Originally Posted by Noodler (Post 12374354)

Just coming to the end of this process myslef and made a trip out to Denver for a week on the 21/10 and amke my final move 16/11.

Knowing what I have learnt along the journey I could do it all myself now. Luckily my company were fantastic and allocated me a really good budget and a relocation agent thatbsorted everything from research trip, to temp apartments when we move and rental cars, ssn and bank accounts plus tax issues etc.

It is a big move and a lot of risk so I would be pushing back to your company and asking them to sort things out. If they aren’t willing to move mountains to get you there when what will it be like when you arrive?

The company I am working for have committed so much in time and dollars to get me there. I also have a contractual agreement that should they terminate my employment they will cover all my repatriation costs.

Originally Posted by MrShine (Post 12374318)

Hi,

I'm a British citizen and i've landed myself a 5 year job in North Carolina. I'm in the middle of applying for a sponsored J1 visa and given a start date for my new job of 8th Jan.

<snip>

I've been googling, searching, and reading, but i'm struggling to work out a relocation plan on my own - especially as all I can seem to find are unhelpful adverts.

I was thinking of booking an AirBnB from 2nd Jan for 2 weeks, then using that time to set up a bank account and search for an apartment to lease. I can set up viewings in advance from the UK. There's a lot of apartment availability in this city and i've been recommended a few buildings already.

Can anyone help me out with a guide or checklist for relocating?

Thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by SanDiegogirl (Post 12374377)

..... and what visa do you hold?

Originally Posted by SanDiegogirl (Post 12374383)

What type of job do you land for 5 years and then apply for a J-1?

I thought most J-1 programs had a 2 year "home residency" element to them.

Originally Posted by Pulaski (Post 12374411)

Good question! I was thinking the same thing. :nod:

I can't help but wonder who the employer is, or the nature of the job, and whether the employer knows what they are doing? :unsure:

Originally Posted by shiversaint (Post 12374750)

I think the idea that relocation is so difficult is somewhat overblown. Whilst financial and logistical assistance is nice, it's not at all necessary when coming from the UK to another English speaking country that has relatively straightforward customs.

I would agree that your 2 week AirBNB plan is sound. The recommendations you've been given on accommodation beyond that are probably better than you will get on here or on the internet in general, given they are localised.

The major things for me are the following:

- Accomodation (I found many listings won't take your seriously without a US number, by the way)
- Cell Phone (you can go into Verizon and obtain a prepay rolling monthly deal for a modest amount, and use an existing phone if you have a spare. Sprint are better value if you need a phone, but their service is worse. MintSim are a great, cheap online provider that you can move to long term. They use the TMobile network and are similar to giffgaff in the UK.)

- Immediate travel to and from work if you're starting straight away (budget for Uber, maybe, or figure out your public transport options)
- Wait around 10 days to 2 weeks to apply for your Social Security Number. Also check your i94 is available online as it's largely the same system that the SS office use to verify your legal presence - if that is not there it will take a very long time to get your SSN.
- Once you have a SSN, you can open a credit card with a deposit against it to start building credit history. Do this as soon as physically possible as credit history makes life a lot easier here. Be prepared for bigger deposits etc on everything until you build that up.
- Once you have your i94 you can apply to the DMV to take your driving test. You do not NEED to have a SSN, no matter what the DMV tell you. You will need a copy of your i94, however. Hire car companies will let you use your UK license.

Originally Posted by petitefrancaise (Post 12374901)

.... Driving license
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/driver/license/

you do not need to wait until your SSN arrives, they will want to see your passport with visa

Originally Posted by MrShine (Post 12374555)

It's a science research job. 5 years made up of five 1-year rolling contracts. I read on the Homeland security website that under the 'research scholar program' the visa can be continually renewed for a maximum 5 year stay. For the first 2 year I'm considered a non-resident and don't pay social security. Then for the last 3 years I become a resident and have to pay social security.