Expert Info

Posted by
on 8 Jan 2012
Dear All, I currently work for the British RAF and my wife is a trainee Radiotherapist. Our hopes, on my wife qualifying and me leaving the military is to (fingers crossed) emigrate to the US. It will be on the basis my wife can get employment sponsorship on the back of work placements in the US during her degree. This will not be for a few years yet, but being new to reading about emigration to the US, I want to give both of us the best chances of successfully moving. So to that end, you help is both needed and appreciated . My questions are as follows: - I understand that as 'spouse', I will be unable to work for a period of time. how long is this, and what can I do during this period to enhance my employment prospects once the period lapses? - Will having a degree improve my status? - Given we would ultimately be buying a house, a good credit rating is no doubt required. Whilst maintaining a good score in the UK is a given, are there any things I can do now that once in the US will help me? For example, I have read things about getting American Express cards etc.... I don't want to sound naive, but looking for education and good advice here. There are no doubt a lot of other things I need to consider, but strengthening my/our profile will undoubtedly assist us. You kind help is much appreciated.. Russ
Anonymous (not verified) on 6 Oct 2012 - 02:44
Check out the excellent MindTheGap blog (via BBC America) for the most up to date info. However... a) Yes, a UK Amex account is an ideal strategic move. That should help you establish credit in the US. b) As trailing spouse, I only had to wait about 4 months for my own work permit. But that was several years ago and things may have changed. I don't believe my degree was a factor. Your situation will probably be heavily influenced by the class of visa your wife obtains. c) While you wait for a work permit, volunteering (ideally in an office) will be a big help. When I arrived, I didn't know the local custom for addressing an envelope or how to dial a phone call. It will help you learn basic local business etiquette. d) Suggest you get well settled in the US before buying a house, and be sure your visa status is sound. For the first couple of years we were here, if my husband had lost his job, we would have had to leave the country within a couple of weeks. Not ideal to be homeowners facing that. Good luck and sorry for very late reply; only just found this forum.
theoccolvin on 4 Apr 2019 - 03:46

Good luck! I hope you like my home country! It is very diverse all around, so my advice is to find an area that you truly like to reside in!

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