TnT Posted September 4, 2005 Posted September 4, 2005 Hey ppl, I am thinking about moving to America (i have lived in Australia since i was born) to be with my man. We have spoken alot about this, and it is possible. Ok, so the thing i am wondering is what to expect. I am going to be studying by correspondance at an Australian College, and i will be getting a part time job when i move there. Now, as far as the paperwork side of things goes... i have no idea. I find it very confusing. I will need to buy a car (which i have cash for) living arangements are fine (ill be with my man) and i need to get a job. I guess i am after advice from anyone who has made such a huge step in life. Moving from everything u know to be with a loved one. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I hope this thread makes sense...
Outcast Posted September 4, 2005 Posted September 4, 2005 You can't just move there and start working. It's a long, complicated process - much more complicated than someone can answer in a forum. Check for information online. Here's a start http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/immigrants_1340.html http://immigration.about.com/od/movetousgetestablished/a/visliveus.htm
Author TnT Posted September 4, 2005 Author Posted September 4, 2005 Thankyou for the links, very helpfull. I am also after info about personal experiences and how such a big move has effected ones life....
Blackfrost Posted September 4, 2005 Posted September 4, 2005 my wife left everything she ever knew (back in Brisbane) to be here with me in the states. She loves it here. Granted we go back there once per year to see her family and her hometown, but other then that she considers america her home now. I gave her the opportunity to move back home forever, when i offered a great career position to head up an Australian company in Bisbane about 1 1/2 years ago. She was excited, all the way until the realestate people came out to begin assessing our home for sale. Within 12 hours, the wife damn near had a nervous breakdown with the thought of selling our home, her cars, and most of our cool ausio/video stuff, and realized that she loves it in the states way more then show loved it back home. I feel good that after 10 years of marriage I was able to offer her the chance to go home - as she always kind of dreamed of that idea. When it became an actual serious reality, she realized that the dream becoming real was not as cool as the dream itself. You'll love the states, but you'll always love your homeland as well cheers
bluechocolate Posted September 4, 2005 Posted September 4, 2005 I moved, coincidentally from Australia, to the UK to be with my partner. A lot depends on the nature of your relationship. For instance, I would never recommend that someone take such a step based on an on-line relationship or even a holiday romance. If that is the basis of your relationship to date then there's a lot of traveling & getting to know you still to do before asking about moving 000's of miles. I think starting work shortly after arriving would be the best option. That will get you out there & meeting new people quickly, otherwise you'll sit at home on the computer a lot!
HokeyReligions Posted September 5, 2005 Posted September 5, 2005 Make sure you have the right visa and work status and know before hand what types of jobs you qualify for. It's a big step. I've never moved outside of my own country, but I have moved across the US and the culture/attitude of the people here vary from state to state, sometimes from City to City. Do some research on the state & city to which you will be moving. A good way to get to know people and to assimilate into the area is to do volunteer work. When I first moved to Texas I was a docent at the zoo. I love animals and thought it would be a good way to do something I enjoy with other people who also enjoy it. It was a great experience and I miss it. I gravitated to the reptiles and was one of the 'snake ladies' at the zoo. (I made more men friends than women friends though) but there are lots of things to do to meet people and make friends and make yourself feel at home. Make sure you budget for phone calls home to friends and family! In every state I've visited or lived I have found the people to be welcoming and friendly, and many will be curious about customs and phrases that you have in Australia. Don't pay too much attention to other peoples ideas or stereotypes -- form your own opinions.
Blackfrost Posted September 5, 2005 Posted September 5, 2005 Best questions my wife ever got asked at her job in a mortgage company in Texas (she's australian) 1. When she said she was going to see her family, she got asked: How long does it take you to drive there? a week? 2. How long did it take her to learn to speak English This immediately made me realize the general education that some the Texas schools provide (college discounted)
RainyDayWoman Posted September 5, 2005 Posted September 5, 2005 my wife left everything she ever knew (back in Brisbane) to be here with me in the states. She loves it here. Granted we go back there once per year to see her family and her hometown, but other then that she considers america her home now. I gave her the opportunity to move back home forever, when i offered a great career position to head up an Australian company in Bisbane about 1 1/2 years ago. She was excited, all the way until the realestate people came out to begin assessing our home for sale. Within 12 hours, the wife damn near had a nervous breakdown with the thought of selling our home, her cars, and most of our cool ausio/video stuff, and realized that she loves it in the states way more then show loved it back home. I feel good that after 10 years of marriage I was able to offer her the chance to go home - as she always kind of dreamed of that idea. When it became an actual serious reality, she realized that the dream becoming real was not as cool as the dream itself. You'll love the states, but you'll always love your homeland as well cheers i don't know exactly why, but that brought tears to my eyes. i hope you two are happy, i really do.
FataMorgana Posted September 5, 2005 Posted September 5, 2005 1. When she said she was going to see her family, she got asked: How long does it take you to drive there? a week? 2. How long did it take her to learn to speak English :lmao: sorry this is so funny .... did she ever get asked the one about roos hoping along the streets too?
Author TnT Posted September 5, 2005 Author Posted September 5, 2005 Hi everyone... Blackfrost, ty for sharing your experience, its really good to know that someone out there has done it and made it work. I always hear so many bad things about LDR and no one really believes they can work. But you certainly have cheered me up. Knowing that ur wife is from Aust makes me think the cuture shock wont be so bad. I know it depends alot on personal experience and stuff, but like i said, its good to hear that someone has made it work. Congratulations on your 10yrs of marriage... she must be a special women...well what can i say.. us Australians are all special... Yeah and about the qns ur wife got asked... how funny is that..omg, when i was on the east coast at the age of 17 (in 24 now) the kids all asked the same things, and when i was there about 2 mths ago, some ppl didnt know that New Zealand is NOT a part of Australia. Its cute, and i guess i some ppl just dont know things like that hey. I cant say i know everything about America, so its only a matter of time before i say something stupid to... HokeyReligions: Thankyou for that idea about volunteering... what a great idea. I never thought about anything like that. I love to paint and most ppl like my work, so i could easily incorporate art and craft into some kind of volunteer work. Does anyone live in the Tampa area??? cos thats the area we are looking at moving to. He currently lives in nothern Virginia but is moving down there for work. This link is where my art is displayed... feel free to check it out: http://spunky7.deviantart.com/ Please keep all the comments coming. I really appreciate the sharing of experiences... it gives me hope!!!
Recommended Posts