Moving to Vermont on a K1 Visa - Some Useful Tips

[Fibina 30]

Here are a few thoughts about moving to Vermont on a K1 visa. When I was doing my research, I did not find a lot of information specific to Vermont, so maybe this will help someone.

 

Social Security Administration - this was very painless both when I first applied and when I went in to change my name after we got married. I had all my paperwork prepared according to their website and the VJ guide, and I did not encounter any issue at all. I used the Burlington, VT SSA office, and it was quite easy. I went in, got a number, waited for my turn for about 10 minutes the first time and about 20 minutes the second time. A very nice lady took my application and paperwork, asked some question about it and then informed me that I would get my social security card in the mail in two weeks. I got it within the week both times.

 

DMV - I first scheduled my written test using their General Information Phone Number and was able to get an appointment relatively quickly (within two business days). I went into the South Burlington office, and I got an application form at the check-in desk and proceeded the Exams office. After filling in my application and having my required paperwork with me, I took my exam on paper (their online system was out of order for the day). I passed the test, and he was sent back to the check-in desk along with my application and the paperwork. I got a number and waited to be called. I waited for maximum 5 minutes, and I was then invited to one of the counters where a lovely lady took my application. She informed me that I could not get a drivers license with an expiration date extending over the expiration date of my I-94 which was the proof of my lawful status at the time. She then proceeded with my application, and I got a learner's permit, expiring on the same date as my I-94. She also let me know that I could schedule the road test as soon as I felt ready to take it. I was able to make an appointment for the road test using their online scheduling form, and a week later I went in, together with my husband. For the road test, you must be accompanied by another person, over 25, with a valid drivers license. The guy I took the road test with informed me once again that the expiration date on my drivers will have to match the I-94. The road test consisted of verifying that the emergency brake works, driving around a bit, a hill start, turning around according to the VT drivers manual and parallel parking. I passed, and I went back to the check-in desk. I got a number, and I barely got to sit down and was called to one of the counters. Now, this is where it gets very interesting. The guy processing my paperwork was, it seemed to me at least, familiar with the K1 visa and the process of adjusting status. He asked me if I had applied and if I got my EAD already. I said that I had applied but did not have the EAD yet, though I had my I-797C forms. He checked his manual, verified with his supervisor and then let me know it was good that I had the I-797C on me because based on it I can get the two years permit.  This saved me from being stuck at home not being able to drive for a while until I got my EAD, an extra trip to the DMV and surely some money for a new permit.

 

Getting Married - This was the easiest of all. You don't need a social security number, and it is as easy as going to the city hall and getting the license. Changing my last name was pretty easy too. There's nothing on the marriage certificate that indicates the name change. Based on the marriage certificate I was able to change it with the SSA and get the drivers license in my married name. All my AOS/EAD/AP paperwork was filed in my married name as well. Until I get to change my passport to the new name, I will need to carry the marriage certificate with me whenever I need to prove identity.

 

Keeping busy - this is not related to the visa process at all but has contributed to my sanity during the first few weeks after I moved. Being stuck and home in freezing weather I was very excited to get a library pass and have access to many, many free resources. The Green Mountain Library Consortium has a rich collection of online resources. All I had to do for my library pass is to go into my local library with my ID and some mail proving I'm a resident.

 

It was very heartwarming to discover how friendly Vermont people are, and how they mostly want to help you. I just got the appointment for the biometrics, and once I learn more about the process, I will post updates. 

 

If anyone else has tips or thoughts about this, please reply to this thread.

[TBoneTX 45,304]

Thank you for your thorough and thoughtful post!