K1 - after entering US

[elbear 2]

I wonder if anyone who has entered the us on a K1 Visa hashad a problem getting a driver’s licence?

I’m exhausted from going to their offices and trying to getone. Upon arrival, I received my SS # asI thought that was all I needed but was turned away and told I needed to bemarried first. So I went back home andwhen I had my marriage certificate in hand went again. This time I was told I needed proof of amortgage deed, utility bills and documents proving I live at my address. I told him my situation and said everythingwas in my husband’s name, I’m here on a spousal visa and so on and he sent meback to bring my husband in with me. Onthe third visit, they said myhusband’s driver license, which is their own document, was not good as proof ofaddress. This was surprising however, hehad more information that covered the address portion of what they wanted. (on the first visit, they just said bring inyour marriage certificate and we will give you the license so each time I went,the information was slightly different). I was sent to a girl at the deskand she first said to me, you will need to take your driving test and writtentest all over again like you were getting a first time license. I’m 64 years old and been driving since I was16 and considered this a major insult. I’mcoming from Canada, with equal if notsuperior driving regulations, not a third world country where there are noroads and donkey carts. I asked for thesupervisor. The supervisor said yes thatwas correct if I wanted a Florida driver’s license but that I could just drivearound with my Canadian license as people do it all the time here. This didn’t seem right as I was going to be apermanent Florida resident and always thought that within 30 days, it was myresponsibility to get a Florida license. She asked if I still go north to Canada? I said yes. My grandchildren livethere so I will visit. I told her Icannot go back until I get permission after adjustment of status but the visitwould be short. She said I might just aswell just keep the Ontario license since I go back and forth. “But I live here” was my answer as she waslooking at my K-1 Visa and I-94 card. The supervisor then said, your 1-94 is good only for a few more weeks soyou cannot get a driver’s license under any conditions. I told her that was the last date to getmarried and it was fulfilled already and the adjustment of status papersalready mailed to the government. Shethen said, I think you may have to go to an immigration office as I see no1-797 approval with your papers. Iremembered my NOA2 which was an 1-797 approval and said I had a copy of that athome. She said, well bring ‘that’ in andI’ll look at it. I said I really didn’twant to make a 5^th visit so could I fax it and she gave me anumber. I drove home, got out thepapers, faxed them to her number 5 times but no one would pick up. I phoned the tax deeds office which is on thesame floor and the lady there said to fax it to her and she would walk itover. I did, and there is stands. I’mnot sure what I’m missing here and if this is usual.

I do know that when I go for my interview, they suggest ajoint Florida bank account and driver’s license both of which I’m not able toobtain. I’m already a year into thislong Visa process, gathering this, gathering that, paying for this documentthen the other, trying my best to fulfill requirements but I didn’t thinkgetting a driver’s license would be such an issue. Advice is welcome.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Most people cannot get a DL until they get their EAD or their GC. Have you applied for AOS yet?

[Dave&Roza 748]

Welcome to the US and its bureaucratic luancy. The whole K-1 visa process is based on Federal law. The DL is based on each state and state law. The states only know of a few things like the GC or USC. Most states these days are requiring a new LPR to have the GC and will issue you a DL that will expire when the GC expires or the maximum time limit for their DL--i.e. a conditional GC is good for 2 years so the DL will expire in 2 years, but a 10 year GC expires in 10 years but the DL will expire in 5 years if issued in CO. This is a problem even when changing states of residence for USC. I was told I could us my valid unexpired KS DL to get a CO DL. The lady behind the desk told me to come back with my birth certificate. I had been waiting for 2.5 hours. Fortunately I had my US passport on me and asked her if that would work. I swear I heard her sigh.

Yes, you are suppose to get a new license within 30 days if you change residence, but I know people who have moved from one state to another and kept the old license for quite a long time because the DMV is so hard to deal with. So I would do as they say which is drive on your Canadian DL until you get your GC and then go back--do you happen to know the name of the person who told you that so you can use that if you should ever get cited? Sorry to hear that you will have to take the written and road test, but those are their rules and it sounds like they make no exceptions.

I wish you well,

Dave

Edited August 16, 2012 by Dave&Roza

[Harsh_77 718]

Lately the way new state laws are written it is really really difficult for the someone just coming to get a DL.

Now one needs to prove they are in valid status and establish domicile of the residence.

Even when one proves that the DL is only issued until the date on the immigration document.

So basically you got to work with this agency until you have your 10 yr GC.

[elbear 2]

Most people cannot get a DL until they get their EAD or their GC. Have you applied for AOS yet?

Yes, I have applied. Thank you for your answer.

[elbear 2]

Lately the way new state laws are written it is really really difficult for the someone just coming to get a DL.

Now one needs to prove they are in valid status and establish domicile of the residence.

Even when one proves that the DL is only issued until the date on the immigration document.

So basically you got to work with this agency until you have your 10 yr GC.

Many thanks to all of you for taking the time to send me a reply. The supervisor of the DL office was Monica and although I don't have a last name, it should be sufficient if cited to have her name and the office. At this time I cannot see how to do anymore and to be further frazzled won't help anyone or the issue.

Thanks again.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Yes, I have applied. Thank you for your answer.

Okay, so once you get your EAD, you most likely can get a license, depending on the state.

[Krikit 1,164]

Go to a different office this time. Take your I-797C and some correspondence addressed to you at your new address. This will need to be a couple of bills or something with your name on it... not your husband's. Examples are a cellphone bill, electric, or cable. If your name is not on them, have your husband add you. You will need this to happen, anyway, as they are not authorized to speak with you if you are not listed. Say, for example, your phone or your cable goes out, or your electricity cuts off, it will only be your husband who can speak with them about the problem.... not you.

You will also need your passport. The Canadian license is authorization for them to give you a FL license without taking a driver's or written test. You will only be required to take the vision test. The initial license will be good for a year. Once you receive your GC, take that with you when you do the renewal and they will give you a six year license. Some people (depending on which DMV office they have gone to) have received the full license, not the temporary.

Which office did you go to? Some people report problems with certain offices.