ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomHealth care reform, anyone?

So yeah, hospitals here are amazing. It was like staying at the Hilton when we stayed in our suite for a couple of days, after having our baby last year. Compare and contrast my sister who was in and out of hospital in 4 hours after her baby was born in the UK.


Or you could do like we did and have your baby at home ... safer, cheaper and nicer!!!
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-11 23:25:00
United KingdomHealth care reform, anyone?

it seems clear that this whole bill was shoved together quickly without much thought.


You read it then?
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-11 23:23:00
United KingdomHealth care reform, anyone?
I pay 15% of my self-employed income in the US for Social Security and Medicaid ... Neither of which I avail of ... at least in the UK I could have gotten something out of it ... 15% people ... for nothing I avail of. Oh and that 15%, that's before state or federal income tax ...

The US spends twice as much on health care per capita - over $7,000 - than any other country yet has a higher mortality rate than many third world countries ... go figure.

Maybe if the schools here weren't turning out a bunch of uneducated conservative drones they could think for themselves rather than let Fox News tell them what to believe. You doubt me? I saw a lady at a Tea Party rally say the Government were planning to tell people what they can and can't eat ... right after they abort all the babies, kill the elderly and take away their guns no doubt ... dumber than a box of hammers.

These are some real facts ... Slovenia people!!!

* The United States ranks 43rd in lowest infant mortality rate, down from 12th in 1960 and 21st in 1990. Singapore has the lowest rate with 2.3 deaths per 1000 live births, while the United States has a rate of 6.3 deaths per 1000 live births. Some of the other 42 nations that have a lower infant mortality rate than the US include Hong Kong, Slovenia, and Cuba. Source: CIA Factbook (2008)

* Approximately 30,000 infants die in the United States each year. The infant mortality rate, which is the risk of death during the first year of life, is related to the underlying health of the mother, public health practices, socioeconomic conditions, and availability and use of appropriate health care for infants and pregnant women. Sources: CDC and National Center for Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

* Life expectancy at birth in the US is an average of 78.14 years, which ranks 47th in highest total life expectancy compared to other countries. Source: CIA Factbook (2008)

Bankruptcy

* About half of the bankruptcy filings in the United States are due to medical expenses. Source: Health Affairs Journal 2005


R.

Edited by Eli the Barrowboy, 30 March 2010 - 01:02 AM.

Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-30 00:59:00
United KingdomUSD-GBP exchange rate
Well I can't complain - we got $2.02 to the pound and did it all in one foul swoop.

I still have business interests in the UK that pay me into a UK account which I can declare as Foreign Income on my tax return in the USA.

When we go back to Northern Ireland this coming spring we will use the money in that account to spend so we aren't getting stuck on any exchange rate - good or bad.

Now, whether or not I'm allowed to earn money in the UK while I'm waiting on my EAD is another matter. All shall be revealed no doubt. I wish this EAD would arrive soon though. Bored.

R
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-20 12:25:00
United KingdomHepatitas B Vaccine
No, I'm pretty sure that it's Hepatitis B ... only her doc won;t give it to her as it's too expensive and she doesn't work in Healthcare ... mind you we just got our 6 month-old's vaccines today and Hep B was in there too.

It's only 35quid at the medical so that doesn't matter much!!!
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-30 15:54:00
United KingdomHepatitas B Vaccine
Hey All,

Can anyone tell me if my daughter, who is 18 and never worked in Health Care, with the Homeless, etc, needs to get her Hep B vaccine for her Greencard to the USA.

If so, can she get it on the day. It's a 3 shot vaccine though ... can she get the first one in London and then the rest here in the USA when she arrives?

Please let me know if you have any experience of this.

R.
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-29 11:52:00
United KingdomDo they courier the visa the day it is issued?
My daughter had her Green card interview on October 5th and they approved her, pending delivery of a copy of my Green Card, front and rear.

Her passport and evidence were picked up last Monday (the 11th) and they said it would be in the Embassy by the 13th. Here's hoping it gets back to her on time ... she plans a trip to see he Mum in Portugal on the 26th that she needs it for, then she flies out here on November 17th .. can't f'ing wait!!!

Getting nervous.
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2010-10-18 18:11:00
United KingdomWhen entering the US through Dublin
Hey there,

Our daughter is entering the US on Wednesday and is coming through Dublin so that will be her point of entry so to speak.

I know quite a few UK people do the Dublin route and I was wondering if anyone could give me an estimate of how long she should allow herself and what to expect ... she's young and nervous and will be traveling solo.

She is arriving at the airport (providing the bus gets there on time) at 8.30am and her flight is at 1pm. I'm assuming that gives her time to get checked in, get through the horrendous security and then get to the US Immigration section.

So, any help or additional info would be much appreciated by us both. I am compiling the info for her into a dossier alo9ng with things like how to connect in Chicago (from memory of a trip two years ago).

Thanks.

R.
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-15 13:10:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Our daughter has her interview tomorrow at 9am ... wish her luck ...

It's a relative visa so we already sent the information the Embassy needed.

She just needs to turn up with her passport, her letter and a couple of photos ... at least that's what we are hoping.

Stay tuned.

R.
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2010-10-04 14:01:00
United KingdomAttending visa interview before embassy receives medical exam results?
I'd like to know what happened here ...

We are sending my daughter over from Belfast to London for her medical and interview and don't want her to have to go twice.

Can we get her in the medical on the Monday and then her go to her interview on the Tuesday?

R.
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-20 12:05:00
United Kingdom2005 - 2007 UK Filers *Only*
Hey there,

How are you all doing? Well we are nearing the end of the road USCIS wise for another 2 years (ish) as we have our interview on March 17th - St Patrick's Day fittingly.

I hope you are all well and getting on grand.

We are very very happy - living it up in Independence Oregon. I'm working away and Mercedes is nearly finished her first year of law school already - just 6 weeks of classes to go. Doesn't time fly? We have been here over 7 months already.

We are traveling back to Ireland for a visit in a few weeks so that's really welcome and my kids are coming out for the summer (Eire comes in June, Gage in August).

So, roll on Spring and warmer weather - we had snow overnight in the Willamette Valley - and it's good to see everyone survived the USCIS process unscathed (so far ... ask me again in 2.5 weeks).

R & M
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2009-02-26 12:19:00
United KingdomYes!! It's another shipping thread
Seven Seas are half the price of excess baggage for me ...

Can't be arsed bringing a bike by airplane, plus the dog ... struggles ....
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-20 06:58:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
Thanks guys ...

The funnel thing seems to be the way to go, or the only way to fly!!!

Aer Lingus are taking him from DUB to JFK and they have no heat restriction in place. Then we are flying out of Newark the next day at 6.45am to avoid the heat - even though it doesn't affect him with Continental - but we want him to be as comfortable as possible!!!

R
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-06-18 04:50:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
Your wish is my request ...


Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-06-17 09:01:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
Ok, new problem.

We have the dog booked, we bought the transporter... but ... the dog needs to be able to be fed and watered from the outside the crate.

The transporter comes with one bowl that sits on the mesh on the front ... anyone know of any accessories we can buy to enable us to feed him while still in the crate?

R
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-06-16 08:55:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
Continental gave me the number of a guy who organises their petsafe scheme for them. 740 freaking pounds to PDX from Belfast one way. It would be cheaper to buy him a seat up front - twice as cheap actually. Not happy!!!
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-23 08:33:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
Hi All,

I emailed Continental's Pet Safe with the following query ...

Dear Continental,

I wish to fly from Beflast or Dublin Ireland to Newark in August as I am moving permanently to the USA. Can you tell me how and if I can bring my pet dog on to the flight? Can I put him in the cabin (he's small), in the hold or as Cargo. Will the heat embargo rule this trip out altogether? We will then be taking him on to PDX afer a stop over of maybe one or two days so I guess the same problems will arise then.

Can you give me some info on my choices?

To which they replied ...

Thanks for contacting Continental’s PetSafe desk. You will need to contact our cargo office in Belfast or Dublin for all animal shipping information. Belfast’s phone number is 011 44 28 944 22574. Dublin’s phone number is 011 353 1 812 5650. Temperatures are not a problem so we can transport your animal at any time.

So it seems that they can take them as cargo even during the heat embargo? What's going on?

I'll fill you all in when I get more info later today!!!

R
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-23 06:06:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
Thanks for the Virgin tip redkitty,

I'm going to go to London to fly to JFK to get the EAD as if I go through Dublin I get stamped there and no EAD.

I might bring him over as we are doing Virgin anyway, then fly virgin to SFO and take a road trip from there to Eugene, OR.

Pricey business isn't it?

R
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-22 03:55:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
QUOTE (redkitty @ Apr 22 2008, 09:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You will have a much easier time with a cat, and way less money!


Say Hello to my, errr, cat!!!


Edited by Eli the Barrowboy, 22 April 2008 - 03:56 AM.

Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-22 03:52:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
We are bringing our dog over. It's a real pain to be honest - rabies shots, blood tests, passport, etc etc etc.

Plus, there is an animal embargo in place from May to September on US airlines as it gets too hot to have the dog sitting on the tarmac while the plane taxis.

We might have to fly to JFK and drive over to Oregon or shove the poor wee thing into a dog cage that fits under the seat in front. He's a Dachshund so he'll fit in the cage but he'll bark all the way no doubt.

Just adds to the already huge stress ... oh well.

R
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-22 03:25:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Dublin Airport US Immigration
QUOTE (NickyMcMillan @ Jun 3 2008, 08:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Aer Lingus Flight 109 to JFK


Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh .... am I allowed to swear here?

I'm flying via London to get the EAD in JFK. Guess what flight Mercedes is on with the dog? You guessed it ...

AER LINGUS - EI 109 to JFK
DEP DUBLIN - TUE 22JUL08 - 5.00PM

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-06-04 06:58:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Dublin Airport US Immigration
Hi all,

I'm based in Belfast and want to get to JFK to get the EAD when I enter on a K1. Therefore I'll have to fly to London to go to JFK to avoid the immigration in DUB as they don't stamp you with the EAD.

I've heard that the US immigration only stamp certain flights and at certain times of day so it might be possible to avoid them and do immigration at JFK.

Does anyone know if this is actually the case?

R
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-29 08:16:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Dublin as Port of Entry
Thanks guys,

She's actually 18 so there's no trouble with the airlines ... but to me she's still my little girl .. she's been flying over here for years now solo or with her brother and never had any trouble .. I'm just a worrier.

Thanks for the ORD info ... it's good to know that people will be able to help her ... she gets into T5 then transfers to T1 (usually) to switch to United from Aer Lingus.

Hopefully it goes smooth ... I've been on Flightstats for weeks seeing if the flights are on time every day ... ha ha.

R
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-15 13:56:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Dublin as Port of Entry
Hey there,

Our daughter is entering the US on Wednesday and is coming through Dublin so that will be her point of entry so to speak.

I was wondering if anyone could give me an estimate of how long she should allow herself and what to expect ... she's young and nervous and will be traveling solo.

She is arriving at the airport (providing the bus gets there on time) at 8.30am and her flight is at 1pm. I'm assuming that gives her time to get checked in, get through the horrendous security and then get to the US Immigration section.

So, any help or additional info would be much appreciated by us both. I am compiling the info for her into a dossier along with things like how to connect in Chicago (from memory of a trip two years ago).

Thanks.

R.
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-15 13:11:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanWOOT WOOT!!!!!!!
Hey Well done ... that's great news. Roll on NVC!!!
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-03-25 06:05:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)So.. i just got back from my interview
Let me be the first to say Congrats!!!
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-11 07:45:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Wrong Country on my NVC reply
So after all that the very nice guy (seriously) told me that he would have to run it past his manager and to call back in 10 working days ... blah!!!
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-12 21:47:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Wrong Country on my NVC reply

Did you call them yet?


Been on hold for over 35 minutes as we speak!!! Bu they "are working hard to take our call as soon as possible" ... and sound very chipper!!!

I doubt they have sent the papers to the embassy yet - payment only went this afternoon!!!

Edited by Eli the Barrowboy, 12 April 2010 - 09:38 PM.

Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-12 21:37:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Wrong Country on my NVC reply
I posted this elsewhere by accident so apologies mods ...

We got our daughters Greencard application back this weekend from the NVC and they have a) listed my daughters country as Ireland not NORTHERN Ireland and b) have listed her embassy as Dublin.

Now, she sees herself as Irish so is happy enough AND she is receiving official US mail on her N Ireland address, but as this will create a problem when it comes to interview as Northern Ireland in under UK jurisdiction we will call them and she should go to London?

Does anyone know if this will cause a major hold up?

Ronan
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-12 15:51:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Want to try to track your paperwork from NVC to the Embassy?
Hi Guys,

I see a few shipments to London from NVC.

The description reads Description: US DIPLOMATIC PAPERS.

Would K-1 visa stuff be so labelled?

R
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-03-27 13:39:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow long does a case stay with an Officer before it is apporved?
I know that chinemeze doesn't need this info anymore but for those who are reading this afterwards here's our story ... so far.

Assigned a case officer on February 20th. Still nothing by March 10th. I'll keep you all posted!!!
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-03-10 09:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon and Affidavit of Support
Hi Everyone,

This is a great forum and source of information.

So our story, my US girlfriend is in the UK on a student visa, we meet through a mutual friend, fall in love. We plan to move to the US together when she graduates, etc.

OK, I'm proposing this Christmas and in early January we will file for the K-1 Fiance Visa.

When we return she's going to Law School in Oregon so obviously she isn't in a position where she can pledge financial support for me - in fact I'll be supporting her. I'll be selling my house in the UK and will have $300,000+ in my bank account at that time plus 6 years experience as a television producer and 4 as an IT consultant - obviously I'll be in a position to look after us both. So I read somewhere here (I think) that if your interview is in London and if you can show that you own a house you are going to sell and have a certain standard of education and work experience you can bypass the Affidavit of Support by being financially independant yourself. We can get her parents to sign one if it's an issue but at 35 I would rather not have Mom and Pop covering my ### - it's just a pride thing.

Can anyone let us know if they have been down this road and if what I read is correct?!?

Two more questions: We will apply in January 2008 - we will have to be in Oregon together in September 2008 for University term starting. Are we cutting it fine?

Also, I want to give my two kids the chance to move over there and will put them on our application - but they are in school in the UK at GCSE stage so they can't change immediately. Do they have to move at the same time as I do or can they join us later?

Thanks guys!

R
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2007-03-28 10:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVaccinations
As far as I know when you go to the medical you bring a vaccination history from your GP to show that the vaccinations have to be up to speed - I'm getting them all over the next few months on the NHS to preempt the costs on the day.

Coincidentally, I just had the first shot of my Hepatitis 'B' course as I'm working on a project that involves visiting some pretty ropey places - be prepared for some crazy dreams the night after the injection and a damn sore arm for a day or two!!!!
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-08 04:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionUK Filers - I Need Your Help!!!
Let's hope so ...
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-03-19 16:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionUK Filers - I Need Your Help!!!
I still need to get a new one as it says it needs to be issued 6 months before the interview - so I wasted that £10.

R

QUOTE (Eli the Barrowboy @ Mar 19 2008, 07:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Subject Access Statement = Police Certificate

First paragraph it's called a police certificate, second paragraph it's called a Subject Access Statement. I must be thick as I didn't really catch that on ...

"Applicants who have, or have applied for, a Subject Access Statement

If you have applied for, or are in possession of a Subject Access Statement, and you will appear for a visa interview before August 15, 2008, the Nonimmigrant Visa Section will accept this Statement, provided it was issued within 6 months of the date of the visa interview. Applicants appearing for interviews on or after August 15 will be required to furnish the new style police certificate from the ACPO."

Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-03-19 14:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionUK Filers - I Need Your Help!!!
Subject Access Statement = Police Certificate

First paragraph it's called a police certificate, second paragraph it's called a Subject Access Statement. I must be thick as I didn't really catch that on ...

"Applicants who have, or have applied for, a Subject Access Statement

If you have applied for, or are in possession of a Subject Access Statement, and you will appear for a visa interview before August 15, 2008, the Nonimmigrant Visa Section will accept this Statement, provided it was issued within 6 months of the date of the visa interview. Applicants appearing for interviews on or after August 15 will be required to furnish the new style police certificate from the ACPO."
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-03-19 14:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionUK Filers - I Need Your Help!!!
Well I got the all clear from both the Northern Ireland Police and Scotland Yard ... £435 would buy peac of mind though the night before an interview!!!
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-03-19 14:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionUK Filers - I Need Your Help!!!
Oh #######!!!

I just say this on the London US Embassy website ...

"Applicants applying for visas at the U.S. Embassy in London or the Consulate in Belfast are required to furnish a police certificate from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) issued within 6 months of the date of the visa interview. Information on obtaining the police certificate is available from the ACPO website."

I always read on this forum that a police cert was valid 1 year so I took the initative and got mine in October 2007.

The above info was posted under under the section 'Documents relating to your arrest and/or conviction' of which I have neither.

Can any other UK filers confirm or deny that your UK police cert is only valid for 6 months?

Ronan
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-03-19 14:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS156 Help
Hi Folks,

Maybe people could help me a little with these thoughts?

Question 14. National Identification Number: Will I write my British National Insurance Number here?

Question 29: Enter Additional U.S. Visits Here: I can't remember exact dates for leaving the USA in the nineties. I have the entry date from the passport stamps but no exit date - I know roughly, but not exact. I don't know how I'd get those dates either? Will this matter if I give a month of exit rather than a specific date or a guesstimate?

Question 34. Names and Relationships of Persons Traveling With You: My kids and my fiancee will be travelling with me. However, the kids are just coming for a holiday. Would they be better to wait and fly over the next day or something so that I don't face questioning about why they are coming in to the US but not staying and why it said they would be joining me later on my application but are in fact joining me now?

Question 32. Do You Intend To Work in The U.S.? I ticked Yes, I do intend to work but don't have employment yet. Shall I leave Yes and write N/A or No Employer Yet in the box?

Question 35. Has Your U.S. Visa Ever Been Cancelled or Revoked? I had a Green card in 1995 which I let expire by not returning after a death in the family. Was this cancelled or revoked or just expired? My gut says mark 'No' here.

For a lot of Street Address Line 2 there is none to be had. Shall I put down N/A, None or leave blank? And all other blanks - write N/A?

Thanks for your patience!!! I'm trusting in your guru like knowledge folks.

R
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-08 09:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMistake on DS-230 Part 1
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Apr 25 2008, 02:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Unless your name is John Amsterdam, I'd contact them about the error and then bring a corrected one to the interview.


Very good - New York City homicide detective John Amsterdam is cursed with immortality because he stopped the murder of a Native American girl in 1642. Geddit now!!!
Eli the BarrowboyMaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-25 10:45:00