Wams

Hey all this is my first post.

I'm am American citizen who's been living in the uk since the age of 4, I have family who live in Arizona, California and Nevada. I have read in other threads that my skills in the UK are not transferable, so will have to start from the bottom as a mate/helper.

I've been told stories here on UK sites from other electricians who have worked stateside that the unions such as the Brotherhood of Elecrical workers could help to provide transport and accommodation at a price of course while you work? Is this correct? I know there is a Brotherhood of Electrical workers office in Henderson, Las Vegas. I'm planning on visiting there from the June 16th - June 23rd. Is the office open to the public for enquiries? Does anyone know of any other avenues of finding work on the West Coast.

I have also read that I would need to register for Selective Services but I'm 40 is there any need to register? Or does the Selective Services also cover Jury Duty etc?

I've also read I need to complete tax returns but the only times I visited the USA after leaving when I was 4 was 1989, 2014, 15 and this year only for a couple of weeks each time?

During my visit I was planning to open up a bank account to start my credit score/history and deposit cash every month using the transfer facilities available? Until I find a job, accommodation and transport

Any additional help would very much appreciated

Wams.

Noorah101

Can you not google that office and find out? Or google that organization to see what they provide or what their requirements are?

Just the usual avenues, nothing special for someone living outside the USA.

No, 40 is too old to register now.

No, the two are not related.

It doesn't matter how often you've visited the USA. All USC's are required to file a yearly US tax return and report world wide income.

Yes? Is that a question or a statement?

Rene

malch

This MIGHT be a huge problem.

USA citizens are required to file taxes every year, wherever they reside (USA or overseas). And they have to report income regardless of where in the world it was earned. There are exceptions for children and those with (very) minimal income but I'm pretty sure a working electrician would exceed those limits.

I'd be inclined to consult a tax specialist or an attorney prior to entry as there could be some serious legal jeopardy at play. Based on the minimal information you've provided, I would absolutely want to evaluate the risks I might be exposed to before traveling.

More background here:

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/inte...al-tax-matters

Bob

If you're not resident here, it could be tough to open an account. Also, opening a bank account and transferring money to it won't do anything for building up a credit history.

Anyway, welcome to BE and good luck!

Pulaski

Bob is correct - you need loans, credit cards, a car loan, a mortgage, etc. to do anything towards building a credit history. Do you have an SSN? If not, you can't build a credit history full stop, as your credit history is indexed off your SSN.
This is largely nonsense. Unless you're earning over $90-some thousand there is no tax payable, and even if there is tax payable you get credit for the tax paid overseas, which is likely more than the US tax anyway. So your tax return is usually just informational unless you are working in a low/no tax jurisdiction.

All in all it isn't a huge deal unless you're a millionaire and/or raking in mega-bucks. File the most recent three years, and each year in future, and you should be fine.

sir_eccles

But you should have registered when you turned 18.

https://www.sss.gov/Home/Men-26-and-OLDER

Wams

a question. I want to open a bank account, now if I have to be a resident I will looks at my other options?

Wams

I wanted to get the alive from this community first.

What are the usual avenues?

Wams

Thanks for the link!

Wams

I do have an SSN, my parents got me one not long after I was born. But we never brought it to England. I have just recently applied for a replacement, which ended in me spending £100.

If I rent a place I was planning on putting my SSN on the rental agreement to help start credit score. I've read that you can do that?

I've never earned over $90.000 ever.

Wams

Thanks for the link.

michaeldc

Quick question, how did you apply for your SSN replacement from within the UK? I didn't think that was possible.

Bob

It won't.

You'll use it on your rental application. It'll come back that you don't have any credit history. How you deal with that is well covered int he forums.

Having a rental agreement on a place won't do anything for your credit history. Only late payments get reported, but positive stuff doesn't. Only having credit really has a impact.

A global transfer of a AmEx card will help.

There is a wiki, that covers a lot of this stuff you're looking into. I suggest you go up top and click the link and have a read. There are plenty of threads on these subjects to get you going.

Your biggest issue really is figuring out how you get state certified to work. It might be a case of having to start from scratch. You should be able to google the state licensing body and either find the info there or ask them.

Noorah101

Wams,

1. Yes, you can open a bank account.

2. The usual avenues are, for example, networking within your field, searching online and submitting a resume, getting a profile on Linkedin, Monster or other job-related websites, etc. How did you get your current job?

Rene

Bob

IRS have a office at the London embassy.