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why would anyone label him as ADD and give him drugs? Just because he isn't educated? As the parent of a child with ADD, I can tell you for a fact ADD has zero to do with intelligence or literacy and they don;t just give out medication like candy. My son is educated with a 3.8 GPA, one has nothing to do with the other. SMH.

In the mean time his father needs to be reported. he is abusing that child, and as far as I'm concerned if you don;t report him, you are just as responsible as the father by knowing about it and sitting idly by doing nothing.

Doing nothing? I'm asking for advice aren't I! I wanted to ask before I do go ahead and report him!

And maybe you haven't had bad experience with your child being labeled ADD, but I have first-hand experience (via friends' children who've reached out to me), and I know that meds ARE indeed overly distributed. I'm worried about his total future, not just what's happening to him today. I have to look at the big picture.

So, that's why I'm asking. Can he just apply himself? Give me some options here. I am really asking for help.

Boiler is correct. The person is 18, an adult. They can now make their own choices in life. If he wishes to remain in the US out of status that is his choice. If he wishes to return to the UK buy him a plane ticket.

Can he just apply himself? Give me some options here. I am really asking for help.

The son obviously needs to contact US authorities.

Also, I hope this is a troll.

Ok. You are recommending he do it. I really want him to do well and I'm worried about that. But that's what you recommend with certainty? Can he apply by himself? The alternative (home) is honestly no better and I think he can get a better education and do better here. But he needs the help.

Hey Everyone.

I'm VERY concerned about a family member. But before I phone immigration and report the problem I would like to see if there would be a better way to resolve it.

I have a family member who illigally moved from the UK to NY around 5 years ago, he has since become legal. He left his young kids back in th UK so he could start a new live here in the US. HIs new American wife already had 4 kids. They have since had 2 kids together. His son, who he lst back in the UK went to visit him 2 years ago in NY. He was 16 at the time, He never went back to the UK and has been there ever since. He had no idea of his dad's plan to keep him there. His son who is now almost 18 years old has told me that since living there he hasn't left the house, but once in that entire time and it was to a supermarket. His dad and stepmom keep him there to watch the kids, while they go out to casinos, and spend money which could be used to make him legal.

His dad won't get him a green card because he says he can't afford it.

But, his son can't apply for jobs or college and really wants to leave. He's even threatened to get himself deported. He needs an education desperately as he's very illiterate. He would not be hired for any job with his literacy rate anyway. And his home town in the UK is nothing better. His mom is a druggy and doesn't look after him.

I'm worried about calling social services because they just would drug and label him as ADD not help him.

Thoughts?

Home Depot store associate. I got laid off after 3 months. The job was pretty awful anyway. I'm still looking for work while doing music gigs here and there. Session work and solo work.

So let me double check,

I am sending in:

My old passport, marriage cert, Two UK sized photos, cheque for $217? Correct?

Then send it to:

The UK Passport Service for the Americas and Caribbean

British Embassy

19 Observatory Circle, NW

Washington, DC 20008

Yes?

Just want to make sure so I don't mess this up.

Oh and for my UK driving license change of name I need to include my marriage cert, Old license, new photos, counterpart license correct? (Sending it to my folks in the UK to mail it from the UK)

I am also getting my name changed by deed-poll (Is this necessary though? ) in the UK so I can get the deed poll sent to my folks house, they can put it in the envelope with my stuff and mail it to the DVLA.

Any feedback would be appreciated!

Not sure about marriage cert? I didn't send one in. Anyway. I got my new passport in the post today I just sent in teh form, old passport and 2 UK passport sized pictures. I also got my old passport back with my new one.

Thanks guys. I sent off for my renewal today. I hope I did it all right!

Looks like you guys having a good time.... and adjusting to the new life in US. If you want walkers crip, you can get Lays in US they are same.

If you like the thicker one then go for kettle ones, they are pretty much same.

Definately roads are bigger much more fun to drive on, and good thing no speed cameras like UK....

Hopefully would be there soon too.......

Lays and Kettle still don't cut it.

It's nice to read stories of happy adjustments when the boards are ususally full of complaints. My husband too is loving his move from the UK. I enjoyed your wedding clips and music. Thanks for sharing.

Really. That's a shame So I'm glad I had a nice story to tell

Really nice read, thanks for posting. MMmmm would love some space raiders right now.

I too have become more healthy. Did not think that would happen in Florida, but I eat a lot better, work out more than I used to and spend much more time outside than I did back in the UK (where I was usually holed up raiding in warcraft).

Hehhehe yeah Space Raiders taste so amazing! Can't wait to get mine next week! I also spend a lot more time outdoors since I moved. And have become far more healthy. I guess it's because of the nice weather.

I didn't have a countersignature and my American sized photos were accepted.

http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/passports/passport-fees

The total fee was $204.

Great! Thanks so much! The link is very helpful

OK. So from what I can tell you do not need a counter signature on the C1 form if it's just a normal renewal. I'm also getting lost to how much this thing costs right now. Does anyone have a direct link to the costs? I'm a british citizen living in Los Angeles.

Hi! I'm here for over 8 months and I also love it. I don't have a licence yet (road test next week and I hate Parallel parking). I volunteer at the animal shelter which is an old dream. Soon I will have to look for a job also.

I've watched the videos on youtube. You had a very nice wedding.Congrats!

Thanks! Glad you like it over here too! The Animal shelter sounds like a great place to work!

Since moving here to Los Angeles in April 17th 2009 life has changed for the best. We had a really beautiful backyard wedding right here in the valley. Mountains all around us. Nice hot sunny weather. My parents even travelled from the UK to be here at the wedding. We spent a lovely honeymoon at Laguna beach with plenty of sight seeing. I settled in pretty fast. My wife's family are great and her Daughter and I get on really well. I made friends here pretty fast also. ( Mainly musicians ) One of them being one of my all time rock idols! Crazy the people you can meet and become friends with here in LA. The only annoying thing was having to wait for my work permit. Once I finally got it after waiting for 5 months I soon found work. But that hasn't lasted long as I was laid off at the beginning of this year. I'm still looking for a new job. In the mean time I have recorded a CD down in a studio in Hollywood. Done quite a few shows and have started to make a name for myself. So as far as music goes everything is smooth. But the pay is bad. My wife is VERY supportive. I'm staying positive that I will find a good job soon. And at the same time I will keep pushing forward with my music. You can hear my 3 song single at http://www.myspace.com/byrongore And for anyone in San Diego I have a show there on the 20th. Details can be found on the myspace page.

As far as adjusting to the USA, the first thing I noticed is how everything here is sooooo much bigger than in the UK. The roads and freeways still scare me. I'm learning to drive right now so should be on the scary roads myself very soon. I do miss a few British foods and drinks, like Space Raiders crisps, Kenco coffee and Walkers crisps. I also miss the curry the you could buy at Tesco and the Posh noodles. :/ But I have become a lot healthier since moving here. My wife has made sure of that! Oh and of course it's a lot hotter here in Southern California. We live about 40 mins from downtown, in a little valley. It's a lot hotter here than it is in downtown LA. It has reached 114 degrees :S But I'm getting used to it. So life is good we are still in love and having fun. I have family visiting next week from the UK, so I can't wait to show them my new home and for them to meet my wife. Below you can see some footage from out wedding on June 7th 2009.

Mr and Mrs Gore

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBiViopTDvs

A little interview on our wedding day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACgRC9s7R2s&feature=channel

Cutting of the cake.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQdV9SafRk4&feature=channel

Bouquet and garter toss

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3D8FO3aQEM

I'm in the US. How do I renew my British passport while I'm living here as a permanant resident? Do I really have to get a counter signature from a British professional? I currently have a C1 form. But I don't know any British professionals here in the USA.

Ok we got married on the 7th of June 2009. We are still waiting for the marriage papers to come in the post. What are the next steps that we need to do? And what sort of time limit do we have?

Ha ha, but no, he's my fiance and a man. He wants to change his name to my former last name. Has anyone done that?

im sure there is someone on vj that has been in every variant of every immigration situation known to the information superhighway.

can you expand on his desired name change? in my head im thinking 'so, hmm, he wants to take her ex-husband's last name? alrighty, different strokes for different folks..'

though i dont think this is the case...

lol no! I was thinking about adding her Maiden name ( family name )not ex husbands :s

It is customary to take spouse's family name and YES you can apply for AOS using married name.

Simply file I-485, I-765, and I-131 using married name, and note maiden name on the "Other names used" line of the various forms, and on the "Name on I-94" line on form I-485.

This is a VERY FREQUENT QUESTION.

When traveling simply carry a copy of marriage cert to show how name change from that in passport to that on the green-card or AP doc.

Thanks so much for the info

I'm curious. Would it be possible for me to take my fiance's last name when we get married? Even though it's my surname issued on the visa? Or would it be ok as I already have my visa, plus I will be needing to renew my passport near the end of the year anyway. Has anyone done this and what steps would I need to take if I decide to do it.

Great thanks guys

While trying to claim back some working taxes back I was told that I need to fill in a P85 form http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/cnr/p85.pdf

Has anyone else done this? and is it really needed?

I bet the mice laughed their asses off....

hahah! love it

I wouldn't sent my computer in the hold personally, not without good insurance at any rate. At the very least I'd take out the hard drive and the graphics card and either get some hard cases for them, or send them insured via FedEx.

Cali rocks, so you don't have to worry about that part of the deal.

This is a relatively inexpensive time of year to fly, so if you can it might be an idea to see how much an upgrade would cost. Some of the other classes get more of a baggage allowance.

Well I got a pretty cheap flight. And it's direct. I'm really not taking that much stuff as I'm leaving/selling most of my things here in the UK. Shipping by cargo seems to cost a lot. fedEx might be a good idea for the graphics card if I don't feel secure with it being packed.

And yeah Cali does rock

PC Shipping - if it were me, I'd remove any video/sound cards and pack them in bubble wrap (can be stuffed back inside the case) - some folks have even done the same with memory chips - just to keep things from popping out and harming themselves or other pieces. Disconnect plugged in cables so they don't become dislodged and damage pins. Leave mice/keyboards and monitors at home - too much trouble.

I've even heard of folks packing mother/main-boards (and other 'cards' and components) and leaving the case behind (can always buy another one here in the states). Really depends on the system you have and how much trouble you want to go through.

Yeah well my first thought was to remove everything and buy a case in LA. I may have to stick to that idea. if I can get the graphics card out that is. It's a massive Gforce 8800 ultra card and I cant get to the pin that clips down :/ damn card is massive! And yeah the HDD I will of course keep on my person. Ahhthe day of my flight can't come fast enought. We haven't seen each other in 6 months now :/ I'm all excited like a little kid at christmas :dance:

Just a clarification - the visa is valid for 10 years but that doesn't mean he is allowed to stay within the US for 10 years. Each time he enters the US he will receive an I-94 from the border authority. There will be a date on that I-94 and that will determine how long he is allowed to remain in the US. It could be 2 weeks; it could be 3 months, it could be 6 months. It is unlikely to be longer than that and most likely shorter. The visa is good for 10 years which means he is allowed to re-enter the US using that visitor's visa during those 10 years but that he can never overstay the time allowed for a visit as designated by the I-94.

Gotcha. Thanks for the info

Theoretically if you know about the correct procedure to immigrate to the US through marriage and you still came on a tourist visa with the intention of immigrating what you are doing is illegal.

That being said I believe VJ does not give advise on people doing things the illegal way.

I see. Well I have my visa anyway and we are due to marry soon But I'm just concerned he was wrong and would outstay his visa. 10 years :s jeez

Ok my cousin just told me he has a 10 year visa. he got it within a week of applying for it. Is this right? He said it's an M class. if this is so then why bother with the K1 visa? He didnt have to do any paper work and payed a lot less than me. he just has a 3 min interview and they gave it to him. He said it's a B1/B2 B1 for business and B2 for visitor it's both.

How does this visa work?

It's a non-immigrant visa.

Means your not suppose to use it to attempt to immigrate, like a K-1 will allow you to (once your married, you can stay and AOS).

It is only for "visiting" or "business".

Of course, one can enter the US with non-immigrant intent, change their mind a few seconds after entry, marry a USC and file for AOS.

Nothing illegal about it.

So really I could have just had that in the first place. Got married in the states and stayed there for good?

Ok my cousin just told me he has a 10 year visa. he got it within a week of applying for it. Is this right? He said it's an M class. if this is so then why bother with the K1 visa? He didnt have to do any paper work and payed a lot less than me. he just has a 3 min interview and they gave it to him. He said it's a B1/B2 B1 for business and B2 for visitor it's both.

How does this visa work?