Moving to US with debt?

goolieman

Hi,
There is a distinct possibility that DP will be relocated to the US via an inter-company transfer, possibily as early as before Christmas.
The thing is we have £30,000 worth of debt here in the UK. After the sale of the car and possessions we couldn't take we will probably bring that down to under £25,000.
The contract will initially be a 2 year temporary one, followed by a possible 3 year extension, after which he can apply for a green card.
As it is a 'temporary' move (although we have all the intentions of staying) is it possible to keep a UK bank account open and still continue to make our monthly payments and therefore pay off the debt (which I estimate will take 3 years). Would it be possible to use a UK address, ie my parents as a 'change of address' for correspondence, or will I have to tell all the companies that we have moved abroad and run the risk of all the debts being called in.
When we have conformation from DP's work, then we will go see HSBC and see what they can do for us in terms of the loan we have with them and if they can transfer it to their US branch if we stick with them.

Or do you think I should swallow all pride and ask my parents for a huge loan and owe them all the money? (very last resort)

I'm very excited about the possible move, I just wish that this wasn't an issue. It has been DP's dream since a boy to live in the US. We will be off to L.A!
Thanks in advance for any insight!
C

scattycat_3

Good Luck,
I suggest you try to get your parents to pay into your bank account to feed the direct debits on owed money, this is easier than closing accounts and currency charges if paid from US bank. Handy if things don't go to plan. { Though I think Citibank lets you have $/£ account} .

Dont think married couples can both work in US, only one person . Green cards are not easy to get legally, take a long time, AND to get one, your job will have to be one that a US citizen can't do. I know this sounds gloomy, but yanks are very insular, and SLOW on west coast. Just passing on what has happened to friends. May be different now. if somebody knows better?

goolieman

Cheers SCat
All aspects of the 'job' side are being taken care of by DP's HR department. It shouldn't be a problem proving that no American can do the job.
I wouldn't be working anyway as we are going over with two young children. Also we are not married, but as we hve dependents we are told this shouldn't be a problem, although we have Gretna Green on standby, lol!
It is all very confusing, I am just glad that HR is taking care of most of the paper work and we don't need to do the vast majority of it ourselves!
C