establishing residency

We live on St. Croix and like it a lot.

Our general experience was that doing business with the government takes longer than on the continent and requires a sense of humor. Citizenship is no different than if you were moving from Illinois to Indiana. Residency is what counts, you have to show that you are a resident.

Everything seems to revolve around having an address. There are two types of addresses, physical and mailing. You have to get either a post office box or an address through someplace like Mailboxes Etc. immediately. Then you can register a car, get a drivers license, a bank account and a library card (my personal favorite). It is possible to do that (get a mailing address) before you come down.

Very few people will want to lease you an apartment or commit to a job unless they see you face to face. So many people think about and plan on coming and then don't, I think possible employers feel interviewing over the phone is a waste of time.

Your plan sounds good. Come down and get a feel for the place before you decide, especially if you've never been here. But don't burn your boats behind you; for everyone one who comes down and loves it, there is another (or several) who realize immediately that living in paradise is much different than taking a vacation on the beach and is not for them.

Oh, and the other thing that makes it all a lot easier --- MONEY, not millions, but enough to get you here, keep you going for 3-6 months and get you back if it doesn't work out. Good luck.

Hello,

It depends on whos asking...

As Linda said for signing up for utilties to getting your license they want an address... so thats suffiecient for those things.

If you are attending the university and want resident tuition well I believe you have to have lived here for one year not on campus - in your own place....

In terms of voting - well you need to register to vote here... if you do that you can no longer vote back home on the mainland.

In terms of taxes... the tax law is that you are a vi resident and file your tax return
in the usvi if you lived here the last day of the year. You could be in the
states for 11 1/2 months and moved in dec and you would file your worldwide
income in the vi. if you moved to the states anytime during the year,
you're still required to file here. But then you also file in the states
and use a form 8689 to prorate the income between the vi and the us. Of
course if you didn't have vi income, you wouldn't have to file here."

So what are you wanting to know residency status in reference too??

Finding a job before moving is posiable if its a professional job; a teacher, nurse, doctor, chef, lawyer.... would require calling, being persistant and patient, sending resume, following up and planning a visit to do interviews. What is your field of experience in?? What type of job are you seeking?

I am not sure I am clear; your husband won't be moving with you?? You want to come at least for a 4-7 week vacation as a premove visit or even if you dont move just to experience it?? or seasonal job?? Have you been here before?

All the best with your moving plans.

Also you might get reading material that you and your husband can read and look over to help you guys decide... try the planning topic at http://www.vitraders.com

-Islander

Thanks to Linda J and you, Islander for your responses.

Great info, thanks.

I currently work for the major theme park resort in Orlando. I am in Food & Beverage training. I do love my work with new hires to my area and teach State authorized responsible vendor class and food safety class holding a State Mgmt certifcate for restaurant sanitation. I'm comfortable with the restaurant business. With all of theside tasks of my job, I would be a great assistant/secretary and my job has me familiar with regulatory tracking and use of Word, Excel, etc.

I have not been to the VI yet... 22 yrs. ago I moved from Wisconsin to not have to experience 20 below. Most of my family is still there. My children & families are in Florida. My husband has that "Pennsylvania attitude" about change. I know he could find a job before me, as he is a heavy equipment (diesel) mechanic and has cattle ranch experience. The Castle Nugent ranch on St. Croix did intrigue him. No big decisions yet since we're not in any type of despiration mode.

I am keeping hard copies of lots of information I am finding on the internet. I just found the online phone book the other day.

I know my plan is doable.

My theme song since this summer is "It's 5 O'clock Somewhere". Life is good.

Judi

Hello Judi,

With your experience perhaps restaurant manangement is something you might consider. Also in terms of being an assistant - there are sufficient private offices here to find such work - keep in mind the pay is often less then in the mainland.

Why not plan a vacation to the islands. Start looking for cheap tickets... Orlando to the USVI - you should find good rates... if you are going to visit for an extended stay consider a less expensive hotel that you can use as your home spot and get out and explore the islands during the day, come during off season for lower rates. Definately plan a visit it will make for an enjoyable break from work 🙂 and help you decide on your moving ideas. Also your husband can explore the cattle industry and see what he thinks.. in general just get a good handle on what the island is about and where you could start your island life.

All the best.

--Islander