I had (and have) an excellent credit rating (I was 32 before I moved overseas, had bought cars, had US credit cards etc.). I returned to take up employment with the State of California (and had proof of employment). What I didn't have yet was a CA driver's licence, and *that* was what they choked on (never mind I had a US passport and assorted other legal ID).

And yes, I still use that credit union and have been very happy with it :-)