chilis1986

Hi everybody, another newbie here. I would like to find out some info about moving to america. My wife is American and we will be going over in the next year or so by marriage visa. This is the best and practically the only option to us. My queiry for this post though is my school qualifications. I dont have the best grades but i know that when we go to the States they will need to be converted to a USA equivalent so that i can get work. Does anybody know any info on this situation.

My Grades were 7 GCSE's but none higher that a D (unfortunately).

Can anyone help me. Please. . . Thanks

AmerLisa

I believe, in your instance, you'd qualify as a high school graduate. The only reason you'd probably worry about converting "grades" would be if you had a degree from a university.

anuny

Why is it best and only option ?

At your level of education (i.e High School) no one looks at grades. It is the skills & trades that you learnt. It also depends on what kind of work experience you have and how many years of it.

The difference between GED and no GED is not much, a few bucks an hour maybe US is fast stratifying into low paying hard labor, service and high tech/qualified techies market for immigrants and foreigners. If you are young, I strongly suggest you get an undergraduate degree at the very least, if you want to make some headway economically.

Nutmegger

If he's married to a USC, there doesn't seem any point in looking at other visa options.

fatbrit

Would suggest you look at getting back into education if you come to the US since your prospects do not look too great as an employee. Education here is very flexible. Suggest you start with a GED at a community college and then look at doing something with vocational qualifications. It's quite possible to combine education with work over here.

TerryVA

I'd agree that potential employers will be looking for post-"high-school" education, but be prepared for the US education system. You'll get points taken off for spelling things in English, and more points taken off for daring to use mental arithmetic!

AmerLisa

Really? Oh do go on.....

Duncan Roberts

I would disagree, I don't think that would translate to a high school diploma because of the amount of GCSEs, the grades and the fact he left school at 16. They could be translated but it would probably be easier, cheaper and open up more options to just take the GED.

Sally Redux

Is grade D a pass at GCSE?

Duncan Roberts

Yes. In my day so was an E, F and G, only a U was a fail. I think D and under are classed as a lower level pass than A*-C. 7 also seems like a lower than average amount to take if air remember. 9 or 10 was standard when I did mine I think.

Sally Redux

Thanks, it was 'O' Levels when I was at school where a pass was C and above.

TerryVA

Not much to add, really. I speak from personal experience. Don't spell "colour" with a "u", and even if it's blindingly obvious that 10% of 300 is 30, make sure you "show your working".

scrubbedexpat099

I would just add that nobody seemed bothered about proving High School completion status, I just put down that I had achieved the equivalent.

Poppy girl

I can't spell for toffee and if the calculator goes amiss then I am screwed lol but I am in my 3rd position in the US in executive management, have never been asked for my eduction qualifications I did bring some references from Aussie and the UK thats it.
Depends on the profession you're going into I guess!

PS Terry if anyone had taken points of for my spelling and mental arithmetic I would not of even passed the 1st interview

AmerLisa

What I meant was that he probably could comfortably say he graduated from high school. I would think not too many jobs that require a high school diploma really care enough to go back and check.