gonna venture my way to the office on Monday with my passport, my NOAs, proof of address and marriage cert. and see what they have to say. Might as well try my luck right?
-
Ok, saw here http://www.dmv.org/ca-california/drivers-ed.php that you need to do a driver's ed course before you can apply for a learner's permit in California. I would STRONGLY advise you do the course NOW, so you can start clocking up that six months - remember you won't be allowed to drive on your own during that time. While you're waiting to start work, you could do the course and start the clock ticking so that once you have found a job you'll be able to DRIVE there!
WOW! Thanks so much once again! I think you are totally right! I'm gonna see where I can get this course and get it all out of the way. Might as well using the "time-off" wisely right?
Thanks so much for the help! You are a star!
-
Ok, a learner's permit basically licenses you to learn to drive on the road with someone over 21 in the passenger seat.
I am not sure about California laws, but here in Maryland you must hold a learner's permit for AT LEAST six months before you can take the test for a full driving licence.
So, if I were you, I would apply NOW!!
BTW, I had to take the written test before they would issue me with the learner's permit, so make sure you read up before!!!
Here are some online tests that can help to practice on!!
http://www.dds.ga.gov/Training/pt_intro.aspx
Thanks so much for the info! I know it might sound lame but it is all pretty confusing. When I was reading on the DMV-California they mentioned about documents needed to apply for the license. I still don't have my EAD card so that is why I thought about waiting to apply. But I think i might just go there next week and get some information, see what exactly is required. I know the ask for the SSN and I still don't have mine,that is why i am gonna go to the office on monday to see if I can get them to issue me one.
However, I have been reading the book and practicing on the car with my hubby. Let's see what i can find out next week when I go there in person.
Thanks so much for your help, I really appreciate all the info! Hope you have a wonderful weekend
-
Check whether you need a learner's permit.
I had a NASTY suprise this week.
I originally went to get my learner's permit in September, they asked if I'd had any form of licence before.
I showed them my English learner's permit and they told me that I couldn't have a learner's permit since I had that. So I went off to learn to drive and did the 3 hour course they told me I needed.
Went back in Jan to book the test, by which time my I-94 had expired, they told me to make an appointment, which I couldn't make until Feb. Made the appointment in Feb for April 1st.
When I went on April 1st, they told me I needed a LEARNER'S PERMIT!!!
What BITES is that once you get a learner's permit, you can't take your test for SIX MONTHS!!!
So basically the MVA have STOLEN a YEAR of my life!!
Thanks so much for the information! What exactly is a Learner's Permit? I have never driven before I don't hold a foreign driver's license. Coming from London I never had the need to apply since we all use public transports there, therefor this would be the first time I apply for a driver's license.
All info regarding this would be very much appreciated, and thanks so much once again!
-
Hello,
I'm a US citizen and my wife is Mexican. She is living here with me legally (I believe) - she has a B1/B2 and an I-94. She's been living in my apartment the last two months with me since we got married. Our AOS process (applied 3 weeks ago) is going smoothly so far - we got the biometrics appointment letter already.
The leasing agent at my apartment said that my wife needs to be added to our lease if she's living with me. I didn't tell them anything about her citizenship or residency status. They said they will have to run a credit check on her, but since she doesn't have a SSN I'm worried that they could decide to not give us a new lease.
Has anyone had experience with this before? Is my wife considered an illegal alien even with her I-94 status?
Please let me hear your thoughts.
P.S. - I love this website!!!
-Pancake
Hi there! I am the non-USC and my husband managed to put me on the lease without problems. I'm still awating to get my SSN and they did not run an extra credit check since my husband has been living in the same property for the last 5 years.
I'm not too sure if you are based in California, but just in case you are this article might be useful:
http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/20...ornia_beco.html
HOPE THIS INFO HELPS!!!
-
Passed my driving test and got my driving license with married name!!!!! yahoo!!! My first official document with married name.. Still waiting for a letter from Karif's ex-employer... Ahhh!!! Please send it to us as we need to send RFE back to Missouri!!! Hopefully next week
That is awesome! CONGRATS! I've started learning how to drive, I never needed to before since I was living in London but here it is different. I know I can't get the license until my EAD card arrives, but at least I can be prepared and get the test out of the way when the time comes
Congrats again, you must be really happy!
Thank you!!! I am very happy... thanks God Florida is more liberal state than California and they gave me driving license valid for 1 year with my married name- I needed to show only my AOS NOA and marriage certificate!! I was so exited that even drove by myself from Orlando to Tampa (2 hours driving- we are visiting karif's grandparents)... I didn't have driving license in my country as we have very developed transportation system there- you can get everywhere by train and bus
but here in Florida- no where without a car At least something new as still waiting for this freaking letter from previous employer for RFE .... Yeah it seems that Florida is more liberal than Cali, but I'm happy you got it. I understand what you mean about the transports back home. I'm used to London and getting everywhere by public transport, but things are different here in LA. Hopefully soon enough I'll be driving!
Good luck with your RFE, I know everything will be just dandy once you sent the papers back, don't you worry, try to relax and celebrate your success this weekend!
-
You are right , it is definitely worth a shot, I can take my passport, ID, UK residency card, Marriage certificate, my NOAs, proof of address (lease, bill...), etc to the local office and try my luck!
Even if I originally entered the U.S. on the VWP I'm sure if they see I'm currently undergoing the AOS process they might even grant me the SSN.
Thanks so much for the help you really are a star!
You're welcome..anytime!! That's why we're all here..to help each other find our way through the maze of things to get and how to get them
And yes, since you're already married, you can apply for your SS card. Good luck!How wonderful u2rsobad! Very well said. It's always nice to know someone is out there willing to help and share. Just happy to have found this great community!
Rhosie
I agree with you! It is certainly a great source! And the best way to keep our sanity while all this process goes on. I'm happy I found visajourney and thank you guys for being so wonderful!
-
That is awesome! CONGRATS! I've started learning how to drive, I never needed to before since I was living in London but here it is different. I know I can't get the license until my EAD card arrives, but at least I can be prepared and get the test out of the way when the time comes
Congrats again, you must be really happy!
You don't need to wait for your EAD to get a driver's license. You just have to take the tests...most states it's both the written and the driving test.
Really? I was checking on the DMV- California website and they mention the following:
To apply for an original driver license if you are over 18, you will need to do the following:
• Visit a DMV office (make an appointment for faster service)
• Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)
• Give a thumb print
• Have your picture taken
• Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.
• Verify your birth date and legal presence
• Provide your true full name
• Pay the application fee
• Pass a vision exam
• Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the test. You have three chances to pass.
So now I'm a bit confused. I still don't have my SSN since I'm waiting for my EAD card to apply for one and the only way I have of verifying my legal presence as for the time being is to show my NOA's and I don't think they would take those...
Any suggestions? It could be nice to get this done and out of the way since I have the time now.
THANKS SO MUCH!
We applied for my husband's SSN the day after we got married and got it back in about 3 weeks. We didn't have it when we went in to get his license, but we had everything else as well as a certified copy of our marriage license.
They needed several types of ID to verify who he is and we had his passport with current visa, an international drivers license, his Japanese drivers license, our marriage license, something with his name and current address on it (ie: utility bill), and a copy of the letter provided by the SS office stating we had applied for his SSN. (They gave us this when we applied for the number at the SS office showing our case number and the approx. time we'd wait to get the card.)
They don't take your pic until you pass the test, but you can also get a state ID card if you're not ready to take the test yet and they will take your pic then. Other than the thumb print, they're the same requirements. You should be able to use the letter given by the SS office to verify that you've applied for the card.
As far as ID, you have your passport and visa (passport is ID from your home country and the visa is US gov't issued), your marriage license (take a certified copy with you, not a photocopy..they will make a copy of it there) and if you have an ID card from your home country, take it with you as well. We didn't make an appointment, just went in when they first opened so it wasn't as busy yet. But after passing the written test (computer) then we had to make an appointment for the driver's test. It's a bit different in each state, but I would at least call and ask if the letter from SS office proving you applied for the card is good enough. Can't hurt.
You are right , it is definitely worth a shot, I can take my passport, ID, UK residency card, Marriage certificate, my NOAs, proof of address (lease, bill...), etc to the local office and try my luck!
Even if I originally entered the U.S. on the VWP I'm sure if they see I'm currently undergoing the AOS process they might even grant me the SSN.
Thanks so much for the help you really are a star!
-
• Visit a DMV office (make an appointment for faster service)
• Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)
• Give a thumb print
• Have your picture taken
• Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.
• Verify your birth date and legal presence
• Provide your true full name
• Pay the application fee
• Pass a vision exam
• Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the test. You have three chances to pass.
So now I'm a bit confused. I still don't have my SSN since I'm waiting for my EAD card to apply for one and the only way I have of verifying my legal presence as for the time being is to show my NOA's and I don't think they would take those...
Well why are you waiting for your EAD to go apply for SSN? You can apply for SSN after 2 weeks from your arrival to USA. (In my case they told me after 30 days though but I know everyone else was able to do it after the 2 weeks.) For to get the SSN you need to show your passport with your K1 entry stamp in it to show them that you are here legally and proof of marriage (marriage certificate). So you get that and with SSN you can apply for the driver´s license. If your K1 stamp expires pretty soon though they most likely won´t send you the driver´s license untill you get your green card. But they still might let you do the tests. That´s how I did it. Anyway I have an international driver´s license, so I don´t care that they send me my CA one later...
Oh ok...if your I-94 is expired then yeah I guess you have to wait for EAD..
Hi again, and thanks so much! I did not apply for SSN since I didn't know I was gonna end up staying in the US. My husband and I married in the spur of the moment. I entered on the VWP. That is why I didn't do anything of the sort. I had my job back home and all that jazz
It was a crazy decision but such is love ;-) I decided to stay after consulting an immigration paralegal. Thanks again for the information!
-
Look what I found:
Hope it helps!
Only the original or a certified copy of one of the following documents is acceptable:
US Birth Certificate
US Certificate or Report of Birth Abroad
Federal Proof of Indian Blood Degree
INS American Indian Card
Birth Certificate or passport issued from a US Territory
US Passport
US Military Identification Cards (Active or reserve duty, dependent, retired member, discharged from service, medical/religious personnel)
Common Access Card (only if designated as Active military or Active Reserve or Active Selected Reserve)
Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
Northern Mariana Card
INS US Citizen ID Card
Permanent Resident Card
Temporary Resident Identification Card
Canadian Passport/Birth Certificate
Non-resident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card
Valid foreign passport with a valid Record of Arrival/Departure (form I-94)
Certification from California Department of Corrections or California Youth Authority
Employment Authorization Card
Permanent Resident Re-entry Permit
Refugee travel document
"Processed for I-551" stamped in a valid foreign passport
Valid I-94 stamped "Refugee," "Parole or Parolee," "Asylee," or Section 207, Section 208, Section 209, Section 212d(2), HP or PIP
Immigration judge’s order granting asylum
Certified court order or judgment issued from a court of competent jurisdiction.
Valid I-94 with attached photo stamped "Processed for I-551 temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence"
Notice of Action (I-797 Approved Petition)
Mexican Border Crossing Card with valid I-94
Thanks so much that is what I though, I can only use the work permit when it arrives since my I-94 is expired...
Thanks again!!!
AOS FILERS - March 2008
in Adjustment of Status (Green Card) from K1 and K3 Family Based Visas
Posted
That is pretty cool! Congrats!