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H4 Life In Usa

Discussion in 'H4 Indian Ladies' started by Ammu1987, Oct 2, 2016.

  1. Ammu1987

    Ammu1987 New IL'ite

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    My husband has got H1B Visa and we are planning to travel to Lansing,MI with our daughter ( 3.8years ).

    Since in H4 I cannot work , :cry: I will be a house wife
    This is a very tough situation for me as i am working on a very good and latest technology.and i have over 6+experience

    I want to know the experiences of you ladies ,who r already in US

    > How is the life in US
    > Saving wise it is OK that only hubby work
    >Is it difficult to get H1 sponsors
    > Is it manageable if we want to work
    > Is the day care / care takers are easily available and is safe?
    >Is it a good choice to quit my job and travel to US? or should i stay here ( which i never want to do :shakehead:)

    Help me ladies .................:worship2:
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 5, 2016
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  2. Avanti30

    Avanti30 Gold IL'ite

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    HI @Ammu1987 ,
    I am from Michigan and on H4 visa too.
    It's been 2 years being a stay at home wife. Before coming to US, I was working in India too. Now, I am studying.
    I would like you to suggest that if you have more time to spare, do try to learn how to drive in India. After coming to Michigan you can take 2-3 driving classes here to get hang of driving here and the rules. It will help you to be independent a lot.
    I love in Michigan though winter is terrible sometimes, but winter also depends on where you live in Michigan. First one or two winter experience can be a terrible but believe me, you get used to it later on.
    You can get the apartment where your friends or acquaintance or other Indian families live. This helps for the kids and moms too.
    I don't know about getting H1 sponsorers, day care centers here. I feel that if you decide to work here, it is manageable. The day care facilities are easily available.
    Overall, I love Michigan and my life here.
    Let me know if you want more info
    Are you coming to Michigan in Dec- Jan ?
     
  3. Ammu1987

    Ammu1987 New IL'ite

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    Thanks a lot for your reply :blush: .
    Happy to know that you are enjoying the Michigan life.......
    About driving : I already know driving and have licence..... but it is long time i did driving ..... may be i need to start driving again.
    My hubby will travel in Nov. and Mostly by Jan ,I will join.I guess it will be the coldest periods of winter time :yikes:

    I am so much worried about my career :unamused:.During my pregnancy and first year of my kid ,I struggled a lot to manage work. and now i have no other option but have to quit.................as you told i have to try to get an apartment where some Indian families live ,so that i will have somebody to talk ..... else i will get some depression :grazy:.

    And do you have any idea whether kids can get admissions to school through out the year ? or we have to wait till next year?
     
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  4. aspha

    aspha Gold IL'ite

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    Hi @Ammu1987

    I am in Boston, MA and on H4 for last 8.5 years. I was also working before coming to US and have around 6-9 yrs of experience. Initially I thought what am I going to do being a just "house-wife" But very quickly I realized being a home-maker is tough. If you are not used to do household working like cleaning, mopping, laundry, cooking, etc start doing it all by yourself and also ask Dear husband to pitch in. Indian men feel doing any kind of house work is "below dignity" but if you really want to have a peaceful homely life its important husbands pitch in the house-hold chores like loading and unloading dishwasher, laundry, vacuuming etc.)

    (This is not any kind of exaggeration, Have seen girls getting fed up and returning to India just because they feel like maid, but hey it is your house, your kid, your family for whom you are doing this)

    Being said that, Life of a H4 is very boring and monotonous. If you learn driving and start driving here then sky is the limit. I did MS while on H4 you too can pursue some higher education and stay updated with the technology. Being on H4 you may not earn now but definitely work as a volunteer (without pay). Once you are ready to apply for work (i.e. when you get H1 or get EAD) volunteering experience does count.

    Also you said you have 3.5 years old, she might be eligible for pre-school/Montessori you can be teacher's helper/assistant in her school. With 3.5 year old you have tons of activities to go for. Libraries here are great way to start socializing. check the town's library page you will get information about toddlers program.

    Getting H1 is not easy now-a-days. You must get lucky in the lottery. Also, I would suggest to stay away from body-shoppers and Indian consultancies. Day cares here are good. Please check the websites and yelp for reviews, talk to fellow moms who send their kids to day care.

    Saving is possible on single income depending on your spending habits. My husband is the only breadwinner in the family. In last 8.5 years we bought two houses (of which we sold one) and are managing two cars with the second baby on the way.

    Winters are harsh on East coast, it will take time to get accustomed to the weather. In winters sun sets around 3-3.0 in the afternoon so it might feel a very long boring evening:coldsweat::frowning:

    As you are coming on H4, for now you may not work though certain H4 dependents can work criteria for applying for EAD (Employment Authorization Document) is H1B holder must have completed 6 years in US and has valid I-140.
     
  5. aspha

    aspha Gold IL'ite

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    Cut off date for most schools is August or September. Check your towns public school website. Admissions are done throughout the year. Your daughter is 3.5 years old so most likely she will go to pre-school here. Grade school starts here at 7 no exceptions are made.
     
  6. Ammu1987

    Ammu1987 New IL'ite

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    Thanks a lot for such a detailed reply :blush: ,
    Happy to know that there are people who have gone through the same phase and successfully overcame.
    feeling bit relaxed .......


    And do you have any idea whether kids can get admissions to school through out the year ? or we have to wait till next year?
     
  7. Ammu1987

    Ammu1987 New IL'ite

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    one question here : h4 dependent are allowed in public schools ?or we need to opt private school
     
  8. aspha

    aspha Gold IL'ite

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    Yes. they are allowed. Motto of school system here is No child left behind. Private schools are a pricey affairs.
     
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  9. aspha

    aspha Gold IL'ite

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    They get admission throughout the year. Check whether your town's public school system has a pre-school else you will have to enroll her in a private school.
     
  10. Avanti30

    Avanti30 Gold IL'ite

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    @Ammu1987 - Yes, you will be here in Jan, peak month of the winter. See if you can arrange for an apartment from India. Let me tell you how we did. My husband came here in winter but before that he had asked one of his office friends to reserve an apartment for us from the same apartment community this friend was living. If this is not possible, you can stay in the hotel for some more time till you get an apartment. If you are eager and interested, try to search the area nearby from your husband's office and then locate the apartment that you find useful. You can get all reviews about the apartment online.
    I did all with help of my husband, I am sure you can do well with your husband and kid too.
    Rental Apartment searching sites--
    Apartments.com: Apartments and Homes for Rent
    Apartments - Find Apartments for Rent | ApartmentGuide.com

    Apartments.com: This one’s a snap. Just type in the maximum rent you want to pay, and you’re on your way to finding your next home.

    ForRent: This site does it all AND has special sections for those who are living off campus or relocating.

    Rent Jungle: You can choose features you can’t live without, like a fireplace or hardwood floors, from thousands of listings in the area of your choice.

    Hotpads: Use this site’s interactive map to find a new place exactly where you want it.

    @aspha - Nice detailed reply :)
     
    Last edited: Oct 3, 2016
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