Allison
Boot Camp CinC
Posts:4
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| 25 Jan 2011 04:08 PM |
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Thanks so much Mrs. KB for all of your advice it really helps. I will talk to my husband and see what he thinks about the cat. You guys are lifesavers thanks for the information and keep it coming!! |
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Cassandra
Boot Camp CinC
Posts:7
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| 25 Jan 2011 09:57 PM |
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My husband and I are moving to Lakenheath in March of 2011....I was wondering do I need to obtain a visa before we leave or can I wait till we get over there to do so? Also, how hard is it for civilians to find a job on the base? |
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Cassandra
Boot Camp CinC
Posts:7
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| 25 Jan 2011 10:01 PM |
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We are moving close to the same time! Patrick and I are supposed to be moving to Lakenheath in March. I'm excited, but very nervous! |
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Sharkbait
Sensational
Posts:2411
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| 26 Jan 2011 12:08 AM |
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Try and get the visa before you leave..it is a lot of hassle to get afterwards. And it is pretty easy to find work on base depending what you want to do. The BX is nearly always hiring and so is the CDC. |
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Sharkbait
Sensational
Posts:2411
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| 26 Jan 2011 12:11 AM |
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Also the base is called RAF Lakenheath not Lakenheath AFB. the RAF stands for Royal Air Force. It is an English owned base that is rented to the USAF. All British laws apply on base (including being able to drink at 18 lol) |
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MrsKB
Outstanding
Posts:1567
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| 26 Jan 2011 05:15 AM |
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It's a LOT more expensive if you have to get a VISA here. It was $388 for me stateside, only took a week after we submitted for the VISA.
Here it is currently 800GBP ($1300) If you have a GTC you can charge it but it's a pain in the booty over here (as they want it in GBP not dollars) Or, if you wre like me and didn't have a GTC when we first came and had to pay out of pocket. 388 was easier then 1300+!!!! |
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Cassandra
Boot Camp CinC
Posts:7
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| 26 Jan 2011 11:26 AM |
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wow! I should definitely try and get one soon then! How do I apply for one? I asked the people at the post office when I got my passport and they said that they have no idea.. |
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MrsKB
Outstanding
Posts:1567
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| 26 Jan 2011 11:30 AM |
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Please call your passport/VISA office on base or your closest base. I lived 2.5 hours from Shaw, my closest base, and it was SUCH A PAIN when I'd think I had it but didn't call and then have to turn around to redo it. You have to get a no-fee passport first and that is 8 weeks to get back. I applied Oct. 1st and was completely finished Dec 8th and came on the 12th. I could have gotten here sooner but it took me two days to go apply for my VISA and it was two days before Thanksgiving so they had a week off! (oh and my sister had a baby on the 7th)
They will inform you how to fill out your paperwork! |
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MrsKB
Outstanding
Posts:1567
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| 26 Jan 2011 11:31 AM |
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OH and if your closest base won't email you step by step, call another base. I got step by step instructions (screen shots) from Keesler and Shaw. We also have them here at Mildenhall! |
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Allison
Boot Camp CinC
Posts:4
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| 26 Jan 2011 11:55 AM |
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Yes I agree, I went in to the passport office on base and they have helped me a lot. I had to get my no fee passport first (still waiting to get that back) and then going to apply for my visa right after I receive it.
Mrs. KB thanks for the advice on adding that group on facebook all the ladies on there have been really helpful! |
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Cassandra
Boot Camp CinC
Posts:7
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| 26 Jan 2011 12:19 PM |
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I already have a passport...I wouldnt have to get a no-fee passport..I hope..that might take a while  |
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sweet caroline
Welcoming Committee - Ventura
Outstanding
Posts:1100
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| 26 Jan 2011 12:27 PM |
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Posted By Cassandra on 26 Jan 2011 12:19 PM
I already have a passport...I wouldnt have to get a no-fee passport..I hope..that might take a while
The no-fee and tourist passports are different and yes, you need the no-fee. |
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MrsKB
Outstanding
Posts:1567
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| 27 Jan 2011 09:22 AM |
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Yes. It's required to be in your no-fee. People will tell you otherwise but it's better to just go ahead and do it correctly then having to redo it at your expense (800GBP) |
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Cassandra
Boot Camp CinC
Posts:7
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| 28 Jan 2011 01:24 PM |
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How hard is it to get a house on base? |
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Cassandra
Boot Camp CinC
Posts:7
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| 28 Jan 2011 01:24 PM |
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How hard is it to get a house on base? |
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Sharkbait
Sensational
Posts:2411
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| 28 Jan 2011 01:47 PM |
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Depends on the house. It's pretty easy to get into Lords Walk housing. But technically it is off base because it is just outside of the back gate fence line. It's kinda old and you could get better for your money in one of the near by villages. Liberty Village is the new housing and it's pretty nice (although very squashed together I think) and there waiting list always seems to be pretty long ( a year or so I think) |
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Crystal
Boot Camp CinC
Posts:1
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| 09 Jun 2011 10:25 AM |
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im a new military wife. i have no military background and dont know any other military wives. we have been married for about three months and now my husband is currently stationed at Lakenheath. I'm currently in the process of getting medically cleared and then i have to be put on his orders so i can do my visa application and arrange for tmo to pick up our things. I have no idea how to go about getting any of this done. What should i bring or expect at the medical clearance appointment? what its like to live overseas? how do i go about finding a job? I should also mention that im currently in school to be a pharmacist and i would like to continue my education over there. Is that possible? any help or information would be greatly appreciated  |
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Sharkbait
Sensational
Posts:2411
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| 10 Jun 2011 01:25 AM |
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I can't be much help to you Crystal because I was born and raised in England so didn't have to go through the command sponsorship stuff..I will send Kristen over here to check this thread out..she's been through it all.
As for your school your only option is to do it online. Any qualification you have there won't carry over onto the UK economy..you might be able to find work on base.
As far as living oversea's go..it's what you make of it...if you stay on base all day every day whining because there's no Olive Garden/Target/Walmart whatever then yes you will be miserable...England has so much to offer you just have to get out there and see it.
Also FYI for everyone it is called RAF Lakenheath not Lakenheath AFB. RAF stands for Royal Air Force...the base is still British owned..it is just leased to the USAF. |
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rebecca
Noteworthy CinC
Posts:177
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| 22 Jun 2011 02:42 PM |
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Posted By Crystal on 09 Jun 2011 10:25 AM
im a new military wife. i have no military background and dont know any other military wives. we have been married for about three months and now my husband is currently stationed at Lakenheath. I'm currently in the process of getting medically cleared and then i have to be put on his orders so i can do my visa application and arrange for tmo to pick up our things. I have no idea how to go about getting any of this done. What should i bring or expect at the medical clearance appointment? what its like to live overseas? how do i go about finding a job? I should also mention that im currently in school to be a pharmacist and i would like to continue my education over there. Is that possible? any help or information would be greatly appreciated if he has had a tmo shipment you will have to pay out of pocket for anything to be moved and find your own moving company.
your med clearence appointment will be run down of basic things and going through your med records mainly to make sure that the MTF can cope with your needs, and you will have to have a pap within the last year for the paperwork. you should gather up any med records you can and your dental records so it will make the process a little faster. also if you have any on going treatment or prescriptions you will need proof of whats up and why you have been put on what.
also if you have a history of anything serious ie heart diesase, cancer, lung problems, skin problems etc etc etc you shoudl bring that paperwork as well.
you won't be able to take anything towards being a pharmacist, you will have to go through your own state anyway to be lisenced so your going to either have to trip back and forth for you to finish up or wait out the 3/4 years. also bear in mind if you go state to state any lisecning you have may not transfer even in the us. |
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Suzanne
Boot Camp CinC
Posts:1
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| 23 Oct 2011 02:30 AM |
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I am moving to Lakenheath AFB in the new year. I am a RN. Can anyone tell me if there are many civilian nursing jobs available at the hospital?
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