Can I get a drivers license/SSN whilst awaiting Adjustment of Status/EAD on a K1?

[Adam&Allison 128]

So I just got approved for my K1 last week and I'm awaiting the visa in the mail, the status just changed today to 'Issued' woo!

 

Anyways - I'll be moving to Pennsylvania, and was wondering if I have to wait til my Green Card/EAD is through before I can apply for a drivers license/social security number? I've never held a drivers license in the UK, dunno if that matters 

[Dutchster 1,107]

You can apply for a SSN when you arrive in the US with your passport, visa and valid/unexpired I-94 printed out. Drivers license may differ each state, you'll have to look at the DMV website. Some require an EAD or proof of citizenship aka greencard.

[yuna628 9,713]

Just now, Adam&Allison said:

So I just got approved for my K1 last week and I'm awaiting the visa in the mail, the status just changed today to 'Issued' woo!

 

Anyways - I'll be moving to Pennsylvania, and was wondering if I have to wait til my Green Card/EAD is through before I can apply for a drivers license/social security number? I've never held a drivers license in the UK, dunno if that matters 

You can get your SSN as soon as possible after you arrive in America, before you marry even. I'd recommend it, to get the ball rolling on other things and preparation ahead of time. In general though, the earliest you will be able to apply for a driver's license is officially when you have your EAD (you will also need an SSN and your name on some mail). You can technically obtain a temporary one that is usually good for as long as your I94 is valid, but that's pretty useless.

If your license is based off your EAD, you'll need to go back in and update it with the DMV once your green card arrives.

 

Since you have never held a drivers license that also means you will be starting out as a new driver when you apply. What is required for that varies by state, so refer to your local DMV. In MD it usually goes learners permit with restrictions + tests + mandatory classes + 40-60 hrs (could be more now) of drive time = provisional license with restrictions + no accidents or incidents for a period of time (or else the time resets) = regular license. If you had already owned a license from the UK, you can typically skip much of all that stuff and take a simple test or two = regular license. Regulations for PA are going to be here: http://www.dmv.pa.gov/Driver-Services/Driver-Licensing/Pages/get-driver-license.aspx It looks like if you are over 18 you can skip 65+ hours supervised of drive time. The list of documents for non-US citizens are here http://www.dmv.pa.gov/Driver-Services/Driver-Licensing/Pages/Proof-and-Documentation-Needed.aspx It lists documents for K1 holders and for those AOSing.

[TBoneTX 46,125]

Thread is moved from the K-1 Process forum to the Moving to the US forum -- OP is past the K-1 phase.