About Berni

Status:

Expatriate  

Currently Lives:

United States

Citizen Of:

United States

Some Forum Posts:

United States: Any Brits in San Antonio:

Are there any Brits out there located in San Antonio, TX that would like to get together with other Brits...? drop me an email: brindlecraig@hotmail.com

United States: UK to Texas [mostly driving Qs]:

Don't worry about it - as long as you can provide a car with insurance when you go for your test you will be fine - the tests are very short and basically examine stop, turns and safety - no roundabouts, no gear changes, no uphill starts. just make sure you can drive safely and you will be fine. Dont bother getting the UK license, it will not be vlid in the USA anyway, goog luck.

United States: US Govt. Job & Transfers?:

Usually, if you move on orders with the US Government, thye pay for your move and also pay for you housing. This is the case if you are hired under the GS Program, if you are hired under the NAF program, then the rules about compensation for overseas moves vary with different Agencies. Check with your CPO Office where you work, or look on USAJobs for more info.

United States: Medications:

There are a number of international online Pharmacies that could help you out, here is one to start you off ; http://www.medications-international.com/

United States: Overseas Voting:

Does anybody know of how a UK expat in the US can vote for UK elections overseas? I have heard a bit about it, but not sure where to look.

United States: This is a confusing question. Please help:

If she is thinking of going for naturalization in the near future, she must be or have been physically resident in the US for 3-5 years depending upon how she entered the US in the first place. Otherwise, as long as she returns to the US sometime in the year, even for a day - she will be fine - if she leaves anddoes not return during sometime in that 12 months she will have abandoned residency, and may have to reapply for another card, but I have known people go back to Europe for years and have returned without a problem. It can get complicated if she is going out of coutry to work, especially where her tax returns are concerned - might be worth a visit to the US Social Security website for more info. Hope this is some help.

United States: Moving pet cat from UK to US:

We took our rabbit from Germany to California a few years ago, and met a couple who had a cat with them on the same flight. We had to get a certificate from the vet clearing the rabbit for travel to the U.S., which we showed at the ticket counter when we checked in at the airport. We hand carried the rabbit in a small pet carrier. Check with the airline you are travelling with as there are different rules as to when they will let you fly - ie a lot of airlines won't allow summer animal cargo, but will a carry-ons. Good luck, I think the strangest thing was us being asked to put the rabbit through the x-ray machine when we arrived in Atlanta - we of course refused and they just put the cage through. Where are you goin? have you considered the temperature differences for your pet, ie California and Alaska might not be too suitable for an old animal used to the temperate UK climate, it took a few months for our rabbit to adjust to the heat, even indoors.

United States: What job could we do in California? Help needed pLease:

You should have it easier than most, by already having family there. When My wife and I moved to California 6 years ago, I had no idea what I was going to do, I had no degree so my qualifications would not transfer effectively, but my RAF Trade NVQs did and your degree will. - Even so, after posting my info on Monster, Careerbuilder etc.. I found that selecting the kind of job I wanted, then going cold to the companies for applications, worked a lot better for responses. I ended up working for United Airlines a ramp agent( bag handler) but moved up quickly as a supervisor. The pay was awful, but I got health and dental and free flights - great start - I would suggest if he can labor - the airlines might be a good stepping stone, or even go to the local Job Assistance Center in your new town.. Good Luck - Use your brothers for networking and info as much as you can - it is the American way....

United States: Converting Foreign Drivers License:

Easy answer - no US state will accept a European license. A drving test, written and practical is required - I found that if you choose the DMV Office that is further away from the city the driving test is easier (obviously, as there is less traffic,less waiting and usually less chance of failure) Most tests I have found are about 10-15 minutes tops and I haven't found any anywhere near as tough as Europe. I have tested in California, Utah, Hawaii and Texas (California was the easiest, I think the examiner actually had a nap during the drive). You can now either make an appointment on the local DMV website or arrive early to get a test on the day - really early. Go to DMV.org for your local site

United States: Where do I start?:

Now that you have decide you really want to go ahead. To begin with visit this website to determine what kind of visa you are going to enter the US on, is it going to be employer sponsered, sponsored by a freind or relative? Or through the Green Card Lottery - If you are trying to go alone then employer sponsorship or the lottery is your best chance, unless you are exceptionaly rich or intelligent, All your answers will be at this site. http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis Some people find hiring an immigration lawyer easier, but to be honest I think they themselves have to get the forms and information from the site above, as it is the official US immigration site. Maybe try and approach UK companies operating in the US then transfer, British Aerospace, Virgin BA, or any UK/US company would be able to sponsor you - you just have to get the job wiith them first - maybe put on your resume that youe are prepared to relocate to US. Good Luck, but be prepared for a wait before you hit your dream - it is worth it though.

Date Joined:

6/21/2005

Total Posts:

36

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