Things you need to do before leaving the UK

[QueenOfBlades 224]

It might be worth applying for an international driving license at the post office before you move. If I'd have done so, I'd be able to drive right now according to the SC DMV, but I can't drive as a tourist on my UK license and they reckon I'm gonna have to hold a beginner's permit for 6 months and take the whole test again >.>.

[Jo Amelia Finlay 20]

It's nuts that they can even charge you for a print-out of your own data. I wish I could charge 50 quid when a customer where I work asks for data about themselves :/

It's mental, right?!

I printed off that linked NHS page and submitted it along with my records request. Needless to say they only ended up charging me £50.

Funny sitting and reading through it all

[Snorbs 0]

Another medical thought:

If you're the kind of person who keeps on top of this stuff, have any check-ups before you go, so that they are up to date and you're not due another for a spell. Saves worrying about that on top of everything else.

Eg: eye test; dentist; smear test if you're a lady.

Not a major concern but doesn't hurt to have a bit of an MOT here where it probably costs less to do so! Then you know you're set for another year/six months before you have to think about it again. I think I will aim to do this.

Just another question about medical stuff/medication: I currently take 2 medications and am given about 3 months worth at a time, I then call in a re-fill. Has anyone asked their Doctor to prescribe 6 months (or longer) due to moving overseas? I am just a bit concerned about not having medical insurance in the U.S. from the get go, and would like to to have 6 months worth of medication if possible - unsure of whether a UK Dr will prescribe enough to cover 6 months? Any experience of this?

[Jo Amelia Finlay 20]

Just another question about medical stuff/medication: I currently take 2 medications and am given about 3 months worth at a time, I then call in a re-fill. Has anyone asked their Doctor to prescribe 6 months (or longer) due to moving overseas? I am just a bit concerned about not having medical insurance in the U.S. from the get go, and would like to to have 6 months worth of medication if possible - unsure of whether a UK Dr will prescribe enough to cover 6 months? Any experience of this?

The only experience I have is with the contraceptive pill. I was given a year's worth, which I am incredibly grateful for! Think it probably depends on the type of medication, and the doctor. I'd just explain your situation and hope they can help you out...? Good luck!

[Kiwinyc 62]

Are contact lenses expensive in the US? I was actually wondering about this.

Contact lenses are not expensive here but you cannot buy them without a US optometrist prescription. So if its going to take a while to get health insurance (i.e. probably not until after you're married) then bring a few months supply with you until you can get your eyes tested and start buying them here.

[tetlee 0]

It might be worth applying for an international driving license at the post office before you move. If I'd have done so, I'd be able to drive right now according to the SC DMV, but I can't drive as a tourist on my UK license and they reckon I'm gonna have to hold a beginner's permit for 6 months and take the whole test again >.>.

I read elsewhere that the international driving license is only useful if your existing one isn't in English

[QueenOfBlades 224]

I read elsewhere that the international driving license is only useful if your existing one isn't in English

The DMV here in South Carolina told me I can only use my UK license to drive if it is an international license. As I didn't get one, I now have to wait till I have my EAD to get a permit and can't drive for ages. Also, if you have any x-rays from a dentist or doctor etc, might be worth seeing if you can get hold of them to bring with you. I'm trying to get hold of my old dental x-rays 'cause my dentist here said it will help them a lot and cost me less money to get my first examination done with them if I have 'em.

[nobbie 105]

The DMV here in South Carolina told me I can only use my UK license to drive if it is an international license. As I didn't get one, I now have to wait till I have my EAD to get a permit and can't drive for ages. Also, if you have any x-rays from a dentist or doctor etc, might be worth seeing if you can get hold of them to bring with you. I'm trying to get hold of my old dental x-rays 'cause my dentist here said it will help them a lot and cost me less money to get my first examination done with them if I have 'em.

I drove about on my UK licence here in Maryland on the grounds that I had hired a car here previously on it. Even if you do the driving test whilst still on your I94 it would only be valid for the duration of that. I waited until I got my EAD and so it's valid a year, then when I get GC I just do a renewal.

All I had to do here to get a licence was 3 hour ($70) drug and alcohol course, theory test (doddle) and road test ( absolute doddle, took 10 mins). I'd have failed in the UK as I broke the speed limit, 38 in a 35 but did not seem to matter here.

[Jo Amelia Finlay 20]

I wish to remind people to fill out and submit the HMRC's form P85. I just got a letter back from them after receiving mine and I am getting nearly £500 back!

[britishdakota 18]

I did a lot of research on it at the time and it was my understanding that we have to sit a GED exam (or whatever its called that highschool students do) no matter what.

You have got to be kidding.

[Hotter Otter 1,211]

With regards to the medical records, do you just need them if you have an ongoing medical condition or are they a requirement when you register with a new GP in the US? I'd planned to visit the opticians and dentist just before I left but hadn't even considered my medical records.

P.S. Thanks for this thread, very useful!

Edited April 5, 2014 by Hotter Otter

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

With regards to the medical records, do you just need them if you have an ongoing medical condition or are they a requirement when you register with a new GP in the US? I'd planned to visit the opticians and dentist just before I left but hadn't even considered my medical records.

P.S. Thanks for this thread, very useful!

My experience (many decades) with countless US GPs, specialists, surgeons, and dentists is each will have you fill out a health questionnaire to gather their information the first visit. Go early to fill out pages of forms. They will do their own diagnostics, even if you had the same test done the week before. Most would not take the time to read your general records, even if you presented them. So REQUIRED? No. If you want them for your info and reference, and the doctor will give them to you, then do it if you choose.

[Owen_London 65]

I got a copy of my medical records mainly because I wanted a copy of my vaccination record. Unfortunately, I think it's missing one or two, but it's better than nothing.

[Hotter Otter 1,211]

My experience (many decades) with countless US GPs, specialists, surgeons, and dentists is each will have you fill out a health questionnaire to gather their information the first visit. Go early to fill out pages of forms. They will do their own diagnostics, even if you had the same test done the week before. Most would not take the time to read your general records, even if you presented them. So REQUIRED? No. If you want them for your info and reference, and the doctor will give them to you, then do it if you choose.

Thanks for your reply that's very helpful. Nothing I love more than medical questionnaires

[lizascissors 65]

When I did an adv. search for threads like this, I found that while they started off well they tended to get derailed big time because they didn't focus on the subject matter (the last one went from "you need to do this" to "I want to get this food to take with me" to "I'm going to be living near you"). Others got ignored and pushed to the bottom of the pile.

I would like this thread to be the main resource for things you need to do or cover before you leave for the US from the United Kingdom. Hence I will be dividing it into sections and anyone can contribute items that they know of which needs to be sorted before you go.

Government (inc. Taxes)

-File Form P85 with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

-Check with Jobcentre Plus regarding any benefits you are currently claiming. Most will stop when you move abroad (like JSA and ESA).

-Inform your Local Council you are leaving. You may be able to claim back Council Tax for the time you won't be in the UK if you paid it in one blast up front.

Medical

-Get your Medical Records from the Doctor's. You may have to pay for this. Also inform Doctor's you're emigrating and thus will be leaving the surgery.

-Stock up on any vital medications you will need whilst changing over to a US Doctor. Be aware that some items (or large quantities of items) will need a Doctor's Letter verifying you actually need the medication.

Financial

-Inform your Bank that you are moving abroad to the States. You might want to keep the account open to avoid exchange rate fees when you visit the UK.

-Transfer any savings or anything in that vein over to where you want it to be (be it in a UK or US account).

-Cancel any Insurance Policies you won't need in the US (Car, for example).

-If you're expecting a pension you may need to check on whether it can be paid in the US or if you need to take action now.

Employment

-Hand your Notice in and make sure you get the length of time right. You might lose pay or the like if you don't.

-See if you can get a reference to take over with you, sealed in an envelope (if on good terms with employer).

-Don't do anything silly on your last day of work which might jeopardize you being able to leave for the States.

Possessions

-Anything of sentimental value you can't pack could be couriered over pre-move in plenty of time. Check around for costs and applicable regulations at Customs and Border Protection.

-Get any last items of food or drink you want to take over with you to tide you over, again keeping in mind the Customs regulations (see link above).

-Sell anything you can't take or don't want to take. Ebay or local shops may be an idea. Charity shops are also an excellent idea.

-If renting accomodation make sure it is clean and tidy, nothing is missing from your inventory and the Landlord knows where to send a deposit refund to (or a bill for damages/cleaning).

-Make sure your Mobile Phone is unlocked and therefore can accept a US Simcard to save on roaming and all.

Family/Friends

-Make sure your family can get hold of you in an emergency (be it via email, social media, phone or whatever you choose). You might find that teaching family members to use Skype or the like is a good idea.

-In a similar vein, make sure that you have a nice send-off with your friends and family so they can all see you before you go. This may be the last chance you get for the next six months or so.

--------

What else do you think needs to be added under these categories, guys?

I have heard that it is helpful to get an international driving permit prior to leaving the UK. A friend of mine's husband did so and was able to be on her US car insurance prior to his obtaining a NY driver's license. Some states require a social security number in order to get a license, and most will require that the driver take a practical and written test. Anyway, an international driving permit will buy you some time (her husband has actually been on her insurance for nearly 2 years with the international driving permit - he's only NOW during ROC getting a NY driver's license!).