Not ready to move to US, what are my options?

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by mfowler

Yes I was a DV 2009 winner. Green card in my passport has an expiry date 28 Nov 2009 so I assumed this is the date I need to be in the USA before. Is there anywhere I can check if that's correct? At the embassy they said I had to enter within 6 months of being granted so that date corresponds.

I will also need a new passport this year as I've only got one free page left, although I have many other spots for entry stamps. If I get a new passport once in the US will I need to get another Green Card put in it?

Is there anything other than the closed envelope I got, x-rays and proof of financial standing I will need to bring with me for immigration at the airport?

Thanks.

I thought that DV2009 candidates must enter the US before the start of the federal 2010 year on Nov 1. So your situation worries me. I could very well be wrong.....or someone at the consulate could have made a mistake. But it's worrying me! Greatly! Anybody else have a nagging doubt here?

Stamps in expired passports is no problem provided your country gives you the old passport back when you renew -- just carry both passports!

Yep! Just take your passport, the mysterious envelope (don't open it!) and your x-rays. The latter they never even look at. You can hang them on the wall as a souvenir.

[twostep]

Originally Posted by Davis1

The stamp will say

'Processed for I-551.
TEMPORARY EVIDENCE OF
LAWFUL ADMISSION FOR
PERMANENT RESIDENCE
VALID UNTIL [date].
EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZED'

Thank you.

[mfowler]

I finally got throught to the US Embassy in Dublin (where I got my visa processed) and they said I have until the date stamped on my visa (28/11/09) to enter the US.

I'm looking at going over in early Nov for 4 days and applying for my SSN. I won't have been there for 10days but I'm not in a hurry to get it. It will be waiting for me on my return to the US, which will be in 4-5 months, probably around April next year. I will apply for a re-entry permit once I can get enough time off work to spend a few weeks in the states.

1. When you apply for your SSN do you get it straight away or do you have to wait til you get the actual card? No hurry I just need it to open a bank account!

2. Does anyone know if there's anyway you can get a Bank Account without having a SSN?

3. Also which immigration line do I go to when I arrive in the US?

Thanks for all your replies, much appreciated advise!

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by mfowler

1. When you apply for your SSN do you get it straight away or do you have to wait til you get the actual card? No hurry I just need it to open a bank account!

2. Does anyone know if there's anyway you can get a Bank Account without having a SSN?

3. Also which immigration line do I go to when I arrive in the US?

1/ Wait 10 days before going to the SSA and applying for a card. If you go earlier, your info may not have made it across computer systems -- and the issuing of the card and number will actually take longer since they will instigate a manual check.

2/ You can open a bank account without your SSN. The law is thus: if you have a SSN, you must provide it. If you don't, you must document your identity. Of course, individual banks and their employees do their own things. Walk into a Manhattan branch of Bank of America to open an account and nobody will bat an eyelid that you're johnny foreigner. Choose one of the 4 branches of the Middle-of-Nowhere Saving Bank 20 miles outside Tulsa, and they'll be struggling to even understand your accent.

3/ Whichever one the important officer directs you to. Best bet is to have your envelope in your hand so they can clearly see it. If no-one directs you, take the johnny foreigner line -- it's not like you're not going to be stuck there for the next hour anyway.

[mfowler]

Originally Posted by Fatbrit

1/ Wait 10 days before going to the SSA and applying for a card. If you go earlier, your info may not have made it across computer systems -- and the issuing of the card and number will actually take longer since they will instigate a manual check.

2/ You can open a bank account without your SSN. The law is thus: if you have a SSN, you must provide it. If you don't, you must document your identity. Of course, individual banks and their employees do their own things. Walk into a Manhattan branch of Bank of America to open an account and nobody will bat an eyelid that you're johnny foreigner. Choose one of the 4 branches of the Middle-of-Nowhere Saving Bank 20 miles outside Tulsa, and they'll be struggling to even understand your accent.

3/ Whichever one the important officer directs you to. Best bet is to have your envelope in your hand so they can clearly see it. If no-one directs you, take the johnny foreigner line -- it's not like you're not going to be stuck there for the next hour anyway.

Thanks Fatbrit, you are full of excellent knowledge!

I might try my luck on getting the bank account opened first and then apply for the SSN on my 2nd visit! I'm not sure what I can use to prove my address as I'm staying with friends in Atlanta and it will be my address until I move over permanently. I'm going to email BoA to ask what I need to open an account.

I'm really looking forward to coming over, wish it could be for longer but not possible at this stage. The weather is getting colder here

Cheers

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by mfowler

Thanks Fatbrit, you are full of excellent knowledge!

I might try my luck on getting the bank account opened first and then apply for the SSN on my 2nd visit! I'm not sure what I can use to prove my address as I'm staying with friends in Atlanta and it will be my address until I move over permanently. I'm going to email BoA to ask what I need to open an account.

I'm really looking forward to coming over, wish it could be for longer but not possible at this stage. The weather is getting colder here

Cheers

If your friend doesn't mind, send your bank statements to that address to establish a US residence. On this trip or the next grab a driver license (Georgia has the funny habit of removing your UK license when you apply BTW) and other stuff that could later demonstrate that you intend to live here. Even a library card is better than nothing. Don't forget to also file your US taxes.

[twostep]

Re-entry
You have to apply before leaving the US.

GA DL
Some recent changes, go through the fine print of DMV GA, I still have my German DL, when going for your auto/bike DL take the boat test as well - it is cheaper as package and living in GA you will sooner or later end up driving a ski boat.

Checking Account
Ask for W8 status which you can change upon your move.

[mfowler]

Originally Posted by twostep

Re-entry
You have to apply before leaving the US.

GA DL
Some recent changes, go through the fine print of DMV GA, I still have my German DL, when going for your auto/bike DL take the boat test as well - it is cheaper as package and living in GA you will sooner or later end up driving a ski boat.

Checking Account
Ask for W8 status which you can change upon your move.

Thanks twostep.

What is W8 status and should I ask for it when I first apply for an account? I will make a deposit and won't be using it until I move over permenantly.

I have a Full Australian and UK drvier's licence so can part with one of them and both are easy to get a replacement. I looked on the GA licence website and looks like I will have to do a theory and practical test, does anyone know if that's correct? Is there anyway around them?

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by mfowler

I looked on the GA licence website and looks like I will have to do a theory and practical test, does anyone know if that's correct? Is there anyway around them?

There will be a booklet somewhere on the website (like the Highway Code) to read before you take the test. The biggest mistake most expats make is ignoring the parts about drivers under 21 -- since they believe it doesn't apply to them. However, since most of the drivers taking the test are under 21, questions about that appear in the test. It ain't rocket science, though. Budget a couple of hours to learn and take the theory test.

The theory test is usually no more than a 5-minute potter round the block. It's pretty difficult to fail it. Running over and killing a small child may mean you'll have to retake it....but that's probably about it.

[mfowler]

I now have another dilemma.... the friend who I was going to stay with and use her address has now said I can't, mainly due to her still being in the process of getting her status changed/approved... something long those lines... she is from Spain, is married to US citizen and has lived in US for quite a while now.

So not sure what to do.... I just need somewhere safe for my mail to go to until we move over. I think my partner will get transferred to Boston or NY within the next 1-2 years so I will apply for a re-entry permit on my 2nd trip to the states. I just need a temporary address!! Anyone got any advise? I assume a mail box or mail service (if there's any) wouldn't be acceptable... time is ticking for me.... Nov is fast approaching!