Debzfall

Hi everyone,

We are starting our process to move from UK to USA and I know this will take some time. My husband is very keen but obviously has some concerns especially of the unknown - reading various website sometimes confuse or terrify us so I thought I would ask for some personal opinions.

Big issue is healthcare - obviously used to free treatment here in UK - is it very expensive especially if not provided via employer and is it correct you pay yourself for every GP appointment? Hubby is asthmatic and although he is not serious or suffer attacks, he does require daily inhalers!

Education costs??? No idea on this one!

Pensions - can we transfer ours or best to leave here?

Is tax etc deducted from salary in USA as it is in UK? Lots of comments made about having to do tax returns etc

Lastly (for now) my dad lives in Arkansas and as much as he wants me close to him he said work is not great there and suggested Dallas. I have visited both places but prefer weather changes and seasons. Love the thought of Colorado but this seems more expensive than dallas or Arkansas and is much further away from my dad and family. Any comments or suggestions on area to research that has seasonal weather - not too far from Arkansas.

Sorry lots of questions but any advice I can share with hubby would be appreciated.

Many thanks

Debbie

civilservant

The obvious first question, before anyone answers anything else, is have you established you are in fact a US Citizen?

Noorah101

Hi Debbie,

Is either you or your husband a US citizen? If not, do you know which visa you qualify to get?

Rene

civilservant

If she is not a US Citizen her father can petition for her and her family.

Noorah101

If her father is a USC or US PR, yes. She only said he lives in the USA, not what his status is there. I didn't read her past posts.

Rene

civilservant

He was born in the US.

Pulaski

There's already another thread on matters of citizenship.

Noorah101

Thanks.

Rene

civilservant

Answering Noorahs question Pulaski - lay off

Debzfall

Not 100% confirmed yet however yesterday I received an email from an immigration lawyer who, based on info I have given has said it is very likely I can proceed so am just waiting for my fathers documents I need for the embassy appointment and then will know for sure. ( not taking everything they say as definite though as a previous lawyer advised me to get hubby to come on holiday and stay!!! Which even I know would be illegal)!!

Debzfall

Yep dad is a citizen born in USA as is all his family. � ����

Debzfall

Rene you have me fab advice on my previous citizenship post

Pulaski

Education is free up to age 18, exactly as in the UK, but schools draw from a specified geographic area, and house prices can be substantially higher in the catchment areas for the best schools. There also many private schools, especially in the larger cities.

Taxes are deducted in a loosely similar way to PAYE, but there are so many adjustments and deductions that it is rare that, come 12/31, tax paid = tax owed. For starters, mortgage interest is still a permitted deduction, but various health and childcare expenses can be deducted under certain circumstances. Therefore completion of a tax return is mandatory for most adult USCs each year.

In theory pensions are transferable, but in practice they are not, and in most cases transferring would be ill advised even if it was possible, but it isn't, so don't worry about it. However the existence of your pension accounts must be disclosed on an FBAR account disclosure form along with your tax return.

Pulaski

She asks too many questions!
That's strange, because you replied to them!

civilservant

I'm beginning to hear an echo in here