Nutmegger

Hope you've brought your snow boots -- there's some forecast for tonight!

tom169

Being charged $100 for 10mb of bandwidth?

LouisB

At least!

LouisB

I have no good snow clothes, left UK where I was outside catching some rays last few days.

I'm in for a shock, aren't I

Nutmegger

Luckily for you it's in the mid 30s (F) today -- over ten degrees warmer than it has been recently. But it's definitely time to spring for some winter woollies!

LouisB

Thanks for the tip. Actually to be fair I have a jumper hoody coat scarf gloves and hat, was all I could find suitable for the cold, maybe it'll do. If not, shopping time. Just need to remember to dress aappropiately before heading out rather than get caught out.

LouisB

Ok so I made it.

There was snow.

Some days weather says it's cold but it seems warm. On Tuesday I took coat but was roasting, sweating buckets.

Other days like today the very next day, it seems warm then an arctic wind chills you to the very core.

This will take some getting used to.

Have achieved a number of key things since arriving, CBP no issue, visa stamps good, I-94 good, I-9 done, getting set up at work all good, bank account opened.

I'm just wondering, before I return to the UK for a few weeks is there anything I should really try to sort out or address before return? Something I may kick myself for not doing once back?

tom169

Applied for an SSN? Any sort of waiting list for a driving test you should join?

LouisB

Good points.

My company has explicitly told me to wait for SSN application until back again.

I seem to have a temp one for payroll in the mean time.

As for driving test, yikes I don't feel remotely prepaired for that. I guess I should look into it though in case of big waiting times.

Thanks for that, I'll look into it tomorrow.

tom169

Not sure why they would tell you that as the issuance of an SSN to you is, to be honest, none of their business.

LouisB

It might be because I'm returning to the uk for a month in a few days?

Where would the SSN go if I'm not in the US to receive it? They send you a card?

I suppose it is not too late to double check. Let me shoot them a message tomorrow to understand why. You're right, if I can do it I should and maybe I can, Cinderella I've a couple of days left yet!

Only been. Here since Saturday though, wonder if it has been long enough, given the wait 10days thing.

tom169

On second thoughts, if you're going back to the UK before the 10 days I would probably wait until you return.

Last thing you want is to be caught out by not being in the SAVE system, that's probably why your employer has advised you.

LouisB

OK thanks. I think I'm not missing out on a SSN for a short while plus I have UK backed $ credit cards that seem to work perfectly and are cost effective for now.

Out of interest, what is SAVE?

tom169

It's Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program... Basically the system that SSA run your details on to verify your status and eligbility for an SSN. https://www.uscis.gov/save

Pulaski

If you can keep a vehicle between the kerb and the center line, and know what to do at a red light and a STOP sign, then you're more than well enough prepared for a US driving test. Take it seriously, but so long as you can focus on driving for about ten minutes, then the driving test won't be a problem for you