20 Latest posts on SAUSA Forums http://www.sausa.org/index.php Fri, 18 May 2012 09:54:24 +0000 60 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7355-credit-cards/ Hi Please can the longer in the USA & wiser forum members comment on credit cards. I need one.
I am not comfortable using my Debit Card with all the warnings about the lack of security with them and I am losing out on opportunities like free travel insurance etc offered by the Credit Cards.
So today I applied online to Capital One for a card they recommend to new immigrants. First I did the free capital one check on my status which was followed with a card suggestion. But then I was turned down in the actual application.
I know that must have done some damage to my none existant credit score. I do not want to make another application attempt until I get some feedback from "ya'all"
This is the first time for me to seek any form of credit in the USA. Thank you]]> Fri, 18 May 2012 09:54:24 +0000 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7355-credit-cards/ http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7354-dv2013-stats-are-out/
For DV 2013 there were 7 941 400 entries
A total of 12 577 463 if you include all the derivatives
Number of those drawn - 105 628 (bearing in mind the statement that there 'may' be more entries drawn in October).
Number of South Africans drawn 956

The odds this year of being drawn were actually quite good - compared to 2012 - when 14 768 659 entered.]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 21:23:15 +0000 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7354-dv2013-stats-are-out/ http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7353-sadf-call-up-papers-and-deferment-papers-for-green-card-application/
When applying for a Green Card does one still need to provide one's South African military papers?

In 1988 or so I received my call-up papers from the SADF. I deferred for many years to complete my Masters degree in 1997. By the time I was out of University, conscription was of course abandoned ---

--- so I never served in the Army at all.

Now I have heard of another person in my identical situation having to provide these papers. However his Green Card application was prior to 2000.

Does one STILL need to provide these papers 2012?

Thanks!]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 03:28:30 +0000 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7353-sadf-call-up-papers-and-deferment-papers-for-green-card-application/ http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7352-millitary-call-up-papers-and-deferment/
When applying for a Green Card does one still need to provide one's South African military papers?

In 1988 or so I received my call-up papers from the SADF. I deferred for many years to complete my Masters degree in 1997. By the time I was out of University, conscription was of course abandoned ---

--- so I never served in the Army at all.

Now I have heard of another person in my identical situation having to provide these papers. However his Green Card application was prior to 2000.

Does one STILL need to provide these papers 2012?

Thanks!]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 02:56:18 +0000 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7352-millitary-call-up-papers-and-deferment/ http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7351-having-second-thoughts/
I am a regional airline pilot and my wife is a housewife. Our interview is next month. As much as we would love to move to the US and start a family there are some big issues.

The move would drain almost all our finances.

The airline industry there is a mess. If I am lucky enough to get a job, I would start at the bottom with a $25 000/yr position. The most I could make would probably be about $70 000/ yr. That would be after 20 years of service, provided I don't get furloughed at some point and have to start from the bottom again.

We would have to put off starting a family for at least 3-5 years.

I know there is crime about in SA and the government is not exactly kosher. But we do live a good life here.

I know the decision is ultimately ours but please try to convince us to stay or go.]]> Sat, 12 May 2012 18:11:38 +0000 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7351-having-second-thoughts/ http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7350-what-are-the-perceptions-of-saffass-in-the-us/
Obviously countries like the UK and Oz have much closer ties to South Africa, and have larger ex-South African's in their countries, so they are more informed.

As I am considering emigration to the US, I was just curious if anyone knew what the common generalizations are about south africans, particularly in the United States.

Does anyone have any experiences on this they could share?

Thanks]]> Thu, 10 May 2012 16:43:39 +0000 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7350-what-are-the-perceptions-of-saffass-in-the-us/ http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7349-exchange4free-foreign-exchange-services/

Exchange4free is an authorised financial services provider, that facilitates the transfer of funds via our Authorised dealer
bank/ SARB.
We ensure you receive the best possible rates and don't charge you transfer fees.
We can also assist you in doing your SARS tax clearances for foreign investment.

All of this can be done for you even after you have left SA.


Please feel free to contact me to discuss any money transfer/opening of bank accounts/tax clearance issues or queries you may have.

We can also assist you with doing transfers out of US. This is a paperless process and also much cheaper than using foreign banks. Our global platform reports directly into the SA Reserve bank system to ensure compliance and SARB regulations are followed to also ensure there is no risk involved.

My contact details:
Tanya vd Westhuizen
Tel: +27 82 832 4867 / 0114537818
tanya[at]exchange4free.com]]> Thu, 10 May 2012 07:20:04 +0000 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7349-exchange4free-foreign-exchange-services/ http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7348-social-security-number/ So what I am asking is can we apply for the SSN numbers anywhere? Thanks ]]> Thu, 10 May 2012 06:01:58 +0000 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7348-social-security-number/ http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7347-eb2/ Do anyone on the forum have any experience with greencard applications filed as EB2 from a technical skilled perspective (non-managerial)? Wed, 09 May 2012 01:55:41 +0000 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7347-eb2/ http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7346-immigration-lawyer/
My H1b visa will start Oct 1st, and since I'll be eligible to apply for a GC, I am looking for a very good immigration lawyer. Yes, my company is willing to sponsor my GC, and we do have a company lawyer that is doing my H1b right now, but I am very unhappy with his poor service.

Please let me know if you have worked with an immigration lawyer to go from H1b to GC with success.

Any advice would be much appreciated.]]> Sun, 06 May 2012 18:56:56 +0000 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7346-immigration-lawyer/ http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7345-joining-a-school-year/
-apologies in advance for a long post.

So, from what I've seen from this board so far, there are standardised tests like the PSAT that are used (elementary school) and many people seem to do the "half a year back" if they immigrate sometime around year-end (which is what it looks like we would do, should we be drawn for interview next year, as it seems unlikely we would be interviewed before June, so LSD either July or Sept/Oct depending on interview date, move December).

Can someone give an idea of what exactly is in these standardised tests in terms of subjects? Our youngest child will only start elementary school once we are there so that is not an issue really, but for the older child I have this situation:
- SA schools now begin one year older than they used to when we were kids, and from what I gather this is also one year behind US kids ('adjusted' for different start of school years)
- child is one of oldest (and I have to say more mature) in her class, and also very smart - particularly, one of the top maths students
- I am somewhat confused about how the SA maths curriculum compares to the US one. Some people say it is similar, others that SA is about a year behind. From what I have been able to find on the net, the curriculums for e.g. Grade 5 (which she is in now) look similar - but again take into account she is now a year older than the average Grade 5 in the US
- so, as you will see, I am kind of keen for her to move up rather than go back half a year. She started Kumon this year and is already ahead of her grade in terms of this. Could we 'use' Kumon to get her up to speed with what a child of her age, rather than her grade, would be doing in the US?
- As I said, I think age-wise, maturity-wise, and the fact that she seems to be popular and makes friends easily, I would prefer her to be with kids her age, and I think she can cope academically with this
- All this though basically assumes that the most important thing to get her up to speed on is maths. Her English language skills are excellent and we have been told by teachers well ahead of her age group, so don't think that would be a problem either. But what other things do they test for? Are there US-specific things that we just won't be able to do here?
- Any views, insights, hints, constructive criticism welcome...

Btw for what it is worth, the areas we are thinking about (have been thinking for a lot longer than just recently winning the DV lottery as we have also been in an F3 visa process) will be those with good public schools. I understand that these schools can be hard to get into even for kids who live in the right district, so any insight on that would be welcome. Does anyone think it is a good idea to contact the schools directly this early on in the game? (I know it is early but if it is a case of getting her up to speed on maths, having around 18 months to do so means there won't be much pressure on her - I have no doubt she can handle it, but don't want to end up overloading the kid at the last minute. At the same time, I don't really want her wasting time repeating some schooling with younger kids if that is not necessary. Note the "if"!)

Thanks for your patience reading this ]]> Sun, 06 May 2012 13:56:31 +0000 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7345-joining-a-school-year/ http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7344-cinco-de-mayo/ ( May 5 is the night to go to your favourite Mexican restaurant and get frot )

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinco_de_Mayo]]> Sat, 05 May 2012 21:23:06 +0000 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7344-cinco-de-mayo/ http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7343-charlotte-north-carolina/
We are planning to stay over in Charlotte, NC on a quick road trip for 2 nights on the dates shown above. Any ideas for what to do, see and eat in and around the area would really help a lot.

Thanks!]]> Fri, 04 May 2012 02:56:32 +0000 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7343-charlotte-north-carolina/ http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7342-rvs-for-hire/
We are planning to stay South for these months, Florida, Louisiana etc.

If anyone has an RV or know of someone who will be willing to rent their RV to us, please send me a message. We are a family of 6.]]> Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:34:30 +0000 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7342-rvs-for-hire/ http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7341-the-bed-debate/
And then... I see beds can be really extremely expensive, which brands are good, NOT THE BEST LAMBORGINI BEDS, beds for normal people... not the cheapy that will only last a year or two, a decent one that lasts about 10 years.



Which places are good places to shop for furniture?
Elecrtonics?
Appliacnces?

Is there a shop like our Mr Price Home, with beautifull things to decorate your home with for a good price?]]> Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:31:04 +0000 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7341-the-bed-debate/ http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7340-spring/ Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:23:33 +0000 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7340-spring/ http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7339-husband-stuck-in-usa/
I am hoping some one had some advice for me.

My husband went to usa on a h2a visa for the second time. last year September he was involved in an accident during work times and was not his fault.He has been in the usa since then recieving medical treatment.he has had one shoulder op and another one is on the tables,he attends physion every second day since the accident until now.He is suppossed to be paid by workmans comp but they never send the cheques regulary and does anyone know how to deal with that as well as he was told he could put in a claim for the loss of his use of the shoulder as he is a qualified mechanic and shoulder no longer works.

in the mean time his visa expired and is currently illegal in the usa.He cant afford to come home as how would he recieve medical treatment,his pay when he gets it and his claim.We tried everyone from the DHS to SA embassy and they all were useless.All he wanted was to be legal again in the country and he did not stay in the usa on his own accord.He has now been 145 days illegally in the usa.We now have an immigration lawyer but he is also not so confident.Does anybody know what we can do.We cant afford a ban on his re entry to the usa one day as we are trying everything to immigrate there as well.

On top of his problem can anyone tell me how do we go about starting a business in the usa and moving their on our own company.

thank you

renee]]> Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:31:43 +0000 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7339-husband-stuck-in-usa/ http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7338-products-that-travelers-are-allowed-to-bring-back-to-the-usa/ OK or not… basic rules. Products that travelers are allowed to bring back to the USA

Items generally allowed, but which must be declared:

Condiments such as oil, vinegar, mustard, jam and honey without honey combs.
Hand cured cheeses without meat such as Parmesan or cheddar.
Fish or fish products for personal use.
Bakery goods candy and chocolate.
Powdered drinks sealed in their original containers with ingredients listed in English.
Canned goods and goods in vacuum packed jars except those that contain meat or poultry.


Items generally not allowed:
Fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, cured and fully cooked meat from most countries.
Products containing raw egg from most countries.
Rice from 26 countries including India, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Pork products from Mexico.
Dried soup mix or bouillon containing animal products .
Soil.

it's interesting about the dried soup mix.
]]> Sun, 08 Apr 2012 16:10:36 +0000 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7338-products-that-travelers-are-allowed-to-bring-back-to-the-usa/ http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7337-wwwtramptravellersblogspotcom/ For those of you who want to follow our blog. www.tramptravellers.blogspot.com Sat, 07 Apr 2012 06:08:33 +0000 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7337-wwwtramptravellersblogspotcom/ http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7336-taking-your-ra-out-when-you-emigrateor-not/
http://business.iafrica.com/personal-finance/787495.html]]> Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:17:55 +0000 http://www.sausa.org/index.php/topic/7336-taking-your-ra-out-when-you-emigrateor-not/