Things you need to do before leaving the UK

[lizascissors 65]

You have got to be kidding.

A GED is something you would only have to do if you had not ever previously completed high school or the equivalent. Get copies of your GCSE's or equivalent and you should be fine. To be honest, very few jobs will ever ask you for a copy of your high school diploma or equivalent (I'm a US-born citizen and I have NEVER been asked for my high school diploma... to be honest I have no idea where it is). If you have a bachelors or other advanced degree, keep copies of transcripts!!! This IS something that jobs may ask for. Some places will just ask for a copy of your actual diploma, but it is possible that a copy of transcripts may be required. I have previously had employers ask for my transcripts.

Quick question - I have a doctorate, would it still be important to get a transcript for my undergraduate degree? thanks!

Hey there!

Get whatever post-secondary (so bachelor's and beyond) transcripts you can get your hands on! While it may not be 100% necessary, depending on your field - if there's any licensing, etc. required, they WILL ask you for transcripts/proof of coursework and whatnot.

Often, diplomas are sufficient, but since you're foreign, play it safe and have access to transcripts. I've had employers ask me for mine on a few occasions.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

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!).

I kinda question the usefulness of this. Not doubting your friend's experience or that requirements can vary state to state but.......

An international driving permit is a translation of you license info/credentials into different languages so if you are driving in a foreign country the law officers can read it. Since we are talking about a license written in English, what good would it do you? The American officers will be able to read your UK license just fine. The permit gives you no authority to drive. Your license does if the state where you are moving allows it for a certain period of time. Most have a certain number of days after you become a resident, by which time you should obtain a state driver license. some define resident, and some don't. Is a K1 a resident before they get their EAD or greencard? Or are they just a visitor until USCIS gives them something in writing that says they can stay more than 90 days, which is on the I-94 you get at POE.

Some states do mention an international permit is required along with the foreign license, but I wonder if this is a generic statement to cover all countries, all languages. Would they really require it if you had a license in English? Check the website of the state driver licensing agency where you will live. Call them up and ask questions. In general a K1 will probably have to wait on EAD (Employment Authorization Document) before getting a license. It gives you a year (in writing) to be in the US. A few places will let you get a license using your I-94, but the license will expire in 90 days when your I-94 expires. Then you have a donut hole where you got nothin' until your EAD arrives.

I don't know the answers to these things, but just threw it out there to think about. In my state, my husband drove on his UK license as a "visitor" until he got EAD. My insurance covers the car, no matter who drives it as long as I give them permission. That is pretty typical in the US....the car is insured, not the named driver. Very different from the UK. Call the insurance agent and ask your questions. Mine said he could drive and the car was insured with him driving on a UK license. They suggested waiting until he had permanent resident status and a TX driver license before adding his name to the policy as a regular driver. By the way, the insurance did not go up by adding a driver. Everybody is going to have different experiences so call your locals and ask what the rules are in your state.

[cathy2904 97]

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!

I did have to send back for my medical records because I had an ear infection about six months after I got here and the insurance company wanted proof that it was not a pre-existing condition.

[ducsacrossamerica 15]

Looks like there's a new thing to add to the list:

New Road Tax Rules From October 2014

[BarryP 0]

I have a question regarding the medical records. When i had the medical in Knightsbridge they said I would only need the paperwork they had printed off then and the disc with my x-ray on. Do I need to have my medical records from my own doctor? It's not a problem if I do, but I'd just like to make sure. Thanks.

[jaygee011 6]

I have a question regarding the medical records. When i had the medical in Knightsbridge they said I would only need the paperwork they had printed off then and the disc with my x-ray on. Do I need to have my medical records from my own doctor? It's not a problem if I do, but I'd just like to make sure. Thanks.

if you have any long term illnesses such as any coronary diseases, diabetes, cancer etc then it would be essential that an american physician had a copy of your medical records. This is so they know the correct dosages and can find similar medications for you to use in the states.

From what ive heard also insurance companies do want proof of any new illnesses that you have and they want to make sure that these were not pre existing conditions. So if your fit and healthy and rarely see a Dr then it would be an extra expense with very little benefit for yourself, on the other hand if you have a long medical history then it would be a good idea

[katieflossom 54]

Really useful thread, thank you very much for all the invaluable suggestions which I have added to my own personal 'master list'!

[katieflossom 54]

One I thought of today - spend up on your Nectar card, Boots card, supermarkets cards etc, so you don't waste all those points you've been collecting!

[Cathymac 60]

With regards to driving, it varies a lot state by state. NC doesn't recognise the International Licence but lets you drive on your UK one provided you go everywhere with your passport for 60 days. Hopefully, I'll have my ssn by then.

[Cathymac 60]

I have a question regarding credit. Does your UK credit score follow you to the US? I'm a bit old school and I've never had a credit card so I have no credit record at all. And being self employed, I just cant get one now. Is this going to be a problem or can I just start off small and build up over there? Obviously I'll have access to a joint account at the start.

[nobbie 105]

You pretty much have to start again here, I kept the same bank in the US as UK (HSBC) thinking my credit score could come with me but it made no difference even with HSBC themselves. Mind you the US banking system is years behind the UK, it's pretty antiquated.

[Pheebs1201 269]

One I thought of today - spend up on your Nectar card, Boots card, supermarkets cards etc, so you don't waste all those points you've been collecting!

Good point!

[Cathymac 60]

You pretty much have to start again here, I kept the same bank in the US as UK (HSBC) thinking my credit score could come with me but it made no difference even with HSBC themselves. Mind you the US banking system is years behind the UK, it's pretty antiquated.

Good to know, thank you x

[Hiroshi 宏 64]

One I thought of today - spend up on your Nectar card, Boots card, supermarkets cards etc, so you don't waste all those points you've been collecting!

Hahaa!! That what I was thinking, My boots card, I have tons of point on it, It would be a shame to let it go to waste

[usuk2015 16]

This is a really useful thread. It needs to be pinned!