CR -1, relocation and drivers license question

[zenaxe 22]

I was reading several posts initiated by the person in California that had a miserable time with his driver's license and residency and I have a question. I don't know if this belongs on the Canada forum or here...

Straight up - we haven't filed and have no status as of yet so this is hypothetical and will eventually play out once we begin the CR-1 process. That said, once I'm approved for my C R-1 visa I would initiate the immigration process by entering the USA. At that point I would import one vehicle but would be returning to Canada to eventually get my second vehicle, bring my personal items ie furniture etc and then make the final immigration into the USA. Would I be considered a resident of Arizona shortly after my initial POE crossing and whould I have to obtain an AZ license and insurance? My other vehicle and insurance would remain Canadian until I move it all...

So...in terms of permanent residency/conditional green card and initially only coming with one vehicle (to Arizona) would I be required to obtain an AZ license shortly after that or could I wait until I have all my belongings with me? I would anticipate a few weeks or possibly month etc in between starting across and completing the move, hopefully not longer but who knows....

I 'm aware that one has to initiate the immigration process within 6 months of obtaining the CR-1 and that I have 10 years to import without duty and that I need clearance letters for me vehicle.

I'd appreciate people's thoughts on this.

Thanks

[Kathryn41 3,205]

You will become an Arizona resident from the date that you activate the CR-1 and activate your permanent residency. It will be somewhat a gray area if you immediately return to Canada and don't move your stuff down until a few months later, but generally, when you activate your green card you become a US resident.

You will want to check with the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles (or whatever it is called there). Generally, there is about a 30 day period for most States before you need to change your Driver's License and update your vehicle registration. When you enter with the CR-1, you will be eligible to get a Social Security Number. Make this a priority as most DL requires a SSN as one of the documents. See if you can be listed on your husband's bank account and have statements mailed to the two of you at the Arizona address since most DL also requires a residency proof - and that generally counts. Your CR-1 will be your legal status proof.

You will need to get your DL first - again, check and see what the requirements are for Arizona as they vary from State to State. Some States accept Canadian licenses one on one and will just 'exchange'; some require Canadians to redo all of the tests - eye, written and driving. Once you get your DL you will be able to register your vehicle. Again, check Arizona's requirements but generally proof of ownership and the compliance letter are required. Some States also have an Emissions test before registering vehicles. Some states also 'tax' you on the value of your vehicle when you register it and re-tag it (put on license plates) every year.

When it is time to bring your second vehicle across you basically would repeat the process but as you will already have your DL and are familiar with the process it shouldn't be so difficult.

Check to see if your Canadian insurance will cover you in Arizona until you get your license. You will require proof of US insurance, however, to register the car.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Like Kathryn stated!! CR-1 have a much easier time getting the DL and other stuff as your already a resident.

[zenaxe 22]

Like Kathryn stated!! CR-1 have a much easier time getting the DL and other stuff as your already a resident.

Thanks to both of you for replying.

I would have a residence as my fiance has a home in Az and we would be residing there until we get a house after mine sells in BC. I'll be sure to check with Arizona Dept of MV to see what's what. I had emailed them in past but didn't get a reply and calling them is an exercise in futility it seems. I can probably just keep my Canadian license and registration until I officially move everything down, I'll be sure to seek advise from BC insurance and Arizona to ensure a smooth transition with respect to car insurance issues.

I had read a post from the Canadian who was residing in California and got pulled over and had a huge hassle given that he was considered a California resident but hadn't switched his license and was told he had to within 10 days....so natually I thought about how I would do this and if I had to switch to Az licensing and registration with my first import given that it would very likely be more than 10 days before I would get my second car plus pack up a UHaul etc. I know it would vary state to state.

I checked the Az DMV site and they say "immediately" etc but I do believe there is a 30 day grace period to get this straightened out.

Thanks for your help guys !!