Cerig1977

petitefrancaise

Here ya go! First things first......

https://britishexpats.com/wiki/List_...n_about_Moving

karenkaren1

where in Florida? and what age are your kids? I moved from Manchester to Miami with my family a few months ago

Cerig1977

Superstar, thank you! I've got most things but there are things I've not even thought of!

Cerig1977

Hi, We're moving to Port St Lucie which is about 2hrs north of Miami - so just up the road in US terms! lol

My children will be 16, 15 and almost 12 when we move but my eldest is thinking about staying in the UK for a few years to join the military. We're in currently in Macclesfield so not far from Manchester - small world!

What made you decide to take the leap and move? and why Miami? How has your family adapted to the change?

karenkaren1

we moved for my husbands work however we pushed for the move because we have friends in Miami and have been visiting many times over last 10 years (and love the lifestyle and the climate). I have a 12 and a 14 year old. One thing you need to think about is school years. My 14 yr old finished year 9 in England and has just started grade 9 here (he's stayed behind a year to be with his current age group here - UK start a year ahead) however my 12 yr old just finished year 7 in England but has started grade 8 here. It was a big decision as she will be with kids turning 14 now but you have to do what suits the individual child. I was strongly recommended to get my kids privately tested for gifted classes when I arrived here.

Re credit... we took out an American Express in UK 3 months earlier and then seamlessly transferred to American Express USA. The first month was crazy and quite frustrating. I felt like I was chasing my tail setting up bank account, health insurance, car insurance, buying cars, enrolling in schools and getting kids unto date with vaccinations. Expect a whirlwind and many hours of calling customer services!

* book you driving tests early too! you can only drive on your UK license for a month legally and the driving test centers get booked weeks in advance. Dont stress about the test tho, its ridiculously easy, just make sure you do quite a few practice tests online to familiarize with road signs etc

Rete

Are you aware that as a USC, once your children enter the US with their IR-1 visas, they will become automatic USC. Bear this in mind for your oldest as he/she having dual citizenship will be helpful if or when they decide after military service in the UK to return to the US to live and work. Urge him/her to go the visa route, enter the US, apply for their US Passport and if they so desire, leave the US for return to live in the UK.

Also note that once a male child becomes 18 they must register for the selective service even though the US has not had a draft in decades.

mrken30

Does that mean that as soon as the kids enter the US they will then become eligible to pay US taxes for the rest of their lives? Is USC for the kids optional?

Cerig1977

Thanks Rete. however, all my children were born before I gained by USC and so I don't this applies to them according to the immigration website "Children born abroad after you became a U.S. citizen may qualify for U.S. citizenship.".

Cerig1977

Hi Karen, this is all really valuable thank you

scrubbedexpat099

I am intrigued as to how you became a USC, live in the UK but got it after the children were born???

Cerig1977

Most people are

My mum is USC, moved over to the UK when she was 4yrs and went onto have me and my siblings but thankfully I was born out of wedlock! Mum moved back over to the US and I stayed here and started my own family. We visited several times and then we decided that I would apply for my citizenship in the hope that we can relocate to be near them.

Rete

Check it all out thoroughly. I still say your children will become USC after they enter the POE with a valid IR-1 visa. Pay for a one time consultation with an immigration attorney.

scrubbedexpat099

"For children born on or before June 11, 2017, mother must prove that she was physically present in the U.S. for a minimum period of one continuous year. For children born on or after June 12, 2017, mother must prove that she was physically present in the U.S. for 5 years, 2 of which were after age 14."

So you were always a USC not applied for it?

Cerig1977

I had to prove my eligibility through with the necessary paperwork at the US Embassy in London and wait for it to be confirmed and receive my passport. I now have dual citizenship