Originally Posted by DougyFresh

I would also very much appreciate any advise, tips, recomendation on things like, Job hunting(IT, Info Security), buying car, good school and sport activities for children (3-4) years - from Brits living in Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe...and the surrounding area.

Many thanks in advance

Doug

Originally Posted by DougyFresh

Hello every one,
I finally made my move and landed in Phoenix yesterday. I am very exited and happy to see my family again but thats where the excitement ends....

It's 7 am and I have been up since 4, as I couldn't sleep ( jet lagged I guess). I am posting this in a hope that someone might be able to ease my mind in regards to the hundres of things I should do to get my life back on track here in USA.
I am here on IR-1 visa, my wife and two kids (US citizens) moved back two months before me, and we are currently staying with our parents.

So, here are my most pressing questions and I opologise if these have been discussed previously.

1. Medical insurance: I really don,t know where to start with this one. I have yet to find a job, therefore I will have to pay private...any advise on where to get the most affordable one and how how to about it? My wife and kids are currently on Medicaid and I remember reading somewhere on thi forum that new immigrant have something like one month free insurance from the day they land...is that true? And how long can you go without it before you get fined? Sorry for the very basic questions but I just want to start from scract so that I can get a better understanding.

2. Green card and ssn: i did tick the box to have my ssn card processed and sent to my new USA address but also read here that you need to go a local social security office and ask for one! Any clarification would be great. As for the GC, I paid the fee online back in uk, does any one know how long it take for card to be processed and mailed please?

I will stop With the two questions, and will surely come back with more at some point in the future.

I would also very much appreciate any advise, tips, recomendation on things like, Job hunting(IT, Info Security), buying car, good school and sport activities for children (3-4) years - from Brits living in Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe...and the surrounding area.

Many thanks in advance

Doug

Originally Posted by Fish n Chips 56

Land of the "FREE" Huhhhh not really.

Im blown away by your post, One month Free medical Insurance, hahahaa thts Its the first Ive heard about, Ive never had anything for Free here in my 38 years, Surely someone should have sponsored you and your family so you are not a burden on Society, it seems impossible that your wife n kids are already on Medicaid...

Originally Posted by Sally Redux

His wife is a USC.

Originally Posted by Fish n Chips 56

I always wonder why people dont do their research before getting here.

Originally Posted by Sally Redux

His wife is a USC.

Originally Posted by sir_eccles

I think you need your ssn.

Phoenix, Glendale or Tempe? Which one?

Originally Posted by Bob

A lot of this stuff perhaps should have been researched before the move....for everything else, have a read of the wiki above, which answers a lot of your questions...and have a search, plenty of threads on them.

If you've got any specifics, people will be glad to help, but regurgitating the same old generic info might be pointless if you already know it, or if it doesn't apply.

We've no idea what kind of work you're looking for exactly, nor where exactly you are living or plan to settle in etc, which will mean school stuff won't have any real meaning if you're looking for specifics...

Originally Posted by Noorah101

Doug,

Your SSN should show up in the mail within a month or so. You can wait about 10 days from now, then go in person to your local SSN office to see if a number has been assigned.

Your plastic green card should also come in the mail within a month or so, but you currently have proof of your PR status in your passport anyway.

Don't forget to look into an Arizona state ID or drivers license.

Rene

Originally Posted by penguinsix

We have a WIKI on health insurance with some basic information that might help on some terms and whatnot

Health Insurance : British Expat Wiki

Originally Posted by AZ_Alba

Mesa Police are looking for CJIS (Criminal Justice Information System) Supervisor - Security Assignment

Jobs

lots of kids activities through the local Parks and Rec depending where in the valley you are as Tempe and Glendale are opposite ends of town.

Originally Posted by Fish n Chips 56

Land of the "FREE" Huhhhh not really.

Im blown away by your post, One month Free medical Insurance, hahahaa thts Its the first Ive heard about, Ive never had anything for Free here in my 38 years, Surely someone should have sponsored you and your family so you are not a burden on Society, it seems impossible that your wife n kids are already on Medicaid...

Originally Posted by SanDiegogirl

Even though his wife is a USC, I too was surprised that she and the children obtained Medicaid as soon as they arrived back in the US.

People criticise the UK for allowing easy access to benefits as soon as people set foot in the UK, but it appears the US does the same.

This particular lady would have been sponsoring her husband. She had third party sponsors since neither she nor husband had jobs in the US.

Originally Posted by DougyFresh

Jesus,

you just sound like an exiled BNP member trolling this forum looking for things to complain about!

There is nothing wrong for a USA citizen to seek initial help from the government (USA) whilst trying to find her feet - she is entitled to it and has been paying for it half of her life so far.

you will find that people like you will live a happy and meaningful life if they worry less about what other people do.

Kind and supporting words don't cost a thing.

FYI - My wife has since landed the job she wanted and the medical insurance will be sorted soon - I hope thi put your mind to rest...

stay blessed.