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Arrival checklist

By Bug&Bug in Moving to the US and Your New Life In America

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Adventine Proficient

Adventine   3,196

Posted
Filed: Citizen (pnd) Country: Philippines
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Posted
39 minutes ago, Bug&Bug said:

My god ive been looking at phone plans and the prices!!!

I now get unlimited data and hotspot for £23 all included.  And what im seing in the USA is around $70-90!😰

 

Also looking for rental properties and they all ask for SSN to do background checks....this is going to be fun.....

 

Try Republic Wireless: Unlimited Talk and Text Starting at $15 

 

As for the SSN, can't help you there :)

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Crazy Cat Grand Master

Crazy Cat   41,886

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Taiwan
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Posted
3 hours ago, Bug&Bug said:

My god ive been looking at phone plans and the prices!!!

I now get unlimited data and hotspot for £23 all included.  And what im seing in the USA is around $70-90!😰

 

Also looking for rental properties and they all ask for SSN to do background checks....this is going to be fun.....

For my mobile phone, I use Mint Mobile.  I get unlimited talk & text, 10GB of data, and hotspot for $240 a year.  

"The US immigration process requires a great deal of knowledge, planning, time, patience, and a significant amount of money.  It is quite a journey!"

- Some old child of the 50's & 60's on his laptop 

 

Senior Master Sergeant, US Air Force- Retired (after 20+ years)- Missile Systems Maintenance & Titan 2 ICBM Launch Crew Duty (200+ Alert tours)

Registered Nurse- Retired- I practiced in the areas of Labor & Delivery, Home Health, Adolescent Psych, & Adult Psych.

IT Professional- Retired- Web Site Design, Hardware Maintenance, Compound Pharmacy Software Trainer, On-site go live support, Database Manager, App Designer.

______________________________________

In summary, it took 13 months for approval of the CR-1.  It took 44 months for approval of the I-751.  It took 4 months for approval of the N-400.   It took 172 days from N-400 application to Oath Ceremony.   It took 6 weeks for Passport, then 7 additional weeks for return of wife's Naturalization Certificate.. 
 

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TBoneTX Grand Master

TBoneTX   45,305

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
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Posted

I just switched to PureTalkUSA:  https://www.puretalkusa.com

Am exceptionally pleased with their customer service.  And prices.

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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Bug&Bug Enthusiast

Bug&Bug   147

Posted
Country: United Kingdom
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Posted

I got mint mobile @Lucky Cat, not as good as in the UK but cheaper and compatible with my phone, so thanks! 

 

Now the serious question: Coffee.

How do I get actual coffee? This thing they call coffee is undrinkable. Any brands that will sell european or asian style ground coffee?

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Crazy Cat Grand Master

Crazy Cat   41,886

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Taiwan
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Posted (edited)
30 minutes ago, Bug&Bug said:

I got mint mobile @Lucky Cat, not as good as in the UK but cheaper and compatible with my phone, so thanks! 

 

Now the serious question: Coffee.

How do I get actual coffee? This thing they call coffee is undrinkable. Any brands that will sell european or asian style ground coffee?

Personally, I buy Starbucks ground coffee at Walmart, and I make it at home.......😁  Sometimes, I buy the Starbucks beans, then ask the Starbucks' staff to grind them for me.

Edited by Lucky Cat

"The US immigration process requires a great deal of knowledge, planning, time, patience, and a significant amount of money.  It is quite a journey!"

- Some old child of the 50's & 60's on his laptop 

 

Senior Master Sergeant, US Air Force- Retired (after 20+ years)- Missile Systems Maintenance & Titan 2 ICBM Launch Crew Duty (200+ Alert tours)

Registered Nurse- Retired- I practiced in the areas of Labor & Delivery, Home Health, Adolescent Psych, & Adult Psych.

IT Professional- Retired- Web Site Design, Hardware Maintenance, Compound Pharmacy Software Trainer, On-site go live support, Database Manager, App Designer.

______________________________________

In summary, it took 13 months for approval of the CR-1.  It took 44 months for approval of the I-751.  It took 4 months for approval of the N-400.   It took 172 days from N-400 application to Oath Ceremony.   It took 6 weeks for Passport, then 7 additional weeks for return of wife's Naturalization Certificate.. 
 

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Bug&Bug Enthusiast

Bug&Bug   147

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Country: United Kingdom
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33 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

Personally, I buy Starbucks ground coffee at Walmart, and I make it at home.......😁  Sometimes, I buy the Starbucks beans, then ask the Starbucks' staff to grind them for me.

My concern is that american starbucks might be roasted (incinerated) to american tastes. Is it not the case?

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Crazy Cat Grand Master

Crazy Cat   41,886

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Taiwan
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Posted
1 minute ago, Bug&Bug said:

My concern is that american starbucks might be roasted (incinerated) to american tastes. Is it not the case?

Good question.  FWIW, my wife thinks the Starbucks in the US tastes about the same as the Starbucks coffee in Taiwan....

"The US immigration process requires a great deal of knowledge, planning, time, patience, and a significant amount of money.  It is quite a journey!"

- Some old child of the 50's & 60's on his laptop 

 

Senior Master Sergeant, US Air Force- Retired (after 20+ years)- Missile Systems Maintenance & Titan 2 ICBM Launch Crew Duty (200+ Alert tours)

Registered Nurse- Retired- I practiced in the areas of Labor & Delivery, Home Health, Adolescent Psych, & Adult Psych.

IT Professional- Retired- Web Site Design, Hardware Maintenance, Compound Pharmacy Software Trainer, On-site go live support, Database Manager, App Designer.

______________________________________

In summary, it took 13 months for approval of the CR-1.  It took 44 months for approval of the I-751.  It took 4 months for approval of the N-400.   It took 172 days from N-400 application to Oath Ceremony.   It took 6 weeks for Passport, then 7 additional weeks for return of wife's Naturalization Certificate.. 
 

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Wuozopo Veteran

Wuozopo   4,293

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: England
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Posted
1 hour ago, Bug&Bug said:

Now the serious question: Coffee.

How do I get actual coffee? This thing they call coffee is undrinkable. Any brands that will sell european or asian style ground coffee?

Wow. You’re the first I’ve come across that wants real coffee. My entire family thinks instant coffee granules is coffee. I don’t drink anything but tea, but my wife brews coffee and my family rejects it for the jar of instant. 

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Bug&Bug Enthusiast

Bug&Bug   147

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Country: United Kingdom
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Posted
1 hour ago, Wuozopo said:

Wow. You’re the first I’ve come across that wants real coffee. My entire family thinks instant coffee granules is coffee. I don’t drink anything but tea, but my wife brews coffee and my family rejects it for the jar of instant. 

Instant????🤮

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TBoneTX Grand Master

TBoneTX   45,305

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
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Posted
3 minutes ago, Bug&Bug said:

Instant????🤮

No waiting for it when Caffeine Is Crucial.

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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volts Contributor

volts   44

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Timeline
Posted
On 2/5/2021 at 9:54 AM, Bug&Bug said:

5. Qualifications - how important is to get qualifications transferred if ive been working for years? Also sign up to get a PE license.

If you’re trying to get the Professional Engineer’s license, I would start with your state’s licensing board. Usual requirements are passing the FE and PE exams and showing that you have at least four years of progressive work experience under a licensed engineer.

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Fr8dog Rising Star

Fr8dog   312

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Netherlands
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Posted (edited)
On 2/26/2021 at 11:06 AM, Bug&Bug said:

Now the serious question: Coffee.

How do I get actual coffee? This thing they call coffee is undrinkable. Any brands that will sell european or asian style ground coffee?

Yep, that one and bread. Both are horrible around here.

 

Coffee can be greatly improved by actually using a decent amount of it versus the amount they use for the brown tinted warm water. But more importantly. use non-chlorinated water.  Also I found www.enjoybettercoffee.com about 3 minutes ago they have my brand for only slightly higher price than I used to buy it.

 

Bread is a ongoing struggle, even the "artisan" garbage is nowhere near what I'm used to

Edited by Fr8dog
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Bug&Bug Enthusiast

Bug&Bug   147

Posted
Country: United Kingdom
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Posted
1 hour ago, Fr8dog said:

Yep, that one and bread. Both are horrible around here.

 

Coffee can be greatly improved by actually using a decent amount of it versus the amount they use for the brown tinted warm water. But more importantly. use non-chlorinated water.  Also I found www.enjoybettercoffee.com about 3 minutes ago they have my brand for only slightly higher price than I used to buy it.

 

Bread is a ongoing struggle, even the "artisan" garbage is nowhere near what I'm used to

I found italian (ground and packaged) coffee on amazon for a price im willing to pay for actual coffee and thank goodness!

 

Ill check your link!

 

I kind of already gave up on bread and fish when I moved to the UK! 

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