US drivers license / Virginia DMV needs I797 for H4 visa holder

[fairfax_user 0]

Hi ,

I moved last april from Dubai to Virginia. My Husband is on H1B and i am on H4 visa.

Though I am an Indian citizen I just have my valid license from Dubai, since I have been living there for many years prior to moving to US.

I have been trying to get a road test for US license for last 4 months but no luck, they wont allow me to take a test.. The DMV in Virginia just has only one response no matter what.. Please see DMV email response below

DMV response :

"According to our records, your documents were submitted for elevated review. According to the Identification Review Services at headquarters, you will need to provide either an I-797 in your name, an I-539 showing a change of status, or have your foreign driver's license translated by the Foreign embassy in addition to the documents you provided. The translation need to be on letterhead with the embassy seal. Until these documents are provided, you will not be able to begin the driver's license process."

Below are my issues.

1. I never received any I-797 on my name for H4 visa, Only my husband has a I-797 on his name. On checking couple of USCIS link, I realised that an H4 visa holder entering the country first time doesnt get a I-797.. so I will never get one.. until a reach an extension after couple of years or so..

2. I-539 is not relevant for me as I am not changing my status.. So i wont have that too

3. On enquiring with the Dubai , UAE embassy in DC. they told me that they dont issue any letter at all.

So Its a real torture for me.. dont know what to do.. Its as if a person in H4 is doomed and doesnt even have the basic right to drive in US.. I am completely pissed off..

Please help, if any one has got a US license in H4 visa in Virginia..

[nictillster 1]

I'm not sure the requirements for a driver's lisense, but instead of translation of the old one, could you apply for a new one and start from scratch? I don't know the answer, just another option to maybe look into.

[canadian_wife 1,826]

Why not get the documents translated?

good luck

[Asif Siddiqi 0]

Try through your contacts in Dubai to get the Driving License translated into English and stamped from the driving school and then attested from chamber of commerce in Dubai.

Why i'm saying this is because, normally from my Saudi Experience, if original is available then chamber of commerce attests most of the documents. This letter can be in the name of your DMV and would most probably be accepted by the DMV.

You must also have following for applying for a license;

• Passport along with Visa
• I-94 card.
• H4 Approval notice ( I797 form H4)
• H1B approval notice of the spouse (I797 form H1B)
• Letter from SSN office that you are not eligible for SSN.
• Utility Bill ( You can get electricity bill or phone bill on your name).
• Rental Lease papers (If you have name on it.
• Bank account Statements of US Banks.
• Medical Insurance Papers
• ITIN of H4 visa holder (Individual tax identification Number)
• International Driving license
• Depending on state sometimes they ask for H1B visa holders Passport, SSN and I-94. So, it is a good idea for your spouse to come along with you with documents.
• Date of Birth certificate from Home country (in English)