Welcome to USA Starter Kit

[WaterLeaf 200]

A neighbor gave me a book that show me some local attention that's good for tourist. I'd recommend finding something like these. Restaurants, hiking/trails, fun entertainments like bowling or golf, museums, etc. are very nice to be aware of and I'd take my Fiance to some of these and as well plan for some out of state visit like Washington D.C. (I'm driving) and other places.

[WaterLeaf 200]

Another one that has came to mind that I figured a while back it'll be needed so I'll post it now.

 

The measurement conversion.

For cooking and whatever else. You can either buy the template and have it hanging around the house or make your own and print it/stick it somewhere or write it.

[Joyoussinger 1,425]

2 hours ago, WaterLeaf said:

Another one that has came to mind that I figured a while back it'll be needed so I'll post it now.

 

The measurement conversion.

For cooking and whatever else. You can either buy the template and have it hanging around the house or make your own and print it/stick it somewhere or write it.

Fantastic idea!

[Boiler 45,467]

The oz is not that much different, the pint is more obvious. Doubt if there is anything that matters about the oz difference as it is so small.

[WaterLeaf 200]

9 hours ago, Boiler said:

The oz is not that much different, the pint is more obvious. Doubt if there is anything that matters about the oz difference as it is so small.

Cooking, medical, etc. it can matter.

[WaterLeaf 200]

Surprise Starter Kit - Success.

 

Thank all!

[WaterLeaf 200]

Something else that should be posted here: For K1 Visa's

This is from @fip & jim thanks so much for compiling this for me.

 

Quote

Here's a list of most recent the documentation for your fiance to carry with him at various stages:

 

• Before marriage - passport with valid I-94
• After marriage - copy of marriage certificate and passport with valid I-94
• After filing for AOS - copy of marriage certificate, passport and copy of cover letter for filing for AOS/EAD/AP
• After filing for AOS has been received by USCIS - copy of marriage certificate, passport and copy of NOA1 (I-797) for AOS
• If EAD/AP is issued before green card - copy of marriage certificate, passport and EAD/AP
• After conditional green card is received - just green card (the law. Can be fined and/or arrested for not carrying it)

Removal of Conditions stage (ROC)(after conditional green card expires and waiting for 10 year green card to be issued). File 90 days before conditional green card expires to comply with the law and preserve permanent resident status:

• After filing for ROC - conditional green card and cover letter for ROC
• After filing for ROC has been received by USCIS - conditional green card and NOA1 (I-797C) for ROC
• After 10 year green card is received - green card (the law)

 

This list was compiled by another VJ member after he asked a CPB agent at an airport how they check if a foreign traveler is in status.

 

Previously I would have only thought it is over the top to carry these all the time, but after reading various horror stories on VJ I think it would be wise for the immigrant to have them with them whenever they leave the house.

 

The other piece of advise I have is to keep your important papers (birth certificate, any immigration papers, etc.) in a fireproof safe at home. I also keep all my immigration files I am working on (evidence for ROC) in there. Safes can be expensive but less expensive than losing all your vital paperwork. James (my husband) had bought one before we arrived in the US. It cost about $55 from Amazon. Some groups advise keeping copies of important papers at the home of a friend or relative whom you trust and in case you are detained. 

 

Lastly, I got a 5 year diary when I arrived here and marked in it all the dates we need to file by and also put them in our Google calendar. We did a spreadsheet at the beginning of starting the K1 process so we knew the exact cost of everything and when it is due. We also overestimate how much fees could be as they have risen several times since we've been doing this. We make sure those funds are there in the bank account and not touched. 

 

Maybe you've already done all this. If not, I hope you've found it helpful. 

There is information on the ACLU website (American Civil Liberties Union) and the National Immigration Law Center about how to deal with various scenarios that could happen with the police or ICE. 

Here is a couple of link you might want to add for the ACLU, I have yet to find the National Immigration Law Center info.
 

https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights/

https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/stopped-by-police/#ive-been-stopped-by-the-police-in-public

[Soon To Be Mrs. T 150]

On 5/20/2019 at 1:39 PM, Ontarkie said:

It must be the type of volunteering that never is a paid position. If it is something they would normally hire someone for then you cannot volunteer for it.

I would like to volunteer as well. Should I just wait for the EAD to be sure or do I have to have a Green Card?

Edited November 1, 2019 by Soon To Be Mrs. T

[Boiler 45,467]

Either.

[TBoneTX 45,266]

Add to Starter Kit:  KAG (Keep America Great) cap.

[WaterLeaf 200]

I'm back again! Once again if you are being busy in the US and sick and tired of throwing out the extra money, you got time to investigate, and to share the info you can watch the videos I posted below. They are from the Canadian marketplace but however these report are similar to what I've seen in the US and we should be aware and protect ourselves and other as possible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xctScalMkYs Rental car ripoff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUNsndIL1bg Moving company scam

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2QZT89aRCs phone call scams (Very common and annoying)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBpMe36GoW0 Car dealer ripoff
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEifM-CkXWQ Law on Lemon Cars - tip when buying a car
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxcCJxN8aJE Real Estate Agents - double ending sales??? I had not been into the buying process in the US but this is quite possible as I lost 1 house due to 150% bad communication.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixo0V6rNqi0 Dentist rip off - I wonder how many of you will compare the out of the USA cost and procedures vs the USA cost and it's high pricey deals?
and ton of more videos if you search in youtube "cbc marketplace". These are good to watch when you have time!

Stay safe everyone!

[Letspaintcookies 2,310]

On 6/8/2019 at 3:47 PM, Boiler said:

The oz is not that much different, the pint is more obvious. Doubt if there is anything that matters about the oz difference as it is so small.

You know that there are places that use a real system of measurement and work with liter and gram, right? 😂😂 I'm still fighting the system here especially when it comes to measuring lengths. It gives me a shiver ( and not a good one ) when I hear somebody saying something like: it's 3 5/16 inch... who does that?!?

[Boiler 45,467]

On 9/12/2020 at 7:39 PM, Letspaintcookies said:

You know that there are places that use a real system of measurement and work with liter and gram, right? 😂😂 I'm still fighting the system here especially when it comes to measuring lengths. It gives me a shiver ( and not a good one ) when I hear somebody saying something like: it's 3 5/16 inch... who does that?!?

7/32nds?

 

I use both, prefer mm for small distances, well actually I use Imperial which is bit different to Murican.

 

 

Edited September 14, 2020 by Boiler

[WaterLeaf 200]

Adding this one in, it's a good one!
By TBoneTX:

 

Quote

 

Here's an idea to help pass time productively and to prepare yourself for finding work.  (Most Covid restrictions should have been lifted by now.)

 

Each city has a Chamber of Commerce.  Find it.

Once you find it, talk with the secretary -- tell her that you want a schedule of events and let her know that you'd like to attend.

Then, go in person to the Chamber of Commerce Office.  Talk with the President of the Chamber, and tell him/her that you want to volunteer at several of their events.

Attendees at chamber events are business owners and sales geeks, all looking for new business.  It usually is an informal-enough gathering where you can approach people and talk with them.

Now, the cool thing about being a volunteer there is that you will be talking to everyone at least once -- you might be at the reception table, you might be at the greeters' table, you might help to run the audio/video system -- whatever -- but the point is that you can meet everyone there, face to face.

Attend 2 or 3 of these, and folk remember you.  When folk remember you, they will remember you are seeking employment and will consider you, because you're just not some name on a piece of paper -- they met you at a chamber event and know that you were volunteering, helping out the chamber.

If you're not authorized to work yet, you can make some good contacts and personal friends.

(Do you live in a really small town?  Go to the biggest town that's within 15 miles of your house.)

 

 

[top_secret 2,417]

A very useful, practical and even personalized item would be to add them as an authorized user on all of your credit cards.  The more the better.  (only ones with perfect payment history and low utilization of course)

 

You can do this now.  Most banks will allow you to add an authorized user with nothing more than a name and a birth date.  Social Security number is usually not required for an authorized user.  Many banks you can even do it online. Just have the cards sent to your address.

 

This has the effect of spawning a credit file with the credit reporting bureaus, and creating a good credit score for them.  It is also good evidence for their adjustment of status.