Tumshie

I have been in the USA 3 weeks and here are some of my experiences. We sold our house nad transferred the money throught HIFX at the interbank rate to $ which was higher than the torist rate. This money was put into a $ account woth Nationwide international and a smaller amount was put into a HSBC International $ account as it came with a debit card which allowed us to use this when we arrived. These accounts are both off shore. We now have a Bank of america account and and credit card from them with a $5000 limit. The telephone co and the H2o company both wanted $150 deposits all the other utilities and cable were fine. It is certainly esier when you get the Social security number though too. We took out Uk Amex cards and were told they could be transferred to US cards and that the credit would follow. However Amex have issued us new US cards and we have closed the Uk account and the credit does not follow but it will build up. We ordered a car before we left the uk through a company called international autosource (IAS). They offer it at Low rates of credit and have been good for us. We have also bought another car for cash which was fairly straight forward but I would advise you to get an international driving liscence as it does help. Here you need a state ID card or liscence but we can't take the test until sept 1st! Car insurance is $650 for 6 months for 2 drivers and 2 cars. 1 of which is brand new so I think that that is quite good compared to the UK. That was organised through AIG who we got in touch with from IAS. They offer insurances for allsorts and I have just applied for another credit card from them too as they guarantee acceptance. If you are a costco member in the UK it can transfer to the US costco they just gave us new cards and they also do an Amex credit card associated with the costco card and again it is another one we have appled for as It all helps with the credit rating. There is so much help out here if you ask around and shop around. We have enquired about a mortgage and should be OK but we haven't gone far on this one as yet. Not had enough time as yet. I will get back again with more info about the job as I am in hospital orientation at the moment.

Well good to hear the visas are being granted. I am now starting to settle after just over 2 weeks here in the USA. It has been hectic and all very new and mind boggling but so far I like my hospital in CT and they are very helpfull and freindly. It id so hot too 90 and freezing in the air conditioned places but this is definatley what we wanted!

Well an update from me. Went to Embassy yesterday. Joined the queue outside at 10.30 appointment at 11 were moved to the 11.oo line and went through security. Hand in cameras, laptops and mobiles off. Take a ticket for immigrant visa we were no 22 and there were 6 in front of us in our queue took about 1 1/2 hrs. Saw a lovely lady who went through all the paperwork they had including the medicals and checked off all the other papers we had to bring. That took half a hour as there were the four lots for us and the children. Sat down to wait for interview and that took 2 hours as advised. A nive offical said oh a nurse with OGP no problems here, fingerprints, got us to sign the forms and welcomed us to the USA advised what to do at the airport when we arrived and was all over in 10 minutes. No questions at all. My tips would be take reading material and take food and drink, there are sandwiches, snack and drinks available but expensive. I am so glad I didn't take our children they would have been so bored. We are finally off now on the 23rd. A busy week ahead now........

You provide it. But you have to sign it is true information!

They did height weight BP, BMI, Checked immunisation history and all PMH. Full clinical examination. Blood for HIV and Syphllis results take a few days to come back. CXR for TB. Children same as above except they don't need the CXR and bloods if under 14yrs. You get a pack with all the details sealed sent to you to take to the embassy or they post it direct if not sufficient time. I needed MMR, Husband MMR and Diptet. Children Hep B.

Been for the medicals today in Birmingham. It all went smoothly and was well organised. Took 4 hours but there were 4 of us and it was expensive for the imms that we needed £215 , but expected. The Dr was very pleasant and had a good sense of humour. They will either post it al to us before we go to London next friday or they will send it direct. I will let you know how the next stage goes too.:)

Thanks all this helps me I am due to travel over on the 23rd May and I start on 6th June In PICU. I am hopefully going to be renting for a few months in either Milford or Trumbull. Anythind else you can offer is appreciated:)

I am with OGP long process (started July 03) but nearly there. I am going for the medical in the next couple of weeks and have the embassy on the 13th May then Travel over to Connecticut on the 23rd May to start my PICU job on 6th June. I will let you know what happens.

Cassi thanks all this info helps me when I have absolutely NO idea about the area at the moment. Elizabeth

I am off to connecticut to start in June and it has taken 23 months with OGP. the longest bit was getting a job as I am paeds and they had no openings for ages. But got one now and we have sold our house here and ready to go as a family my children are 5 and 6. Our big adventure is right ahead of us.

BETSRN thanks for the reply. I have the job now but am thinking of perhaps Trumbull or Shelton as I realise from my searching about Bridgeport itself being a concern and not somewhere I would live, Because I have 2 children ages 5 and 6 I need them to be secure/safe in School. I would appreciate any other info you have on the surrounding areas within a 30 min max commute. Thanks for the help. Elizabeth

I may be relocating from the UK to take up a post here. I am a PNP in the UK and have NClex. What is the surrounding area like? Housing I have a 5 and 6 yr old and Husband Initally plan to rent then buy and suggestions to areas? How is commuting and how far is reasonable to move out of the city? Good School areas? Anybody work there can give me any info? Thanks for the help

I agree this is my experience in the UK too.

What about Washington childrens i am relocating from UK with 2 young children where is good area out of city to live about 30min commute? Help appreciated thanks

Cariad I have my Rn with New Mexico board and have had to postpone 3 green card interviews so far as OGP don't seem to have any jobs for Peads nurses anywhere at present! My next interview is schedulled foir Jan 21st so they have 3 weeks to get me a job or it will be cancelled again.