ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomMaxJet goes bust
Bizarely, I saw trailers for this story on the news, but not the actual story. For a few days I imagined the newscasters just made a mistake, but now I know it's a real story, so thank you.
PeikkoMale02007-12-28 00:32:00
United Kingdomjust wondering if any one can put me at ease
They can always choose not to allow you to enter the country so it's advisable, though very hard, to be aware of that before setting out. Many people advise taking documents proving your intent to return to your home country. A return ticket is not enough on its own to convince a skeptical immigration officer.

That said, I don't know how often they actually do do this. I visited my fiance about 8 times in total, including one stay of just under the 90 days. I went each spring and fall, so a 6 month gap between each visit, and had no problems at all.
PeikkoMale02008-01-28 13:17:00
United KingdomEmails/Chats
I don't think many people get asked for their evidence of relationships. I wasn't asked for anything except the forms either. However, sure as eggs are eggs, if you took nothing, they would ask for something.
PeikkoMale02008-02-05 12:31:00
United Kingdom2 Different Interview Dates in London
Email works well at the London Embassy. Make sure you give sufficitient details for them to be able to identify your case and put that in the subject header. They will reply, generally very quickly.
PeikkoMale02008-03-03 14:32:00
United KingdomTesco's Fresh and Easy Stores
Fresh and Easy do mark downs, I got lasgane the other day, yummy!
PeikkoMale02008-03-09 22:52:00
United KingdomTesco's Fresh and Easy Stores
I like the stores and certainly wasn't expecting to see any imported goods' as has been said, that will not win them a big enough slice of the market. I didn't think they were over priced for what they sell, and there are some great deals too in tinned and dried goods as well as bargain hot dog rolls and burger buns that are not as sweet as most of the US ones.

I can't shop for everthing in one store, I have to go to about 3 to get the right foods I want at the right prices. I probably spend most in TJ's but I now spend about 30% of my food budget in Fresh and Easy.

I also go to the local farme's markets for fresh fruits and veg as the quality is much better.
PeikkoMale02008-03-09 14:59:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread
Wow, congratulations on all fronts! Isn't it amazing how things just keep getting better once we are united with our loved ones?

Take care and good luck with the pregnancy and job hunting. Interestingly, I have discovered that there is no problem transferring administration skills. I imagined it would be hard to get work, but so far, no problem at all, so good luck to you with that too :D
PeikkoMale02006-11-09 23:29:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread
Just to let you guys know, for statistical purposes if nothing else, I got our green cards yesterday :D

That's the end of the immigration stuff for me for at least 3 years.

I do have to get our SSN and then a drivers licence, but it's great to have the little plastic card.

Hope the rest of you who are waiting get moved forward soon.
PeikkoMale02006-09-23 12:02:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread
AOS completed!

Welcome letters in my grubby little paws, GC's in the mail in the next couple of weeks. Can't believe this is all over...


...but it is :D
PeikkoMale02006-09-11 15:48:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread
Sokay Tracy, I understand what you mean but I will take the date, I need that GC.

Hope everyone else waiting for their interview date hears something soon :)
PeikkoMale02006-07-27 12:01:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread
Well, things move on again. I recieved my AOS interview letter in the post this morning, set for 11th September at early o'clock in the morning, yipee!!!!
PeikkoMale02006-07-25 17:55:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread


Well, here I am, in sunny LA! Actually this afternoon is fog bound but hey!

Anyway, the trip over was wonderfully stress free and POE was totally painless and didn't take very long at all.

One very happy and contended new comer to the USA.

One thing re children.

I went to enroll my son at school today. Unfortunately, despite all my best laid plans to have him fully vaccinated and ready to go when I arrived, the TB test that I had done in the UK had no date on it, so was not admissable, and infact they were fairly certain that he would have had to have another one done anyway and also he had to have a vaccine against chicken pox. So, that was an unexpected $105 bill.

The good news is, the walk in clinic I went to were really nice and are open on Sunday to get the TB test read, so he is all set to start at 8.00 am Monday.

That's another thing, it's going to be odd getting used to the new hours, 8.00 to 1.50!

Still, the school looks lovely so fingers crossed he'll be making lots of friends really soon.



I have already got my children's schools sorted out, they have their places which are just up the road as we're staying with Scott's mom and dad for a year until we get a house properly but we will be fine cause I get on well with his family especially his mom :) So we're going to meet the principals when I get there.

Alison.


Cool, I am glad for you, I was just pointing out that even when you do make all the enquiries, which I did, sometimes when it comes to the day you don't have everything you need.

I knew that my son had to have a Heave (?) test as California schools insist that all pupils have this done. I had it done in the UK but because there was no date on the papers, they couldn't accept it even though they believed what I was saying.

Also, regarding the Varicella vacine, I assumed (wrongly) that the immigration vaccines would be enough for the CA school. Wrong again! Varicella (chickenpox) isn't one of the required vaccines for immigration, but is for CA schools.

Needless to say, now he is all fully vacinated he is really looking forward to going and the school is in walking distance so we are all set now.

We also just had the most exciting day. Currently we are sleeping on airbeds (just the way things worked out), but today we went and bought some absulutely awesome beds for my son and my hubby and I. Little things can bring so much pleasure :D
PeikkoMale02006-02-05 07:04:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread
Well, here I am, in sunny LA! Actually this afternoon is fog bound but hey!

Anyway, the trip over was wonderfully stress free and POE was totally painless and didn't take very long at all.

One very happy and contended new comer to the USA.

One thing re children.

I went to enroll my son at school today. Unfortunately, despite all my best laid plans to have him fully vaccinated and ready to go when I arrived, the TB test that I had done in the UK had no date on it, so was not admissable, and infact they were fairly certain that he would have had to have another one done anyway and also he had to have a vaccine against chicken pox. So, that was an unexpected $105 bill.

The good news is, the walk in clinic I went to were really nice and are open on Sunday to get the TB test read, so he is all set to start at 8.00 am Monday.

That's another thing, it's going to be odd getting used to the new hours, 8.00 to 1.50!

Still, the school looks lovely so fingers crossed he'll be making lots of friends really soon.
PeikkoMale02006-02-03 19:14:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread
Just one more sleep, and I am on that plane! Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!
PeikkoMale02006-02-01 18:29:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread
Just had my works leaving do, so am nursing a litte hang over. Another day closer though, hurrah!

Sorry to see the forums had a bit of a crash, but very happy to see how quickly the new one is up and running, thanks to all who have helped to get it re started.
PeikkoMale02006-01-28 04:52:00
United KingdomWhich of these kids shows do you remember watching?
The Bush Kangaroo? laughing.gif

Rhubarb had the best theme tune ever!
PeikkoMale02008-04-19 16:17:00
United KingdomWhich of these kids shows do you remember watching?
The Magic Roundabout
PeikkoMale02008-04-17 13:43:00
United KingdomLeast painful POE experience?
I could be wrong because I was K3, but if you are K1 isn't JFK the only airport where they will stamp your visa with the EAD so you can work? Might be worth thinking about.
PeikkoMale02008-04-20 18:20:00
United KingdomHeinz Baked Beans
I thought everyone knew what gelatin is? Not horses hooves though, very few Western countries use horse as a source for any food product.
PeikkoMale02008-04-24 17:31:00
United KingdomHeinz Baked Beans
I can't agree that any US baked beans taste like those you get in the UK - but I also can't quite bring myself to pay the price for Heinz here. I now have a craving for beans on toast with real butter, rats!
PeikkoMale02008-04-22 12:15:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
Today is Sunday - I have to work tomorrow.
PeikkoMale02008-11-30 14:33:00
United KingdomHow do British qualifications translate?
QUOTE (Kirsten UK @ Feb 8 2009, 09:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
1 page resume?? ohmy.gif


Well, if your work history spills over onto two pages, fair enough, but as short as you can manage without missing out on pertinent information. I was trying to find the one I used, it's definitely shorter than the one I had in the UK. I cut out all the trivia biggrin.gif
PeikkoMale02009-02-10 10:18:00
United KingdomHow do British qualifications translate?
The OP seems to be asking about non-professional qualifications - GCE/O/A level. If that's the case, I can't see there being any need for a 'translation' of qualifications. If the OP has worked recently in the UK, that will have a greater importance anyway and these things will be taken into consideration, even if they don't go ahead and actually seek references - although they very well might if you can produce an email address for your previous boss.

As to whether any of this will place one 'down the queue' as it were in terms of a prospective employer, it might, then again being English might put one at the top of the queue, it's hard to say and is very dependent on the field one works in.

It seems to me that the most important thing to get right is the resume you send out. Keep it brief, one page if possible don't call it a CV, put most emphasis on the employment history and specific merits that would lead one to be good at the job applied for and much less on the 'personality' stuff.

One last thing, you may have to start in a position that is lower than that which you held in the UK but that's ok because employers don't expect 'loyalty' to a particular company so once you have a foot in the door, don't be afraid to look around for a better position as necessary.

Edited by Madame Cleo, 08 February 2009 - 12:28 PM.

PeikkoMale02009-02-08 12:27:00
United KingdomFailed Driving Test
QUOTE (Laura+Tom @ Feb 7 2009, 09:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Can't he still use his UK licence plus the International Drivers Permit?


No, from a US perspective that became void at the point he failed his test. He has been tested and he is not deemed competent to drive (how he managed that is anyone's guess). If he has an accident while driving illegally, well, you know the rest.

He needs to learn how to drive like an American and get it done!
PeikkoMale02009-02-12 13:26:00
United KingdomAny Cricket Fans Here?
QUOTE (Damian P @ Feb 8 2009, 10:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Madame Cleo @ Feb 8 2009, 12:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I haven't followed it for a while. Not sure if it's even available on TV here. They used to do radio commentary on Radio 4 on AM while regular programs still went on FM and there was always a lot of talk about cake. Not sure if they still do that now? Probably not smile.gif


DirectTV, CM, DirectTV. That's what ya need. good.gif



We don't have anything, just terrestrial. To be honest, though, I don't watch much these days. Too much going on.
PeikkoMale02009-02-12 13:30:00
United KingdomAny Cricket Fans Here?
I haven't followed it for a while. Not sure if it's even available on TV here. They used to do radio commentary on Radio 4 on AM while regular programs still went on FM and there was always a lot of talk about cake. Not sure if they still do that now? Probably not smile.gif


PeikkoMale02009-02-08 12:57:00
United KingdomAny Cricket Fans Here?
I used to like watching it in the days of Botham/Willis/Gooch etc.
PeikkoMale02009-02-08 12:34:00
United Kingdomtransfering money to America and temp health insurance.
QUOTE (payxibka @ Feb 4 2009, 05:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Hannah+Vito @ Feb 4 2009, 06:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (payxibka @ Feb 5 2009, 12:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Carried in your pocket would be the cheapest way



what in english and exchange over there?
unsure.gif


sure or change to dollars before you come... or if you have a bank account with Visa ATM just come over here and take it from the ATM machine


good.gif
PeikkoMale02009-02-12 13:24:00
United Kingdomgp, jabs and proof
She might have difficulty accessing records from other countries in the UK via her GP. Not sure though as I didn't have to do that.
PeikkoMale02009-02-12 14:35:00
United Kingdomgp, jabs and proof
You need some kind of proof, or you will have to get them again. If you know where you had the jabs done, write/call them and ask for a record of it.

If you do have to get them again, do them at your local Dr where it can be done for free. If you leave it until the medical, you will be charged and they are expensive.

Edited by Madame Cleo, 12 February 2009 - 01:21 PM.

PeikkoMale02009-02-12 13:20:00
United KingdomDoes my 11 year old need to have the Medical too?
QUOTE (Welshcookie @ Mar 2 2009, 06:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I didn't have to flash my bits either....maybe they had reached their quota by the time they saw me laughing.gif


Me either, no physical exam to see if indeed I am female laughing.gif

Yes to the kids and medical though and yes, you will need the extra vaccine, but that comes in handy when you register your kid for school. Schools in CA will not allow a child to attend school that doesn't have a full vaccination sheet completed and I think that's true for most? states.

I was asked about breast exams, but I didn't get one re the over 35 thing, but that was when the medicals were in Birmingham. Things change.
PeikkoMale02009-03-02 16:26:00
United KingdomWish me luck fellow VJ'ers
What the hell, good luck!

You don't know me from Adam, but I did do the London Embassy bit, so I know what you will be going though smile.gif
PeikkoMale02009-03-11 10:35:00
United KingdomTo the Brits - do you think everything here in the US is too sweet?
Bread is too sweet, chocolate is too sweet, don't bother with baked beans and try to avoid processed food.

Martini's are just perfect though :D
PeikkoMale02007-03-07 22:00:00
United KingdomThe Joys of the US medical system
I think the worst thing about the US systm versus the UK from my point of view is I am less inclined to seek advice at the early stages of problems, I take a much more wait and see approach in the hopes that things will automatically right themselves. That's not good personal health care really.
PeikkoMale02008-04-07 15:32:00
United KingdomI think it'd be cool if...
Not really interested in celebrity gossip, on either side of the Atlantic. I did briefly see Beckham on the news and thought #######? Then promptly forgot all about it until I read this thread, so now I know, even if I don't really want to :D

"Goodbye, and thanks for all the fish" :whistle:
PeikkoMale02007-01-15 11:50:00
United KingdomShipping from the UK
What sort of things are you bringing over? TBH, I didn't bring much at all, and am very glad I didn't - just the sentimental stuff because it is more expensive than you imagine it's going to be, often it is almost cheaper to start a fresh, and kind of fun. However, I did use excessbaggage when I moved for 2 boxes, it cost about 300 GBP, took nearly a month and I had to collect the stuff from a warehouse. It's all a bit of a hassle so good luck!
PeikkoMale02010-03-05 15:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRelationship Failed: Would you have told her?
Yes. Don't waste your time wondering if not telling her would have been better - you know that it would not - you needed to disclose which is why you did. If the relationship is over, then you will have to move forward. Perhaps the lesson to learn is to open up in the future when a relationship turns from casual to serious not leave it until there is a pressing need to disclose. Good luck with whatever happens next.
PeikkoMale02009-07-28 11:19:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Another RFE HELLLLLP.. I'm getting sooo upset
Frustrating as it is, no one can give you an answer and while it is very tempting to try to second guess, the best thing to do is to try to not worry about it until you get the explanation from the source. At that time you will be in a position to deal with whatever it is and it probably will not add to the process time very much if at all. Good luck smile.gif

Edited by Madame Cleo, 07 February 2009 - 11:04 AM.

PeikkoMale02009-02-07 11:04:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK-3 or K-1
Also, just to be clear, a K3 has the choice to adjust status in the US or continue with the CR/IR1 application which requires a return to the US embassy in the home country of the foreign spouse.

Not sure if that was clear, but it was meant to be :)
PeikkoMale02006-03-05 11:06:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmy Husband's K3 visa just got approved.....
Your post is a bit confusing. However, assuming he has his K3 visa in his passport and is ready to come to the US, there is a further stage that you have to go through.

On K3 you have two choices, allow the 1-130 to run through and your husband to return to pakistan for the interview there, or apply to adjust status from within the US.

If you adjust in the US, the US citizen is expected to attend the interview.

However, if you are asking about the K3 interview itself, then you are not required to travel to Pakistan to attend that interview.
PeikkoMale02006-09-13 20:46:00